System Shock® 2 (1999)

System Shock 2 is a fantastic, atmospheric sci-fi/horror 1st person RPG, as well as being the spiritual successor to the Bioshock franchise. It's true that the graphics are dated, but there's good news! A dedicated group of fans have been working hard on updates for textures, models, lighting, and other graphical improvements. A quick Google search for graphics upgrades or mods will provide enough guidance on where to go, which files to obtain, and how to install them.

Since GOG first opened up, this as been the most requested game. The atmosphere, story, and gameplay are still great even after 14 years. I'm not good at expressing myself through writing, so I'll keep this short and to the point. This game is a must-play for any fan of science fiction/roleplaying/shooters. It does not disappoint.

First off, I want to say I grew up playing this game, and since computers now a days don't support the old version I've been in extreme withdraw from this game haha, but honestly it's still to this day one of the greatest games I have ever played, it's so addicting, and mind blowing, but I'm curios if the game play is fast, or is it slow? since it is a download. please respond cause it is important ! But to anybody that is playing this game, have fun the music is amazing, and the story is legendary !

In all honesty this game is simply not 'legendary', for the simple fact that it IS a sequel, and a sequel that does little to improve upon its predecessor. If it tried to do something new and innovative it would be one thing. However this is such a by the numbers sequel that it is appalling. It is massively let down by a plot that is almost a carbon copy of the first game. It is dull and tedious if you did play that. If this is your first time experiencing System Shock then by all means go for it, you will enjoy it. But if it is not then simply expect more of the same. I never completed SS2 originally. And have only just completed the GoG version, but I really had to push myself through some sections.

Ahh, System Shock 2 ... the word 'classic' gets thrown around a lot these days where games are concerned (justifiably so in some cases, not so in others), but this game deserves that handle and then some. This piece of gaming magic was one of the very first proper RPG-style games I ever played (got a late start in the genre) and I was hooked right from day one. The atmosphere of the deserted hallways on the Von Braun is still, in my view, the finest piece of game design I've ever seen. (The haunted hotel from VtM: Bloodlines comes second - brr!) The RPG elements (stats and such) are detailed enough to allow a wide range of character builds catering to various play styles but not so onerous as to induce boredom with the whole thing. True, the graphics are prehistoric compared with what we're used to nowadays but with a game that plays this well, who cares?? After nearly fifteen years of gaming across various systems and generations and having played some truly fine games (and others not so, for my sins) System Shock 2 holds a place of honour on my gaming roster and shows no signs of being ousted any time soon. Kudos to Irrational and Looking Glass for getting it so right and MEGA kudos to GOG for bringing this gem to a new generation!