System Shock 2

 PC
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 715 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 647 out of 715
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 715
  3. Negative: 27 out of 715
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  1. TommyLee
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    A perfect example of horror storytelling mixed with RPG mechanics. One of the best PC games ever made.
  2. The_Nametag
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    A true classic. System Shock 2 sets the survival atmosphere well, throwing you alone with a voice in your ear to survive on a ship where something has gone wrong. The story is pieced together as you play, learning more and more about what happened, how it happened, and who else is alive on the ship with you.

    The game starts with limited resources, trying to balance them as you eek out    A true classic. System Shock 2 sets the survival atmosphere well, throwing you alone with a voice in your ear to survive on a ship where something has gone wrong. The story is pieced together as you play, learning more and more about what happened, how it happened, and who else is alive on the ship with you.

    The game starts with limited resources, trying to balance them as you eek out your survival. In this way, it encourages plenty of exploring. The more you explore, the more resources you find that will help you late in the game. Ultimately, what this really does is limit more than open. Nearly everything in the game is locked behind some kind of skill barrier. That armor you picked up? If you're not strong enough, you can't use it. That weapon? Are you proficient in the right skills? Can you repair it if it breaks, maintain it so it won't break as often? Hacking is essential, as it can - literally - open doors for you that are otherwise out of your reach.

    The game is not perfect. The engine feels fairly clunky today, and it can be very difficult to heal or swap some skills on the fly, particularly when trying to dodge enemies. It suffers from the same ending-going-off-the-rails as Half-Life. And it can be brutally difficult at times, particularly in areas where very powerful enemies like to respawn, and keep respawning. But even now, more than fifteen years later, this game can keep you invested.

    As an added bonus, the Steam version comes with the Multiplayer mod, allowing you to take a friend with you so that you aren't all alone. This does make the game considerably easier as, even though you are sharing resources, you get to specialize and utilize far more tools between the players, since everyone get the same amount of upgrades. There are also lots of community mods and patches to help the game look better, in some cases run better, fix bugs, etc. Don't hesitate to use them if that's your thing.

    Give this game a try and find out WHY it's spoken of so highly by those who've seen it through.    … Expand
  3. PsychopathicTim
    Jun 5, 2021
    9
    There is a HUGE learning curve that you need to get over in order to enjoy this game.... but when you do it becomes amazing!
  4. Awanka
    Oct 8, 2022
    8
    Fascinating to see the precursor to the Bioshock series. So many elements of that game are revealed here in an earlier state. The psionic powers, the voice logs, the hacking and combat. It's like Bioshock 0.

    It also has a pretty great story that delves into all kinds of space horror that is revealed as you journey through the ship. This is a pretty good horror game in its own right.    Fascinating to see the precursor to the Bioshock series. So many elements of that game are revealed here in an earlier state. The psionic powers, the voice logs, the hacking and combat. It's like Bioshock 0.

    It also has a pretty great story that delves into all kinds of space horror that is revealed as you journey through the ship. This is a pretty good horror game in its own right.

    Now for the bad. By today's standards it's a clunky mess in terms of UI and combat. You can work with it, but it's really rough. The RPG elements are more unforgiving than other "shock" games. This is actually kind of hard until later in the game when they rain modules like candy, and it's quite easy to get stuck in progression if you don't have the right build. I recommend reading a character building guide. The game is also often unclear as to what you're supposed to be doing. It will say "go to the command area," but there are multiple command areas on the ship, and what are you supposed to do when you get there? I found myself wasting a lot of time running to different areas trying to figure out how to trigger the next step in the story, and the vague instructions and backtracking only worsened as the game went on. Enemies also respawn relatively quickly, so the more time you spend trying to solve the game's puzzles, the more of a nuisance they become.

    Despite all that, this is a classic game that offers a strong narrative experience beginning to end, and the gameplay more or less works. The FPS elements are ok considering the time that it was released. Like the Bioshock games, you feel deeply engaged and part of the story. Everyone should play this once.    … Expand
  5. ylnylmn
    Dec 17, 2022
    10
    I just finished it for the 3rd time. It is truly an amazing game. An excellent storyline. Perfect level design. Great atmosphere and art design. It's a top notch game for its year. Shodan is very well designed. Her voice is very impressive. Various weapons, various skills. Multiple playability feature. Definitely a must play game.
  6. BanjoYarman
    May 11, 2021
    10
    System Shock 2 is one of the most important video games in our industry. Even the original system shock was influential (if you have the patience to go through its dated gameplay) but system shock 2 is a must-play experience for every first-person genre fan.
  7. BStheBOBI
    Mar 22, 2021
    8
    I played this game for the first time and i must say the game very good. The story itself and the antagonist SHODAN are very good and make the game very enjoyable to push through even though the gameplay part of it is very hard. its kind of an RPG with you searcing for weapons that are degradable, multiple types of ammo, You have this research info which you have to invest cyber modulesI played this game for the first time and i must say the game very good. The story itself and the antagonist SHODAN are very good and make the game very enjoyable to push through even though the gameplay part of it is very hard. its kind of an RPG with you searcing for weapons that are degradable, multiple types of ammo, You have this research info which you have to invest cyber modules for you to know how to kill enemies easier. Pretty much the entire system is well made. While most of the time you will know what to do but how you do it is up to you and you will be lost a lot. A big problem is that if you are poisoned and you don't have anti tox then you will have to reload a previous save. I had to use cheats to get more health and antitoxins because I would make it through at all so if you play it for the first time dont be shy to use cheats. It will make the game more enjoyable. The graphics are a bit dated, especially the character modules....they are horrible… Expand
  8. Politicalgamer7
    May 26, 2021
    10
    System Shock 2 is so underrated, its impact on out industry is undeniable. It wasn't perfect or flawless but let's see what it did best that made it an instant classic:
    1. Subtle gameplay
    2. Perfect atmosphere
    3. A story that was ahead of its time
    4. Realistic level design
    Sure thr game had flaws as well, to be honest it had many flaws but sometimess something is just too good.
  9. ShammiSham
    Aug 14, 2021
    10
    This game is good. And amazing level of depth to gameplay and story. Just get it.
  10. ynahit
    Jun 25, 2021
    10
    It was the only game that made me feel anxious when walking through a door.
  11. KolesAdlerov
    Feb 16, 2022
    9
    Irrational Games: the beginning. Immersive sims: the formation.

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics 7/10
    stealth 7/10
    atmosphere 10/10
    Gameplay as RPG & im.sim: 10/10

    Story 10/10

    Graphics 8/10

    Sounds & music 10/10

    .
    Cheers, K. Levine!
  12. DiegoVildez
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    this game is something else, I enjoyed so much , thanks for everything guys
  13. armadonpower
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    System Shock 2 is a terrifyingly immersive experience, with deep RPG elements and a haunting narrative that still resonates today. A classic.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 1999
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. FiringSquad
    90
    A gaming triumph...More astonishingly, they've created a system of classes and abilities that are so varied that there's a compelling reason to actually play through the game more than once.
    Read full review
  2. Electric Playground
    85
    A frightening game to the point that I found myself having to take breaks from playing just to ease the tension in my shoulders.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gameworld
    94
    Like RPGs? Like to be scared? System Shock 2 shows that a game can please you on a multitude of levels: visual, auditory, and emotional.
    Read full review
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