System Shock 2
Release Date: August 11, 1999
RPG, FPP, cyberpunk, science fiction, horror, action RPG, immersive sim, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN
Steam
System Shock 2 brings a continuation to a an acclaimed action game featuring RPG elements, combining classic science-fiction elements with cyberpunk. The second installment was once again created by Looking Glass, this time however, supported by Irrational Games.
Three years after System Shock's release, its creators decided to return to a science-fiction world where an AI created by great corporations stands up to the humans. This time, Looking Glass (the original game's creators) were supported by Irrational Games. Electronic Arts was the publisher. Although the budget amounted to just 1.7 million dollars and the works took 18 months, the game set new standards in the survival-horror genre for many years. System Shock 2 came out in 1999.
Plot
In System Shock 2 for PC, the plot was based on the events depicted in the original game. System Shock 2 is set 40 years after destroying the Citadel. A military organization known as the Unified National Nominate tries to limit the power that great corporations enjoy. Von Braun, a modern-day spaceship is supposed to help in achieving that. The player takes on the role of a soldier volunteering to take part in the vessel's first flight. Suddenly, the protagonist is woken up from coma and finds out that most of the crew was murdered and that the ship is swarming with mutants and rebellious robots. As befits a survival-horror game, the plot here is filled with sudden twists and maintains the player in suspense until the end.
Mechanics
System Shock 2 for PC is played from the first-person view. The player chooses a profession from among three available, which determines which abilities the player has access to at the beginning. The abilities can be adequately developed using cybernetic modules acquired alongside progression.
Combat was strongly emphasized. The protagonist has both ranged and melee weapons at their disposal here. Moreover, they can also upgrade weapons, repair them, or even create new models.
System Shock 2 features many puzzles as well. Those are not particularly complex however, because the player is usually required to position different levers adequately. Nonetheless, the in-game puzzles simply enrich the experience.
Game modes
Apart from a singleplayer campaign, the game offers a minimalistic multiplayer mode. Up to four players can meet in a session, connected either via LAN or Internet. Their goal is to face the threats waiting for them onboard UNN Von Braun together.
Technical aspects
System Shock 2 for PC utilizes the modified Dark Engine. Importantly, one of the updates introduced high screen resolution settings. The player is taken to a crude, dark world, and the tension is palpable thanks to the soundtrack.
Last updated on September 21, 2016
May 18, 2022
Great Games That Sold Poorly (at Least Initially)
It's no news that artistic success doesn't have to go hand in hand with commercial one. However, sometimes it's hard to believe that the titles which are successful and popular to this day were complete commercial flops in their first years.
Videos and Screens
GAMERS Score
Average score from 5272 votes.
6
GAMES
in System Shock Game Series
Game Series
System Shock Series
A series of action adventure games combining RPG and FPS elements. All installments of the series were maintained in a cyberpunk style. Different development studios were responsible for their creation, but consisting largely of the same employees.
6 video games
System Shock 2 Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Irrational Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
Age restrictions: 16+
System Shock 2 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium II 300, 64MB, sound card, graphic card
After Almost 4 Years, System Shock 2 Remaster Got a Trailer
Nightdive Studios has finally released the first trailer and screenshots from System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition, a remaster of the iconic 1999 game.
video games
Adrian Werner
May 21, 2023
New Footage From System Shock Remake; Details on Demo and Pre-orders
The team at Nightdive Studios released new footage of System Shock remake. It was also revealed when we can expect the start of pre-orders and the release of the next demo. We also got to know more about System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition.
video games
Adrian Werner
January 24, 2021
Shock 2 Enhanced Edition Will Support VR
Nightdive shared new information about System Shock 2 Enhanced Edition. Apparently the title will offer support for VR sets.
video games
Agnes Adamus
January 11, 2021
System Shock 2 NewDark, or „How a Fan Resurrected the Iconic Game”
The announcement of System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition is already behind us, but it is not the first return of the iconic production from Looking Glass Studios team. The title returned first thanks to an update created by an... anonymous fan. To this day, their identity has not been discovered.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
August 15, 2019
System Shock 2 Enhanced Edition Announced
Nightdive Studios announced System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition, a refreshed version of the classic from 1999.
video games
Adrian Werner
August 12, 2019