Uplink: Hacker Elite

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 132
  3. Negative: 13 out of 132
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  1. MysteryBlokHed
    Feb 7, 2020
    10
    Uplink is a game that I can definitely say I enjoy. Although not the most realistic (and that's completely fine), I find it fun to hack into different servers and try to cover your traces.
    I spent around 17 hours with Uplink as it normally is, but now I'm using Uplink OS, which is amazing. It's way more modern, and fixes a couple of strange quirks with the normal game, such as requiring    Uplink is a game that I can definitely say I enjoy. Although not the most realistic (and that's completely fine), I find it fun to hack into different servers and try to cover your traces.
    I spent around 17 hours with Uplink as it normally is, but now I'm using Uplink OS, which is amazing. It's way more modern, and fixes a couple of strange quirks with the normal game, such as requiring you to have your mouse cursor over text boxes to type.    … Expand
  2. valsaven
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    My childhood game. After that, I realized what a proxy chain is.
    Pretty cool hacker simulator, if not the best. A lot of things are solved by the mouse, this game is not about manual input of commands into the console. Nevertheless, the tasks are pretty close to the real world and you have to constantly erase your tracks and remember about it.
  3. whopos
    Oct 5, 2013
    9
    would be perfect but plays slow when you start out except that no problems exiting innovative and my review needs to be 150 characters long so now i am just typing random stuff good bye
  4. lukemacu
    Aug 22, 2013
    9
    Simply amazing. It's rare to see a game based off being a hacker that pulls it off well but Uplink is one of them. From call bouncing to sabotages uplink will keep you immersed for a very long time. Even if you only want to play one mission you'll be four or five down the road before you remember why you needed to stop.
  5. ForTheUSSR
    May 26, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I started this game and could not stop playing until I had beaten it. It's very engaging - partially because of how great a job it does at immersing you in the world it envisions (through stylistic, yet sometimes inefficient, UI and old-school music), but also because of how the actions required to beat challenges take quite a bit ofThis review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I started this game and could not stop playing until I had beaten it. It's very engaging - partially because of how great a job it does at immersing you in the world it envisions (through stylistic, yet sometimes inefficient, UI and old-school music), but also because of how the actions required to beat challenges take quite a bit of focus. First of all, the atmosphere in this game is phenomenal. It's certainly intended to be more of a simulation of Hollywood-esque hacking than real life, so if you suspend your disbelief and let yourself slip into that context, it works. The interface is a bit clunky and slow, but that's part of the challenge - you're dealing with old-style computer systems. Second, the gameplay is actually more akin to an FPS than a strategy game - this is because, once you figure out the optimal actions to take to complete any given hacking challenge, it's just a matter of performing all those actions quickly enough and not making mistakes. In that regard, it's pretty engaging . And, as your learning the right actions, it'll challenge your problem solving skills. The main reasons why I didn't give this game a perfect score: Many of the challenges are hard to figure out without using a guide, and not fun because of that. For example, for the "destroy a person's life" missions, you have to somehow figure out that you need to give them 2 random crimes AND another crime that ends with "Parole", and only then can you authorize their arrest. Second, this game feels kind of time-wastery. True, most games are, but I really just felt like I didn't improve myself at all after playing this game - it didn't challenge my creativity, teach me a skill, improve my ability to work with others (it's single-player). That's definitely a tough thing to achieve with a game, but I'm really looking for that for a game to get a perfect score - being fun while beneficial. It definitely does provide you with moments of flow (if you get into it), which is certainly beneficial, though there's many more productive activities that can also do that.… Expand
  6. genoforprez
    Nov 28, 2011
    9
    I bought this game on a whim, and I can say up front that I am extremely happy that I did. It is an interesting and certainly novel gameplay experience. PROS: The game starts you off with simple hacks that involve logging into low-security systems and either deleting or stealing files. As you complete more hacks from the Uplink bulletin board, you are offered more interesting butI bought this game on a whim, and I can say up front that I am extremely happy that I did. It is an interesting and certainly novel gameplay experience. PROS: The game starts you off with simple hacks that involve logging into low-security systems and either deleting or stealing files. As you complete more hacks from the Uplink bulletin board, you are offered more interesting but (naturally) more precarious jobs: changing government records, stealing research data, falsifying documents, and so on. Each successful hack earns you cash that you can use to upgrade your hardware and software, which allows you to pull off more difficult jobs and makes the hacks youâ… Expand
  7. shonen_red
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    Surprisingly fun, addictive, and immersive hacking simulator. The more you play, the more intellectually stimulating it gets. Uplink rewards experimentation in ways that few games, if any, have been able to, negating the downsides of a sparse tutorial and relatively steep learning curve. At a certain point, the repetitiveness of missions can kill the immersion and become tedious, butSurprisingly fun, addictive, and immersive hacking simulator. The more you play, the more intellectually stimulating it gets. Uplink rewards experimentation in ways that few games, if any, have been able to, negating the downsides of a sparse tutorial and relatively steep learning curve. At a certain point, the repetitiveness of missions can kill the immersion and become tedious, but that's why there are numerous things to do on the side, such as play and manipulate the stock market. Uplink does what it does so well that it is difficult to come up with substantial criticisms. I picked this game up for cheap on a whim and I would not have regretted paying more for it.… Expand
  8. VentXekart
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    Introversion Software's games are not to be underestimated, Uplink is a good example. This game can be replayable with different missions, tools, and locations each time you start a new game. Try this game out, you won't regret it.
  9. YukonD.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    One of the Best games i have ever played. It is Gripping and suspenseful. Those Last moments where the tracer timer is ticking, your trying to change someone's criminal records really count. Every time is a new experience, and the game never gets old. Those last few seconds, where your heart is pounding, your mind is racing, you know you have to get out or your going to be caught are One of the Best games i have ever played. It is Gripping and suspenseful. Those Last moments where the tracer timer is ticking, your trying to change someone's criminal records really count. Every time is a new experience, and the game never gets old. Those last few seconds, where your heart is pounding, your mind is racing, you know you have to get out or your going to be caught are the best moments in the game. Thrilling and one of a kind. As PC Gamer said, this game is truely a stroke of genious. Introversion Software have truely outdone themselves with a game equally entertaining, if not more, than the award winning game Darwinia. I haven't even got to the end, this game is as long as it is suspenseful. Buy it, it was definitely worth it. P.S. If you want to save, go into the Uplink folder, users, and copy the (Insert Name here).usr and .tmp files to a backup folder. It probably wasn't intended to be done that way, but you can save. This game is, by far, one of the best games in the world.… Expand
  10. JimF.
    Jul 25, 2009
    8
    Though the gameplay eventually becomes somewhat repetitive, and the story arc begins too late in the game, this game is most definitely, and by far, the best 'hacking" game out there.
  11. KronTheMad
    May 16, 2009
    8
    This is a great game but I question the need for the repackaging... yes thats right this is a seriously old game, giving it a new UI and bundling it on steam seems to be all it took to get noticed. I first played it in '98. ....wonder if I can still make my own boards?
  12. EdTheRabbit
    Aug 2, 2008
    9
    Don't play this in your office - they don't like it when you tell them you're trashing a rival's mainframe - truly brilliant, a gameplay over SFX formula that we should see more often.
  13. DanielW.
    May 21, 2008
    10
    Incredible game, great replay value, and it's available on steam. The only problem some people may have is how it works, and how they can trace you down, even after disconnecting. However, this is what gives it such great replay value. You play, you learn more, you beat the system.
  14. RyanE.
    Apr 24, 2008
    8
    It's always fun to (pretend to) break the law. It misses the 'oh shit, the CIA is after me' factor of hacking, but that can't really be emulated. fun while it lasts.
  15. CraigC.
    Apr 8, 2008
    9
    Although Uplink doesn't have amazing graphics, it has tremendous gameplay offering immersion, tension and fast thinking. Really gets the adrenaline flowing.
  16. CharlesC.
    Mar 26, 2008
    9
    It takes a while to really "get it" but once you do its quite engrossing. You are always on the verge of losing, something a lot of games don't do much anymore. Fear of starting over from the beginning encourages you to step careful and thus the atmosphere of the setting is created.
  17. MikeM.
    Mar 11, 2008
    9
    There's something eerily intoxicating about the atmosphere of a cyberpunk game - connected to the world, but isolated and alone in your own, little way. Uplink disguises itself as a real 'hacker interface', its simplicity drawing you in and its Deus Ex-like charm keeping you glued to its hazy, frightening premise.
  18. HarveyB.
    Jan 23, 2008
    10
    A fantastic game - in-depth plot, great gameplay and a lot of scope for replaying the game. Add to that the sheer inventiveness of the title, and the support features offered by the dev. team and you've got a brilliant game!
  19. MarkP.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Uplink is the most unique and satisfying game I have played in a long time. Something new and refreshing that I have not seen in MMO's, RPGs, FPS games and the rest. This game will remain fun for years to come. I can see a lot of potential if this was to be made into a MMO.
  20. BobbyP.
    Dec 22, 2007
    10
    While this game is certainly a bit older, it still has great appeal. The simplistic graphics make it the perfect laptop game for those boring moments between college classes, and I can still hop on at home, and play for hours on end, trying to milk bank accounts and topple mega corporations. It's highly addicting, and I love it!
  21. gravytrain
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    With all the FPS garbage out there....this is a breath of fresh air, especially for anyone that's a little on the older side of the gaming scene.
  22. SimonO.
    Sep 9, 2007
    9
    I really wanted to give this a 10, my only quibble was I got too far into it too fast. :/ But it has replay value. I have to say it is not often a game comes along which is fresh and interesting rather then following the mold. So cherish this game! :) Would be nice to have an online version that you could fight it out against others on the net.
  23. AlexM.
    Jul 30, 2007
    10
    An amazing game, it has a theme and a goal, accomplishes them, and stops before getting bogged down. More games should follow this example of focusing on game play, without getting hung on graphics.
  24. ThomasF.
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    I was a bit disappointed from the demo (I didn't get it really what and how to do) but I bought it and I adore it... It does collect the flair of the hacker movies and it gives you the feeling to be a big part in the hacker scene.
  25. DavidE.
    Mar 17, 2007
    8
    Quite a chair tipping game, but while it has its strong points it does lack a few features that would make it a bit more user friendly. Over all a very good game.
  26. JeremyM.
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    A thinking game full of adrenaline moments. It is an older game, but the play value isn't based on graphics. This game is solid, addictive, and will have you singing its praises in no time flat.
  27. BillW.
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    Challenging and addicting game. Very nicely done and original compared to the plethora of FPS/RTS/Sports games that come out anymore.
  28. DanM.
    Dec 1, 2006
    10
    Just incredible such a simple game but so fun and addicting.
  29. EricW.
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    An older game that has finally seen the publicity that it deserves. I first played uplink when it had just come out and I am still playing it to this day. I just love the fact that you can go so far beyond the "hacking" by buying and building new computer systems. If you like the way suspense feels, then this game is for you.
  30. BrianC.
    Oct 2, 2006
    9
    This game is simply outstanding... it takes a little while to get used to, and don't even think of skipping the tutorial... but once you get the hang of it, and you're skilled enough to hack police records and banks, it turns in to a game you're happy to play well into the morning... the only thing that's stopping me from giving it a 10 is the fact there aren't This game is simply outstanding... it takes a little while to get used to, and don't even think of skipping the tutorial... but once you get the hang of it, and you're skilled enough to hack police records and banks, it turns in to a game you're happy to play well into the morning... the only thing that's stopping me from giving it a 10 is the fact there aren't many story-line missions, and doing the non story missions gets a bit repetitive after a while... but still the best £6.50 ($9.99) i've spent in a long time.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best PC Game of 2001
10
#10 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
58
#58 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. GameZone
    70
    While a very nice and original concept, Uplink will only appeal to a select few.
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  2. Armchair Empire
    77
    A fairly satisfying gaming experience... that goes for deeper strategy – actual gameplay! – rather than a flashy package.
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  3. Gamers' Temple
    70
    A unique game that is definitely worth a look by anyone looking for a gaming change of pace. Its long term appeal is questionable, though.
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