System Shock 2 is already a recognized classic that has had a significant impact on the gaming industry.
Sooner or later, such significant projects are destined to receive remakes or remasters. Nightdive Studios, responsible for the 25th Anniversary Remaster, approached the task thoroughly, but seemingly without much enthusiasm.
For its anniversary, System Shock 2 received updated graphics, achievements, and multiplayer for four players. And we, who came to this celebration, received a gift in the form of an updated sequel.
Once upon a time in space
System Shock 2 takes place 42 years after the events of the first part. We are no longer Hacker, who needs to take a look at himself, but a trained fighter who has awakened aboard the first faster-than-light spaceship, the Von Braun.
The parallels with the Citadel station from System Shock are obvious; just look at the deck layouts — they are just as multi-level and winding and confusing. In both cases, we even have to start in the medical bay after spending some time in suspended animation.
Of course, everything on the ship has gone to hell, almost the entire crew is dead or has turned into monsters, the artificial intelligence Xerxes is pursuing its own goals, and all of this must be stopped immediately.
The formula of the first part still works, and new details are added to it to surprise and scare the player even more. At the same time, the main spoiler is still on the game cover, so there is no big surprise here.
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The main antagonist of System Shock in the sequel gives us tasks and awards points for leveling up our abilities.
It immediately becomes clear that nothing good will come of such cooperation (especially considering that SHODAN herself constantly declares that she will get rid of us if given the chance), but it’s still nice to “be friends” with the villain. At the same time, I still have vivid memories of how she mocked and humiliated Hacker throughout the Citadel, and it seems that this role suits her better after all.
Welcome to the 90s
You can feel that the game is already 25 years old. And it’s not even about the level design or controls (although the character seems wooden, but at the same time smooth as butter — when jumping and moving, she glides along), but rather the overall approach and attitude towards the player.
For example, there is an optional training session at the very beginning, after which you choose your future profession.
And here System Shock 2 declares that it is not only an action game, but also an RPG with attribute points and abilities.
At the beginning, we are given a choice of three specializations — in fantasy, these would be warrior, thief, and mage, but here we have cyberpunk, so we play as a marine, hacker, or psionic.
Next comes four years of training, done in a “choose one of three doors and get attribute points behind it” format, but until you know the game, it’s hard to imagine what will really be useful and what is pointless to level up.
In System Shock 2, it’s not necessary to be a pure warrior or repair engineer — on the contrary, hybrid classes are highly valued, where you can hack security cameras and shoot powerful weapons.
Exploring locations in System Shock 2 is mostly built around a simple rule: clear the deck by completing all the tasks on it, then move on to the next one. The player’s objectives are written in the log, which is very convenient, and you can also listen to and reread the diaries you find there in search of clues.
However, I can’t praise the inventory: there is always little space in it, even with maximum strength (which affects its size), and you will have to regularly shuffle items, throwing away weapons that always take up three slots, regardless of whether it’s a compact pistol or a powerful grenade launcher.
In addition, guns constantly wear out — they need to be repaired with special repair kits. If you prefer energy weapons, you will have to regularly deal with charging them: either look for power stations or charge them with psi magic, first getting used to the process of switching between spells in inventory mode.
