# Aries: Origins — Board Game

> Digital implementation of the abstract strategy board game Hive. (iPhone/iPad app by 嘉辰 任.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aries-origins/id1549356851 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [嘉辰 任](https://appshunter.io/developer/1531654326)
- Category: Games, Board, Strategy
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.24/5 from 34 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 48 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-01-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-02
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aries-origins/id1549356851/reviews.md

## What is Aries?

Aries® is a fan made implementation of the board game Hive, a game remotely resembling chess. 

The app features a stunning user interface and offers 3 beautiful themes for you to choose from.

By purchasing our app, you will gain access to the following services:

- Play against other players online via our server.
- Play against 4 levels of AI, ranging from easy to pro (winning against the pro AI is almost impossible).
- Play against another human offline.

No other in app purchases, ads, whatsoever.

## Key features

- Online multiplayer
- 4 AI difficulty levels
- Offline local multiplayer
- Stunning user interface
- 3 theme options

## Recent user reviews (10 of 15)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aries-origins/id1549356851/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Good game could use some updates

*2025-01-17*

A like the game but I do wish there was an option to play with the original bugs or maybe even more themes. Random online matches would also be cool.

### 1/5 — Scorpio bug

*2024-03-14*

Game is fundamentally unplayable until the bug is fixed where Scorpio disappears when it climbs on top of another bug

### 5/5 — Not much to say but can you add one more piece? The Taurus?

*2024-03-07*

The Taurus moves like the Aries - one space at a time - but it also has a special ability that it may use instead of moving. This ability allows the Taurus to move an adjacent unstacked piece (whether friendly or enemy) two spaces: up onto the Taurus itself, then down into an empty space adjacent to itself.

### 5/5 — Excellent little game

*2023-08-26, version 1.0.2*

gameplay is “chess-like”, but quite unique in its own way; takes a little while to learn how each piece moves, and it’s hard play against the computer (even on easy!) but it’s a great game, and well realised for phone screen; easy to use, too; have yet to try over network with another human but good that that feature is there

### 4/5 — Love it

*2023-07-03*

I love this game. However if I make it so my opponent has no moves left there’s no way for them to pass their turn. Can you fix this please devs?

### 3/5 — Scorpio bug

*2023-05-20*

Good implementation of hive, would pay a few bucks for it if the few bugs were ironed out and/or with the original bug theme. 

Scorpio sometimes ‘falls though’ Capricorn, Aries sometimes gets itself in an auto-lose in the beginning. Having a basic stat-tracker would be really nice

### 5/5 — Great digital version of the game!

*2022-01-16*

Mostly used AI so far and it’s been a good experience. Even has the ladybug and mosquito expansions. Really hope they put in a new zodiac symbol to represent the Pillbug expansion.

### 3/5 — Good Game bu found a bug

*2021-11-11*

Good alternate to HIVE, but found a bug that breaks the freedom of move rule.

Scorpio was surrounded on all sides except 1  (“the gate”) and was able to move/slide out

### 1/5 — Don’t expect a Hive experience. No pillbug

*2021-10-23*

There is no price with pillbug functionality. This ruins the balance of the game by having the misquote included too. It’s also a shame you can’t see easily what prices your opponent has. The theme makes no sense. At least they use the same colours as hive. Deleted after one game. Why can’t we have a proper Hive game!

### 1/5 — Scammed

*2021-01-30*

Marketed as the “official” digital version of Hive to enthusiasts of the game. After a bunch of us purchased it thinking this was the case it was suddenly changed to zodiac symbols. Guessing it was never “official” at all . . . 

Aside from that, the gameplay and interface are rough and lack polish. No matter what the theme it isn’t a nice app to look at l. Let’s wait for the actual digital implementation instead of this scam

## Frequently asked questions about Aries

### What is Aries: Origins?

Aries: Origins is a fan-made digital implementation of the abstract strategy board game Hive. It offers a polished user interface and multiple ways to play.

### Can I play Aries: Origins offline?

Yes, Aries: Origins allows you to play against another human player offline. This feature is ideal for playing with friends or family without an internet connection.

### How challenging is the AI in Aries: Origins?

Aries: Origins features four levels of AI difficulty, ranging from easy to pro. The developer notes that winning against the pro AI is considered almost impossible, offering a significant challenge.

### Does Aries: Origins have in-app purchases or ads?

No, Aries: Origins is completely free with no in-app purchases or advertisements. Once you download the app, you gain full access to all its services without further costs.

### What devices can I play Aries: Origins on?

Aries: Origins is available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This broad compatibility allows you to enjoy the game across various Apple devices.

### How often is Aries: Origins updated?

Aries: Origins was last updated on January 24, 2021, with version 1.0.2. The initial release date was January 20, 2021, indicating a recent update shortly after its launch.

### What is the user rating for Aries: Origins?

Aries: Origins has a user rating of 4.2 stars based on 34 ratings. This suggests a generally positive reception from players who have reviewed the game.

### What are the themes available in Aries: Origins?

Aries: Origins offers three beautiful themes for you to choose from, enhancing the visual experience of the game. These themes allow for some personalization of the app's appearance.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.0.2 — 2021-01-24

- update screenshots for iPad Pro 2nd generation displays
- improve network interface
- dynamic background can now be toggled under settings > ui.

### 1.0.1 — 2021-01-23

- updated artwork
- change theme from insects to 12 zodiacs
- ability to customize number of pieces at each player's disposal in any combination
- improve minimal theme
- disable light mode for good
- show hints when you click on the name of a piece during game-play.

### 1.0 — 2021-01-20

No release notes.

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## Related topics

[hive game](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hive-game)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-02.*
