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. Paulie_C
    Feb 9, 2011
    10
    This is one of the greatest and underrated PC games of all time, simply terrifying to play with its unparalleled level of ambient horror this is the RPS that defined the genre and has set the standard for future games in this category. Dead Space/Bioshock/Deus Ex - all the others stem from SS2 and it's no surprise why.
    The gameplay is superior to SS1 and the sound and voice acting are    This is one of the greatest and underrated PC games of all time, simply terrifying to play with its unparalleled level of ambient horror this is the RPS that defined the genre and has set the standard for future games in this category. Dead Space/Bioshock/Deus Ex - all the others stem from SS2 and it's no surprise why.
    The gameplay is superior to SS1 and the sound and voice acting are some of, if not the best I have ever heard in my years of gaming. To me reviewing this in 2011 after playing it for about 8 years - this is the pinnacle of PC gaming and if you can get your hands on a copy and get it running then you are in for a world of horrific joy!    … Expand
  2. Cynewulf
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    Simply one of the finest games ever created. One of very few games that reduced me to cowering in a corner listening intently for any signs of movement. The graphics may not be up to standard these days but there's no way this game should be marked down for that. Perfection! Rest in peace Looking Glass.
  3. Medallish
    Feb 20, 2013
    8
    Before we start. I was born in Nov. 85. and was about 14 when this game was released, I remember specifically playing this game with my brother, and although never advancing beyond the first Deck, the game still gave me a lasting impression of it being an amazing game.

    Setting: System Shock 2 is a Sci-Fi Survival Horror game, it all starts on the ship The Von Braun, which is a type of    Before we start. I was born in Nov. 85. and was about 14 when this game was released, I remember specifically playing this game with my brother, and although never advancing beyond the first Deck, the game still gave me a lasting impression of it being an amazing game.

    Setting:
    System Shock 2 is a Sci-Fi Survival Horror game, it all starts on the ship The Von Braun, which is a type of research vessel, and the most advanced ship the human species has manged to build, you get interrupted in your cryo sleep by another survivor, and told that the ship is under some kind of attack. Even today the game manages to make you feel like you're on a space ship, running down corridors down in engineering to fix something, or rummaging around in a cargo bay for clues. And the game doesn't use levels, as such, you often have to go down to lower levels after you've been other places, and if you research objects you'll often try and remember where the last Chemical Storeroom was. You're on a desolate ship with Aliens that hate you, and want you dead, and an AI that won't hide the fact that you're but a puppet or insect to her, doing as she demands. You do hear from survivors every now and then, but it's far in between, and most of the time you just feel like you're working with someone who just hates you a little less than the creatures who wants to kill you do.

    Gameplay:
    I always have 2 fears when playing old games, one of them is graphics, is it so bad that I'll be taken out of the experience? And the second is gameplay, nostalgia is a hell of a thing, and shows us how deceptive our brains can be. I always try and be objective atleast. Imo this game stands up just fine on gameplay, mouse and keyboard just works, and even some of the more different ways of doing things feel natural, like right clicking to interact with things, there's no hand holding, but I was very rarely so lost that I couldn't find my way eventually, although some of the levels for me were a lot of brute forcing just walking back and forth, so that can be frustrating.
    One thing I honestly loved was how much of a panic I was in when I saw a spider because I knew I didn't have enough anti Tox syringes to save myself if I got bit, it caused me to go into such a panic I would just flee and do something insanely stupid, and I don't even have arachnophobia. The combat is the most dated probably. Even the biggest creatures can pretty easily be defeated using melee weapons, although you do have to step back a few times.

    Sound/Music:
    One of the things that completely freaked me out as a kid was the fact that you heard the tormented voices of the infected, saying: I'm sorry! or Kill me! As they were hitting, or shooting you, just the idea of being possessed and doing things you normally wouldn't was a really spooky thing, there's a lot of cool things like that, like you'll hear them speak as they are looking for you, and it seems clear they are very aware of your presence. The music worked really well too, it was weird sometimes when I went through a door, and the music changed to something completely different, but I still really liked the soundtrack, and there was something about the music in the Hydroponics area that made my heart pumping. And Shodan just sounds cool every time she speaks.(Looloolooook at you, hahahaaacker!).

    Graphics:
    Ok this is a bit of a cheat, didn't play it with it's original graphics, I got a texture mod, as well as some model updates, and environmental mods(Plants, goo etc.), and with these mods the game looks great, it's not perfect, but it's a lot better than triangle hands, and square and flat faces. The game looks old if you don't have any mods on it, it might be charming, but the mods I installed didn't make the experience less epic, or scary.

    Conclusion:
    I rarely find myself compelled to play games like crazy, it has to have an interesting story. I got Bioshock after I heard it was basically an alternative take on System Shock 2, but I honestly couldn't be bothered after a while, and I wasn't at all as captivated as I was during my play through with System Shock 2. The game isn't perfect, I hoped there would be a few choices towards the end, but other than that, the game shows that games back in the 90's were onto something, something that's been missing in most recent games.    … Expand
  4. Thaneg
    Apr 5, 2013
    10
    Back in the day when games weren't about achievements or micro-transactions. Nothing in the latter generations comes even close to touching this masterpiece.
  5. Nasher
    May 11, 2013
    10
    Still one of the greatest games ever made. They don't make em like they used to.
  6. keefbaker
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    Very possibly the greatest game of all time. Terrifying, well scripted with monstrous twists, atmospheric soundtrack.. the lot. As good as the unofficial sequels (the bioshock series) have been, they simply don't touch this phenomenal piece of work.
  7. Desthro
    Mar 20, 2012
    10
    This game, is quite possibly one of the best ever made. The execution in this product is top-notch, even by today's exacting standards. The atmosphere, frightening, still gives me that creepy feeling on the back of my neck. The NPCs, they seem real, alive with real-issues, all of which drive the story piece by piece. There isn't a single game that I have played to date that is as good asThis game, is quite possibly one of the best ever made. The execution in this product is top-notch, even by today's exacting standards. The atmosphere, frightening, still gives me that creepy feeling on the back of my neck. The NPCs, they seem real, alive with real-issues, all of which drive the story piece by piece. There isn't a single game that I have played to date that is as good as System Shock 2. There are good games, even great games, but this one... I always come back to this one, even a decade later. Sure the graphics are terrible by today's standards, even the controls a tad clunky, but the auditory and psychological experience are second to none.

    This game /can/ be hard. Even seemingly impossibly difficult. That in and of itself is a rare beauty. Too many games nowadays are made for corn-fed calves; this one makes you think, risk, and if you do it right, survive...

    A must have.    … Expand
  8. apdenton
    Mar 25, 2012
    10
    System Shock 2 is the pinnacle of first person gaming to date (2012), modern games can barely stand to its intelligent, innovative and rewarding design. Do NOT think twice, buy it now! But do not expect a walk in the park otherwise Shodan will make you her ****
  9. Certate0
    Apr 30, 2012
    10
    Brilliant atmospheric cyberpunk excellence. System Shock 2 should be looked at back on by all future generations as a shining example of how a game should be made. If your up for some retro gaming this is definately the place to start and it is a horrifying thought that another installment will never be made. This game gives an ongoing sence of desperation and real consequences to the wayBrilliant atmospheric cyberpunk excellence. System Shock 2 should be looked at back on by all future generations as a shining example of how a game should be made. If your up for some retro gaming this is definately the place to start and it is a horrifying thought that another installment will never be made. This game gives an ongoing sence of desperation and real consequences to the way you develope your character. It was almost as good as System Shock 1… Expand
  10. Priami
    Dec 19, 2012
    10
    The ultimate masterpiece. Atmosphere, storyline and voice acting are incredible. SHODAN is the best video game villain ever. It's amazing how 13 years old game can still be so gripping and fresh. Only real complaint is a bit unbalanced character progression. For example, Exotic Weapons-skill is almost completely useless.
  11. eriksonis
    Feb 23, 2013
    9
    Best horror game i have ever played. Also, its first person shooter with rpg elements, i haven't seen something like this before. Game looks absolutely unique, graphics and game play is innovating. Voice acting is outstanding. But i doubt that new school players will like it.
  12. Turk
    Jul 1, 2013
    9
    A glorious game that pretty much invented everything you now know in the modern FPS. Its a shame that future developers decided to loot and dumb-down the mechanics rather than expand and their possibilities. This game plays well even today, clunky interface and all.
  13. GenericGamer286
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    It pains me to see, after this RPG master-piece, the path which Irrational Games took. From pure RPG games with shooting elements to the latest "Call of Duty" Infinite with barely any trace of RPG. But, I guess, its what today's gaming public wants... Shame.
  14. GameGuyMan
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    When a game like this is still being talked about and still given recognition 14 years from when it was released, that means a lot. This game has defined the FPS/Survival horror genre so that all the others before it could be inspired. It has also innovated storytelling and having a villain in a game that gets you really involved in what's going on. SHODAN is still considered one of theWhen a game like this is still being talked about and still given recognition 14 years from when it was released, that means a lot. This game has defined the FPS/Survival horror genre so that all the others before it could be inspired. It has also innovated storytelling and having a villain in a game that gets you really involved in what's going on. SHODAN is still considered one of the greatest video game characters and villains of all time. This game has had a profound impact on games and I believe if they made a 100 greatest games of all times list 100 years from now, System Shock 2 would be on the list.… Expand
  15. Giygas
    Oct 9, 2008
    10
    Possibly the greatest game I have ever played. Great music, great gameplay, and even greater story.
  16. Mesmermojo
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    A Masterpiece, why this game hasn't had a HD remake is beyond me. A terrifying and clever take on the original with brilliant writing by the always magnificent Ken Levine.
  17. CsendesMark
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    This game is one of my all time favorites, not because it's good graphic or fancy characters, but the awesome story and epic atmosphere. Too bad, current games are lacking those elements. I am waiting for the new episode more than 10 years now, and still hoping someone can do it right!
    Best mix in FPS-RPG elements, just like Deus Ex one.
  18. whitespider999
    Feb 21, 2012
    9
    Please note that all games are reviewed against current standards. What the game 'was' for it's time. Does not factor into the score. Only what it is.

    System shock 2 remains one of the most atmospheric, deep, and psychological games ever made - even in 2012. It's visuals have aged VERY poorly. However it's sound design has not, and remains at the top of it's class. This game is a    Please note that all games are reviewed against current standards. What the game 'was' for it's time. Does not factor into the score. Only what it is.

    System shock 2 remains one of the most atmospheric, deep, and psychological games ever made - even in 2012. It's visuals have aged VERY poorly. However it's sound design has not, and remains at the top of it's class. This game is a masterpiece, there is no other word for it. It's one of the scariest game's ever made, and then it layers deep rpg systems over the top as well as exceptional audio design and story presentation. The end result is nothing short of a timeless miracle.    … Expand
  19. Speedster09
    Sep 8, 2011
    9
    with a heavy heart i give this a 9 - why would i do this for a game that is amongst my personal top of the finest games ever made? because it could have been more; nonetheless, it is simply one of the most brilliant horror FPS ever made; the game play is certainly immersive - not quite as much as the Thief series (from which SS2 borrowed a lot of the sounds since the same developerwith a heavy heart i give this a 9 - why would i do this for a game that is amongst my personal top of the finest games ever made? because it could have been more; nonetheless, it is simply one of the most brilliant horror FPS ever made; the game play is certainly immersive - not quite as much as the Thief series (from which SS2 borrowed a lot of the sounds since the same developer (Looking Glass) made both game franchises), but nonetheless incredibly well done; but what i think the game failed to do is to balance all weapons (some are acquired later on and typically quite under-powered and useless, especially since the RPG aspect is so well developed in this game, meaning that a later stages in the game you will already have developed your character to be most proficient in some weaponry - little use are underpowered exotic weapons that your character has little to no skill in using); and the lonely environment is simply not convincing - other attempts in the genre like Dead Space actually do create horror you can feel and thus heighten your feeling of isolation; but in SS2 this feeling never develops because of the vast weaponry at your disposal and the rather pathetic attempts at instigating several encounters with other alive NPCs that then get killed or run off; however, the musical score is superb and creates incredible atmosphere in this game; all in all a definite must-have!… Expand
  20. Kirase
    Dec 15, 2011
    10
    This game has one major flaw and sadly it is one of the kind that may leave you disappointed and cast down after playing it. - Most likely there wont ever be any kind of official remake or third part of this series due to legal right issues. At least that is how i feel about whats going on there.

    A lot of aspects about this game are just brilliant. Terri and Eric Brosius work on vocals,    This game has one major flaw and sadly it is one of the kind that may leave you disappointed and cast down after playing it. - Most likely there wont ever be any kind of official remake or third part of this series due to legal right issues. At least that is how i feel about whats going on there.

    A lot of aspects about this game are just brilliant. Terri and Eric Brosius work on vocals, sound and music just needs to be honored. The level design. Or the way some RPG Elements are implementented in this sci-fi survival shooter too.

    Difficult to find anything similar in todays games where 90% of the budgets just seem to float in graphics and mediocre multiplayer modes.    … Expand
  21. MeCritic
    Jul 15, 2013
    10
    System Shock 2 is everything I look for in a game. Great gameplay, great story, nice graphics, great soundtrack, great atmosphere, uncanningly amazing voice acting. The player models are a bit "ugh" but aside from that the graphics are quite good for the time it was released. The one thing I didn't really like about it was that the default controls really suck. W is forward (as usual), butSystem Shock 2 is everything I look for in a game. Great gameplay, great story, nice graphics, great soundtrack, great atmosphere, uncanningly amazing voice acting. The player models are a bit "ugh" but aside from that the graphics are quite good for the time it was released. The one thing I didn't really like about it was that the default controls really suck. W is forward (as usual), but A and D were turn left and right, respectivly, and S was crouch, whereas Z and C were strafe left and right, respectivly, and X was backward. Of course, this can be easily changed, so it is but a minor annoyance.
    The thing that first hit me about this game was the tutorial. Most of the time, the tutorials in games are crudly done (Half-Life) or very vague (Ghost Recon) if existant at all (Day of Defeat). System Shock 2 takes tutorials to a whole new level. It's very thorough and fits into the storyline like a cute glove. And if you're on your second playthrough, you can skip the tutorial completely. However, if it is your first time playing, you really should play it. This is not just another FPS. This is unique.
    So how much is this worth? More than Steam is selling it for. If you don't like RPGs, you wouldn't like this. If you only play modern games because "GWAFIXXXXX", stop it for this game. You can't just not play it.    … Expand
  22. hippo
    Jan 7, 2013
    10
    My absolute favorite game of all time. I've given up finding a game that replicates the feeling I had when I first played this. Amazing story-line that couldn't be told better with so many twists that you won't see coming. Level design, lighting, sounds, voice acting and music will make for an unparalleled experience: you will feel desperately alone on a massive spaceship trillions ofMy absolute favorite game of all time. I've given up finding a game that replicates the feeling I had when I first played this. Amazing story-line that couldn't be told better with so many twists that you won't see coming. Level design, lighting, sounds, voice acting and music will make for an unparalleled experience: you will feel desperately alone on a massive spaceship trillions of miles from earth. A simple look out the window from a crew member's cabin reminds you all too well of this. All this despite the graphics were not the best going around, even for its day. There are a few problems, namely the weapons needing to be repaired too frequently, some upgrades such as exotic weapons not balanced, and perhaps a reduction in the quality of the levels in the late game (but only compared to the high standard of those that come before). Even in 2013 I'd still recommend people to play it. Try to play on XP if you can, there is a patch out there somewhere.

    I wish I could give it an 11.    … Expand
  23. Dorlok
    May 17, 2013
    10
    Cela faisait plusieurs années que j'avais entendu parler de Sytem Shock 2. Atmosphère stressante, voix intimidantes et bien réalisés, système de RPG excellent, je n'entendais que du bon de ce jeu. J'ai pus enfin me le procurer résemment et me suis empressé d'y jouer. Sérieusement, mes attentes furent emplements atteintes! Je n'es jamais fais de review avant, mais pour System Shock 2 ilCela faisait plusieurs années que j'avais entendu parler de Sytem Shock 2. Atmosphère stressante, voix intimidantes et bien réalisés, système de RPG excellent, je n'entendais que du bon de ce jeu. J'ai pus enfin me le procurer résemment et me suis empressé d'y jouer. Sérieusement, mes attentes furent emplements atteintes! Je n'es jamais fais de review avant, mais pour System Shock 2 il fallait que je le fasse.

    -Le jeu immerse le joueur en le poussant s'investir dans l'exploration du Van Braun. Il n'y a pas de gros indicateur dans l'écran pour vous dire où aller comme la plus part des jeux d'aujourd'hui, non, vous devez lire et bien écouter ce qu'on vous dit pour trouver ce que vous aller devoir chercher, l'exploration rapporte gros dans ce jeu. Certains détails comme prendre une arme sur le sol pour la décharger de ses munitions avant de la reposer sur le sol apporte un certains réalisme au côté survie du jeu.

    -Les ennemies comme les mutants, cyborg, robots, araignés et Intelligence Artificielle diaboliques qui habitent le vaisseau vous ferons ressentir un sentiment de solitude et de danger oppressant, surtout parce que vous n'êtes pas équiper comme un commando et qu'économiser ses balles et médecines est nécessaire. Les voix sont de vrais merveilles, je suis franchement impressionné par celle de "The Many" et particulièrement celle de SHODAN.

    -Le côté RPG est excellent. Vous devrez user de votre tête pour déterminé quoi améliorer travers les compétences qui vont de hacking réparation, armes feux ou pouvoirs psychiques. La multitude de compétences augmenter vous permettra d'avoir différentes approches chaque fois que vous rejouerez. Qui dit RPG dit inventaire. Un peu comme Diablo ou Resident Evil 4, vous devrez placer vos différents objets dans de multiples cases et parfois même devoirs faire du rangement pour pouvoir y mettre un item de plus. Ce n'est pas nécessairement une corvée car malgré le grand nombre d'objets disponible, vous aurez bien souvent assé de place pour ce que vous voulez.

    -L'arsenal de notre héros est simple, mais intéressante. Vous avez 4 catégorie d'armes:
    Standard Pistolet, fusil pompe et fusil d'assault.
    Lourd Lance-greandes, fusil fusion et générateur de champs magnétiques.
    Énergie Épée laser, pistolet laser et fusil EMP.
    Éxotiques Crystal, Viral Proliferator et l'anelid lanceur de vers infectés.
    À vous de voir ce qui vous plaira. Chaque catégorie approte différentes tactiques.

    -La musique est bien souvent électronique et rythmé. Elle vous préparera mentalement exterminer tout danger qui osera vous défier. (Cela ne veut pas dire que vous pouvez tirer partout comme un fou haha).

    -Les graphiques ont un peu mal vieillit. Il ne sont pas d'est plus affreux, mais même en 1999 il se faisait mieux. Des taches de sang sur le sol, des ordinateur mise en pièces, des murs marqué de griffures énormes rendent l'environnement plus réel et l'on peut facile s'imaginer quel genre de massacre il y a eu dans les couloirs du Van Braun. *Des mods sont disponibles pour améliorer l'apparence des personnages et les textures de l'environnement. Vous trouverez tout rapidement sur google.

    -Les contrôles sont un peu diffciles commencement, mais après une heure y jouer vous n'aurez plus aucun problème rapidement aller dans votre inventaire, utiliser un objet, changer d'arme ou de munitions et vérifier vos objectifs. N'utiliser pas de manette, le jeu été fait pour la souris et le clavier.

    -Le level design peut paraître labyrinthique et se perdre peut arriver, mais si vous jeter de rapides coup d'oeil votre map et vous assurez de bien savoir les informations relié votre objectif, tout ira bien. Une mini-map peut être afficher si vous cocher l'option disponible quand vous regarder votre map. Le Van Braun est ÉNORME. On se sent tout petit dans cet énorme vaisseau et cela immerse vraiment le joueur. Des couloirs, des laboratoires, des chambres et salles de mahcines, il y a de tout!

    System Shock 2 en vaut vraiment la peine, c'est une expérience vivre et moins de 10$ sur Steam, vous seriez fou de passer coté. J'espère que mon review vous a plus, merci.    … Expand
  24. BBarage
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    Everything that Bioshock should have been. I'll take the less impressive graphics of SS2 and stellar replay/gameplay over the stellar graphics of Bioshock and lacking replay/gameplay. If you've played Bioshock, you owe it to yourself to find a copy of SS2 and see what could have been!
  25. Col
    Apr 25, 2005
    10
    SS2 is simply the best PC game Ive ever played. I got it around 4 years ago in a PC game bundle and was blown away. Ridiculously atmospheric, great for allowing different approaches and a stunning plot make this a classic. This one goes up to 11!
  26. AndrewG.
    Jan 13, 2008
    10
    Probably inferior to Half-Life in its scenic variety and execution - but a far more compelling story, with intelligent and very well balanced rpg elements - Story and depth - this is as games should be. Better than BioShock, by a country mile. We need a System Shock 3.
  27. magcakpro
    Mar 13, 2011
    10
    Best survival horror I have ever played. This is a game wear I actually was scared a few times, and the tension of every shot having to count is pulled of perfectly.
  28. LordOwlet
    Apr 25, 2013
    10
    Well let's go with this. It's in my top 5 single player games.
    Survival horror, FPS RPG, a fascinating story and world, memorable characters, solid OST and replay value.
    Can't truly go into details without giving spoilers! It does slip up towards the end though when things become rushed, level design quality drops and there's a terrible mandatory platforming section that never showed up    Well let's go with this. It's in my top 5 single player games.
    Survival horror, FPS RPG, a fascinating story and world, memorable characters, solid OST and replay value.
    Can't truly go into details without giving spoilers!
    It does slip up towards the end though when things become rushed, level design quality drops and there's a terrible mandatory platforming section that never showed up in the previous 17 hours of the game.    … Expand
  29. Soul_it
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    What else to say? Other comments said everything that has to be said. A simply masterpiece done by Looking Glass.
  30. Sh0dan
    Apr 1, 2013
    10
    Nothing short of the best game I have ever played, and ive played a fecking LOT of games. Sadly, they just don't make them like this anymore. While modern games look prettier, and are far more technically accomplished, none of them are half as immersive as this game was and still is to this day. Everyone should give this game a chance and try to look past its age visuals, because it trulyNothing short of the best game I have ever played, and ive played a fecking LOT of games. Sadly, they just don't make them like this anymore. While modern games look prettier, and are far more technically accomplished, none of them are half as immersive as this game was and still is to this day. Everyone should give this game a chance and try to look past its age visuals, because it truly is one of the greatest games every developed.… Expand
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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

All reviews »
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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