The Hex: Unraveling Daniel Mullins’ Postmodern Gem

If you’ve heard of Inscryption or Pony Island, you likely know Daniel Mullins as a master of meta-narrative indie games. But between the quirky Pony Island and the breakout Inscryption, Mullins crafted The Hex—a lesser-known yet brilliant exploration of video game tropes, character agency, and industry pitfalls.

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Released in 2018, The Hex didn’t garner the same spotlight but remains a postmodern masterpiece worthy of attention.

What Is The Hex?

The Hex is a genre-bending indie game set in the Six Pints Inn, a virtual tavern hosting six video game characters, each hailing from their own fictional franchise. These aren’t just archetypes—they’re self-aware protagonists who know they’re trapped in digital worlds.

When a murder plot surfaces, the game unravels their backstories through playable flashbacks, each mimicking a distinct gaming genre. From platformers to RPGs, The Hex deconstructs video game history while weaving a meta-narrative about creation, abandonment, and identity.

Why The Hex Stands Out

Unlike traditional games, The Hex thrives on its ability to surprise. Here’s what makes it special:

Genre Mashup: Each character’s story unfolds in a unique gameplay style—platformer, fighting game, RPG, tactics, shooter, and walking simulator—paying homage to classics like Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Fallout.
Meta-Narrative Depth: The game critiques the gaming industry, exploring themes like franchise mismanagement, crunch culture, and the emotional toll on creators and creations.
Self-Aware Characters: The protagonists grapple with their fictional existence, questioning their purpose in abandoned or mismanaged games.
Puzzle-Laden Storytelling: Hidden secrets and fourth-wall breaks encourage replayability, with clues extending beyond the game into the real world.

The Six Characters and Their Worlds

The heart of The Hex lies in its six protagonists, each representing a slice of gaming history. Below, we explore their stories without spoiling the juiciest twists.

1. Super Weasel Kid (Platformer)

Genre: 2D platformer inspired by Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog
Story: Super Weasel Kid, a cheerful ferret, starred in a kid-friendly platformer created by a young developer. As the series evolved, it chased trends—edgy sequels, botched remasters—mirroring real-world franchise missteps like Prince of Persia: Warrior Within.
Gameplay: Run, jump, and collect coins across vibrant levels, with Steam reviews (fictional, of course) reflecting the series’ rise and fall.
Themes: Nostalgia vs. commercialization, the pressure to reinvent.

2. Chef Bryce (Fighting Game)

Genre: Fighting game echoing Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat
Story: Originally a cooking tycoon star, Bryce is forcibly retooled into a brawler for Combat Arena. Unhappy in his new role, he manipulates the game’s balance to escape.
Gameplay: Chain combos and upgrade skills in fast-paced duels, climbing the ranks to face quirky foes.
Themes: Loss of identity, corporate control over creativity.

3. Shandrelle Stormblaze (RPG)

Genre: Turn-based RPG inspired by Final Fantasy
Story: Shandrel, an elf sorceress, tires of her heroic routine in Secrets of Legendaria. Fed up with endless quests, she plots to end her franchise for good.
Gameplay: Explore a fantasy world, manage party dynamics, and make choices that ripple across the narrative. Twitch-style chat adds humor and hints.
Themes: Burnout, the monotony of formulaic sequels.

4. Rust McClain (Tactics)

Genre: Isometric tactics akin to Fallout or Wasteland
Story: Rust, a post-apocalyptic wanderer, searches for his “son” in Waste World, an unfinished Early Access game. Abandoned by its creator, the world lacks closure.
Gameplay: Command a squad in grid-based combat, scavenging a desolate Wild West.
Themes: Abandoned projects, the pain of unfulfilled promises.

5. Lazarus Bleeze (Shooter)

Genre: Top-down shooter drawing from Warhammer 40,000 and Hotline Miami
Story: Lazarus, a grizzled space marine, battles aliens in Vicious Galaxy. His mission hints at deeper conspiracies, blurring lines between script and reality.
Gameplay: Blast through enemies in chaotic, fast-paced arenas, with a battle royale twist.
Themes: Duty vs. autonomy, the cost of endless conflict.

6. (Walking Simulator)

Genre: Narrative-driven walking simulator, inspired by The Beginner’s Guide
Story: The final segment shifts perspective, exploring the creator behind these worlds. It’s a reflective, emotional journey tying all threads together.
Gameplay: Wander through abstract spaces, uncovering truths about creativity and failure.
Themes: Self-reflection, the human side of game development.

Themes and Industry Commentary

The Hex isn’t just a game—it’s a love letter and critique of the gaming world. Key themes include:

Franchise Decay: Each character’s story reflects real-world pitfalls—chasing trends (Super Weasel Kid), forcing characters into unfit roles (Chef Bryce), or abandoning projects (Waste World).
Creator Struggles: The game humanizes developers, showing the toll of burnout, criticism, and commercial pressure.
Character Agency: Self-aware characters fight for control over their fates, raising philosophical questions about free will in fictional worlds.
Fourth-Wall Breaks: From Steam reviews to Twitch chats, The Hex blurs the line between game and reality, inviting players to question their role.

Why Play The Hex in 2025?

With Inscryption cementing Mullins’ reputation, The Hex deserves a second look for:

Fans of Inscryption: Expect similar meta-twists and hidden connections to Mullins’ universe.
Indie Game Lovers: Its experimental structure and polish rival bigger titles.
Narrative Enthusiasts: The story balances humor, heart, and existential dread.
Replay Value: Puzzles and secrets reward multiple playthroughs.

Available on Steam, The Hex runs on most PCs and is budget-friendly, making it an easy pickup.

Tips for Enjoying The Hex

Go in Blind: Avoid spoilers to savor the narrative twists.
Pay Attention: Clues in dialogue, environments, and even “glitches” unlock deeper secrets.
Replay for Secrets: A second run reveals hidden layers and alternate endings.
Check Mullins’ Other Works: Pony Island and Inscryption complement The Hex’s themes.

Final Thoughts

The Hex is a bold, underappreciated gem that deconstructs video games with wit and heart. Its blend of genres, self-aware characters, and industry critique make it a must-play for anyone who loves indie storytelling. While its pixel-art style may not scream “AAA,” its depth and creativity outshine many bigger titles. If Inscryption blew your mind, The Hex will surprise and haunt you in equal measure.

Have you played The Hex? Share your thoughts below, or let us know which character’s story hit hardest!