Darknet: Remastered Revives a VR Classic for Quest Headsets
E McNeill’s pioneering VR title, Darknet, has made a triumphant return as Darknet: Remastered for Quest headsets. Originally launched on the Samsung Gear VR in 2014, this cyberpunk-inspired strategy/puzzle game has been a trailblazer in the VR space, earning its place as a nostalgic favorite among early adopters.
The game, described by its creator as “a strategy/puzzle game in which you play as an elite hacker in the Net,” immerses players in a digital underworld where they must “plug into cyberspace, using viruses, worms, and exploits to steal the data before your signal gets traced.” Drawing inspiration from iconic works like TRON, Neuromancer, The Matrix, and Johnny Mnemonic, Darknet has always been a standout for its innovative design and immersive gameplay.
Darknet was the first full game to launch on the Samsung Gear VR, widely regarded as the first consumer VR headset.Over the next three years, it expanded to the Oculus Rift Store, PlayStation VR, Steam, and Google Daydream, becoming an early pioneer of cross-platform VR availability. Its success was cemented when it won a VR Jam back in 2013, showcasing McNeill’s forward-thinking vision.The remastered version retains the essence of the original,offering a seamless experience on Quest headsets. McNeill’s design, which works exceptionally well seated in a swivel chair, continues to captivate players with its hacker role-play mechanics and node management system. For many, the game remains a nostalgic reminder of the early days of VR, with its immersive cyberspace environment and strategic gameplay.
Since Darknet, McNeill has developed several other extraordinary VR projects, including Tactera, skylight, Astraeus, Ironlights, and Ironstrike. You can explore more about his work on his website.
Darknet: Remastered is now available for $9.99 on the Meta Quest platform. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of VR hacking, this remastered classic is a must-play.
| Key Details | Information |
|——————|—————–|
| Developer | E McNeill |
| Platform | Meta Quest |
| Price | $9.99 |
| Genre | Strategy/Puzzle |
| Inspirations | TRON, Neuromancer, The Matrix, Johnny Mnemonic |
Relive the early days of VR or dive into Darknet: remastered for the first time—either way, this cyberpunk adventure is a testament to the enduring appeal of innovative VR design.
