Hackshot
- May 16, 2024
- MhmdSubhi
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Hackshot" is a puzzle artillery game where you play as a hacker, crafting unique projectiles with different abilities to take down pop-up ads and escalating to hacking larger systems. The game features over 20 hours of open-ended levels with multiple solutions and over 7000 cyberballs to craft. The story is a fun and clever take on internet scams as you attempt to hack a major tech corporation. Consider wishlisting on Steam for updates on beta testing.
PC
Web Browser
Windows
Reviews
- Hackshot offers a unique blend of physics-based gameplay and strategic planning, allowing players to experiment with various ball modifications and mechanics.
- The game features helpful quality of life improvements, such as visual trails for shots and the ability to undo previous actions, making it accessible and enjoyable.
- With its engaging puzzles, fun plot elements, and nostalgic references, Hackshot provides a charming experience that appeals to fans of puzzle games.
- Achieving the maximum rank in levels can be challenging, requiring optimization that may not appeal to all players.
- The user interface is basic and may not provide the most polished experience, despite being functional.
- Some players may find the increasing difficulty and star requirements for later levels to be frustrating, especially if they prefer a more casual gaming experience.
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by its simplicity, complementing the wireframe-style graphics effectively. Reviewers appreciate the "rad" tunes and the nostalgic, over-the-top old-school hacker vibe, enhancing the overall experience.
“Comes with rad music and an over-the-top old-school hacker style.”
“The music and sound effects are a standout feature of the game.”
“The music and sound are simple, and go well alongside the wireframe-style graphics.”
“The last to mention is the music and sound effects.”
“The music and sound are simple, and go well alongside the wireframe-style graphics.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Gameplay is enhanced by a variety of engaging features and rapidly introduced mechanics, ensuring a dynamic and constantly evolving experience for players.
“There are lots of nice features that help the gameplay.”
“Different mechanics get introduced quickly, so there is always something new going on.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Hackshot features a unique monetization strategy where pop-up ads are integrated as part of the gameplay, creating a humorous yet frustrating experience for players. The game's approach to ads is both a clever mechanic and a source of annoyance, highlighting the tension between monetization and user enjoyment.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that the game minimizes grinding by allowing them to visualize the trajectory of their shots before firing, which reduces trial and error and emphasizes strategic planning over repetitive gameplay.
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story features entertaining plot segments between levels, incorporating classic meme references and clever nods to popular culture, such as a character named nucl3ar 5nake and a humorous quest to "download more ram." Overall, the narrative adds a lighthearted and nostalgic touch to the gameplay experience.
“The bits of plot between levels are fun, there are some classic meme references - the game literally gets you to download more RAM, and there's a character called Nucl3ar 5nake, which is a nice nod to Deus Ex: Human Revolution.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a wireframe style that complements the simple music and sound design, creating a cohesive aesthetic experience.
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers a flexible optimization system by allowing players to use upgrades from later levels in any replayed level, but it maintains high standards that may challenge those less inclined towards optimization.
“The game helps you with optimization by allowing upgrades gained in later levels to be used on any level you replay, but it still maintains high standards, so be warned if optimization isn't your thing.”
“The game does help you with this by allowing upgrades gained in later levels to be used on any level you replay, but it's still pretty high standards, so be warned if optimization isn't your thing.”
