System Shock

There are two main issues when playing 1993's System Shock after thirty years: - As it was an early 3D game, the interface and controls are archaic and difficult, even in the enhanced edition - As it was an early 3D game, navigation was very maze-like and confusing at the best of times The thing about System Shock is that for the most part, the game doesn't need changing. This remake takes note of that and updates the controls and interface, modernizes the game world without streamlining it too much, and vastly improves accessibility. This is the definitive way to play System Shock. It's not an new game in the vein of the original - it's the original, reconfigured to the standards of 2023 without compromising its integrity. Some people will lament the changes, others will think they haven't gone far enough, but Nightdive have flawlessly toed the line between the two.

So, this one has been in the slow cooker - first hinted at seven years ago and undergoing at least one entire rebuild, this title is a faithful remake of the 1994 classic. 2023 will probably go down - for better or for worse - as the year of the remake and System Shock thankfully joins Dead Space and Resident Evil 4 as quality remakes that honour the originals while bringing something new to the table. Let me be clear: much as Ion Fury brought a classic FPS engine into the modern era kicking and screaming so too does System Shock do with the cyberpunk RPG. There is a lot of neon, the maps are borderline claustrophobic mazes, the enemies can be either braindead or spec-ops snipers depending on their mood and the graphics may not be everyone's cup of tea. If you can get past that, then System Shock is an excellent title. Unlike most remakes which seek to streamline areas or add to them to add complexity to the world, System Shock pulls a nearly 1:1 map layout and updates it with true 3D geometry. (The cyberscape sequences have been thankfully renovated.) The gunplay has been thankfully upgraded with proper models, easier ammo switching and the removal of redundant weapons from the roster (sorry, dart launcher). The graphics follow the retro-modern ideology - using modern technology to create something that looks like it came out of the 1990s. It makes sense - the cyberpunk genre tends to create a futuristic world using technology we would consider quaint so using the Unreal engine to generate semi-blurry texures with amazing lighting and particle effects seems somehow appropriate. (Without spoiling System Shock 2, there is a new throwaway log on Research deck that retcons that game's setting!) This title is stable on launch (which is saying something in 2023!), sells for a reasonable price and features one of the best antagonists that gaming has ever produced. Obey, in-in-insectttt, and give this title a shot.

One thing I hate about Remakes in general is wanting to modify elements of the original game at all costs: modify dialogues or parts of the story. Luckily, this Remake keeps all the spirit and design of the original game intact but with an updated engine (Unreal Engine 4). System Shock is the father of such games as Bioshock, Dishonored, Prey. This game is developed by indie developers, is not sold at full price and has no DRM. Please, support this game!

Having recently taken the plunge into the *original* System Shock, I am blown away with the quality, care, and creativity on display in the remake. It's best comparison would be Black Mesa; a shot-for-shot remake, that at once respects and updates a classic. -Story: Completely untouched from the original. You set SHODAN free, and now it's up to you to put the genie back in the bottle. Voice Acting has improved dramatically, and the mix of audio and text logs feels appropriate. -Gameplay: Updated for modern sensibilities, you now have traditional shooter controls, and a grid inventory! You do have to juggle in a rather fineite space, as well as worry about ammo, medical items, *and* your money, but it makes for tense trips to the cqrgo elevator or recycling depot, because enemies will be "spawned in" through elevators hidden in the floor! My only issue is Melee combat, it's difficult to tell if you're connecting when you hit, or how much damage you do, whereas firearms always have some type if impact effect. Visuals: SO BLOODY COOL. There's a chunkieness to everything, making it feel like a lo-fi hard science setting, similar to Blade Runner or Aliens. Everything clicks, slots, or slides into place wonderfully. All of the tools, props, junk, and goodies feel *right* to the setting! Sound: Easily the main thing that I find immediately effective. The sound design is phenomenal, with a variable soundtrack depending on how much danger you're participating in. I'm genuinely excited to play more!

It's like they took all the great things about Bioshock and used it to updated the game that itself inspired Bioshock. The tone is on par with the original. Music, voice work, ambiance, all top notch. The corridors aren't as tight at they were in the original but I think it works in it favor because I get a stong Alien Isolation vibe from the environments. Combat can be a little clunky, but nowhere near the worst, you just need to get a feel for it. Also, the enemies hit like a Mack truck. If you're not careful you'll be dead before you can say "wrong door."