Uplink (video game)
| Uplink | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) | Introversion Software |
| Publisher(s) |
Introversion Software (Windows/Linux) Ambrosia Software (Mac OS X) Stomp (Australia) |
| Distributor(s) |
Steam Desura GOG.com |
| Designer(s) | Chris Delay, Mark Morris, Thomas Arundel |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, iOS, Android |
| Release | 1 October 2001 (Windows/Linux) 27 May 2003 (Mac OS X) 23 August 2006 (Steam) 7 June 2012 (iPad) 15 August 2012 (Android) |
| Genre(s) | Hacking simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Uplink is a video game released in 2001 by the British software company Introversion Software. It is best described as a simulator of the cinematic depiction of computer hacking.
In the game, the player assumes the role of a hacker in the year 2010, who begins work for the Uplink Corporation, which is a worldwide company providing work for hackers. The player amasses money, software, gateway hardware and skill in the course of performing jobs for various clients, and hacking servers of global corporations for profit. The storyline of the game begins with the player receiving an e-mail from a deceased top ranking Uplink agent concerning the research done by the Andromeda Research Corporation, related to the Andromeda organization which proclaims the destruction of the Internet. It is constructing a computer virus known as Revelation using artificial life research as a base in an attempt to destroy the Internet. One of the companies, Arunmor, attempts to cross their plans by developing Faith, a counter virus that can purge Revelation. The player can choose between two companies or even ignore the plot in its entirety, concentrating on freelance hacking, in which case the storyline plays out without the player's participation.
Uplink focuses on emulating highly stylised, Hollywood-esque hacking, as seen in movies such as Hackers, Sneakers, WarGames and Swordfish. References to these movies can be found throughout the game, including joke servers for companies such as Steve Jackson Games (which has been raided by the Secret Service) and a nuclear missile control system from WarGames. It also features at least three references to the movie Sneakers, including one which can be found in the first version of the game (and was later removed in an update released by Introversion) which is a cheat code in which the user has to enter "TooManySecrets" (an anagram to the phrase "Setec Astronomy") as the username thus allowing him to access a cheat menu. Another reference to the anagram is the fake password "MySocratesNote", sent to the player in an e-mail which starts the plotline. In addition, the voice print sections use the phrase "Hello. I am the system administrator. My voice is my passport. Verify me." which is similar to the one Sneakers used.
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