A Nostalgic RTS Experience in Board Game Form

Knee Deep in Hexes brings the essence of classic real-time strategy (RTS) games into the world of board gaming. Combining deck-building mechanics with fast-paced strategic skirmishes, this 2-player game places you on a distant desert planet, where your goal is to outmaneuver your opponent by building structures, gathering resources, and destroying their headquarters. With its simple rules but deep strategic layers, Knee Deep in Hexes evokes memories of iconic RTS games from the ‘90s like Command & Conquer and Starcraft.

Simple Yet Strategic Gameplay

The core gameplay of Knee Deep in Hexes revolves around resource management and unit deployment. Players must gather materials and energy through extractors while constructing vehicles and powerful units to engage in battle. The beauty of the game lies in its simplicity—just two primary resources to manage, keeping the focus on tactics rather than micromanagement.

Despite the simple rules, the game offers a satisfying depth of strategy. Whether you’re using predefined decks or building custom ones, your choices matter. Every move you make—whether it’s placing extractors or choosing which units to deploy—must be carefully considered, as the limited number of units makes every battle meaningful. Destroyed units are sent to the scrapyard, and rebuilding them is not an option, forcing you to think twice before committing to an attack.

Companion System Adds Depth

Each faction in Knee Deep in Hexes comes with four companions: the General, Commander, Tech, and Trickster, each with unique abilities that significantly influence your playstyle. This asymmetry adds depth to the game, encouraging players to adapt their strategies depending on which companion they choose. For beginners, the predefined companion decks provide a balanced introduction to the game’s mechanics, while advanced players can dive into the deck-building aspect to craft more specialized strategies.

What makes the companions particularly engaging is how they directly influence your battlefield tactics. The Commander’s experience allows for rapid adjustments in the heat of battle, while the Tech continually upgrades your forces, keeping them on the cutting edge of combat. The Trickster, on the other hand, excels at outsmarting the opponent with unexpected plays, adding an element of surprise to the game.

Variable Map for Dynamic Play

Another standout feature of Knee Deep in Hexes is its flexible map setup. Players can either opt for a predefined map for a quick and casual match or draft planetary cards to create a unique battlefield every time they play. This variability adds replayability and ensures that no two games feel the same. The modular map design allows for different tactical approaches based on the terrain and the placement of key resource nodes.

The map’s hexagonal grid, simple yet effective, keeps movement and combat straightforward. There’s no need to measure distances or worry about line of sight—everything is handled by the hex system, which also adds a layer of strategy as you maneuver units and block your opponent’s movements.

Tactical Combat with a Twist

One of the most interesting aspects of Knee Deep in Hexes is the way combat is handled. After declaring a war zone, the actual battle doesn’t take place until the end of your opponent’s turn. This delayed combat mechanic introduces a unique strategic twist, as your enemy has a full turn to react to your move. They can reinforce their position, redeploy units, or even launch a counterattack in a different location, keeping you on your toes.

This twist adds an additional layer of tension to the game, as players must carefully plan their attacks, anticipating their opponent’s response. While this mechanic can occasionally lead to a loss of control over the battlefield, it makes each decision more impactful. Players who enjoy bluffing and mind games will appreciate the opportunities this system creates.

Streamlined Resource Management

The resource management in Knee Deep in Hexes is refreshingly simple, yet it remains a core part of the game’s strategic depth. With just two resources—materials and energy—players are tasked with balancing production and movement. Extractors gather materials to build units, while energy is used to move them around the map. The limited number of extractors and the constant need for resources ensure that players are always making meaningful decisions about how to allocate their resources.

Another clever mechanic is that any excess resources at the end of a turn are discarded, preventing players from stockpiling and turtling. This encourages aggressive play and forces players to continuously think ahead, ensuring that the game remains fast-paced and engaging.

Limited Unit Pool Creates High Stakes

In Knee Deep in Hexes, units are limited, and once they’re destroyed, they’re gone for good. This adds a significant layer of tension to each battle, as you can’t simply throw your forces into the fray without considering the consequences. The limited unit pool means that every loss is felt, and players must carefully weigh the risks before engaging in combat.

The game avoids the common RTS trap of overwhelming players with endless waves of units. Instead, the focus is on maximizing the effectiveness of your limited forces, making each unit count. This creates a sense of high stakes in every conflict, as even a single misstep can turn the tide of battle.

The Importance of Action Cards

Action cards play a crucial role in Knee Deep in Hexes, providing players with unique abilities and tactical advantages during their turn. These cards, tied to your chosen companion, can dramatically shift the balance of power on the battlefield. Whether you’re gaining extra resources, moving units in unexpected ways, or sabotaging your opponent’s plans, the action cards add an element of unpredictability to the game.

However, the game’s deterministic nature ensures that these cards don’t rely too heavily on luck. Instead, they complement the core strategy, giving players additional tools to outwit their opponents. Learning the different decks and understanding how to effectively use the action cards is key to mastering Knee Deep in Hexes.

Verdict

Knee Deep in Hexes is a must-play for fans of both board games and classic RTS titles. Its streamlined mechanics make it easy to learn, but the depth of strategy and tactical decision-making ensures that it remains engaging for experienced players. The companion system and customizable decks add a layer of asymmetry that keeps each match fresh and unpredictable, while the variable map setup provides endless replayability. The game’s minimalist resource management and high-stakes combat make every turn feel meaningful, with the delayed combat twist adding a unique tension that sets it apart from other skirmish games.

Whether you’re a fan of deck-building, resource management, or tactical combat, Knee Deep in Hexes delivers a well-rounded, fast-paced experience that captures the essence of real-time strategy in a board game format. While it may take some time to master the various action cards and commanders, the learning curve is well worth the rewarding gameplay that follows. For those looking for a strategic, two-player skirmish game with a nostalgic RTS feel, Knee Deep in Hexes is an excellent choice.

– David

Scratches: 9.0/10.0