... and the creation thereof.
Hacking games are video games that simulate (to some extent) hacking into computer systems. It's an idea that's fascinated me for years... However, the actual games I've found are fairly few, and usually low quality at that.
Uplink is the most fun one I've managed to find.
I think the main problem I have with the majority of hacking games is the lack of realism... They start with a semi-realistic atmosphere, but when you start digging into the meat of the game it becomes obviously fake, full of "invisible walls". That's what I like about Uplink: it completely discards any attempt at realism, instead it has an alternate "internet" with its own interface and set of rules.
But I still crave a realistic hacking experience... I'm beginning to plan a hacking game of my own. My initial plan is to re-create a fairly detailed Linux-like system (including a simplified shell, editor(s), and a number of other commands), then build a "network" around that. I haven't figured out a plot, or really any details at all yet...
An alternative idea has entered my mind since I began typing this post: why build a virtual environment, when you can use an existing one? Using VirtualBox or another VM platform, set up a (semi-)secure virtual machine (or an entire network of them), either include a "player" machine or have them use their host machine...
Any other geeks out there interested? non-geeks are allowed too of course
either way, I highly recommend you try Uplink. it can be a little hard to get into, but once you learn a few of the basic tricks...
EDIT: yes, i am aware of the moral/legal implications of hacking. the only way I could possibly endorse hacking is as a tool against hackers. if this thread is out of line, let me know and i'll lock it