Cypher

Hacking involves far less black leather and anti-gravity sunglasses than Hollywood would have you believe, especially nowadays when it can be done using compact devices such as smartphones and the like. Hence, Wi-Fi networks and various other such small targets can be taken down from a bench in the park, as long as you know what you’re doing and you do not mind the risk of being sent to prison.

Cypher is a 2D platformer with an online component in which you play the role of a hacking agent, with the sole purpose of acquiring information and bringing down a totalitarian government. Not only that, but you also have a large array of futuristic gadgets at your disposal, including various weapons and a few bombs to make sure that you can get away if enemies try to stop you.

The story talks about a dystopian future in which Mars is populated by humans and ruled by a government that has all but abolished freedom as a concept. However, since the people seem to be brainwashed and unable to fight back against the tyranny, a group of computer hackers take matters into their own hand. By hacking government terminals and acquiring sensitive information, they hope to expose the dictatorship and help civilization break free once more.

The gameplay is a lot like any other 2D platformer out there, except the emphasis is put on hacking and dealing with time management issues, rather than jumping from ledge to ledge as quickly as possible. Hence, your role is to hack specific terminals throughout the levels, as well as set up a base of operations in order to heal and visit the shops to purchase more equipment.

Speaking of which, the available items range from simple laser ammunition, to bombs and detonators, which are useful if you want to do a lot of damage at once. However, health packs and various other simple things can be purchased as well. Some of the weapons deal better with shields, while others are more suited for causing tissue damage. As such, your shopping list can vary a lot, depending on what you need.

When it’s all said and done, Cypher is far from over or complete, but it’s interesting enough to be worth a try. Hence, if you are fed up by Super Mario clones and you want something a bit more gritty and futuristic, this may very well be the thing to help you deal with boredom.