System Shock: Enhanced Edition

The most important game of my childhood finally getting the attention it needs. If you are planning try System Shock 2, play this one first and learn why SHODAN is such a great villain.

For years I tried to play the original System Shock, but I found the control scheme too big of a hurdle to overcome. I've played System Shock 2 many times, and loved it, even with its complex interface. But I never could enjoy the original System Shock due to the complex and very clunky interface. Fortunately Night Dive added fully functioning mouse-look support, and I was finally able to enjoy the game. If you have played System Shock 2, then the interface in Enhanced System Shock is somewhat similar. Not identical, but similar enough so that you can pick it up quickly. The only real gap in the interface for me was the inability to assign custom shortcut keys (e.g. switching/reloading weapons, changing ammo types, stims, etc.) But I was able to adjust my approach to accommodate this limitation. GOG also includes some very useful extras like two strategy guides (One from Origin and one from Sybex), detailed maps of Citadel Station and solutions to all the puzzles. You also get System Shock Classic so you can try the game with the original 1994 interface if you choose. So it's real a bargain for $9.99!!

Old version of System Shock is very clunky and unappealing by todays standards. But - this version makes everything better. There is some clunkiness, but it's mainly because of original design - and in few minutes everything becomes very clear. This version has many, many options to customize your gameplay - from controls, to difficulty. It's a very immersive game and it encourages the player to explore and carefully plan your adventure. It lacks the RPG elements of System Shock 2, but it's more open ended, and (for me at least) much more fun to play. If you're a fan of sci-fi/cyberpunk - this is a must! For me it's better than SS2. Great game and extremely recommended!

If you were put off the dated look of this game, well then I have some good news for you! This game has been updated to work even better than before. -up to 4k resolution -better graphics -Change FOV -Controls have been updated (mouselook!) -and much more... It's worth a shot! Get out of a spaceship, taken by an evil AI and some monsters around every corner.

At first I felt somewhat mixed about game but after forcing myself to understand how this game is to be played compared to the second game and It's many spiritual successors (bioshock series, prey reboot, etc.). And I can assure anyone reading this that can tolerate aging graphics and controls that this was worth my time. I fully understand now how this game managed to start a sub-genre in the FPS Genre and I am now anticipated for the third entry as well as the reboot/remake of this game.