Roguelike Radio Episode 93: 868-HACK
Oct 19, 2014
Rob Parker, a roguelike scholar at the University of Waterloo, dives deep into the world of 868-HACK and the genius of Michael Brough. He shares his fascination with the game's innovative cyberpunk design and examines its mechanics, including the intriguing siphon mechanic and risk-reward choices. They discuss the game's minimalist aesthetics and compare it to other roguelikes like Hoplite. With insights on ability interactions and the excitement of discovering synergy, Rob highlights 868-HACK's influence on the roguelike genre and its lasting legacy.
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Episode notes
Small Game, Big Theme
- 868-HACK positions roguelike risk-reward and progression mechanics in a compact, approachable cyberpunk package.
- Rob Parker and Andrew Doull value its theme and Michael Brough's minimalist audio/visual charm.
Gameplay Is Systemic Learning
- Roguelikes teach players to probe and exploit interlocking mechanics to progress further.
- 868-HACK rewards combining abilities and learning system quirks more than brute force.
Weigh Siphon Tradeoffs
- Balance siphoning decisions: siphoning walls grants powers but spawns enemies and forfeits credits/energy.
- Weigh immediate power versus the resources you lose before siphoning.
