I've had a physical-media copy of SS2 installed on my system for like years and years. It 'just runs' on every newer machine I've upgraded to.

Currently running (like yourself), Win7 Pro x64. It 'just runs'.

I do not think it uses dosbox - it runs on Windows. I just tried it and it does not look like dosbox to me.

My shorcut doesn't have ANY compatibility modes set, nor does it run as Administrator.

Also, my shortcut to start it up has a command-line switch on it - maybe that's what yours needs:

H:\g\ss2\SHOCK2.EXE -Lgntforce

Notice the '-Lgntforce' on the end..

I've had this copy for so long I can't recall when or why that switch is there - but the game runs perfectly; and has on each system over the years- I just copy it over as-is when I upgrade my box, and it just runs.

Somehwere along the way I added a textures mod to it - so it looks great, and plays great.

Good luck with your gifted GOG copy - but also bear in mind - your 'problem' might be trying to squeeze it into dosbox when it does not even use it.

Ignore the Steam part and read this:
http://blog.pcgamingwiki.com/modding-guide/821/system-shock-2-steam-modding-guide

Gets you some enhancements and better graphics (if you want them)

To save a few bucks just get a hammer and hit yourself in the head with it four or five times; same exact sensation as playing SS2.

I bought my SS2 CD off of Amazon used back in 2003. I never entertained the idea that I would be able to get it to work on my Win 8 machine, but like the OP, I didn't discover GOG until I was hunting down info to get another game (that I really, really wanted to play again) that was released the same year to work. Unlike the OP, I already had the CD(s) for said game which I bought (used) in 2002. Today, I wouldn't consider buying without doing research first.

I guess you were right. You really DO hate this game. lol.

I think it's great. :)

lol ;) On my old Laptop,I swear it had eyes! It would run like crap but a soon as I broke out the old ball peen it started running correctly! :P Too old to be hitting myself in the Head already happened one to many times when I was younger,at my age my memory recall isn't like it was even 2 years ago! ;)

I want to thank everyone for their comments and help!
I have the game up and running and it does look like I'll need to add some mods,it's a little blurry and not as clear as some of the screen shots I have seen.At least I can play it now.I'll hang on to this Disk and maybe sell it in a few years to a collector.To bad it only came with a jewel box the disk is in perfect condition,like it was made yesterday!

That's ok. I'm on EOD - Equal Opportunity Dudecator. Glad to see you've got the game up and running!


Also, here's a link to the System Shock 2 mods: http://www.gog.com/news/mod_spotlight_system_shock_2