There are two main issues when playing 1993's System Shock after thirty years: - As it was an early 3D game, the interface and controls are archaic and difficult, even in the enhanced edition - As it was an early 3D game, navigation was very maze-like and confusing at the best of times The thing about System Shock is that for the most part, the game doesn't need changing. This remake takes note of that and updates the controls and interface, modernizes the game world without streamlining it too much, and vastly improves accessibility. This is the definitive way to play System Shock. It's not an new game in the vein of the original - it's the original, reconfigured to the standards of 2023 without compromising its integrity. Some people will lament the changes, others will think they haven't gone far enough, but Nightdive have flawlessly toed the line between the two.
EYE is the quintessential 'B' Euro-jank title - right from the legacy of Neurohunter, Pathologic and STALKER There was a time where you would pick up these games and see wild and unrealistic ambition from the get-go, but they still made it happen (or, at the very least tried to) and came out with these small gems. No mass appeal and very flawed but, there's a passion and true love that went into making them that lead to them becoming cult classics These games probably still exist, but are now buried under such deep oceans of low-effort Unity titles and meme games that it's become harder to find them EYE has been built from a combination of weird genius and love that, unfortunately, you will either 'get' straight away or be left bewildered and confused. The mechanics are opaque, your mission vague, and the world bizarre and nonsensical (if you follow the story, this is very intentional - you're experiencing things the way the protagonist does. this is not at any point, however, made clear. at all) The english localisation weaves between confronting and puerile - there is a fan project to 'fix' this, and while it makes the game more playable, it eliminates the charm and awareness of the original - it's like the narrated Theatrical Cut of Blade Runner versus the Director's Cut So - should you buy this? No. Not at all. God no, I only like it because I'm an idiot. Buy the studio's newest game - it's also quite good and easier to get into. But if you do give EYE a shot, it is truly brilliant in its own way. Just know what you're in for
In Ether One, you are tasked with exploring the damaged memories of an Alzheimer's patient in an attempt to restore them. The (entirely optional) puzzles are occasionally frustrating, as they're very much implicit - you'll find a broken projector which gradually repairs itself as you solve more components of the puzzle. Sometimes it's difficult to connect elements of the environment with their puzzles, but through careful exploration, patience and maybe a notepad by your keyboard it's a rewarding adventure. As all the puzzles are optional, you have the choice to play this game in two different ways which both alter the experience. You can play it as a Gone Home/Dear Esther styled interactive story, collecting the red bows and reading diaries and letters to fill out what happened, or a Myst-style environment puzzler which unlocks audio logs, encouraging further engagement with the story. Those who complete all the puzzle are rewarded with an optional second ending. Ether One is a new experience for me as a game and although I was hesitant first entering its splintered world, I'm very glad that I've had the opportunity to play through a title that presents such a unique perspective on the role of the 'self' in mental illness.
