Uplink (computer game)
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| Uplink {{#if:{{{image|}}}|<tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">{{{image|}}} | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Introversion Software {{#if:{{{publisher|}}}|<tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Publisher(s)<td>{{{publisher|}}} |
| Release date(s) | October 1, 2001 (Windows/Linux), May 27, 2003 (Mac OS X) |
| Genre(s) | Hacking Sim |
| Mode(s) | Single player {{#if:{{{ratings|}}}|<tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Rating(s)<td>{{{ratings|}}} |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Linux, Mac OS X {{#if:{{{media|}}}|<tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Media<td>{{{media|}}} |
- For the Half-Life demo, see Half-Life: Uplink.
Uplink is a computer game released in 2001 by the British software company Introversion Software.
Contents |
Plot
In the game, the player assumes the role of a hacker in the year 2010, working for the mysterious "Uplink Corporation". The player gains money, software, hardware, and skill in the course of performing jobs for various clients, hacking global corporations. Then one day, a deceased Uplink agent working for the Andromeda Research Corporation (ARC) sends the player an (in game) e-mail. This begins the main storyline. ARC is constructing a computer virus known as the "Revelation Virus", which will try to destroy the Internet. Arunmor, a rival company, is trying to stop them. The player can work for either ARC or Arunmor, with non-linear, freeform gameplay and multiple plot endings. In fact, the storyline is itself optional and the player can choose to ignore it and concentrate on freeform hacking.
Style
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 appears to have been raided by the FBI) and a nuclear missile control system from WarGames. Despite depicting it in an explicitly unrealistic and exaggerated way, the game's hacking theme has generated a certain amount of controversy.
The game has a certain number of unusual features, including an in-game IRC function to talk to other players and a multiplayer split-screen function so two players can watch each other play.
Release
The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Linux directly by Introversion, and ported to and released for Mac by Contraband and Ambrosia Software respectively. Chris Delay stated in an interiew with PC Gamer UK that they did not pay for advertising of the game at all - it became known purely by word of mouth.Image:Number One.jpg A version released in the US was published and distributed by Strategy First under the title Uplink: Hacker Elite. It is now distributed under the same name by Stardock as part of TotalGaming.net, since Strategy First has filed for bankruptcy and no longer pays Introversion royalties.
Fanbase
Uplink has a strong modding community, with themes, gateways, new sound and image packs, and other additions being made. In mid-2003 Introversion began selling the source code for the game, along with other tools on the Uplink Developer CD.Image:Uplink.jpg This has led to a large number of gameplay modifications such as the FBI Mod, which adds an FBI server to the game[1], along with new security systems and missions. Introversion has stopped producing new patches for the game, preferring to leave the job of improving the game to the modding community.
Hacker Elite Controversy
A version released in the US was published and distributed by Strategy First under the title Uplink: Hacker Elite. Strategy First ran into financial difficulties, and ceased paying royalties to Introversion shortly before filing for bankrupty protection, but continued to sell the game in competition to Introversion. It is now distributed under the same name by Stardock as part of TotalGaming.net.
Some versions of Uplink: Hacker Elite have been modified, meaning that many game mods and patches will not run with the Hacker Elite version.
On 20th January 2006 Introversion announced they were taking legal action against all retailers of Uplink:Hacker Elite [2], but not Stardock [3].
See also
External links
- Uplink official website
- Ambrosia Software official website
- Uplink: Hacker Elite TotalGaming.net distribution website
- Modlink, an Uplink modding website
- Onlink Mod, a large Uplink mod (in development)
- Burningmace LANs, an Onlink orientated mods website, which also hosts cryptography challenges (Warning: currently Firefox only)
- The Ultimate Uplink Guide, an exhaustive guide to every aspect of Uplink
- Template:Moby gamees:Uplink