izigame.me

I originally had the physical version of this game over 20 years ago when it was described as a 'futuristic' hacking game set in the 2010's. Hard to believe that in the real future where the game is now retro by design and setting, Uplink remains as the best game of its kind.
What really makes this game stand out is the sheer feeling of authenticity and the tension that your actions create. You play the role of an agent for a criminal organisation called Uplink which targets corporations and other organisations. Whether it be stealing a few files, sabotaging rival companies, changing criminal records or even robbing from banks, there is so much variety. Just remember to delete all traces of your actions!
Upon completing jobs, you earn money and this can be spent on upgrading your network, buying new hardware and software, upgrading those and obtaining new tools. You can then seek more complex jobs as your reputation grows. However just one little mistake where you forget to delete a historic log or your breach gets detected and it's game over - this adds an incredible layer of tension with everything on the line.
We've seen a sporadic amount of hacking games over the years but nothing will come close to what Uplink created in terms of providing a seemingly realistic experience by interpretation, and a nail-biting atmosphere where one tiny error could see you lose everything.