When you have a top-of-the-line hacking deck armed with a 56.6k modem and a staggering 256k RAM, it means just one thing: you answer only to the highest bidder.
The game revolves around hacking and heist-style gameplay, using a portable "hacking deck" to input simple commands and scripts that interact with and manipulate the cyberpunk environments. Players must leverage this "command line" interface to overcome various security measures and complete objectives across a series of heist-themed levels.
Players use the hacking deck's command line to control different elements in the environment, such as opening doors, disabling security systems, and maneuvering remote-controlled gadgets. As players progress, the puzzles become more complex, requiring them to chain together multiple commands and time their inputs precisely. Reviewers praise the puzzle design, noting it strikes a good balance between being approachable for novices and offering depth for experienced players. Solving the clever, well-paced puzzles provides a strong sense of accomplishment.
The command line interface, combined with the retro-futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic, creates a compelling fantasy of being a skilled hacker/infiltrator. Players enjoy the tactile feel of typing out commands and watching the effects unfold in the game world. The gradual introduction of new hacking tools and abilities, such as remote-controlled devices and specialized commands, enhances the sense of progression and mastery over the game's systems.
While the core puzzle-solving gameplay is linear, reviewers note there are often multiple ways to approach and solve a given challenge. This flexibility allows players to experiment and discover creative solutions, contributing to the game's replayability. The inclusion of speedrunning and community-created levels further extends the gameplay longevity for those interested in optimizing their solutions or exploring new challenges.