This Hacking Sim is Like Uplink Was More of a Puzzle Game
As I delve into the world of Cyber Warrior, a crime-busting hacking sim from Dunke Games, I find myself pondering the daily lives of shadowy international terrorist organizations. Yes, you read that right – even the most notorious groups have HR departments, and it's likely that someone in the Red Army Faction made an off-color joke at a meeting that left everyone uncomfortable at least once. This thought process is what drew me to Cyber Warrior in the first place.
But for those who may not be familiar with Uplink, a game that was likely a significant influence on Cyber Warrior's development, let me fill you in. For those who didn't experience it back in the day, Uplink was a hacking sim that allowed players to take on the role of a cybersecurity specialist, infiltrating systems and uncovering evidence of wrongdoing.
Cyber Warrior takes this concept and turns it into a puzzle game, where you play as a cybercop tasked with rummaging through the PCs of criminals and suspects to gather evidence. The game's early stages are relatively straightforward, involving simple tasks like switching "Show hidden files" to Yes or accessing system settings. However, as you progress, the puzzles become increasingly complex, requiring you to use binary translators, piece together passwords, or bounce between multiple remote connections at once.
One of the most interesting aspects of Cyber Warrior is its tone. While it's unlikely that you'll ever find yourself in a situation where you're rummaging through emails of terrorist-hackers complaining about their colleagues, the game does its best to capture this feeling of poking around in someone else's digital life. It's a strange tonal clash, but one that I found strangely enjoyable.
So what sets Cyber Warrior apart from Uplink? For starters, you're no longer hacking into systems just for the sake of it – your goal is to gather evidence and solve puzzles, rather than simply exploring virtual worlds. This focus on a clear objective keeps the game moving at a steady pace, making it feel more like a puzzle game than an open-world hacking sandbox.
Ultimately, Cyber Warrior is not a spiritual successor to Uplink, but rather a game that draws inspiration from its predecessor. While it may not scratch that same itch for me – my lifelong quest for a true Uplink 2 remains unsatisfied – I can see why others might find it appealing.
Currently, Cyber Warrior is available on Steam at a discounted price of 10% off, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to try out this unique blend of puzzle-solving and hacking gameplay. So if you're curious about the game, be sure to check it out – and who knows? You might just find yourself enjoying the process of snooping through other people's emails.
Get Ready for Cyber Warrior
Cyber Warrior is available now on Steam, 10% off!
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