Step into the rain-slicked streets of Chicago, a city where technology is not just a convenience, but a weapon. In this 2014 adventure, you embody Aiden Pearce, a skilled hacker whose past has led him down a path of vigilante justice. Chicago is governed by the Central Operating System, or ctOS, a vast digital network that connects and controls nearly every aspect of urban life, from traffic lights and public transportation to the personal data of its citizens. This interconnectedness becomes the battlefield, and your ability to manipulate it is your greatest asset.

The core gameplay revolves around Aiden's hacking abilities. From the palm of your hand, you can disrupt the city's infrastructure, turning everyday objects into tools for your mission. This includes everything from altering traffic signals to cause diversions or trap enemies, to accessing security cameras to gain tactical advantages and track targets. The game blends stealth, action, and puzzle-solving as you navigate the urban landscape, utilizing your hacking skills to achieve your objectives.

The World of ctOS

Chicago in this game is a living, breathing entity, intricately linked by the ctOS. This pervasive network allows for a unique approach to gameplay, where the environment itself can be manipulated. The atmosphere is one of constant surveillance and digital interconnectedness, creating a world where privacy is a luxury and information is power.

Hacking as a Core Mechanic

What sets this game apart is the deep integration of hacking into its gameplay loop. Players can profile individuals to learn their secrets, disrupt enemy communications, and even overload city systems. This mechanic is not just for combat; it’s integral to exploration, mission progression, and creating opportunities to evade pursuers or set up ambushes. The ability to interact with and control the city's digital infrastructure offers a dynamic and often unpredictable experience.

What makes this game unique?

The game's defining feature is its open-world hacking system. It provides players with a broad range of tools to interact with the environment and its inhabitants in ways rarely seen before. This allows for creative problem-solving and emergent gameplay scenarios, where players can devise their own strategies for approaching objectives.

Gameplay and Progression

As Aiden Pearce, players will undertake a personal mission driven by a past tragedy. The gameplay involves a mix of driving, third-person shooting, and stealth, all augmented by Aiden's hacking prowess. Completing missions and engaging in various activities within the city earns experience and unlocks new hacking abilities and upgrades, allowing for a deeper level of environmental manipulation as the game progresses.

Available Platforms

This main game was released in 2014 and is available on a wide range of platforms, including Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Google Stadia, and Xbox One.