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Darknet

Darknet is an extremely well made puzzle game that continued to build upon its simple elements in smart and creative ways. If you own a VR headset then you'll want to dive into this.
Darknet Game Cover
87%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
story
92% User Score Based on 96 reviews
Critic Score 82%Based on 7 reviews

Platforms

PCPlayStation VRTabletAndroidOculus RiftPhonePlaystation 4Virtual RealityMobile PlatformWindowsPlayStation
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Darknet Game Cover

About

Darknet is a single player tactical puzzle game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by E McNeill and was released on June 8, 2017. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Darknet is a strategy/puzzle game in which you play as an elite hacker in cyberspace. Plug into the Net, installing viruses, injecting code, and tunneling through cybersecurity in an experience inspired by the classic cyberpunk vision of the future.

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Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
Darknet screenshot
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92%
Audience ScoreBased on 96 reviews
gameplay13 positive mentions
  • Engaging and addictive puzzle-meets-strategy gameplay with a unique dual-layer hacking mechanic.
  • Strong cyberpunk atmosphere enhanced by sleek minimalist visuals and immersive VR support.
  • Well-balanced difficulty that scales naturally, offering rewarding progression and replayability.
  • Gameplay can become repetitive over time due to limited variation and procedural puzzles.
  • Some controller and compatibility issues, especially with non-Vive VR hardware and non-VR controls.
  • Lacks depth in narrative and puzzle evolution, making it less appealing for players seeking constant novelty.
  • gameplay
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay centers around a turn-limited, strategic puzzle mechanic that is both accessible and compelling, encouraging thoughtful planning over impulsive actions. It combines methodical tension with gradual complexity, offering a fresh and engaging cyberpunk hacking experience that balances challenge and replayability. While visually immersive and well-paced, some find the mechanics simple and occasionally limited by procedural puzzles, yet overall it remains a satisfying and unique gameplay loop.

    • “Rather than relying on narrative exposition or flashy mechanics, it builds tension and satisfaction through structure, pacing, and the constant pressure of an unseen digital adversary.”
    • “The result is a gameplay loop that feels methodical yet tense, encouraging players to pause, analyze, and commit to decisions rather than reacting impulsively.”
    • “The difficulty curve is well-considered, gradually introducing new mechanics and defensive systems without overwhelming the player early on.”
    • “While the neon cyberpunk aesthetic is cool, the gameplay lacks the depth to stay engaging if you're just sitting in a chair.”
    • “The mechanics of the puzzle work fine but never evolve beyond that.”
    • “These simple mechanics are really made worse by some of the procedural puzzles.”
  • story
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is minimal and largely conveyed through brief mission descriptions and news updates, creating stakes without traditional narrative. While there is no overarching campaign or storyline, the game offers context through its hacking missions and progression mechanics, with pressure added by time limits. However, the repetitive mission structure and simple puzzles result in a light narrative experience focused more on gameplay than storytelling.

    • “This framing immediately establishes stakes without relying on traditional storytelling, allowing the act of play to communicate urgency.”
    • “I like the fact that each mission has a short description of what you're hacking into for what, and then after completing the mission, a new news-item will reflect this.”
    • “I was pleasantly surprised to find a storyline of sorts depicted via reports on the main menu.”
    • “Furthermore, the later missions get almost impossible plus you are constantly under a time limit, something I really don't enjoy in games.”
    • “They are easily mastered and it turns into 'grind random missions until you buy the next unlock'.”
    • “Solving the puzzle is the exact same process as the first mission I played.”
  • graphics
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features a clean, minimalist cyberpunk aesthetic with impressive neon visuals and well-executed effects that enhance immersion, especially in VR. Although the graphics are simple and low-res, they are praised for their style, contrast, and overall quality, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and appeal.

    • “The graphics on this game are exceptional; if you're introducing someone to VR for the first time, Darknet would surely impress them.”
    • “Visually, Darknet commits fully to a clean, cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic.”
    • “No graphic options to change which screen it's on or switch to windowed or borderless mode (you have to use alt+enter to make it windowed or borderless yourself).”
    • “The graphics are simple enough, but the contrast is perfect and effects are impressive.”
    • “The graphics are adequate and appropriate for the type of game it is.”
  • atmosphere
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of Darknet is characterized by a sleek, minimalist cyberpunk aesthetic that effectively combines abstract strategy with immersive sound and visuals. Its focused and relaxing ambiance encourages sustained attention without high adrenaline, creating a cerebral experience that remains engaging over time. While some gameplay elements may become repetitive, the game's powerup system and progression support long-term immersion within its distinct cyber-world atmosphere.

    • “Darknet is a sleek, cerebral hacking experience that blends abstract strategy with a strong sense of cyberpunk atmosphere, delivering a game that feels both minimalist and intensely focused.”
    • “Together, sound and visuals create a focused atmosphere that encourages immersion and sustained attention, particularly during longer sessions.”
    • “But it's very atmospheric, and the music and sound effects really enhance the scene being set.”
  • music
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music features understated electronic tones that create an atmospheric and immersive experience, enhancing concentration without distraction. Reviewers praise how well the soundtrack complements the game's scenes and overall aesthetic.

    • “The ambient soundtrack leans toward understated electronic tones that enhance concentration rather than distract from it.”
    • “But it's very atmospheric, and the music and sound effects really enhance the scene being set.”
    • “The graphics, music, sounds, gameplay and the love they put into this game.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is well-optimized, running smoothly without lag and maintaining moderate system fan activity, indicating efficient performance management.

    • “The game runs smoothly with no lag, and my fans blow at what I would consider to be medium pace.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers strong replayability through challenging levels that require multiple attempts, random level generation, and permanent unlocks purchasable with in-game currency, ensuring long-term engagement and variety.

    • “There is a lot of replay value, especially at the more difficult levels where multiple attempts are needed to earn currency for upgrading your arsenal to tackle advanced levels.”
    • “It's a peculiar board game with simple but addictive gameplay, featuring random levels, power-ups, and strong replayability and longevity.”
    • “Plenty of replayability with permanent unlocks that can be purchased using in-game rewards.”
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82%Critics’ scoreBased on 7 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Darknet is a tactical puzzle game with science fiction theme.

Darknet is available on PC, Phone, PlayStation 4, Virtual Reality and others.

Darknet was released on June 8, 2017.

Darknet was developed by E McNeill.

Darknet has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

Darknet is a single player game.

Similar games include Drop: System Breach, ISLANDERS, Slipways, GemCraft - Chasing Shadows, Outhold and others.