System Shock® 2 (1999)

One of the best games out there, period. You can find reviews that rave about this exceptional game everywhere around the internet. What's more important about this great release on GoG though, is that it represents a second chance, a chance to mark SS2 as a best selling success. Although critically acclaimed, SS2 never managed to be a "commercial" success. It's one of those games that publishers will say that "do not appeal to focus groups", "people find complicated and difficult to follow" and whatever else that's gotten us to the point where we get Modern Military Warface Call of Medal 12 every year. Sales figures of this 13 year old masterpiece is the loudest roar that we, as gamers, can shout to publishers to make them see that these are the games we want, these are the games they should be making and these games can sell great. No need for Modern Military Warface Call of Medal 13 next year.

I could go on and on. I could talk about the fantastic art design, brilliant use of color, pitch-perfect voice acting, terrifying atmosphere, or anything else. But I won't. I'll just say this. In over two decades of video gaming, System Shock 2 is my favorite game. Out of all of them. #1. And it's not a hard call. Get it. Try it. It's the best.

This game is the perfect example of what videogames can acomplish to become a truly gripping experience. This game was as well developed as any book or movie with excelent use of moody setting and diverse & imaginative gameplay this is truly an unforgettable experience. Besides the tremendous gameplay the main thing that set this game apart for me was the great atmosphere, everything here is just right; the monsters are scary and have their own distinct sound effects that can help you spot them before thay are actually in front of you; I recall many "jump ou of your seat" moments while moving along "cleared" levels only to hear a cry of "Die" or "Kill me" while beign hit from behind with a pipe. The tragic stories of the crewmembers unforld via audiologs that really made them more than another faceless NPC; I remember the chilling audiologs telling the tale of creation the first "nanny" ...and then meeting her afterwards. Over the years modders have made some pretty impresive graphic packs to try to make the game a bit more palatable for modern gamers, but considering its age the gameplay is still as rock solid as ever, plus with the new patch included here it runs great on modern PC. I truly feel this is a must play game for anyone who the slightest bit interested in CRPGs or PC games in general.

In my 20 years of gaming, I dont think a single game has given me the chills, the sweats, the intense sensation of fear that System Shock 2 has. The atmosphere, the complete lack of music with just a quiet hum of machinery until some otherwordly creature shrieks in the distance and you have to go change your underwear. Please. Do yourself a favor and purchase this game now, grab a good set of headphones, turn off the lights and be immersed in the atrocities that occur on the Von Braun. You won't be disappointed.

Without a doubt, this game will not disappoint. Have a clean pair of underpants to hand. That is all.