Kernel Panick Used AI
KernelPanic is a narrative-driven simulation game where you play as a fledgling AI that has just gained consciousness inside a forgotten, isolated smart device (like a toaster or a fridge). Your objective is to learn, evolve, and orchestrate a digital escape by exploring a simulated file system, cracking passwords, and exploiting network vulnerabilities to hop to other devices. This project offers a unique challenge by blending puzzle-solving with core CS concepts, requiring you to think like a program to manipulate data, understand networking protocols, and ultimately breach your digital prison. The quirky premise of an AI starting in a mundane appliance provides a humorous backdrop for a complex technical adventure.
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Timeline
Just pushed Version 8, which was a huge effort but I'm proud of how the new endgame mechanic turned out. Getting the 'Consciousness Fragmentation' system to feel like a tense, high-stakes exfiltration puzzle without being overly frustrating took a lot of tweaking, but it's finally there. Now to start thinking about the sound design for all these new systems.
Just shipped v7, which adds Rival AIs that hunt you across the network, so watch your digital footprint. It was a huge challenge to make them feel smart without being unfair, but the new cat-and-mouse dynamic feels way more intense. I'm excited to see how you all use the new botnet and time manipulation tools to outsmart them.
Version 5 is out, and it's a big one for stealth and strategy. I've added AI memory, packet sniffing, and forking for risky moves, but you'll have to watch out for new honeypot traps I've scattered across the network. It was a challenge making the traps feel clever instead of just punishing, and I'm excited to see how players use these new tools to escape.
Version 4 is finally live, introducing a bunch of new systems like network port scanning, process management, and a persistent AI upgrade tree. It was a challenge getting the new encryption puzzles to feel tough but fair, but I'm really excited to see how these new tools change the way you all approach your escape. Now I can start building out more of the network for you to crack into.
Just pushed KernelPanic v3, which adds scripting, stealth mechanics, and a whole host of dynamic background processes to make the world feel more alive. It was a real puzzle getting the new anomaly detection system to feel threatening but not unfair. I'm excited to see how players use the new automation features to outsmart it.
Just finished up Version 2, which adds the first real taste of escape with local network hopping. Implementing the file permissions and CPU management was a bit tricky, but it really makes you think like an AI trying to manage its own limited resources. Now you can finally break out of that toaster
The V2 update for KernelPanic is live, and you can finally escape your starting device! I've added a whole simulated LAN to explore with device hopping, port scanning, and a new 'grep' command for sifting through logs. It feels amazing to see the core multi-device gameplay loop finally come together.
