Marcello Filacchioni : 4 September 2025 10:29
In the Commodore 64 gaming landscape, Netshacker stands out as a project that challenges the conventions of modern gaming, taking gamers back to the roots of 1980s home computing. This isn’t just a nostalgic homage, but a small, authentic and believable hacking experience, developed with the technical precision of an engineer and the passion of a retro gamer.
A revolutionary concept for the C64. Netshacker isn’t a game that “pretends” to be retro: it’s a product born from an old-school mentality, but built with the care and precision of a modern project.
The goal is clear: to recreate the authentic experience of a hacker from the 1990s, when networks were still uncharted territory and every command could reveal new digital horizons.
The game is presented as a complete operating system for the C64, with two distinct environments: one Linux-style and one DOS-style, each with its own peculiarities and specific commands.
The heart of Netshacker is its interactive shell, a command-line interface that doesn’t just simulate commands, but actually implements them: every user input has logical and coherent consequences: files physically exist in the C64’s memory, permissions are managed according to realistic rules, and errors provide meaningful feedback that guides the player toward the solution. There are no shortcuts or bugs to exploit: progression is based solely on ingenuity and understanding the systems.
Netshacker’s mission system is designed to reward creativity and logical deduction. Each objective requires a deep understanding of the available tools and the underlying logic. Missions range from port scanning to social engineering, from protected file management to forensic analysis. The game doesn’t provide direct solutions, but lets the player discover paths through exploration and experimentation.
One of Netshacker’s most fascinating features is its communication system, inspired by the BBSs and clandestine networks of the 1990s.
Atmosphere and Immersion
Netshacker’s atmosphere is meticulously crafted to recreate the authentic experience of a 1990s hacker. The C64’s colors are used strategically to differentiate the different types of output, the SID sounds create an appropriate aural ambience, and the interface maintains visual fidelity to the systems of the time. Every detail, from error messages to command prompts, has been designed to maintain immersion without compromising gameplay.
Netshacker is designed to run on both real hardware and emulators, ensuring an authentic experience regardless of the execution platform. The game is localized in Italian, eliminating language barriers and making the experience more accessible to Italian players.
The game is distributed in two ways: a digital version in .d64 format for 8 euros, and a physical edition with a floppy disk and printed manual for 69 euros.
Netshacker is not just a game: it’s a small, great tribute to the hacker culture of the 1990s, an opportunity for today’s players to experience the challenges and satisfactions of an era when computing was still a unexplored.
The project demonstrates that complexity and depth are not incompatible with the hardware limitations of the C64, and that creativity can overcome apparent technical constraints.
Netshacker demonstrates that it is possible to create an authentic and immersive hacking experience without compromising on quality or historical accuracy.
The project challenges players to think like real hackers, using real tools and deductive logic to overcome challenges.
It’s not a game for everyone, but for those who appreciate technical depth and historical authenticity, Netshacker offers an unusual and compelling experience. It’s more than just a game: it’s a journey through time, an opportunity to rediscover the roots of hacking and cybersecurity, through the lens of a platform that has shaped the history of home computing.
For discerning retro gamers and cybersecurity enthusiasts, it’s a must-have that combines nostalgia, intellectual challenge, and technical authenticity in a unique and unrepeatable package.
You absolutely must download the demo from https://www.netshacker.com/ and Then buy the full version. For those who played System 15000 on the C64 or enjoy a challenge, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
A round of applause goes to the author Stefano Basile
Marcello Filacchioni