Retro amateur hacking game
Hack RUN Free is a free version of the fun hacking game Hack RUN where you have to hack into a mysterious organization to uncover its secrets.
Hack RUN is based on languages such as DOS and UNIX that simulate a real operating system, allowing players to learn a little programming along the way. However, it is accessible enough for anyone to play. Your main task is to snoop on employees in a mysterious company to find out exactly what the company is doing. The game does a great job of recreating what a real hacking experience might feel like, and you soon get absorbed into trying to work out employee passwords, remember who's having a fling with who, and who holds the key to cracking the puzzle. Be warned that there is the odd rude word as you snoop on employee e-mails, so it's not entirely suitable for kids.
If you have some programming knowledge, it may help, but it's not essential. Hack RUN makes it clear the commands available to you, and even non-geeks can play it. The only problem is taking a break. If you don't write down a lot of what you've learned, it would be very hard to get back into the game at a later date, so make sure you've got a pen and paper ready! However, this free version is a lot easier than the paid version, which really tests your powers of investigation.
Overall, Hack RUN is a fun game that brings the intrigue of hacking to a wider non-geeky audience.
