Summary

• Release Year: 1986
• Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Strategy, Tactical
• Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Apple IIGS, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, ZX Spectrum
• Developers: Activision
• Publishers: Activision

Hacker II: The Doomsday Papers (1986)

Introduction

Hacker II: The Doomsday Papers is a text-based adventure game developed and published by Infocom in 1986. It is the sequel to the popular 1985 game Hacker, and like its predecessor, it puts the player in the role of a hacker tasked with infiltrating a secure computer system. However, Hacker II is notably more difficult and involved than the first game, and it features a more complex and challenging plot.

Plot

The player character is recruited by the National Security Agency (NSA) to infiltrate a secure facility and retrieve a set of documents known as “The Doomsday Papers.” These documents contain information about a new Soviet superweapon that could potentially trigger a nuclear war. The player must use their hacking skills to bypass the facility’s security systems and retrieve the documents without being detected.

Gameplay

Hacker II is a text-based adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The player can explore the facility, interact with objects and characters, and solve puzzles in order to progress. The game features a detailed and realistic hacking system, which allows the player to use a variety of commands to interact with computer systems.

Difficulty

Hacker II is a notoriously difficult game. The puzzles are complex and challenging, and the player must carefully consider their every move in order to avoid being detected. The game also features a time limit, which adds to the pressure.

Reception

Hacker II was released to critical acclaim. Critics praised the game’s complex and challenging gameplay, its realistic hacking system, and its well-written plot. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Legacy

Hacker II is considered to be one of the classic text-based adventure games. It is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it has been ported to a variety of platforms. The game has also been cited as an influence on later hacking games, such as Uplink and Hacknet.

Detailed Walkthrough

Act 1

The game begins with the player character being recruited by the NSA. The player is given a briefing on the mission, and then they are sent to infiltrate the secure facility.

The player must first find a way to bypass the facility’s security systems. This can be done by hacking into the security computer and disabling the alarms. Once the alarms are disabled, the player can explore the facility and search for the Doomsday Papers.

The Doomsday Papers are located in a vault deep within the facility. The player must use their hacking skills to open the vault and retrieve the documents.

Once the player has retrieved the Doomsday Papers, they must escape from the facility without being detected. This can be done by hacking into the security computer and disabling the security systems.

Act 2

Once the player has escaped from the facility, they must deliver the Doomsday Papers to the NSA. The player can do this by meeting with an NSA agent at a prearranged location.

Once the player has delivered the Doomsday Papers, they have completed the game.

Tips

• Take your time and explore the facility thoroughly. There are many hidden objects and secrets to be found.
• Use the hacking system to your advantage. The hacking system is a powerful tool that can be used to solve puzzles and bypass security systems.
• Be careful not to get detected. If you are detected, you will be apprehended by the security guards.
• Don’t give up! Hacker II is a challenging game, but it is possible to complete it with patience and perseverance.

Conclusion

Hacker II: The Doomsday Papers is a classic text-based adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s complex and challenging gameplay, its realistic hacking system, and its well-written plot make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots