System Shock 2 is not your typical FPS. It does not just have you walk through corridors shooting enemies. Instead it focuses much more on resource management with heavy RPG elements (classes, skill, and attributes). This just adds to the heightened tension because you must always be aware of how much ammo you have on you, your weapon status, your health, etc. System Shock 2 is unrelenting. The music is unnerving and makes you feel like there is danger around every corner. Despite that, it does not rely on starting images to scare you. The atmosphere and the story are what make you terrified. It has fantastic level design and memorable characters even though you never meet any of them. It is one of the best games I have ever played.
I had never played this game when it came out. I only experienced it years after it was released. I heard people praising it so I decided to give it a shot and I went into the game with high expectations. After you leave the first area of the game (the Mortuary), I believed that the game started a bit slow. However, once the story kicked in, it was quite a ride. Simply put there is a reason that most of the top reviews for all other RPGs on this site compare those games (erroneously I might add) to Planescape. It is because Planescape: Torment is an unforgettable experience and it truly stands out in a field that is often cluttered with forgettable and clichéd stories. As an RPG it focuses on dialogue and decision making rather than action. It lets you shape future events solely just by speaking to people. Words matter. It's a game that can make you think. People often mention that the game focuses on the question "What can change the nature of a man". However, in my experience I spent time pondering about the nature of a person. What makes a person who he is and does ones actions make someone a new person or just modify their existing sense of self. This game will make you think and that's always a good thing.
The main campaign: It's an ok story. It has its ups and downs. Chapter 2 can drag on at times whereas Chapter 3 is full of excitement and is phenomenal at times. It's just a standard story that you've heard hundreds of time before. Shadows: This story is forgettable. This is partly because you start with a new character so you start at a low level. As the game progresses the story gets a bit better but it's still nothing to write home about. It's mediocre. Hordes: This story continues from SotU. In terms of story, this campaign blows the other two out of the water. It doesn't feel boring at times because you are at such a high level that the game can introduce more difficult fights alongside the intriguing dialogue. Unlike the other campaigns, this one gives you the freedom of choice. You can decide the fates of characters and you aren't locked into one set story. There are multiple endings depending on how you interacted with certain characters and how you handled the final fight. Sadly, the third chapter in this campaign is a bit of a letdown but it still offers a satisfying conclusion to the game. It's an action oriented RPG so your character will have to be able to hold his own in a fight (this game gives you the freedom to fail so be wary). It's not similar to RPGs where you can avoid most action through dialogue (i.e Planescape). At the end of the day, it's a fun game and worth the price tag. Had to cut lots from review to make it fit. Sorry if it is noticeable.
I put three stars simply because GOG does not allow half star ratings. This game is a 3.5/5. Simply put this game is fun to play. You have avoid being seen most of the time while disposing of enemies in a stealthy manner. The story is forgettable and feels as though it came from a bad Hollywood action movie but if you are playing this game for the story you are doing it wrong. While the action is fun, it does feel a bit repetitive at times. Certain sections of the game feel like trial and error where you make a mistake but then reload a previous save and attempt to do something in a new way to see if that works. I personally felt like there was a learning curve as well. In the first few levels I wasn't doing too well at all but once I got the handle on it I was capable of doing entire missions without taking any damage. Got it for about 2.49$ and it was worth every penny. If you ever see it on sale and want a fun action game then this is the game for you.
