Comments on: Cyber burglar in the matrix

By: ABCGi

ABCGi — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:31:15 +0000

The golden nugget file should always be protected by a tapeworm of some kind and deciding to download it should always start a red alert.

By: ABCGi

ABCGi — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:09:13 +0000

Where do I get that version? Another simple change to make the game more challenging/fun would be the longer you are in a level or in the system the chance of being detected increases. Once you reach the top lifestyle the costs, killer attacks (requiring rest and hospital) and hardware damage all combine to use your cash more and thus make it more interesting. Complaints of a RL being somewhat repetitive are kind-of in the genre, even Nethack and Angband get repetitive until something bad happens – although yes the mid game you make too much cash and the missions are too easy so it is just a chore without risk -> adding a patrol enemy that auto detects you if you stay in its sector for one turn might keep players from being on auto-pilot. The chance of detection should be higher when you are downloading – and there should be a chance to find a golden nugget file that is worth a lot more money. Programs found in-system should be better in some way than your self programmed ones and you should only be write a certain number of programs a month -> determined by your Analysis skill, or something. Some different layouts to systems would add variety: like a maze system, a long chain system (that is like a big square or grid spread out), a circular design and so on – a same level teleporter might be interesting with island sections and one or more IO node(s) that when activated unlocks a permanent door somewhere else on the level (and/or a red, green, blue key system with red, green, blue doors). A floor virus that spreads around a level once triggered that does some damage to you every turn you stand or move into the viral area – a virus scanner and virus cleaner hardware option to detect the virus on the map and to clean it, cleaning all infected squares kills the virus etc.

By: Burmali

Burmali — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:14:11 +0000

Someone has, they called it Uplink ;)

By: ABCGi

ABCGi — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:28:57 +0000

permadeath I mean :)

By: ABCGi

ABCGi — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:28:34 +0000

I like Michal Bielinski’s comments – my thought was someone could take the basic concept, which is a good one, and build a game from scratch taking the strengths of Decker and dropping its weaknesses… with some thought to long term game design (eg more variety, some limits on developing powers other than money) along with an overarching plot and story to follow – perhaps with some randomisation for replayability. Finally add instadeath.

By: Michal Bielinski

Michal Bielinski — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:50:56 +0000

I warned about repetitiveness and boredom. This is why I strongly opposed Baines about money. You want cash to finish that thing faster. I decided to play Decker to the end in order to review it better. If you find no challenge in completing mission then you have won already because … you can’t win this game in a formal way. It took me four days playing casually to win this game. No more time should be needed.

By: Mewmewmint

Mewmewmint — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:48:53 +0000

Starts off good but is so goddamn repetitive that I soon grew to hate it. It’s like the formula for the game is set to be even at all stages. If you have all level 2 on a 10% difficulty then it’s pretty much the same as having all level 3 on a 15% and all level 4 on a 20%. And it takes so LONG to play. Even though the gameplay doesn’t change at all the author expects you to sit there and play it for many days on end. I got sick and annoyed with it after about maybe 8 hours of play. I feel I have mastered the game and yet was not even close to finishing it. IT SUCKS!

By: Michal Bielinski

Michal Bielinski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:37:36 +0000

Current version differs because last binary ready for download was 1.09. I got enough problems by running it on Linux. Compiling for Win32 and then emulating it was just too much trouble. Stun and slow attacks are implemented. Just use confuse and slow programs. Keep in mind confused ICE may accidentally raise alert level. There is no need for reboot node. If you take too long at red alert level some admin will step in and prepare system shutdown. You will have some time to stop it at CPU/SPU node or to complete mission. When you attack some systems they may start at yellow alert. Okay, it is not permament. After you lower it to green it does not turn back to yellow without your intervenion.

Reflect is overpowered. If you have this program at decent level it is not uncommon to have 125% of damage reflected back at the ICE instantly trashing it.
As for other ideas I doubt they will be implemented. There is Java remake but it develops slowly while original game is no longer expanded.

By: ABCGi

ABCGi — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:44:23 +0000

Some systems in permanent red alert state but won’t shut down (again encourages combat) – or minimum yellow alert. Spend turn tripling reflect effect ability. False target – all ICE attacks the targeted ICE if successful for one turn.

By: ABCGi

ABCGi — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:40:08 +0000

Mandatory missions to get to next XP level and/or next lifestyle level. Mission chains. Multipart missions. Reboot node, restores system to original state. False alarm – sends all ICE to the wrong room. Loss of funds for failed missions where the system shutdown. Hacker friend missions, raises social level – required a minimum social level to go up lifestyle levels (eg need 5 friends to get to mid level, need girlfriend/boyfriend to get to high level). More “Matrix” movie inspired stuff…