Hacker (1991) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hacker is a board game released in 1991 by Fanfor-Verlag. It is a game designed for 3-6 players, with a runtime of approximately 180 minutes. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, deduction, and puzzle, with a mechanism of simultaneous action selection.

Game Components of Hacker

Game board representing a network

Player tokens and character cards

System cards for different computer systems

NetHub cards for network connections

Secret dial cards for back doors

Fed cards representing law enforcement

Special action cards (e.g., Trashing, Get A Life)

Dice for resolving hacking attempts

Scissors (required for cutting out game pieces from the provided sheets)

How To Setup Hacker

To set up Hacker, players begin by building the network as they go along. Each player chooses a character and starts with basic equipment. The game board is dynamic, with players adding system cards and NetHub cards to expand the network. Each player must cut out their game pieces from the provided sheets, which can be a tedious but necessary step.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Network Building: Players expand the network by adding system cards and NetHub cards.

Hacking: Resolved by dice rolls, with players attempting to gain access to different systems.

Upgrading: Players can upgrade their equipment to improve hacking capabilities.

Interference: Players can use special cards to disrupt their opponents’ hacking attempts.

Law Enforcement: Fed cards can be drawn, representing law enforcement actions that players must navigate.

Game Objective

The objective is to become the “mono superhacker king of the net” by gaining access to twelve systems. Players must balance hacking, upgrading, and interfering with opponents while avoiding law enforcement.

Player Experience

Playing Hacker involves a mix of strategy, luck, and social interaction. The game requires at least three players, with four to six players recommended for the best experience. Players must navigate the complexities of the network, manage resources, and outmaneuver their opponents. The game includes humorous elements, such as special action cards that add a touch of realism and humor to the hacking culture.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a fair amount of strategy and planning.

Social Interaction: Encourages player interaction and teamwork or sabotage.

Thematic Accuracy: Distinguishes between regular and root access, different OSes, and various network types.

Humor: Includes funny special action cards that lighten the mood.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires cutting out game pieces, which can be cumbersome.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls introduce an element of luck that can be frustrating.

Player Count: Requires multiple players to be fully enjoyable.

Personal Thoughts on Hacker

Hacker is for gamers who are interested in strategy, hacking culture, and social gameplay. It is ideal for those who enjoy thematic games with a mix of luck and skill. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for a simple, quick game or those who prefer solo experiences. The game’s complexity and requirement for multiple players make it a great addition to a game night with friends who appreciate the nuances of hacking and strategic gameplay.

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