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Uplink

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, Android • 2006

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Quick resume

Uplink lets you play as a freelance hacker tackling risky contracts for corporations. Break into systems, steal data, sabotage rivals, and upgrade your gear. Support factions or go rogue in this immersive, strategy-driven hacking simulation game where your choices shape the outcome.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Indie, Strategy, Simulator

Pros

  • Immersive hacking fantasy
  • High player autonomy and creativity
  • Challenging and strategic gameplay
  • Strong replayability with mods
  • Engaging soundtrack and atmosphere

Cons

  • Dated graphics and interface
  • Steep learning curve
  • Permadeath can be frustrating
  • Limited social interaction
  • Some repetitive tasks

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players have full freedom to choose missions, methods, and strategies with no fixed questlines."

  • Competence
    4

    "Requires skillful use of hacking tools, timing, and resource management; players feel effective when mastering these."

  • Competition
    1

    "Some leaderboard and ranking elements exist but competition is not the main focus."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players engage in long sessions with repeated playthroughs and modded content extending longevity."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player and independent; minimal cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players experiment with different hacking approaches, routing paths, and strategies."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions are mostly equal and indirect; no direct domination or power over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive hacking experience provides strong escape from real life stress and routines."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and curiosity, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Encourages trying new tactics, exploring game mechanics, and creative problem solving."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new servers, hidden content, and story elements through curiosity."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited cosmetic customization; focus is on gameplay rather than avatar or environment expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strongly stylized, movie-inspired hacking fantasy rather than realistic simulation."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Mostly solo play with minimal social interaction beyond optional chat."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, knowledge, and upgrade equipment to progress."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during missions."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social or emotional connections formed within gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No leadership roles; player acts independently without managing others."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on accumulating money, software, and hardware upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Tense gameplay with time pressure and risk of permanent failure."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Simple audiovisuals but atmospheric soundtrack and interface create engaging sensory experience."

  • Status
    1

    "Ranking system and reputation provide some social recognition but limited visibility."

  • Story
    2

    "Optional story elements exist but much gameplay is sandbox and player-driven."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Requires planning, problem solving, and tactical decision making."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High tension from time-limited hacks and risk of being caught."

  • Value
    4

    "Offers many hours of gameplay and replayability for a low price."

  • Violence
    2

    "Involves destructive hacking actions but no physical violence."

  • Survival
    4

    "Avoiding detection and failure is critical; survival is a core gameplay element."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026