System Shock

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 110
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 110
  3. Negative: 13 out of 110

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  1. halisdeiru
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    Extremely faithful remake yet feels new which is amazing. Shodan is great as always, immersive sim design is awesome, attention to detail is really good. Everything i wanted from this game is present. Great job Nightdive.
  2. dunnyone
    Jun 5, 2023
    9
    I'm giving this a 9/10 due to the hacking sections. These are absolutely awful and boring compared to the rest of this brilliant reworking of this 90s classic. I understand what they were going for with the hacking but man, it's such a tedious slog to deal with it every time. The rest of the game is perfect. So addictive and atmospheric. This is how first-person shooters should be.
  3. peterus
    Jun 5, 2023
    8
    It's excellent, very faithful remake. It nails recreating that old gem 10/10. As a game standing on its own, not just a part of gaming history reanimated for current day, it is also very good.
  4. Broyax
    Aug 30, 2023
    0
    Il s’agit d’un remake d’une antiquité de 1994 ! et déjà à l’époque, c’était un jeu qui s’était affirmée d’emblée par sa lourdeur sans commune mesure dans le monde naissant des « doom-like » comme on disait alors…

    Plus que sa technique évidemment limitée (et exigeante, il fallait jouer en VGA pour pas se taper une séance de diapos), le jeu se signalait surtout par sa direction artistique    Il s’agit d’un remake d’une antiquité de 1994 ! et déjà à l’époque, c’était un jeu qui s’était affirmée d’emblée par sa lourdeur sans commune mesure dans le monde naissant des « doom-like » comme on disait alors…

    Plus que sa technique évidemment limitée (et exigeante, il fallait jouer en VGA pour pas se taper une séance de diapos), le jeu se signalait surtout par sa direction artistique de mauvais goût (ou sans aucun goût) ainsi que par une direction artistique sans direction (autre que le mauvais goût permanent).

    Et dire que dans ce ‘remake’, rien n’a changé, c’est toujours aussi mal fait et moche ! ces couleurs affreuses, toutes mélangées n’importe comment, c’est tout simplement… affreux ! et super moche. Techniquement parlant, c’est aussi à la ramasse puisque même les textures restent pixélisées…! (un ‘hommage’ à la vieille bouse à ce qu’il paraît ?).

    La jouabilité n’est pas au mieux, elle non plus, et même logée, hélas ! toujours à la même enseigne. Celle de l’immobilisme : bon retour en 1994 ! c’est donc d’une lourdeur et d’une non-jouabilité exécrable. L’inventaire et d’une manière générale, l’interface, sont une horreur, les commandes sont une horreur (j’ai essayé au C/S et à la manette, c’est toujours pourri), le combat est foireux, sans compter les ennemis qui ré-apparaissent par magie… ou les allers et retours incessants dans cette station de merde !

    Là, franchement, c’est pas un remake… mais un simple remaster à la mords-moi-le-noeud, bâclé qui plus est, volontiers (souvent) buggué et d’une pénibilité non remboursée par la sécu. C’est zéro, ce truc !    … Expand
  5. ricky6
    Aug 21, 2023
    4
    A bad remake, sure it was remarkable in 1993, sorry but now this is really ugly and annoying. I was expecting a lot from bioshock's dad but i got really disappointed.
    I think it's the first time over hundreds of games (of which lot of very old games) i don't finish one.
  6. jendranez
    Jun 5, 2023
    9
    Maybe I’m old. Yes, I am. But this old-school experience is what I was looking for over the last few years. What can I say? It’s a great and difficult game with some annoying mechanics - which I love. Must play for boomers. :D
  7. Coeurl3
    Jun 3, 2023
    9
    This game is a blast from the past, and very addictive. The feeling you get exploring and unlocking shortcuts and listening to the audio logs is pretty creepy but at least on medium difficulty the game doesn’t seem to be that unforgiving. The graphics too are very pleasingly retro, and the gunplay feels tight. In terms of figuring out what to do, especially with the numbers in each nodeThis game is a blast from the past, and very addictive. The feeling you get exploring and unlocking shortcuts and listening to the audio logs is pretty creepy but at least on medium difficulty the game doesn’t seem to be that unforgiving. The graphics too are very pleasingly retro, and the gunplay feels tight. In terms of figuring out what to do, especially with the numbers in each node room etc I did already watch a YouTube video explaining that part, and upon starting I was initially very confused about how to complete the puzzles, so I had to look up a guide for that too. But once you know about those things the game is 10/10.… Expand
  8. Ka1ns
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    It's by far the best way to experience a classic and understand why it's such a classic. Modern games have taught us that the developers will make sure that we do not get lost in their game and constantly present everything on a silver platter.

    I forgot when was the last time I felt in the game that I was not led by the hand, but really given food for thought and space for experiments.    It's by far the best way to experience a classic and understand why it's such a classic. Modern games have taught us that the developers will make sure that we do not get lost in their game and constantly present everything on a silver platter.

    I forgot when was the last time I felt in the game that I was not led by the hand, but really given food for thought and space for experiments.

    For those who are going to try this remake, I will only say one thing, give the game a chance, let it rock a little, because the first 2 hours of gameplay can be very confusing, but I would call it a period of adaptation to a non-standard gaming experience, which not every modern game can let you experience.    … Expand
  9. MadclownJack
    Jun 22, 2023
    9
    Holy hell, this thing is awesome. I love everything about it. How long before they've remade SS2?
  10. Andrudis
    Jun 9, 2023
    9
    Almost perfect remake of beloved game. Sadly combat feels somewhat dated by modern gaming standards
  11. svonton
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    Maybe it's not the best option, but I think it's ok to try some classic series via some remakes compared to playing original games that are kind of old and hard to not only look at but also try to run. So the System Shok remake is a great example of this case. I always wanted to try these games, and here is a good opportunity to try some classic games that have become the predecessors ofMaybe it's not the best option, but I think it's ok to try some classic series via some remakes compared to playing original games that are kind of old and hard to not only look at but also try to run. So the System Shok remake is a great example of this case. I always wanted to try these games, and here is a good opportunity to try some classic games that have become the predecessors of many genres, including "immersive shooters." But let's start with the visual part, as for me it's increadably good. I mean, not the amount of poligons or RTX in each of your eyes, but a good-looking pixel-stylish art style with well-placed lightning—all of this makes old-style sci-fi really shine. Another great aspect is the sound part—all this sound of a dead space station infiltrated with mutants and cyborgs and voice-acted journals of crewmembers—and most enjoyable is Shodan's voice. The final plus is the plot of the game: all these journals dive into the atmosphere of this dead space station and turn you into an invistigator of what exactly happened on this station and how you cannot repeat the fate of crew members and survive. The point of contention on my mind is game play that feels kind of outdated nowadays, and it is a double-edged sword. I mean, I understand that it's great to save classic gameplay of the original (in some ways), but from another side, it's kind of hard to understand what exactly game want from you. But anyway, despite this controversy, the game really shines, and I recommend this game for someone who loves space, sci-fi, or retro games.… Expand
  12. Zero_89
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Just wow, people at Nightdive did a wonderful job with this remake, really nothing much to say, if you loved the original System Shock you sure are going to love this.
    Ironically, the only real issue that this game has is that it can faithful to a fault, we all know how obtuse the original System Shock was, and honestly I kinda wish they could have gone with the SS2 approach, but that's    Just wow, people at Nightdive did a wonderful job with this remake, really nothing much to say, if you loved the original System Shock you sure are going to love this.
    Ironically, the only real issue that this game has is that it can faithful to a fault, we all know how obtuse the original System Shock was, and honestly I kinda wish they could have gone with the SS2 approach, but that's not the case at all, this game can be outright BRUTAL at times, I'll say that a guide in later levels is basically required, if you don't want to lose your mind that is.
    Eat your hearth out, people that don't use a dual monitor set up.    … Expand
  13. pachuta12
    Jul 10, 2023
    9
    System shock (2023) is a remake from the System shock (1994). [Fast resume: you are a hacker that was hired to deactivate the morals system of an AI in the citadel station (in the space), this AI killed everyone in the station and wants to exterminate all the humans, so you are going to stop her]. The moment you start the game, you will recognize that there is no mission. This is becauseSystem shock (2023) is a remake from the System shock (1994). [Fast resume: you are a hacker that was hired to deactivate the morals system of an AI in the citadel station (in the space), this AI killed everyone in the station and wants to exterminate all the humans, so you are going to stop her]. The moment you start the game, you will recognize that there is no mission. This is because you are the one that has to investigate what to do. The moment you pick up the map and the weapon (at the start), the police is going to ask you to destroy a laser, and they wont tell you anything more. That because you will have to listen to some logs that are in the station to realize how to stop the laser. If you like to play different things, then you will really like this game.… Expand
  14. arostislavna
    May 31, 2023
    10
    A faithful recreation with some minor tweaks to make weapons actually look like they're supposed to. Some quality of life features, and others (& omissions) that were clearly design choices to keep the game tough as nails.

    Like it's predecessors it contains complexities that will make you confused if you are not paying attention. Night Dive did not dumb down the gameplay to appease    A faithful recreation with some minor tweaks to make weapons actually look like they're supposed to. Some quality of life features, and others (& omissions) that were clearly design choices to keep the game tough as nails.

    Like it's predecessors it contains complexities that will make you confused if you are not paying attention. Night Dive did not dumb down the gameplay to appease people who expect the game to play itself, and with that said... System Shock might NOT be for you. You will need to be the judge of that.    … Expand
  15. DakinPJ
    May 31, 2023
    9
    If this is what outdated design is, we need more of it.

    I played the Enhanced Edition of System Shock at the beginning of the year and can say confidently that it was an unmatchable experience. This is not nostalgia talking because I had never played the original before. This game doesn't think you're dumb and I'm glad for it. This remake is the same incredible game! Good job NightDive    If this is what outdated design is, we need more of it.

    I played the Enhanced Edition of System Shock at the beginning of the year and can say confidently that it was an unmatchable experience. This is not nostalgia talking because I had never played the original before. This game doesn't think you're dumb and I'm glad for it.

    This remake is the same incredible game!

    Good job NightDive on this outstanding remake and trusting players to be adult enough to interact diegetically with this intricate world as it was created in 1994.
    It is well optimized and the art direction is gorgeous.

    Bring back 1990s game design!    … Expand
  16. Hoshi212
    May 31, 2023
    10
    Fantastic and faithful remake of a genre defining classic! If you loved the original you will love this one too. All I miss is the option for the OG music.
  17. Jt0429
    May 31, 2023
    8
    Good-
    Interesting visual style; SHODAN is still an all-time great villain; The intense exploration and combat still work incredibly well in modern times.
    Bad- Cyberspace hacking segments are still dumb; Maze-like level design won’t be for everyone. Thoughts- System Shock is one of the most important games in history, kicking off the immersive sim as the genre we know today, and    Good-
    Interesting visual style; SHODAN is still an all-time great villain; The intense exploration and combat still work incredibly well in modern times.

    Bad-
    Cyberspace hacking segments are still dumb; Maze-like level design won’t be for everyone.

    Thoughts-
    System Shock is one of the most important games in history, kicking off the immersive sim as the genre we know today, and also introducing an iconic villain in the form of SHODAN. The remake does an incredible job of bringing System Shock to a modern gaming audience, and while its slavish devotion to being as faithful as possible to the original might have some drawbacks—I still don’t like the maze-like layout of the game’s levels—it still does a great job of being the best way to experience System Shock.    … Expand
  18. Karasique
    Jun 15, 2023
    1
    This is actually a horror game.
    inventory horror, objective horror, backtracking horror, lift horror, scavenger horror
    what else? VR-hacking minigame horror? silly music horror, audio diaries pickup animation horror,
    squarepixeleness horror
  19. Aodecim
    May 31, 2023
    9
    Great entry for player who have never experienced the original. Modernized but has a distinct art style reminiscent of the original. Level design is labyrinthine and hearkens back to the original. Stellar remake.
  20. eynard
    Jun 6, 2023
    10
    Great remake of great game! In System Shock literally everything is good. One of the best games of 2023 for me.
  21. TypInSomething
    Jun 22, 2023
    1
    Now what is a remake?
    Which games do one remake?
    Why remake that game? In simple terms, To remake something is to make a copy of the original by focusing on the things that were wrong at that time and improving or changing those. So do we want a game from 2017 to be remaked. No. Why no? Because from 2017 to 2023 the technology difference is not something to go Aw. But a game from 1999    Now what is a remake?
    Which games do one remake?
    Why remake that game?
    In simple terms, To remake something is to make a copy of the original by focusing on the things that were wrong at that time and improving or changing those.
    So do we want a game from 2017 to be remaked. No. Why no? Because from 2017 to 2023 the technology difference is not something to go Aw. But a game from 1999 did not have good graphics according to today's graphics, did not have the advanced technology, and did not know about different game designs that could fit in the survival horror.
    So now if we don't go Aw in a game remade from 1994 to 2023. Then WTF did you remake?
    No game is 100% perfect. Then why would you not change anything and you call it a remake?
    Just because this game looks good from afar, does not mean it is good. Having the aesthetic from 1994 is one thing, but keeping everything pixelated doesn't make it a remake. Just having modern assets is not the main focus of a remake.
    Back then they did not have good AI. But now all we have is AI. SO why the **** would you not take advantage of that.
    Players should at least have a final goal in hand at any particular time of a game. This game provides none. There are bits of audio files that explain some lore. But lore is not a story. Lore does not provide a final goal or any goal. It's just lore.    … Expand
  22. LeDivinDieu
    May 31, 2023
    10
    Excellent remaster.
    Smooth, mordern and absolutely respectful of the original game.
    Few upgardes for Steamdeck would be nice (inventory...) but its already ok.
    Very well optimized btw
  23. Fuz
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    This is not a game.
    This is a manual on how you do a remake.
    It's perfect: faithful to the original, but with updated graphics and controls, all done without betray the core of the original game or "adapting for modern sensibilities" (ugh). It's a work done with love and respect. The game in itself is fantastic, it looks phenomenal, has amazing map design, oozes atmosphere, it's got    This is not a game.
    This is a manual on how you do a remake.
    It's perfect: faithful to the original, but with updated graphics and controls, all done without betray the core of the original game or "adapting for modern sensibilities" (ugh). It's a work done with love and respect.
    The game in itself is fantastic, it looks phenomenal, has amazing map design, oozes atmosphere, it's got smart gameplay and just shows how bad game designing has become for our generation.
    It's also highly customizable in its difficulty, and this should be another example for modern developers. You can ease or make harder the combat or the puzzles or all of those things, you can fully customize your experience.
    This game also show how pathetic some gaming "journalists" are. Yeah, there's no handholding - what are you, a toddler?

    Buy it, it's beyond awesome.    … Expand
  24. ClayLamm
    Jun 4, 2023
    10
    All the negative reviews are mad that the game essentially plays the same as it once did, recapturing what games in this era played like while looking stunning. If you are curious about what it played like and want to experience the best version of it possible, here it is.

    If you want a game that plays like it was made today but another game, how hard is that?
  25. Hyperfailure
    Jun 15, 2023
    8
    Having never played the original, I went into the game with an open mind and was not disappointed. The atmosphere of The Citadel was haunting, the enemies creepy and powerful and the ever present feeling of tension as I forged on is unforgettable. The CYBERSPACE sections of the game were neat initially, but quickly became a boring slog, though thankfully they do not show up so often as toHaving never played the original, I went into the game with an open mind and was not disappointed. The atmosphere of The Citadel was haunting, the enemies creepy and powerful and the ever present feeling of tension as I forged on is unforgettable. The CYBERSPACE sections of the game were neat initially, but quickly became a boring slog, though thankfully they do not show up so often as to demerit the game. The gameplay was retro-esque, especially the combat, but worked well for me. The story and characters (which you only communicate with via "email") were all interesting and fleshed out. Except for the ending. The ending sucks an ass's arse.… Expand
  26. ThatGuy00
    May 31, 2023
    10
    A glorious blast from the past and probably the best maze crawler game to date. It's hard, always keeps you on your toes and **** slaps you every time you begin to trust it, and that's exactly how such games should feel and play. It's not a kind of a game where developers holding player's hand all the time and keep him entertained (sorry, if you want *that* kind of experience, go to callA glorious blast from the past and probably the best maze crawler game to date. It's hard, always keeps you on your toes and **** slaps you every time you begin to trust it, and that's exactly how such games should feel and play. It's not a kind of a game where developers holding player's hand all the time and keep him entertained (sorry, if you want *that* kind of experience, go to call of duty). No matter how big your arsenal is or how many resources do you have, you can be beaten down to last clip and 5 hp any time. You are a lab rat in a maze that wants you dead, and all you can do is to survive, adapt and destroy it from within. Such hostile gameplay feels fresh, especially for a game that looks like AAA (ok, maybe it's rather AA,but still). On a technical level the game is still rough here and there. Sometimes it's glitching pixelated textures, sometimes AI acts dumb, but nothing gamebreaking, and lets face it, it's quite rare these days.

    In my opinion the game totally worth the money and time spent. Even if you aren't a big fan of the genre, give it a try anyway. It's a unique classic experience in a modern wrapper, and brings you back to the times where the main priority was the player's experience, not shareholders profits.    … Expand
  27. procyon4
    Jun 7, 2023
    1
    While the graphics are good the rest is an absolute disappointment. Clunky, non intuitive and imprecise controls makes movement and combat a real shore, specially in hyperspace where you get hurt simply by hitting the walls. It is also impossible to quick-save the game in hyperspace so its "do the whole thing all over again" every time you get thrown out. And what about enemy spawningWhile the graphics are good the rest is an absolute disappointment. Clunky, non intuitive and imprecise controls makes movement and combat a real shore, specially in hyperspace where you get hurt simply by hitting the walls. It is also impossible to quick-save the game in hyperspace so its "do the whole thing all over again" every time you get thrown out. And what about enemy spawning re-spawning? What does this have to do with game's enjoyment? Nothing but frustration. I got rid of this lemon and am now playing a game that was designed for the player's enjoyment, not punishment.… Expand
  28. 31Zarathustra
    Jun 1, 2023
    10
    What an absolutely amazing remake! They kept all the great elements from the original and carefully implemented enhancements that paint a new and fresh view of the game. As someone who loved the original, this is all i wanted and more. Thanks Night Dive!
  29. dauletalzhanov
    Jul 6, 2023
    0
    overrated trash. clear a region and then the enemies respawn every 30 seconds or less. cant change the difficulty setting for this. only way to play this is through mods. but at that point, what's the point of playing anymore. i went to a thread listing the best levels. they list the first level as the best one. this game literally gets worse from there. overrated niche
  30. DEEKAY320_
    Jun 1, 2023
    10
    System Shock Remake brilliantly revives the original 1994 game developed by Looking Glass Studios. I must say, having played the original for the first time just last year, my opinion is not affected by any nostalgia. And I must say, the experience was truly incredible. It represents the immersive sim genre at its fullest potential. This game won't hold your hand; it's up to you toSystem Shock Remake brilliantly revives the original 1994 game developed by Looking Glass Studios. I must say, having played the original for the first time just last year, my opinion is not affected by any nostalgia. And I must say, the experience was truly incredible. It represents the immersive sim genre at its fullest potential. This game won't hold your hand; it's up to you to navigate and fight through it. It may not appeal to everyone, but giving it a try is a must, as it is a very influential game and the granddaddy of its entire genre (Thief, Deus Ex, Bioshock, Dishonored, Prey 2017…)

    The biggest drawback by today's standards is probably the original control scheme, which is completely gone in the Remake. The Remake stays very true to the original while adding enhancements that appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. It's essentially the same game, playing and looking great— in general it is a great upgrade. However, my only criticism lies with the new music. While I understand that the original soundtrack may not work with the new version, it was an important part of the game's identity for me. Maybe in the future we could see some alternative music option.

    Overall, I am highly satisfied with what Nightdive accomplished and I can recommend the Remake.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 77
  3. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Generación Xbox
    May 20, 2024
    82
    It 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.
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 22, 2024
    100
    The 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]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Sep 30, 2023
    65
    The System Shock remake is a boring shooter. It will not surprise old fans and can hardly attract new players.
    Read full review
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