You are a computer hacker. You steal precious data while the world sleeps.
You take on the role of a computer hacker, navigating through procedurally-generated levels known as "sectors" to collect valuable data while evading various enemy threats. Each sector contains a set of interconnected nodes that you must traverse to reach the exit and progress to the next level.
At the core of the gameplay is the need to carefully plan and execute each move. You can only move in cardinal directions, and your actions are directly countered by the unique behaviors of the enemy types. These include Demons that charge directly at you, Viruses that move twice for every one of your moves, Cryptogs that are invisible until they are in your line of sight, and Corrupts that can pass through walls. Understanding these enemy patterns and anticipating their movements is crucial to successfully navigating each sector.
As you progress, you acquire various "Progs" (programs) that grant you powerful abilities to help combat the growing threat. Obtaining these Progs involves "hacking" specific nodes, which also spawn additional enemies. You must carefully balance the risk and reward of activating these nodes, as you need to conserve your limited resources (Energy and Credits) to use the Progs effectively. Unlocking and mastering the synergies between different Progs is a key aspect of the game's depth and replayability.
One of the core appeals of the experience is the desire to achieve increasingly higher scores and build up consecutive win streaks. Each successful completion of a run (navigating through all 8 sectors) allows you to carry over your score to the next attempt, creating a sense of progression and the drive to improve. The risk-reward nature of the gameplay, where you must decide how much to push your luck in pursuit of a higher score, adds a thrilling layer of tension and decision-making.
The game's streamlined, minimalist design allows for quick, accessible gameplay sessions, with each run typically lasting 10-20 minutes. Despite its seemingly straightforward premise, the procedural generation of sectors, combined with the diverse set of Progs and enemy behaviors, ensures that each playthrough presents unique challenges and strategic considerations. This, coupled with the addictive high-score chasing mechanics, ensures that you will find yourself returning to the game time and time again, trying to best your previous records and conquer the ever-increasing difficulty.