System Shock® 2 (1999)

Every single, SINGLE, modern trope in horror video games that exist to this day and were featured prominently in games such as Doom 3, Dead Space and Bioshock, started with this game and they exist for good reason- they keep the game intense and thoroughly enjoyable throughout. Match that with enjoyable gameplay, audibly amazing soundtrack and sound design, eerie and downright terrifying enemy designs (I'm looking at you giant invisible spiders) and you get met with an almost flawless game. My only negative to the game is that the second to last area involves some platforming, but since you can save at any time and quick save before each jump, the irritation is mitigated somewhat, however that is still a negative. Also, without some fan mods, some of the upgrades and abilities are esoterically useless. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this game. Believe the hype- this game is really that good.

My expectations were through the roof for this release. I was not let down. From the very beginning, System Shock 2's atmosphere is ridiculously nerve wracking. I spent so many moments in this game sprinting down the hall while reloading. My girlfriend made me jump multiple times as I was playing this game, because I so fixated on the immersive environments. Ultimately, this is Sci-fi Horror at its best. The gameplay is first person RPG with enough upgrades and stat variations to make modern games weep. Some upgrade are useless (for me, much of the PSI powers and energy weapons) and some weapons arrive much too late. Also, towards the end, the game can veer into tedium, but is still always scary. Much of the story is told through logs (a concept re-utilized later for Ken Levine's Bioshock). Luckily the logs are never hoaky and are always unnerving because of the superb voice acting. The ending left more to be desired, but, honestly, this game is a classic regardless of any of its faults. Trust me. Play this immediately! You will not be disappointed (unless you are a soulless sauerkraut).

A pathetic creature of meat and bone, panting and sweating as you run through my corridors. How can you challenge a perfect, immortal machine?" This is quite simply one of the greatest games I have ever had the pleasure to play. It is challenging, atmospheric, terrifying... the words I can conjure up don't do it justice. It is a masterpiece of gaming. For me to get a second chance to play it after having lost my install disc years ago, for finally giving access to those who never had the chance to experience this game in its heyday: Thank you, GOG.

I have a hard time calling anything the best of anything. System Shock 2 is the only product that I feel conferrable saying it's THE BEST.

I have it on my old CDs and it runs well on Win 7 with some tweaks. Many modding sites out there, now using Hi-res graphics. Would love to support GOG and the DRM-free movement, but will probably buy when on offer.