[X] My Assistant

[Zenfar]

wanted a good Cyberpunk RPG on the XBox and there isn't one so I am creating one, it is on Version 2 and I am going to keep adding free content based on what gamers want to see in a Cyberpunk game. DumpShockers feel free to respond with what you have always wanted to see in a Cyberpunk game here, I will check back often.

Game: ZenHak
Platform: XBox 360
Where to Buy: XBox Marketplace Community Games - ZenHak - Click Here!

Review
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Fair warning I am the developer of the game...

ZenHak is an RPG the contains two mini-games that are its focus. The Haking mini game is complex and figuring out how to hak it is a major part of the experience. The music, gameplay, and graphics are all excellent for a community game in my not so humble opinion. And I hope the mystery of the game is appreciated.

You start the game in your MegaCondo with a broken Cyro healing chamber, your TransVidia computer, and virtual map of the city you call home. From there you must find a way to earn enough credits to repair your Cyro, get some protection, and get a ride. Can you use your haking skills to get some data and then how do you turn that into credits?

Another highlight is the conversation minigame inspired by blackjack but with extra "cards" available based on your avatars skills.

The trail starts here Haks... But the Hak ain't always easy g... Think shooting them bones, is it Hazard... Bet the Black Ice to protect your Avatar... Hak the Firewall and raid the OptiCache...

Hints
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Well you are a haker stuck in your apartment (at least you are stuck in the demo). So you use your computer (move the cursor over it and press A or use the left button to cycle through your choices and right button to choose it). Now you are in the haking game, it is inspired by the casino game Craps. Place bots (bets) using the A button put a couple on the firewall and a couple on the Black Ice and then press the Hak button (lower right, use the Y button to get there quick)..

If you Hak the Firewall your bots will be placed in a data vault. If you fail place more bots on the Firewall. Once the Firewall is down you can place center bots and OptiCache bots.

The lower left part of the screen shows your progress.

For combat use the d-pad to scroll through selection, if you don't have a gun you will need to advance and then do unarmed combat. Use the Y button to make you menu selections.

[Adarael]

That's totally surreal...

I just was eyeballing this at work, since I work for the Xbox division of Microsoft, going "Hey, this looks like an honest-to-god cyberpunk game. But from Community Games? Crazy!"

Consider me sold, if for no other reason that supporting Dumpshockers makes me pleased.

[Zenfar]

Small world. Thanks Adarael. I am working on Version 3.0 and will release it as an update. Working on an RPG as an indie (and team of one) makes getting a lot of content in tough. I have decide to have the game world grow with each new release along with adding the features gamers tell me they most want to see, when XNA 3.1 comes out and I have auto-updates my plan should begin to take off.

Coming in Version 3.0 - More cities blocks, click-able room contents, and katanas!

[Zaranthan]

Sounds like fun. If I had a 360, I'd pick it up.

[Dumori]

I'll get a copy ASAP. Looks like it will be fun.

[Zenfar]

I'll get a copy ASAP. Looks like it will be fun.

Let me know what you think Dumori and what you would like to see in Version 3.0. I have already added health bars and a new city section in V 3.0. Still need to add more weapons and gangers / corp security enemies.

[Backgammon]

I'm DLing the demo. If I buy the full version, does it get updated as you add more content?

[Backgammon]

Ok played the demo. Man I had no clue what I was doing. I think you should focus on clearer instructions before adding more stuff.

[Zenfar]

I will add some additional hints in V 3.0, thanks for the feedback.

Here are some other hints in the mean time and make sure read the AI help screens when you enter the Haking mini games.

You are a haker stuck in your apartment (at least you are stuck in the demo). So you use your computer (move the cursor over it and press A or use the left button to cycle through your choices and right button to choose it). Now you are in the haking game, it is inspired by the casino game Craps. Place bots (bets) using the A button put a couple on the firewall and a couple on the Black Ice and then press the Hak button (lower right, use the Y button to get there quick)..

If you Hak the Firewall your bots will be placed in a data vault. If you fail place more bots on the Firewall. Once the Firewall is down you can place center bots and OptiCache bots.

The lower left part of the screen shows your progress.

Cheers and thanks for trying ZenHak!

[Dumori]

Critiques first:
One its hard to read the test and some goes off screen.
Now way to save that I know of.
Combat seams a bit uncontrollable
Good points:
Hacking is oddly fun.
Like the feel of the game and its setting (even if the city's names sucks so so much)

[Zenfar]

I am going to slow combat down in V3.0. You use the D-Pad and the Y Button when selecting from in game menus, like the Combat one, this is a little too non-standard so I will tweak it in V 3.0.

Glad you like the Haking game, I have added an additional soundtrack to it for V 3.0, gives it a better mood when the Hak isn't going your way.

Feel free to suggest new City Names and descriptions if you want on my forums at Zenfar.com or here (you could even name the vehicle shop after yourself if you want Dumori's Rides and Glides, wow obviously my naming does need help) . Make sure your suggestions aren't copyrighted and understand I can't pay you (I am an indie developer here not EA).