Picture it: It’s 1999, and PC games are going freaking insane.
Consoles still hadn’t managed to catch up to computers in the data department, nor had they embraced the genius of double-stick controls so the mouse/keyboard combo still reigned supreme. Valve had released Half Life the previous year and had revolutionized the FPS, while at Ion Storm Austin they were developing the game that would arguably become the definitive game of the new millennium Deux Ex.
And in between that, a little known company called Irrational Games would produce the sequel to a cult hit that would redefine what was possible with an First Person game, delivering an experience that was both intense and terrifying at the same time.
It’s now 25 years later, and this classic game has been remastered and released for a new generation to appreciate…unfortunately, a lot of it has not aged well.
What Is It?
Watch for the alarms. The walls have ears.
System Shock II 25th Anniversary Remaster is….exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a remaster of the classic 1999 immersive sim that redefined what was possible in an FPS game, allowing more interactivity and atmosphere than even the previous year’s Half Life could offer. It’s really hard to explain just how ground-breaking this game truly was (especially when compared to what would come afterwards). Almost nothing has been changed, right down to the control scheme (more on that later, trust me).
As for the game’s story: over forty years before the start of the game (aka the first System Shock) an insane AI named SHODAN (originally developed by a corporation called TriOptimum) broke its bonds and took over an enormous space station called the Citadel after a hacker was tricked into doing it. Now, decades later, the same corporation that built that station (and SHODAN) have now moved on to space travel with an experimental FTL spaceship called the Von Braun. This same ship is followed by a military space vessel called the Rickenbacker (that’s where you’re at, since you’re a soldier). While in cryosleep, you wake up to fine your team dead, most of the crew disappeared, and the ship in disrepair.
And that’s even before you run into the alien hivemind. But hey, that’s what the audio logs are for.
Why Should I Care?
These things are already difficult one at a time, but in a group? Forget about it.
Part of what made this game so unique in 1999 was the amount of customization it offered for an FPS game. Starting at the beginning, you are a chance to learn how the game runs through a trio of virtual simulators (do all of them, trust me on this). Afterwards, you’re then given a choice of which branch of the armed forces you want to go to (this will in turn determine what you start out strong with, like Marines firearms, OSA for psionics, and Navy for hacking and repairing). After that, you choose where to spend your first two tours of duty (which in turn also strengthen some of your stats).
Once you wake up inside the Von Braun, the game is officially on for real. Do not go into this like a regular FPS, because if you do you will get slaughtered. However, if you’re familiar with Irrational Game’s spiritual follow-up (Bioshock, but more on that game later), then you’ll kind of have a basic idea of how things work: you start out with a basic melee weapon (in this case a wrench) before eventually finding a pistol and catalyst for psionic powers. Going forward, you earn points to upgrade your various stats (in this case ‘cyber-modules’, as you’re a cybernetic soldier). You also earn currency that can be spent at vending machines (whose inventory changes depending on location), though said currency has other functions. There are also respawn points (called ‘Quantum Bio-Reconstruction Machines) that will resurrect you if you die. Upgrading is handled via consoles that can be found all over the Von Braun (typically in groups of four for things like base stats, weaponry, etc.); sometimes, these will also include a fifth console called OS units that gives a permanent upgrade to your health or stats.
Of course, like any good FPS, you’ll eventually get access to stronger and more exotic weapons as you go along. These include your standard assault rifles and shotguns, before going to more futuristic things like energy weapons and freaky alien stuff. This also comes with different kinds of ammo: you have your basics but also rounds that are either anti-personnel (which are more effective against organic enemies) or armor-piercing (which works best against mechanical enemies). Energy weapons like Fusion Cannons and EMP rifles are incredibly effective against robots, and the later alien weaponry is extremely effective against biological enemies. But as they say: a bullet still hurts in every language, so all of these are effective to some degree.
But these weapons also have their limitations, namely their degradation. Unless it’s for hitting people with, every weapon you wield will degrade and become inoperable with use. One must keep an eye on the quality of your gun, lest it break during an intense fire-fight and your repair stat still isn’t at the level neccessary to fix it. There are maintenance tools that can be found throughout the Von Braun, but like ammo they are scarce and must be used with discretion. Same goes for modification or hacking…and speaking of hacking, you’ll have to hack into security doors and crates, all with different levels of difficulty and all involving connecting three squares either horizontally or vertically. You’ll also have to hack into security consoles as well to disable alarms (temporarily), though finding and destroying security cameras is a more permanent solution.
And as for those enemies? Oh boy, they do take a beating. Remember: at it’s heart, SS2 is a survival horror game. All of that ammo I mentioned earlier is scarce and needs to be used sparingly, and there will be times where it will be smarter to just avoid them outright. These enemies are not only strong, they’re also incredibly bizarre: we’re talking everything from ‘hybrids’ of humans that have been taken over by alien hosts, psionic monkeys with exposed brains, and suicidal robots that just want a hug. That’s further compounded by all of the environmental hazards, which include radiation, toxic gas and the vacuum of space itself. Quite frankly, this ship just isn’t fit for human habitation anymore, so act accordingly.
What Makes It Worth My Time And Money?
Ever wondered what it’d be like to be inside a worm’s intestine? Well wonder no longer!
I already mentioned the degradation thing, right? Even back in 1999 that divided players quite a bit. But time has not been kind to this game in a number of ways.
Let’s start with the controls: you will need to hot key everything. Otherwise, you will need to scroll through every object in your inventory either by constant button presses, are going into the inventory itself to fetch an item, even during combat. Want to see the map? You’ll need to scroll. Want to see old audio logs? You’ll need to scroll. Trying to change ammo types? You’ll need to scroll.
Then there’s the cardinal sin for every FPS games: platforming. There isn’t much, but the bit of platforming that is in SS2 is consequential and annoying. It is very touch-and-go when it comes to climbing and descending ladders as the game never really gives you a definite signal if you’re actually hold on or not. There are also parts requiring some very precarious jumps that require accurate landing…and your jumping momentum isn’t terribly consistent to begin with, so good luck.
But probably the single biggest issue with this game? Bigger than everything else? It’s the inventory system itself: it has finite space, divided up in a grid pattern just like Resident Evil. That means moving stuff around to make space, dropping stuff to make room, and sacrificing equipment for other things. But since this is an old PC game, that means you have to physically unequip something, put it back in inventory, and then in turn equip something else…and this all happens in real time. This probably enhanced the tension back in 1999, but in 2025 it’s just asinine and annoying.
What makes this all the more frustrating is knowing what would come later: Bioshock. That game took everything that SS2 did and actually perfected it, from the hacking to the combat to the psionics. Playing this game now is like experiencing an alpha version of BS, loaded with all of the baggage that its predecessor came with.
Look, don’t get me wrong: for all of its flaws System Shock 2 is still a good game. Even after all these years, it still manages to be engaging and scary. But a lot can change in twenty-five years, gaming included, and when compared to games from that era that still hold up (like Deux Ex), it’s age is all the more obvious. I’m not saying you shouldn’t play it, but I am saying that the ancient interface will probably infuriate you along the way.
Picture it: It’s 1999, and PC games are going freaking insane. Consoles still hadn’t managed to catch up to computers in the data department, nor had they embraced the genius of double-stick controls so the mouse/keyboard combo still reigned supreme….
Picture it: It’s 1999, and PC games are going freaking insane.
Consoles still hadn’t managed to catch up to computers in the data department, nor had they embraced the genius of double-stick controls so the mouse/keyboard combo still reigned supreme. Valve had released Half Life the previous year and had revolutionized the FPS, while at Ion Storm Austin they were developing the game that would arguably become the definitive game of the new millennium Deux Ex.
And in between that, a little known company called Irrational Games would produce the sequel to a cult hit that would redefine what was possible with an First Person game, delivering an experience that was both intense and terrifying at the same time.
It’s now 25 years later, and this classic game has been remastered and released for a new generation to appreciate…unfortunately, a lot of it has not aged well.
What Is It?
Watch for the alarms. The walls have ears.
System Shock II 25th Anniversary Remaster is….exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a remaster of the classic 1999 immersive sim that redefined what was possible in an FPS game, allowing more interactivity and atmosphere than even the previous year’s Half Life could offer. It’s really hard to explain just how ground-breaking this game truly was (especially when compared to what would come afterwards). Almost nothing has been changed, right down to the control scheme (more on that later, trust me).
As for the game’s story: over forty years before the start of the game (aka the first System Shock) an insane AI named SHODAN (originally developed by a corporation called TriOptimum) broke its bonds and took over an enormous space station called the Citadel after a hacker was tricked into doing it. Now, decades later, the same corporation that built that station (and SHODAN) have now moved on to space travel with an experimental FTL spaceship called the Von Braun. This same ship is followed by a military space vessel called the Rickenbacker (that’s where you’re at, since you’re a soldier). While in cryosleep, you wake up to fine your team dead, most of the crew disappeared, and the ship in disrepair.
And that’s even before you run into the alien hivemind. But hey, that’s what the audio logs are for.
Why Should I Care?
These things are already difficult one at a time, but in a group? Forget about it.
Part of what made this game so unique in 1999 was the amount of customization it offered for an FPS game. Starting at the beginning, you are a chance to learn how the game runs through a trio of virtual simulators (do all of them, trust me on this). Afterwards, you’re then given a choice of which branch of the armed forces you want to go to (this will in turn determine what you start out strong with, like Marines firearms, OSA for psionics, and Navy for hacking and repairing). After that, you choose where to spend your first two tours of duty (which in turn also strengthen some of your stats).
Once you wake up inside the Von Braun, the game is officially on for real. Do not go into this like a regular FPS, because if you do you will get slaughtered. However, if you’re familiar with Irrational Game’s spiritual follow-up (Bioshock, but more on that game later), then you’ll kind of have a basic idea of how things work: you start out with a basic melee weapon (in this case a wrench) before eventually finding a pistol and catalyst for psionic powers. Going forward, you earn points to upgrade your various stats (in this case ‘cyber-modules’, as you’re a cybernetic soldier). You also earn currency that can be spent at vending machines (whose inventory changes depending on location), though said currency has other functions. There are also respawn points (called ‘Quantum Bio-Reconstruction Machines) that will resurrect you if you die. Upgrading is handled via consoles that can be found all over the Von Braun (typically in groups of four for things like base stats, weaponry, etc.); sometimes, these will also include a fifth console called OS units that gives a permanent upgrade to your health or stats.
Of course, like any good FPS, you’ll eventually get access to stronger and more exotic weapons as you go along. These include your standard assault rifles and shotguns, before going to more futuristic things like energy weapons and freaky alien stuff. This also comes with different kinds of ammo: you have your basics but also rounds that are either anti-personnel (which are more effective against organic enemies) or armor-piercing (which works best against mechanical enemies). Energy weapons like Fusion Cannons and EMP rifles are incredibly effective against robots, and the later alien weaponry is extremely effective against biological enemies. But as they say: a bullet still hurts in every language, so all of these are effective to some degree.
But these weapons also have their limitations, namely their degradation. Unless it’s for hitting people with, every weapon you wield will degrade and become inoperable with use. One must keep an eye on the quality of your gun, lest it break during an intense fire-fight and your repair stat still isn’t at the level neccessary to fix it. There are maintenance tools that can be found throughout the Von Braun, but like ammo they are scarce and must be used with discretion. Same goes for modification or hacking…and speaking of hacking, you’ll have to hack into security doors and crates, all with different levels of difficulty and all involving connecting three squares either horizontally or vertically. You’ll also have to hack into security consoles as well to disable alarms (temporarily), though finding and destroying security cameras is a more permanent solution.
And as for those enemies? Oh boy, they do take a beating. Remember: at it’s heart, SS2 is a survival horror game. All of that ammo I mentioned earlier is scarce and needs to be used sparingly, and there will be times where it will be smarter to just avoid them outright. These enemies are not only strong, they’re also incredibly bizarre: we’re talking everything from ‘hybrids’ of humans that have been taken over by alien hosts, psionic monkeys with exposed brains, and suicidal robots that just want a hug. That’s further compounded by all of the environmental hazards, which include radiation, toxic gas and the vacuum of space itself. Quite frankly, this ship just isn’t fit for human habitation anymore, so act accordingly.
What Makes It Worth My Time And Money?
Ever wondered what it’d be like to be inside a worm’s intestine? Well wonder no longer!
I already mentioned the degradation thing, right? Even back in 1999 that divided players quite a bit. But time has not been kind to this game in a number of ways.
Let’s start with the controls: you will need to hot key everything. Otherwise, you will need to scroll through every object in your inventory either by constant button presses, are going into the inventory itself to fetch an item, even during combat. Want to see the map? You’ll need to scroll. Want to see old audio logs? You’ll need to scroll. Trying to change ammo types? You’ll need to scroll.
Then there’s the cardinal sin for every FPS games: platforming. There isn’t much, but the bit of platforming that is in SS2 is consequential and annoying. It is very touch-and-go when it comes to climbing and descending ladders as the game never really gives you a definite signal if you’re actually hold on or not. There are also parts requiring some very precarious jumps that require accurate landing…and your jumping momentum isn’t terribly consistent to begin with, so good luck.
But probably the single biggest issue with this game? Bigger than everything else? It’s the inventory system itself: it has finite space, divided up in a grid pattern just like Resident Evil. That means moving stuff around to make space, dropping stuff to make room, and sacrificing equipment for other things. But since this is an old PC game, that means you have to physically unequip something, put it back in inventory, and then in turn equip something else…and this all happens in real time. This probably enhanced the tension back in 1999, but in 2025 it’s just asinine and annoying.
What makes this all the more frustrating is knowing what would come later: Bioshock. That game took everything that SS2 did and actually perfected it, from the hacking to the combat to the psionics. Playing this game now is like experiencing an alpha version of BS, loaded with all of the baggage that its predecessor came with.
Look, don’t get me wrong: for all of its flaws System Shock 2 is still a good game. Even after all these years, it still manages to be engaging and scary. But a lot can change in twenty-five years, gaming included, and when compared to games from that era that still hold up (like Deux Ex), it’s age is all the more obvious. I’m not saying you shouldn’t play it, but I am saying that the ancient interface will probably infuriate you along the way.
by Brandon Perkins
