Last week we looked at the harmless world of the videogame cheat and concluded that it was okay, as you're only cheating yourself. But, as Yoda might say, beware the dark side. For every noble gamer striving to honestly prove his worth in the pure arena of multiplayer gaming, there's a snivelling worm prepared to use any foul means necessary to sneak an undeserving victory. Let's expose them for the villains they are...
Michael Foster

The dark side is easier, more seductive, but once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Aaaah, but how seductive it is; how fulfilling to see your enemies driven before you in screaming hordes; to be invincible, omnipotent, unbeatable, and all at the touch of a button. The sound of the consternation of your foe as you destroy him, wondering at your might before worshipping you as a veritable gaming god, is music to your ears. But, buried in the dark and festering remains of your soul is the secret you most cherish and yet fear. You used a cheat code. Now you're trapped. All your friends think you're the epitome of gameplaying greatness and it's all founded on lies, so you have to go on or do the unthinkable and confess. Welcome to the world of the multiplayer cheat.

It starts easily enough. You play your friend at Tekken. At the start of each match you secretly up your power to 140 per cent or use a programmable joypad for that 10 string. This is easily detected and you're soon brought to heel. You've had a taste of the dark joy to be had by unseen advantage, though. Soon you find other games, games where even your face remains unseen. Games such as Quake, Ultima Online and Half-Life are there for the taking.