System Shock

About

System Shock is a single player role playing shooter game with a horror theme. It was developed by Nightdive Studios and was released on February 23, 2021. It received very positive reviews from players.

"System Shock is a first-person remake of the 1994 classic, featuring a battle against the psychotic AI, SHODAN, who has taken over Citadel Station and plans to do the same to Earth. Explore the space station, combat mutants and cyborgs to stop SHODAN, and save humanity. Experience improved visuals, controls, and interface in this thrilling survival adventure."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

+14

Skip User Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 9,388 reviews

graphics630 positive mentions

grinding245 negative mentions

The game offers a bonanza of freeform exploration with classic design and beautiful modern VFX.
It successfully modernizes the original while retaining its core elements, making it a great way to experience the game that influenced many later titles.
The atmosphere is immersive, with a haunting soundtrack and excellent sound design that enhances the tension throughout the game.

The game suffers from optimization and performance issues, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
The UI and progression can be confusing, often requiring players to take notes or consult guides to understand objectives.
Backtracking is excessive, with convoluted paths that disrupt pacing and can lead to player frustration.

graphics
1,727 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
61%
3%
The graphics of the "System Shock" remake have received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many praising the unique blend of retro and modern aesthetics. Players appreciate the pixelated textures that evoke nostalgia while benefiting from modern lighting and effects, creating a visually stunning experience that enhances the game's atmosphere. However, some critiques highlight that the graphics can feel cluttered or overwhelming at times, and the pixelation may not appeal to everyone, leading to a divide in opinions on the overall visual style.
- “The updated visuals are a solid upgrade, with meticulously crafted textures, lighting, and detailed environments that retain the eerie, industrial sci-fi atmosphere of the original.”
- “The graphics are a mix of modern and retro that gives it a unique aesthetic.”
- “The graphics, sound design, and gameplay are all top-notch, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of the original while enhancing it with modern technology.”
- “Pseudo retro graphics are a weird decision for a remake.”
- “Sorry, can't recommend this game; it's too grindy and dated; they simply slapped new graphics on it.”
- “The graphics are underwhelming in a way disguised by it being retro.”
story
1,659 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
73%
4%
The story of "System Shock" is a compelling blend of sci-fi horror and immersive storytelling, primarily conveyed through audio logs and environmental cues, which require players to actively engage with the narrative. While the plot centers around a hacker battling a rogue AI named Shodan, the game does not provide traditional guidance such as quest markers or logs, encouraging exploration and careful attention to detail. This design choice, while praised for its depth and immersion, can lead to confusion and frustration for players unfamiliar with the original game, as they must piece together the story and objectives without explicit direction.
- “The story unfolds piece by piece, creating a mosaic of human ambition and AI madness.”
- “The story is engaging and creepy.”
- “The story is a faithful recreation of the original's narrative, where you take on the role of a hacker battling against the rogue AI, Shodan, who has taken control of Citadel Station.”
- “The story is technically simple at first; you are a hacker that steals some info that he shouldn't and then you wake up tasked to hack the AI and let it do what it wants... and all goes to hell afterwards.”
- “The story has some developments, but overall it serves mostly to reinforce the feeling of hopelessness.”
gameplay
1,647 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
68%
6%
The gameplay of the System Shock remake has received mixed reviews, with many praising its faithful recreation of the original's mechanics while also modernizing certain aspects for contemporary audiences. Players appreciate the blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, though some find the inventory management and recycling mechanics tedious. The game maintains a challenging, immersive experience reminiscent of classic immersive sims, but its dated elements can frustrate newer players, making it a title that appeals more to fans of the original and those who enjoy retro gameplay.
- “The gameplay is skillfully balanced between exploration, combat, and puzzles.”
- “Top-notch atmosphere with a really satisfying gameplay loop of strategic combat, resource management, and exploration, pretty much exactly what I'm looking for in an immersive sim.”
- “The gameplay is deep, and the atmosphere is perfect.”
- “The gameplay is just unfair.”
- “The gameplay can be frustrating at higher difficulty levels due to scarcity of resources.”
- “The gameplay is very lackluster with repetitive corridors and dumb AI and very little variety.”
music
951 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
65%
6%
The music in the remake of System Shock has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the absence of the original's iconic soundtrack. While the new score aims for a more atmospheric and ambient feel, it often lacks the memorable and energetic qualities of the 1994 version, leading to a perception of it being subdued or forgettable. Some players appreciate the modern reinterpretation and its ability to enhance the game's horror elements, but many long for the option to toggle the original music, which they feel was integral to the game's identity.
- “The atmospheric soundtrack does an excellent job of maintaining the dread-filled tone of the original, while the sound effects, such as the creepy clank of the station’s machinery or the disturbing noises of hostile AI, add to the immersion.”
- “The soundtrack fuses synthwave tension with industrial chaos.”
- “The music is an absolute masterpiece in immersion and emotional response, no other OST in my life has gotten so stuck in my head for no reason, sometimes when I wake up I still hear that endless loop in medical, that sensation of loneliness and that something has gone horribly wrong is just unforgettable.”
- “Despite hitting most of the Kickstarter goals, the company also lied; there was no big update with all the missing bits, there was no remastering of the soundtrack. That's right, no cool medical theme or industrial-driven reactor theme. You get ambient music and some okay-sounding dark synth stuff that I will admit was made by the original composer of SS1... but it just doesn't hit the same.”
- “The remake doesn’t remake the original soundtrack; it opts for a very bland and unremarkable new soundtrack.”
- “The music is very minimal now, with high-tensity soundtracks only lasting briefly during combat. Maybe you find it creepier that way, but I find the soundtrack of the original maintains tension better for me.”
atmosphere
813 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
40%
2%
The atmosphere in the 2023 remake of *System Shock* is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the eerie essence of the original while enhancing it with modern graphics and sound design. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and isolation through its detailed environments, atmospheric lighting, and chilling audio, including the menacing presence of the AI antagonist, Shodan. Overall, the game is described as a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, making it a must-play for fans of immersive sci-fi horror.
- “The atmosphere is thick with tension, Shodan’s taunts are chilling, and the station feels like a living, breathing deathtrap.”
- “The atmospheric soundtrack does an excellent job of maintaining the dread-filled tone of the original, while the sound effects, such as the creepy clank of the station’s machinery or the disturbing noises of hostile AI, add to the immersion.”
- “The developers have painstakingly recreated the immense and oppressive atmosphere of the original, ensuring that every flickering light and distant sound adds to the sense of isolation and impending danger.”
- “The atmosphere just isn't there, or maybe it comes later, I don't know.”
- “All of those are still minor problems and they don't worry me much (just frustrate me a little), but my biggest problem with the remake is the atmosphere… it's simply lacking and can't compare with the original.”
- “The atmosphere is oppressing and it's really challenging to progress through the station.”
optimization
252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
44%
17%
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback from players. While many report smooth performance and good graphics on a variety of systems, including mid-range PCs and the Steam Deck, some users have experienced stuttering, frame drops, and occasional crashes, particularly in specific areas. Despite these issues, the game is generally considered well-optimized for its size and visual fidelity, with a majority of players enjoying a stable experience.
- “Overall, the game can be enjoyed on most modern systems, though it may take a bit of tweaking to reach smooth performance.”
- “The use of Unreal Engine and great optimization make this game a smooth-running experience.”
- “This faithful and loving recreation of a near 30-year-old game is visually stunning, extremely well optimized (the game is only 8GB in total), and more than worth the money.”
- “The other concern is the performance in some areas is atrocious, even on decent systems.”
- “This game is poorly optimized graphically.”
- “Well, the performance of this remake is *horribly* optimized.”
grinding
252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
2%
97%
The reviews highlight a significant divide in player experiences regarding grinding in the game, with many finding it excessively tedious due to outdated mechanics, convoluted navigation, and frustrating inventory management. While some players appreciate the challenge and immersion that comes with the game's design, others criticize it for being overly grindy and lacking modern quality-of-life improvements, leading to a frustrating and often unenjoyable experience. Overall, the consensus leans towards the game being a tedious slog, particularly in its cyberspace sections and resource management.
- “I felt like it wasn't too tedious and actually took a few tries to complete them and they actually made you think.”
- “The new additions such as vending machines and a 'recycle everything not nailed down' economy I enjoyed more than I thought I would (it's not too grindy), although mutually exclusive upgrades would have been welcome.”
- “Grindy (60 - 100 hours)”
- “Sorry, can't recommend this game; it's too grindy and dated. They simply slapped new graphics on it.”
- “It's not fun, it's annoying, it's tedious; it's the very definition of bad game design, and you dread it whenever you see it pop up in the game.”
- “The game took me 30 hours to finish, and a game as good as this I usually wouldn't complain, but when most of that gameplay is remembering how to navigate between areas because it's an absolute maze, it can definitely feel like a long playthrough and almost overstay its welcome with its tedious level design, navigation, and tasks.”
stability
148 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
2%
66%
Overall, the stability of System Shock 2023 is a mixed bag. While many players report a polished experience with minimal crashes and solid performance, there are frequent mentions of bugs, glitches, and occasional game-breaking issues that can disrupt gameplay. Despite these problems, the game is generally considered enjoyable and visually appealing, with some users noting that the minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
- “The game is gorgeous otherwise and runs great on my laptop.”
- “Overall the game is really polished, looks good and runs great.”
- “It runs great, looks great, and is a very fun immersive sim.”
- “It's a buggy mess.”
- “What a buggy bloody mess this is: from returning to your game and finding out that major events you needed to complete are reset and you can no longer progress as you can't interact with them, to not being able to continue the game at all as the game doesn't remember where it saves anything.”
- “It is plagued with bugs, ranging from visual glitches to savegame-breaking issues that halt progress.”
replayability
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
73%
11%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players finding it highly replayable due to varied playstyles and randomized elements, while others feel it lacks depth and character-building options, limiting replay value. Many reviews suggest that while the game can be enjoyable for a few playthroughs, it may not hold long-term appeal, especially without new game modes or significant changes in subsequent runs. Overall, the experience can be satisfying, but the replayability is often seen as constrained by design choices.
- “This RPG-like progression adds depth and replayability.”
- “The sense of progression and personalization adds depth to the gameplay and encourages players to experiment with different playstyles, enhancing replayability.”
- “Great replayability with its difficulty slider, randomized encounters with Shodan deploying more monstrosities as you clear a level, an amazing villain, and great horrific atmosphere.”
- “Expect a 20 to 40 hour playthrough; not much replayability, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.”
- “I think this really takes away from the replay value of this game, and I don't think I'll bother to play it again despite multiple playthroughs of the second game.”
- “Replayability is limited, as there is no new game plus or other modes, and there also aren't many challenge achievements to pursue.”
humor
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as a mix of dark, twisted, and situational comedy, often stemming from the interactions with the AI character, Shodan, whose disdain for humanity is both terrifying and amusing. Players find humor in the game's bugs and glitches, as well as in the absurdity of certain situations, creating a balance between tension and laughter. Overall, the humor enhances the immersive experience, making the game's oppressive atmosphere feel more engaging and entertaining.
- “It’s extremely funny considering that the game does explain why almost all the doors are closed, but when you need the most important piece of information, it simply doesn’t tell you anything.”
- “The atmosphere is great, Shodan is mostly terrifying but also hilarious at times, mostly just with the ways she tries to kill you.”
- “It's funny that I say horror considering how bright, colorful, and retrofuturistic the art style of this game is, and it has plenty of goofy stuff going on in it.”
emotional
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game resonates deeply with players, evoking nostalgia and a sense of connection to past gaming experiences, particularly for long-time fans of the franchise. Many reviewers express feelings of joy, despair, and even frustration, highlighting the game's ability to create a powerful atmosphere through its music and storytelling. While some players appreciate the heartfelt homage to the original, others note moments of cheap deaths and gameplay frustrations that detract from the overall emotional experience.
- “The music is an absolute masterpiece in immersion and emotional response; no other OST in my life has gotten so stuck in my head for no reason. Sometimes when I wake up, I still hear that endless loop in medical, that sensation of loneliness and that something has gone horribly wrong is just unforgettable.”
- “I haven't finished it because it requires me to have a certain emotional 'readiness' to return to it.”
- “The best compliment I can give the game is that it made me feel like I did when I first got into PC games back in the late 90s; it is just engaging and fun.”
monetization
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
30%
55%
The monetization aspect of the game is highly praised, with reviewers noting the absence of microtransactions, DLCs, and other common pitfalls of modern gaming, which they see as a refreshing change. At a price point of $40, players appreciate the game's respect for its source material and the immersive experience it offers without the burden of exploitative monetization practices. Overall, it is regarded as a well-crafted remake that prioritizes gameplay over profit-driven tactics.
- “In that overabundance of big game releases this year, I decided to play this instead of the numerous empty, microtransaction-filled, and somewhat brainless AAA projects... and I'm just glad I did.”
- “It's already one of the best games of the year just due to the fact it's well optimized and has no microtransactions.”
- “Finally a good game without tons of DLCs, not in early access, without microtransactions, and in working condition on day one.”
- “When I first saw one of the first (if not the first) of Nightdive's remakes, and how it went (and for how long), I had been afraid that this was going to be just another cash grab.”
- “The only thing it's missing, for me, is a $15 a month subscription and in-game purchases.”
- “In the wake of AAA games being absolutely broken cash grabs, this game is a breath of fresh air.”
character development
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
Character development in the game is primarily focused on upgrading items like weapons and cybernetic mods, which some players prefer over traditional RPG mechanics. However, many reviewers feel that the lack of dialogue and character options limits the depth of development, missing opportunities for richer storytelling. Comparisons to the sequel highlight that while the sequel offers improved character development, the original game falls short in this aspect.
- “The level design, character design, music, and voice acting is phenomenal.”
- “Character development is limited to finding items such as weapons and cybernetic mods and upgrading them, which is much better than adding RPG-style attributes, skills, and points - in my opinion.”
- “There were so many opportunities for character development that are missed because the hacker literally says nothing the entire game.”
- “This game has no character development options or classes, unlike the sequel SS2.”
- “I feel SS2 is the same, but better in many ways (level design, character development).”