If you're addicted to playing those geometric drop down type of puzzle games (i.e. Tetris), then you shouldn't pass up Darksoft's Hexaxis XXI for the PSP. This award-winning homebrew puzzle game from PSP developer timwillhack takes all the elements of what made Tetris such an addictive game and throws its own unique spin to it.

While some people might think that if you've seen one Tetris-like puzzle game you've seen them all, Hexaxis XXI introduces players to something both challenging yet still addictive to play. The game basically lets the player manipulate a six-sided die slowly falling to the bottom of the screen. Your goal is to group the appropriate number equal to the die's corresponding number in any connecting pattern (e.g. two "2's", six "6's", etc.)

Sounds simple enough, right? Once the level advances enough, random dice popping up from the base of the screen, frenetic drop speeds and even a rotating playing field is enough to distract you from beating your previous high score. Don't worry, though. The game comes with several user-friendly videos design to teach players how to play the game and even excel in the combos and chains you can rack up while playing.

The latest version of Hexaxis XXI is currently at 8.1 and the demo available for download below. If you're still unsure whether or not this game will catch your fancy, check out the video we have on it if you're interested in trying out this addictive puzzle game.

Download: HexAxis XXI Update #8.1 (CFW 3.60 M33 compatible)

Courtesy of developer timwillhack (creator of the Hexaxis homebrew game) we've picked up a video demonstrating just how well Team M33's Custom firmware 3.60 for the PSP Slim handles. timwillhack notes that the video's been sped up in some spots, and other segments have been edited to keep it within YouTube's 10-minute video limit:

The author was also kind enough to post a list of applications and games that have been confirmed to work on this new CFW release. This should answer some of the more pressing questions viewers will have about possible issues with CFW 3.60 M33.

timwillhack's CFW M33 3.60 compatibility list is available in the Full Article!

PC-to-PSP homebrew block puzzle game HexAxis XXI has already come a long away. It is one of the more beloved creations on the PSP scene and is comparable, if not better, than well-polished homebrew titles No Gravity and Ozone.

It was coded by timwillhack and is currently on Update #8.1. As of today though, he's also made the game compatible with Team M33's 3.60 custom firmware by coming up with a new Eboot.

This particular coder is not all unfamiliar to the game as his own version won a place during the recent Neo Flash Spring Coding Competition. Aside from the new Eboot, nothing has been changed to HexAxis XXI Update #8.1.

Coder darksoft mentioned that if you want to use this, all you have to do is "drop an Eboot that is slim compatible in 3.60 M33. Just replace your old eboot and enjoy". You can refer to this link if you don't have the complete files for Update #8.1.

Download: HexAxis XXI Update #8.1 (CFW 3.60 M33 compatible)

 

Puzzle players unite! We have some good news for Hexaxis XXI fans out there. Timwillhack informed us that he's fixed some issues plaguing Update #8 of the game, specifically with regard to saving high scores.

Timwillhack mentions that he's fixed the bug that stopped the high scores from saving, so if you happen to have an uber-high score for the game already, you can finally immortalize it. He's also added analog support for moving the dice, which should please those fans hoping to use the analog stick for the game.

Hexaxis XXI Update #8.1 comes in two flavors. The first is a patched EBOOT for the game, while the second is a fixed full install. In any case, enjoy your game!

Download: Hexaxis XXI Update #8.1 full version
Download: Hexaxis XXI Update #8.1 patched EBOOT

In the tradition of PC-to-PSP homebrew milestones like No Gravity and Ozone, comes HexAxis XXI - a game that brings together elements from other block puzzles like Lumines, Tetris, Cube, and Devil Dice (man, I miss that game). Last we heard of the homebrew game was in a sneak peek of Update #8, and today, developer timwillhack dropped us a line in our inbox of the actual release of HexAxis XXI Update #8 itself.

For those who haven't keeping tabs on Update #8, features of this version include the 3D menu system and three gameplay modes: Standard (With Preview), Advanced (No Preview and faster), and Quick Run (3 minutes). Also, as promised by timwillhack last time, we get a detailed changelog for this release, coupled with other details from the previous versions. The changelog can be found behind the Full Article link.

Here's a vid too, just to get your dice-rolling juices pumping:

Now before you download the game, we've got a bit of an announcement from timwillhack:

I'm hosting a contest ending Sept 27th 2007 (my birthday) to see who can get the highest score in Quick Run. Whoever is the highest gets a $50US Gamestop Gift Card or similarly priced international prize (non-USA). Anyone who submits a non-validatable score (via the Verification Codes) will forfeit the contest.

Remember to click the Full Article link below to check out the changelog!

Download: HexAxis XXI Update #8

If you're into puzzle games and homebrew then you probably would have already heard of Hexaxis XXI which is said to utilize "many mechanics from some amazing games such as Bombastic (XI Sai, Jumbo, Go), Tetris, Lumines, Wetrix, Ultimate Block Party, and even Fantavision."

This video was uploaded to YouTube by developer Timwillhack, along with a few updates on the game. People following this will probably want to know that 2 more levels have already been added (thus upping the count to 4 complete levels, each with unique music tracks and background image / color scheme). In addition to this, a new main menu, level select menu, high scores, pause, and full fonts have already been added.

Here's a complete list of the levels so far:

• Level 1: Space Die Vest (Tribute to Dream Theater)
• Level 2: Vertere
• Level 3: Sleepy Spudgy
• Level 4: Tornado Card

Timwillhack has given word that the full list of all the features and levels will be announced on the official release of this game. So while waiting for that, why don't you check out the sneak peek video number 8?

PSP homebrew coder timwillhack has just updated the Hexaxis XXI puzzle game, which is now at update # 7. This homebrew game is a described by the author to be based on the gameplay of other puzzle classics, such as "Bombastic (XI Sai, Jumbo, Go), Tetris, Lumines, Wetrix, Ultimate Block Party, and even Fantavision." The object of the game is for players to line up matching dice numbers on their blocks to build up points. As for the matter of the new controls:

• Down, Left and Right: move dice down left and right at normal speed
• Up: Move the die down in turbo speed (3x)
• Hold CROSS (TURBO): if moving the die left right or down it moves in turbo (3x normal speed)
• Start: Pause game
• L: Zoom out
• R: Zoom in
• L & R: Turn dice preview on or off
• Select: Exit Game
  

Before uploading this game to your PSP, make sure to clear previous versions of the game to prevent any sort of mishaps. We hope the guys here enjoy the download - make sure to thank timwillhack for the effort by visiting his site (the source link). Now, if you're still undecided on loading Hexaxis XXI into your PSP, timwillhack also included a video to demonstrate Update #7's features. Enjoy your viewing.

Download: Hexaxis XXI Update #7

Hexaxis XXI Update #7's massive changelog is available in the Full Article.

 

If you guys have been keeping track of the homebrew programs making their debut at the recent NeoFlash coding competition, then you'll remember Hexaxis XXI by timwillhack. This PSP homebrew game plays like a mix of Tetris, Lumines, and Devil Dice, and challenges players to line up matching dice numbers to allow a passing vertical bar to clear them, which in turn earns you points.

Here is the game's latest changelog:

1. Changed background
2. Added Preview Line — pressing “Start” will toggle the display
3. Added HUD Score
4. Added Multiplier HUD
5. Cleaned up a “Game Over” bug
6. Fixed a weird texture disappearing bug.
7. Played with Blending a little more and got the Wipe line to look correct as well as the score.
   

For first-timers about to give Hexaxis XXI a try, here are the controls:

• Directional Pad: move dice left, right, and down. Up is "fast down".
• Square, Circle, Cross, Triangle: Rotate grid
• L and R Triggers: Zoom in and out
• Select: Exit game
• Start: Hide/Show preview line.
  

Below is the download link, which will be your next stop if you fancy trying it out. In case you picked up this game's previous version, remember to delete the old folder before loading this latest version in your PSP. Enjoy, and remember to thank timwillhack for the effort.

Download: Hexaxis XXI (update 5)