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Silencer (video game)

From Alfawiki
Mind Control Software
IndustryVideo game development
FounderAndrew Leker
Defunct2000 (initial closure)
FateClosed in 2000; resumed 2005; closed again 2013 under Electrified Games
Headquarters
United States
ProductsSilencer, Alien Logic: A Skyrealms of Jorune Adventure

Silencer is a multiplayer-exclusive online title created by Mind Control Software and distributed without charge through the World Opponent Network (WON.net) website starting January 2000. The game offers a capture the flag-style experience typical of 3D first-person shooter arenas but is delivered in a resource-efficient 2D format. Initially launched as an open beta, it underwent several updates before being withdrawn from WON.net in September 2000, with its servers going offline the following month. Although its lifespan was brief, Silencer cultivated a loyal community that established numerous fansites, independent multiplayer servers, and inspired several derivative games.

Gameplay

Combining platformer elements with science fiction action, Silencer pits five rival agencies against one another by deploying operatives known as "Silencers" to infiltrate public terminals and uncover confidential Martian government data. Players command these Silencers, outfitted with various weapons and gadgets, collaborating in teams to defeat adversaries and retrieve intelligence. Multiple squads may represent the same agency.

Each agency brings distinct strengths and possesses a unique item:

  • Noxis – resilient jumpers suited for novices due to their endurance
  • Static – specialized hackers equipped with enhanced radar systems
  • Caliber – wealthy faction with privileged access to secrets
  • Lazarus – technologically advanced cult emphasizing resurrection themes
  • Black Rose – highly skilled solo operatives

At the outset, team commanders place concealed base entrances anywhere on the map. These bases function as healing zones, arms and item shops, and storage for collected secrets. Silencers must hack terminals while evading enemy assaults; successful acquisition of intelligence yields funds used to procure additional gear. Victory is achieved by securing three critical secrets first.

The disguise system enables Silencers to mimic NPCs, allowing them to bypass guards, robots, and laser defenses stealthily; any offensive action or damage immediately cancels the disguise.

Each Silencer is equipped with a jet pack providing five seconds of flight before recharging automatically; upgrades can increase flight duration.

Player limits vary depending on the map: Beta Bites indicates support for up to 16 players, whereas WON.net specifies a maximum of 8 players with up to three per team.

Plot

Set in the near future at Mars’ Arsia Mons colony, an oppressive regime governs while factions strive to overthrow it. Agents called "Silencers," who are armed hackers, compete to steal three top-level secrets and escape prior to the colony’s impending purge.

Development and release

Initially announced in April 1996 by SSI, publisher of Mind Control’s debut title Alien Logic: A Skyrealms of Jorune Adventure, Silencer was never published by SSI. By April 1999, it remained without a publisher as noted on Mind Control’s website. In June 1999, founder Andrew Leker disclosed that several publishers had declined before WON.net agreed to publish it with an intended July 1999 release. The game eventually appeared on WON.net in January 2000 still in beta form. WON.net filed for the "SILENCER" trademark that same month.

The open beta launched on WON.net with version 0104, followed by updates 0108 (February 8, 2000), 0109 (March 1, 2000), and 0110 (May 23, 2000). Mind Control Software announced its closure on May 26, 2000. The exact reasons behind their shutdown and Silencer's removal from WON.net four months later remain undisclosed. Mind Control later resumed operations in 2005 but closed again in 2013 under the name Electrified Games.

Reception

Because Silencer was discontinued during its open beta phase, it received minimal attention from mainstream reviewers. However, Beta Bites contributor Tass commended its engaging gameplay and awarded it a "Winner" rating.

Legacy

Following its removal from WON.net, the game's level editor was made available through the www.Silencer.8k.com fansite. In December 2000, a fan revealed plans for a 3D Half-Life mod adaptation.

In February 2007, Mind Control discussed potentially releasing Silencer as open source, though no final decision was announced; server executables were published in September 2007. Soon after, a modified client bypassing WON authentication surfaced, enabling community-run lobby servers hosted by Arsia Mons (arsia-mons.com) featuring patched versions and LAN play support.

The O2 Project commenced in May 2009 aiming to create a Silencer clone using original code alongside original art and sound assets for compatibility with modern platforms. Technical previews were released from 2010 leading up to a beta in August 2011 before rebranding as Cypher in May 2012; activity ceased after that point.

Another clone developed by "Pol" appeared around 2010 but details remain scarce.

In 2013, zSILENCER, another clone utilizing original assets but rewritten code, launched with an online multiplayer server. Its source code was published on GitHub without an explicit license in September that year. Expanding multiplayer capacity to support up to 24 players with unlimited team sizes, zSILENCER was ported to Windows, OS X, Linux, Open Pandora, and Ouya platforms. Although its main website remains accessible, community engagement has diminished since late 2020. This project also inspired the Arsia Mons fansite (arsiamons.io), which operated between 2014 and 2016.

References

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External links

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