Developer(s) A.V.S. Engine Custom Initial release date 1984 Mode Single-player video game | Designer(s) Lee Kristofferson Genre(s) Puzzle/Strategy Publisher Craig Communications | |
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Platforms Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro Similar Quadrilateral Cowboy, Duskers, TIS‑100, Hacknet, Digital: A Love Story | ||
Retrokork system 15000
System 15000 is a 1984 video game by A.V.S. It was originally conceived, designed, and programmed by Lee Kristofferson (born John Wagstaff) in assembly language for the Commodore 64. Versions were later ported to the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro, both written in BASIC. This was the first game to simulate computer hacking.
Contents
A sequel was planned by Lee Kristofferson but never released.
Plot
The game box includes a letter which provides background information to establish the premise of the game. Written to the main character from the perspective of a friend "Mike", it outlines how (a presumed mutual friend) Richard's company, Comdata, has had $1.5 million stolen by a rival company named Realco. Furthermore, the police are unable to retrieve the money, so the player is required to hack into a computer system and retrieve the funds. The letter provides a single phone number and entry code, part of the game's simulation of dialing into databases and bulletin boards. The player has to figure out how to get into the proper database to take back the cash.
Release
The game was released one year after the release of the film WarGames, which dealt with the topic of computer hacking and computer security.
Advertisements for System 15000 challenged gamers to "Beat It", in reference to the Michael Jackson hit from 1983.
When users enter the System 15000 User Network in the game and select option 1, it lists the then current lineup of AVS games, including Flight Zero-One Five (VIC-20), Whirlwind One-Five (Vic-20) and "15000 Series Games" (CBM 64/BBC B). (All games have the number one and five in them, as does the $1.5 million figure stolen in System 15000.)