A Puzzling Reveal at Summer Game Fest
One of the most intriguing reveals during this year's Summer Game Fest was the debut trailer for Haex, the first project from developer Dead Astronauts. While the initial footage displays conventional sci-fi elements like standard weaponry and extraterrestrial threats, the central focus of interest is a mysterious, glowing object: a cube.
This enigmatic item, which resembles a Rubik’s cube covered in strange alien symbols, appears to be the core mechanic of the game. In the trailer, players insert the device into environmental sockets, triggering massive architectural shifts. These changes include the sudden emergence of spiked walls and the transformation of the surrounding wilderness into mysterious, abstract structures.
The Sentient Companion
Beyond being a simple key or environmental tool, the cube serves as a sentient partner for the player. According to the game's official Steam listing, this entity is not just a prop; it possesses consciousness and provides the player with new abilities, such as the power to double-jump.
Co-op Survival and Open-World Exploration
Haex is designed as a 1–4 player cooperative survival shooter. Players must navigate an expansive open world while managing survival mechanics like hunger and temperature. The game introduces "Alien seeds," which act as keys to unlock new regions, gadgets, and crafting schematics. A notable feature is the ability to carry progress and discovered recipes between different friends' save files.
The developers emphasize a unique approach to progression and storytelling:
“Every world keeps its own story. Every character keeps its own progression.”
While the title leans into survival-craft elements, it combines them with procedural generation and a strong emphasis on narrative, distinguishing it from traditional games in the genre.
High Expectations
Although the trailer offered limited raw gameplay and no specific release window, the concept has certainly captured the attention of fans looking for fresh sci-fi mysteries. By blending survival intensity with shooter mechanics and the curiosity surrounding its central "cube" puzzle, Haex promises a distinct experience in a crowded market.