- Publisher: Nightdive Studios , Prime Matter
- Release Date: May 30, 2023
- Also On: Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
- Unscored
-
LEVEL (Czech Republic)Jan 22, 2024The developers didn't invent the already invented - they figured out how to bring a cult classic out of cryosleep and offer it to a world that may have forgotten how brilliant it was. [Issue#328]
-
Jun 9, 2023It helps that the source material was ahead of its time. By paying the 1994 original the utmost respect–retaining core systems, quirks and all, while changing on peripheral aspects entirely for the better–Nightdive Studios has rebuilt a classic game into something significantly better.
-
May 30, 2023System Shock is an iconic game with much influence that still resonates. But the game did not age well with how its combat works. With the remake, we can see how, beneath that clunky oldness of the original, there is a great game which has ideas and themes which still resonate strongly. The freedom System Shock offers its players the to discover and play it along with its stellar exploration, voice acting and storytelling is worth the time.
-
Edge MagazineJun 15, 2023This isn't old school for old school's sake, it's a reminder that there's more to reviving classic material than nostalgia. Sometimes, it's about showing the modern industry where it lost its way. [Issue#386, p.108]
-
Jun 9, 2023System Shock is a remake years in the making, and Nightdive Studios masterfully reimagines the critically acclaimed classic. From the challenging puzzles, dangerous combat, cyberpunk aesthetic, and the tragic story that serves as the backbone for it all, there’s a lot to love about this game. System Shock’s legacy will live on in this brilliant modern take.
-
Jun 7, 2023System Shock may not be an experience suited to everyone, but it's still a fantastic game, and this remake makes it slightly more accessible thanks to its new graphics, interface, and control schemes while staying true to the original game's vision and complex level design.
-
Jun 2, 2023Where many modern games invite you to sit back and enjoy the ride, System Shock wants you to sit up and experience the SHODAN. Tweaking the technical workings of Citadel station to come out on top and foil SHODAN's machinations is just as compelling as it ever was, making the original System Shock one of gaming's classics for a very good reason. Nightdive's remake masterfully brings most of the aspects that haven’t aged as well into the present day, with excellent new graphics and nearly all the modern gameplay conveniences you could want. Get out there and give her hell, hacker.
-
May 30, 2023The return of the legendary game that showed that shooters are not only about the number of opponents killed. The level design, great villain, and disturbing story still work after nearly thirty years. In addition, Nightdive dressed the game in decent modern graphics with admittedly retro styling. This is what a loving remake looks like.
-
May 29, 2023Nightdive has proven once again that they fully understand what made the classics so indispensable.
-
Jun 4, 2023System Shock of 2023 pulls no punches and remains every bit old-school as it was back in the day, albeit some quality of life improvements. With gameplay that has aged like fine wine and an imposing villain in the face of SHODAN, this iteration of System Shock is the optimal way to experience the father of immersive sims in the present day.
-
Jun 20, 2023The remake of System Shock has been a long time coming, but the result is definitely worth it. A technically solid achievement, the story is intriguing and the setting is brought out fantastically. In fact, almost everything is fine with this title, were it not for the fact that it has a very high entry threshold. It is oldschool game design and that is not something we see much of today. Also, the Cyberspace fragments are not that engaging, but these are two blemishes on an otherwise refined game.
-
May 31, 2023System Shock is a masterful version that takes creative liberties without forgetting its roots or losing its way. Without a doubt, a classic that everyone should play.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock Remake might not be without flaws, but remaking one of the greatest games ever made after almost 3 decades was never an easy task to start with. Nevertheless, the Remake is solid enough to give the new generation of gamers a taste of one of the pioneers of the video games industry.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock has stood the test of time which is shown in this remake effort that didn’t have to do too much in terms of updating its core features to bring it to modern gamers. If you’re coming from the original, the new visuals take some time, but the experience holds up from a gameplay standpoint. Immersion comes naturally throughout this experience as you hack and fight against a rogue AI to save Earth like an authentic ’90s sci-fi hero.
-
Jun 16, 2023System Shock has brought a 30-year-old classic back to life in the most successful way possible. Even though we sometimes encounter problems that show the age of the game, they managed to make a great remake.
-
May 20, 2024It is a game that may not be for everyone, but it has that charm that many of its fans will like. It would be unforgivable not to give a chance to one of the games that served as inspiration for other successes.
-
May 29, 2023After the first half hour in which nothing particularly interesting happens, System Shock begins to reveal its potential and detaching itself from the monitor before defeating SHODAN is not an easy task. Thanks mainly to the excellent gameplay, set in superbly designed levels, which Nightdive has transposed to current-gen machines for the pleasure of old and new players; it is undeniable, however, that the work of Nightdive Studios could have been even more profound in everything, including a not exactly flawless technical realization. That said, many hours await you in the company of a ruthless game, which does not provide any hints, in a continuous clash between human and artificial intelligence.
-
Jul 7, 2023System Shock is a worthy remaster of the original, bringing home all the atmosphere and flavor of a classic title without any of the rusty mechanics and controls that would bring it down in modern times.
-
Jun 27, 2023System Shock is back after 30 years with a faithful remake. And thanks to its new graphics and modernized mechanics, it looks better than ever and plays more enjoyable than ever. It would have been great if they overhauled the combat system and brought it closer to today's standards.
-
Jun 15, 2023There’s a lot about System Shock that still feels like it’s almost 30 years old, and most of the updates that Nightdive has made are in the service of making it feel like it’s “only” almost 25. It’s outdated mechanically, narratively, and visually, all of which was clearly in the service of making SS23 feel like a lost retro classic. It’s still one of the most tense experiences in any game this year, and most of its decisions only work in its favor. Citadel Station doesn’t make sense, and that’s part of what makes it dangerous. If you can deal with that, and if you enjoy this sort of nail-biting, razor’s-edge gameplay, System Shock 2023 is well worth your time.
-
Jun 14, 2023The System Shock remake acts as an excellent model for how to modernize a great game without diluting its core values. Its impressive visuals, polished gameplay, enveloping atmosphere, and intriguing story make for a remarkable adventure...System Shock is a must-play for anyone interested in the origins of the immersive simulation genre or a die-hard fan of the original. Nightdive Studios has done a brilliant job of paying tribute to the original, creating a game that will appeal to both new and veteran players. Insects, get ready to become SHODAN’s slave and dive into the terror that awaits you.
-
Jun 7, 2023I have mixed feelings about System Shock. The historical significance alone made this worth my time, and the remaster is stunning in several ways. Keeping to most of the original’s design was probably the right move, as it allows today’s audience to achieve an authentic experience. Would I have complained if the gunplay was improved upon and the puzzling streamlined a bit? No, but I can’t blame Nightdive Studios for making the call. While not the best gaming experience I ever had, I have a greater appreciation for games made today by virtue of knowing firsthand what System Shock did for us. Regardless, I enjoyed myself, and I hope we see System Shock 2 remastered by the same team.
-
Jun 7, 2023System Shock Remake isn’t for everyone, but it is a true gem if you actually give it a chance. With an updated visual design that is a love letter to the original’s aesthetics and some crucial gameplay changes that improve the overall experience, it is a justful and well-made remake of one of the most influential games of all time.
-
Jun 7, 2023System Shock is unapologetically old-school, keeping the core of a nearly thirty-year-old game while mainly focusing on visual and presentation upgrades with a few quality-of-life additions around the edges. While combat may not be the most exciting, exploring the maze of Citadel Station is still a fascinating time, and it’s nice to have a game get out of the way and let me put things together for myself. Some modern players may bounce off of System Shock due to its design, but those who stick with it will appreciate why it’s been so influential over the last few decades.
-
Jun 5, 2023Having a System Shock remake was more of a necessity to experience the lore and story of this game rather than a simple cash grab. Nightdive Studios did a good job of recreating most of the game the same it was with modern standards, especially the combat and UI of the game.
-
Jun 4, 2023Technically clean and for the most part beautiful to look at, this re-imagining of a classic is driven by its story but suffers from the once-pioneering principles of the legendary original.
-
Jun 2, 2023System Shock returns with great glory and new graphics. Despite some mistakes, the positives are significantly dominant and the return of the cult game has definitely succeeded.
-
Jun 1, 2023System Shock is finally back as one of the best cyberpunk games ever. The remake looks exactly like I remembered the original, and in a world dominated by games that tend to hold the player by the hand, it is shockingly refreshing to think for yourself.
-
May 31, 2023A great remaster of an ingenious classic that captures the charm of the original very well and, thanks to variable difficulty settings, shouldn't overwhelm or bore anyone too much.
-
May 31, 2023With this remake, Nightdive Studios has created the essential way to revisit System Shock. Despite the body horror at its core, Nightdive’s remake feels immediately comfortable, despite rocky combat and uneven checkpointing.
-
May 31, 2023System Shock’s remake hopes to reintroduce the classic to a new generation of gamers. How well is it able to pull this off?
-
May 31, 2023Although time has not been kind to the original, the remake manages to blow away several of the problems I have with 1994's System Shock. It may not revolutionize our gaming world, but it can create exciting discussions around AI.
-
May 30, 2023If I were to make a list of games that people should play, the remake of System Shock would definitely be on that list. The folks at Nightdive Studios did an excellent job at breathing new life into the cult game, so if you’ve been holding back from playing System Shock due to outdated graphics, check out the remake. Despite the fact that some mechanics have been modernized, I believe that the presentation, new visuals, as well as the quality-of-life improvements fully make up for it. The blend of modern and retro graphics in the cutscenes and some of the environments are absolutely gorgeous.
-
May 30, 2023Essentially, Citadel Station is one gigantic puzzle that you solve from the inside, and figuring out that puzzle as you fight for your life is always engrossing. The lessons System Shock can teach may be different now than 30 years ago, but thanks to Nightdive’s restoration, there’s still plenty to be learned from Looking Glass’ cerebral sci-fi horror.
-
May 29, 2023With solid visuals, dark music, and an often hair-raising atmosphere, this game holds its own quite solidly with its contemporaries. It doesn't excel graphically, but the experience is there! The game's pacing stands the test of time and shows why System Shock is the daddy of the Bioshock series.
-
May 29, 2023Overall, this is a solid remake that should lay the foundations for what modern gaming should bring to the future. While it does have its rough edges, it's still a more than enjoyable experience all around that, while frustrating due to its design, can still offer a few hours of entertainment as an action game with cyber-horror elements.
-
May 29, 2023I don't want to minimize the issues any more than those few technical errors, because even as a big fan of the original, I do sometimes feel lost. On balance, however, I'm actually happy to put up with this. Because in its entirety, the great freedom, the striking setting, its remarkable antagonist are simply great and make for an immensely engaging experience, just like back then.
-
May 29, 2023SHODAN is what makes parts of this game truly special, even with some warts. Thankfully, the original's impenetrable Excel sheet menus are gone. But Nightdive doesn't take the Capcom or Square Enix approach with this remake; they're actually pretty uncompromising in their mission to update the original. As a result, there aren't any wildly dynamic abilities or playful ways to move around the station (a la Prey) that some newbies might expect. But ultimately, the System Shock remake faithfully recreates a classic, retains most of its appeal, reframes everything with a horror tilt, and as a result, makes it more playable for everyone.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock is back in a version that is a love letter to the original and to its fans, but which can also be an opportunity to rediscover an authentic video game classic for a new audience of enthusiasts. We have to overcome the obstacle represented by a gameplay that has remained anchored in the past, but - once this is done - we find ourselves faced with a memorable cyberpunk imagery, the same one that made an entire generation fall in love in the 90s. SHODAN awaits you in the Citadel: will you have the courage to face his evil machinations?
-
May 29, 2023Despite few shortcomings, new System Shock is an exemplary remake. Nightdive managed to get rid of almost everything that made the original inaccessible, while preserving its unique identity. Still, it is not a game for everyone - one has to forget almost everything that games have taught us over the past decade.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock Remake is a solid remake of an exceptional game. It doesn't quite reach the levels of modernization that you might see from something like Resident Evil 4 Remake, but it does a good job of adapting a classic without losing what made it a classic in the first place. It's a clever and creative game that deserves its place in gaming history, and the remake emphasizes that.
-
May 29, 2023The System Shock remake makes sense in an industry where remaking past games seems to be the only way to avoid the complete loss of a certain way of conceiving video games. In many ways, we can consider it a successful operation, aside from some issues with the combat system and its relevance being tied mainly to the celebration of the original title. It is well-executed, a nice haven for nostalgic players, but it doesn't add much to the overall discourse.
-
May 29, 2023The first entry into the System Shock series has never looked or played better. Updated visuals and smoother gameplay have modernized the game that so many others wouldn't have existed without. While the game still feels best on keyboard and mouse, the game's UI should be adjusted to be more controller friendly by the time the console versions are released. It's a great reason to revisit the game or try it for the first time - just keep in mind that some of its systems have long since been improved by modern design.
-
May 29, 2023Nightdive had almost an impossible task revitalising System Shock, and yet it’s done so effortlessly. The level to which it manages to remain faithful to the original while also very much being a modern game released in 2023 is impressive. It may be let down slightly by wonky cyberspace and some less-than-Shodan-level AI, but this is easily the best way for people today to experience one of the most genre-defining games of all time.
-
May 29, 2023It might be a little conservative, but this is a smart, faithful remake and easily the de facto way to play System Shock in the modern era.
-
May 29, 2023With its System Shock, Nightdive has built not only the definitive way to experience one of the most foundational works of an incredibly specific and daunting genre, it’s created the definitive entry point for players who want to get into games about crawling through vents and collecting keycards but are unsure of where to begin. Spiritual successors such as the 2017 Prey or Void Bastards may have done an excellent job of carrying the torch, but it’s a true delight to go back to where it all started.
-
May 29, 2023Although it can take some time to sink its hooks in, System Shock it is a fun, challenging, and occasionally spooky experience that's worth putting time into. Solving puzzles and piecing together where to go next feels rewarding and enemies can be as challenging as you feel comfortable with, and SHODAN is an eccentric antagonist, that flits between horror and comedy with ease. Exploring the dissonance between man and machine is not a new theme, but 29 years on from the original System Shock manages to offer a story that's fresh and engaging, nonetheless.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock was foundational to so many games that would come after it, but it aged like milk in its gameplay and visuals. Nightdive’s System Shock remake keeps much of its successful elements intact while doing away with a lot of its archaic issues that would drag down a modern game.
-
Jun 5, 2023System Shock’s influence spread through the industry, leaving an indelible imprint on survival horror and first-person puzzler genres. As such, playing the remastered version of the game can evoke feelings of déjà vu. There’s still plenty of impact in your showdown against rogue AI, but the fun feels familiar, even if you somehow missed the original game.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock Remake is a solid sci-fi first person shooter, although it does not go beyond the boundaries drawn by the first and immortal chapter, released in 1994.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock in 1994 was an innovative masterpiece. Anyone coming to the game via this remaster in 2023 might wonder what all the fuss was about. While its themes of unrestrained AI and corporate espionage still resonate, this version doesn’t go quite far enough to make System Shock feel modern. We’ve come to take for granted just about everything the original invented. While we wait for a genuine reboot, System Shock is worth playing as a reminder of how important great ideas were, and still are, to the hobby we love.
-
Jul 11, 2023Nightdive Studios did a solid, thorough job of restoring the classic, but I have the impression that the developers focused too heavily on trying to please those who remember the original fondly. Its numerous annoying elements that were left untouched show how much the industry has changed over the past three decades and I’m afraid will discourage many younger players accustomed to modern standards. SHODAN, however, is as terrifying as she was years ago.
-
Jun 4, 2023Despite having some sparse storytelling and a lot of annoying gameplay elements, the System Shock remake still succeeded in providing an enjoyable experience and proved that even after all these years, the game is still worth the time of new and returning fans.
-
May 29, 2023If only for the historical value of the original, it's worth a try. Its non-linear gameplay can be choking for some players, but if challenges are your thing, you can find a curious incentive here.
-
May 29, 2023Unforgiving, with no tutorials, and a true-to-classic experience, System Shock is a retro survival horror title through and through, but you should still consider checking it out, even if you don’t care for the original.
-
May 29, 2023After three decades, System Shock still serves up a sci-fi banquet complete with one of the greatest antagonists and features that revolutionised a genre. Classic games are left open to classic stumbling blocks, however, as some of the design shows considerable depreciation.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock is a very faithful remake that sacrifices a lot of potential for modernization for its nostalgia.
-
May 29, 2023As a remake, it’s very conservative, but we found fascinating going back to System Shock, not only for its influence in gaming, but also because it’s something completely different from what we’re used to nowadays.
-
Aug 24, 2023System Shock does an excellent job of resurrecting the 1994 game. Its graphic proposal and mechanics take you directly to the past, and therein lies its biggest weakness since its mechanics feel too outdated for 2023. The combat could be faster and more fluid, while the levels feel like a maze you must repeatedly return to to progress.
-
Jun 8, 2023System Shock Remake lacks the polish we've come to expect from modern remakes, but it is definitely the best version of a cult classic. It feels a bit old, but the creepy atmosphere and mysterious story make players want to explore it. You'd think a game about AI would have better NPC's, though.
-
Jun 7, 2023Ultimately, the System Shock remake doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. The original game already revolutionized the shooter and immersive sim genre back in 1994. Nightdive Studios’ take gives one of the most influential games ever made a fresh coat of paint, tweaking the formula and pacing subtly while adding some quality of live improvements. For those that were too intimidated by the original, this is a fantastic way of playing it. While the few, but substantial, differences might be divisive among returning fans, the System Shock remake does a great job of informing new players of why the game was so impressive in 1994 and proves that it remains impressive in 2023.
-
May 30, 2023If you’ve always wanted to play System Shock but never had the chance, then this remake is the ideal entry point for you.
-
May 30, 2023Though held back from greatness by gameplay flaws and performance issues, System Shock still presents a fascinating world and interesting story that'll be more than worth the effort for dedicated players.
-
May 29, 2023The graphics won’t blow you away and it won’t be making too many “best graphics of the year” lists. But it’s a loving tribute and beautifully recreated edition of a much-beloved classic. There’s a lot to like in this remake, and if this is the building block for what’s to come in the franchise, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
-
May 29, 2023Not the high-end remake that some fans would have been hoping for but even as a, at times, too faithful remaster this is a fascinating second look at one of gaming’s great unsung heroes.
-
May 29, 2023The System Shock remake is the best way to play the PC classic, making it an enjoyable first-person experience for the modern age. However, it still clings to some somewhat outdated mechanics that will frustrate newcomers.
-
May 29, 2023Behind the glammed up modernised graphics, this is still System Shock to its core, and there were good reasons why the sequel basically rendered it obsolete. The end result is a game that still ranks as a classic, but you must accept it on its own terms. If you want to explore the history of the horror genre then this is the version to play, but you might want to bookmark a guide to avoid System Shock’s most outdated elements.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock is an upgraded classic with dated elements that needs quality of life improvements, yet despite everything is still a fun treat for immersive sim fans.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock is the remake fans have been waiting since 2015 and it succeeds in bringing back all that 90s PC gaming experience. Including the outdated feel in an era flooded with greater and more attractive games.
-
May 29, 2023A visually stunning but too faithful recreation of a cult classic held back by its dedication to the source material.
-
Sep 30, 2023The System Shock remake is a boring shooter. It will not surprise old fans and can hardly attract new players.
-
May 29, 2023Given its development problems, the fact that System Shock is a functional, stable game is a mini-miracle, but by sticking so rigidly to the original's ancient design it will appeal more to series fans than newcomers.
-
Jul 10, 2023System Shock is haunting and lonely, has an expertly-crafted oppressive atmosphere, intense combat, and a strong sense of immersion. Unfortunately, the obtuse nature of the campaign makes it to navigate and generally understand what to do. Returning vets may appreciate the upgrade, but I suspect that new players like myself will feel excluded and put off by the steep difficulty.
-
May 29, 2023An oddly pitched remake that has its moments but adds very little to the original beyond a visual upgrade.
-
May 29, 2023System Shock makes a good first impression, only for frustration to become its default mode once more and more of the station opens up to you.
-
May 29, 2023The atmospheric visual overhaul marks the best part of this exhausting and dated remake, while the villainous AI SHODAN remains a timeless antagonist.
-
May 29, 2023Nightdive’s System Shock remake is a strange game, and whether it will appeal to you may largely depend on your nostalgia for the era of gaming from which it came. This remake still shows its age, despite the considerable and impressive paint job, lighting, and updated controls. If you don’t mind the sometimes murderous level of difficulty, tons of backtracking, and minimal handholding, System Shock may be a compelling piece of gaming history that is worth checking out.
| This publication does not provide a score for their reviews. | |
| This publication has not posted a final review score yet. | |
| These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation. | |
-
Jun 7, 2023The remake modernizes, gives a little more accessibility and creates a more systemic work, always respecting the pillars of the original game and, above all, its great labyrinthine design in which you will have to constantly look at the map to avoid getting lost in its mazes full of enemies and secrets. [Recommended]
-
May 29, 2023What really excites me when I play System Shock is how little it holds my hand. You can — and probably will — eat absolute shit the first time you try to make your way through the medical bay. You can get yourself into unsolvable situations — it’s a game that asks you to pay attention, that doesn’t always signpost the next thing to do. It also rewards your curiosity as much as it does your caution. I often found my way through levels mostly by accident, by deciding to turn down hallways I hadn’t gone down before. There’s always a discovery — a new weapon or a vending machine or a shortcut — or at least a useful lesson lying in wait. It’s easy to understand why people played this game and then became obsessed with it, why you can trace some people’s careers through the game. Ken Levine, who worked at Looking Glass when it making System Shock, certainly never stopped trying to make System Shock, eventually giving BioShock: Infinite an ending that suggests there are thousands upon thousands of variations on this theme. [Polygon Recommends]
-
May 29, 2023But if you’ve an appetite for space dungeoneering in the company of one of gaming’s most iconic and influential villains, you’ll find the remake cleaves close to that original pitch. This is the product of a team which, to its credit, believed in the 1994 proposition of System Shock and trusted it would still stand up today, in spite of a 30-year shift towards smoothing the player’s path. The result has proved them right. It transpires that our creepy, manipulative robot mother knows best. [RPS Bestest Bests]
-
May 29, 2023The end result is a delightful surprise. Where January’s Dead Space was an elegant update to a relatively recent horror game, the new System Shock feels neither affectedly retro nor entirely modern, neither lo-fi indie nor blockbuster-big. It’s one of the most subtly odd labors of love I’ve seen in the past few years. And like SHODAN, if you embrace its unconventional values, it will amply reward you — on its own somewhat painful terms.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 74 out of 110
-
Mixed: 23 out of 110
-
Negative: 13 out of 110
-
May 31, 2023
-
May 31, 2023
-
Jun 4, 2023Very poor balanced. A very easy beginning with some awful levels with more enemies than ammo.