For the record, the ONLY reason Mr. Hack up there looks like a cross between Elvis and Captain Morgan in that art above is he’s been digitally tricked out for International Talk Like A Pirate Day (which was yesterday, but that didn’t stop the next post from happening. You’ll see soon enough), but he’s not decked out like that at all in this cool freebie from Meridian 4 and Bundle Stars. Anyway, click HERE (or on Hack’s scowling mug above) and get Space Hack for free on Steam and yes, go PLAY IT. It’s a fun “old school” isometric sci-fi action RPG in the Diablo vein that’s quite lengthy (well over 60 hours if you want to see everything) is pretty simple to play but nicely challenging as the aliens increase in number and strength…

The game is a story driven affair about a space ark or sorts filled with human colonists that’s invaded by a massive army of alien insects. As Hack, you’re tasked with scouring each of the large levels of the ship and clearing out the horde as you try and make your way to the infestation point. There are a number of side quests that tie in to the main plot and add a bit of emotional depth to all the action. Sure, missions are pretty much all “go here, kill that”, but some involve searching for survivors, repairing equipment or tracking down bits of information important to other characters that will reward you handsomely for your hard work

Although the game is almost ten years old and shouldn’t at all tax any modern to older computer or laptop, developer Rebelmind did some nice things back then with their game engine in terms of stylized art and visual effects. As monsters don’t respawn in the game, you actually get a counter that lets you know how many enemies remain on each map. Dispatching every alien on a map adds bonus points to your upgradable skills, there’s lots of loot from currency to new gear to skill upgrade items to find or buy. Hack’s equipment degrades and needs to be taken care of and repaired whenever possible, so some care is needed as you make your way through the assorted alien packed levels. A nicely gloomy score adds to the game considerably, especially in areas where new alien types show up itching for a fight… or lying in wait for you to step into their newly claimed territory…

(thanks, GS TG!)
 

Hey! Why are you STILL even reading this? You’ve got a game to download, right? And while you’re claiming your freebie, poke around the Bundle Stars store for a sale on more Meridian 4 games for as low as a buck! You may not buy a single thing, but you’ll at least know those games are there if you need them. And of course… “knowing is half the battle!”