An enigma in itself, Uplink is akin to a more cerebral incarnation of Ambrosia's uplink_globe.jpgpopular Escape Velocity series of games, with missions that interweave a threaded plot which is unveiled with each conquest. Only this time, you have only your intellect, hacking skills, and the computer systems you've compromised to aid you.

You play an Uplink Agent who makes a living by performing jobs for major corporations. Your tasks involve hacking into rival computer systems, stealing research data, sabotaging other companies, laundering money, erasing evidence, or framing innocent people.

You use the money you earn to upgrade your computer systems, and also to buy new software and tools. As your experience level increases, you find more dangerous and profitable missions become available. You can speculate on a fully working stock market (and even influence its outcome). You can modify people's academic or criminal records, divert money from bank transfers into your own accounts, and even take part in the construction of the most deadly computer virus ever designed.