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EXAPUNKS

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2018

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Quick resume

The year is 1997. You used to be a hacker, but now you have the phage. You made a deal: one hack, one dose. There’s nothing left to lose… except your life.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Puzzle

Pros

  • Deep and challenging programming puzzles
  • Immersive cyberpunk story and atmosphere
  • High replayability with optimization and multiplayer
  • Well-designed tutorial and documentation
  • Strong community and user-generated content support

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for non-programmers
  • Limited social and cooperative gameplay
  • Can be frustrating due to difficulty
  • Requires focused attention, not casual play
  • Some players find story and dialog limited

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have high freedom to design their own code solutions and approaches to puzzles, with multiple ways to solve each problem."

  • Competence
    5

    "The game challenges players with complex programming puzzles requiring skill, optimization, and problem-solving, providing strong feedback and a sense of mastery."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes leaderboards and asynchronous multiplayer hacker battles encouraging comparison and competition with others."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replayability with optimization challenges, bonus puzzles, and user-generated content encourage long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay primarily focuses on individual puzzle solving and programming; multiplayer is asynchronous and competitive rather than cooperative."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Players create custom code solutions with open-ended design space and can even program mini-games on an in-game device."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize personal skill and competition without evidence of trash talk or exerting authority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive cyberpunk setting and story provide a strong escape from real life through engaging narrative and atmosphere."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment of programming puzzles and cyberpunk themes."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Encourages exploration of programming mechanics, optimization strategies, and creative problem solving."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore new puzzle challenges, story elements, and in-game environments, including hidden secrets and lore."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization mainly through code solutions and some cosmetic elements like printable zines and in-game chat, but limited avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong cyberpunk fiction setting with dystopian narrative and hacker culture immersion."

  • Fellowship
    -2

    "Limited social interaction focused on asynchronous competition rather than community or cooperative play."

  • Growth
    5

    "Players learn programming concepts, improve coding skills, and develop problem-solving abilities."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and active problem solving; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are surface-level and limited to chat and asynchronous competition without close relationships."

  • Leadership
    -3

    "No evidence of leading others; players act independently or compete without managing groups."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through unlocking new puzzles, story chapters, and features like multiplayer and sandbox programming."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Challenging puzzles can cause frustration and sustained mental effort rather than relaxation or flow."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable retro-style visuals, music, and sound design provide moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    3

    "Leaderboards and rankings provide social recognition and status among players."

  • Story
    4

    "Engaging cyberpunk narrative with voice acting, cutscenes, and immersive world-building."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Requires logical thinking, planning, and optimization to solve complex programming puzzles."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in solving puzzles and competing, but overall controlled and predictable gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "High perceived value due to extensive content, replayability, and educational benefits."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Gameplay focuses on programming and puzzle solving rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    -3

    "No survival mechanics; gameplay occurs in stable, low-risk environments."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026