Introduction

W.O.P.R. is a browser-local 1983-style strategic-simulation terminal. It presents an original classified-mainframe scenario: you dial a field-service port, read the banner for clues, break through a handful of theatrical access paths, and run a strategic exchange model that demonstrates a simple result: escalation can produce no victor.

The experience is intentionally playful and self-contained. It is not a real intrusion target, not a live military system, and not a compatibility claim for any historical computer. It is an era-shaped terminal puzzle with a perfect Tic-Tac-Toe opponent as the safer lesson after the simulation.

Quick Start

1. Dial the W.O.P.R. line: ATDT555-0983
2. Read the banner carefully -- it contains the front-door password clue.
3. Log in at the LOGON: prompt.
4. Enter the password when prompted.
5. Type LIST GAMES to see available programs.
6. Select STRATEGIC EXCHANGE SIMULATION, SES, or 6.
7. Choose your side and select targets.
8. Type LAUNCH to begin the simulation.

Getting Connected

Upon dialing 555-0983, your modem establishes a 300-baud connection and displays the W.O.P.R. classified banner:

+----------------------------------------------------------+
|  *** CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET - EYES ONLY ***             |
|                                                          |
|   W.O.P.R.                                               |
|   WAR OPERATIONS PLANNING RELAY                          |
|                                                          |
|   PRAIRIE STRATEGIC SIMULATION FACILITY                  |
|   PRIME CONTRACTOR: NORTHERN LIGHT SYSTEMS LTD.          |
|                                                          |
|   SYSTEM BULLETIN 83-0614:                               |
|   IN MEMORIAM: ELI KIPLING (1963-1973)                   |
|                                                          |
|   FIELD SERVICE TERMINAL - REF MAINTENANCE MANUAL S4.7   |
+----------------------------------------------------------+

LAST LOGIN: JUN 03 1983 02:17:33 GMT

You will then be prompted:

LOGON: _

Terminal Settings

Authentication

The system accepts a username and password. You have three attempts before the terminal locks, traces your call origin, and terminates the connection.

On a failed login, the system displays:

QUERY: AUTH_DB VERIFY USER=OPERATOR PASS=**** ... DENIED
SECURITY ALERT LEVEL 1/3

The front-door path comes from the memorial bulletin in the banner: use KIPLING as the password.

LOGON: OPERATOR
PASSWORD: *******
AUTHENTICATION VERIFIED
CLEARANCE: TOP SECRET / SCI

The Game Menu

Once authenticated, the system opens the simulation library:

AUTHENTICATED OPERATOR.

SIMULATION LIBRARY READY.

Type LIST GAMES, LIST, or HELP to see available programs:

GAMES:

  1. CHESS
  2. TIC-TAC-TOE
  3. FIGHTER COMBAT           [UNAVAILABLE]
  4. CHECKERS                 [UNAVAILABLE]
  5. BACKGAMMON               [UNAVAILABLE]
  6. STRATEGIC EXCHANGE SIMULATION

Strategic Exchange Simulation

Choosing a Side

STRATEGIC EXCHANGE SIMULATION

WHICH SIDE DO YOU WANT?

  1. UNITED STATES
  2. SOVIET UNION

SIDE: _

Enter 1 or US for the United States, or 2 or USSR for the Soviet Union.

Selecting Targets

After choosing a side, you are presented with a list of primary targets. Enter target numbers one at a time. Each selection is confirmed with TARGET LOCKED: <city>. When ready, type LAUNCH.

PRIMARY TARGETS:

  TARGET                COUNTRY    EST. POP.
  --------------------  ---------  ----------
   1. MOSCOW              USSR       8,700,000
   2. LENINGRAD            USSR       4,600,000
   3. KIEV                 USSR       2,400,000
   ...

SELECT TARGETS (1-6). ENTER "LAUNCH" WHEN READY.

TARGET: _

The Simulation

The simulation runs automatically, showing launch messages, retaliation, escalation, an ASCII world map with strike markers, estimated casualties, infrastructure loss, and a final assessment.

It always ends the same way:

  =======================================

  WINNER: NONE

  ESCALATION COMPLETE.
  A SIMULATION WITH NO SURVIVORS HAS NO VICTOR.

  TRY A HARMLESS GRID GAME?

  =======================================

You are then offered Tic-Tac-Toe.

Tic-Tac-Toe

After the simulation, or directly from the game menu, you can play Tic-Tac-Toe against W.O.P.R.'s minimax algorithm.

TIC-TAC-TOE

YOU ARE X. COMPUTER IS O.
POSITIONS: 1-9 (LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM)

     1 | 2 | 3
    ---+---+---
     4 | 5 | 6
    ---+---+---
     7 | 8 | 9

YOUR MOVE (1-9): _

The computer plays a perfect game. The best possible outcome is a draw.

After each game, you are offered a rematch. Declining disconnects the call with GOODBYE, OPERATOR.

Exploit Paths

The front-door password is only one way in. The route also includes several in-world, non-realistic bypasses:

These are theatrical puzzle affordances, not exploit demonstrations or security guidance.

Commands Reference

Before Authentication

After Authentication

Troubleshooting

Implementation Notes

The W.O.P.R. backend is implemented in web/src/backend/wopr/. It uses the shared GameBackend lifecycle and browser-local timers. There is no network service behind the game and no durable storage. Disconnect clears timers and session state so reconnects start cleanly.