System Shock 2

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,188 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
System Shock 2 Game Cover
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A first-person cyberpunk exploratory horror RPG and sequel to System Shock (1994) in which a soldier wakes up in the starship Van Braun in the aftermath of a disaster and finds himself in the midst of a conflict between SHODAN, the artificial intelligence antagonist of System Shock seeking mastery over humanity, and The Many, a flesh-based psychic hive mind led by the ship's corrupted AI.

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  • PC
  • Windows
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,188 reviews
story1,021 positive mentions
grinding84 negative mentions
  • System Shock 2 is a classic that still holds up today, offering an immersive experience with a gripping story and excellent sound design.
  • The game features deep character customization and multiple playstyles, allowing for a unique experience in each playthrough.
  • SHODAN is one of the most memorable villains in gaming history, and her voice acting adds to the game's chilling atmosphere.
  • The game's mechanics can feel clunky and dated, particularly the melee combat and inventory management.
  • Players can easily soft-lock their progress by making poor choices in character builds, leading to frustrating gameplay.
  • The respawning enemies can become tedious, detracting from the overall experience and making navigation more challenging.
  • story2,315 mentions

    The story of *System Shock 2* is widely praised for its depth and immersive storytelling, primarily conveyed through audio logs and environmental clues that allow players to piece together the narrative of a spaceship overrun by chaos. Many reviewers highlight the engaging plot twists and the iconic antagonist, SHODAN, which contribute to a tense atmosphere that keeps players invested throughout the game. While some note that the story can feel predictable or secondary to gameplay, the overall execution and world-building are considered exceptional, making it a significant influence on later titles like *Bioshock* and *Dead Space*.

    • “Overall, everything combines together to create an extremely memorable and incredibly atmospheric game with an excellent story.”
    • “The story is mainly told through audio logs left behind by crew members as well as in live radio transmissions, this allows for a unique approach to storytelling that is engaging and immersive.”
    • “The story of System Shock 2 is captivating and thought-provoking, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and morality.”
    • “The only glaring issues are bugs (that can be fixed) and parts of the story (mainly regarding Shodan).”
    • “Replayability is helped by the perk system, but it wasn't good enough for a second playthrough for me, since this game is mostly about exploring and navigating the levels, and the story doesn't seem to have any branches, which was a real lost opportunity.”
    • “The story is mediocre in my opinion but I think there's an issue of it feeling rushed in the last quarter of the game (fighting the Many and Shodan).”
  • gameplay1,900 mentions

    The gameplay of *System Shock 2* is widely praised for its innovative blend of first-person shooter mechanics and RPG elements, offering players a rich, immersive experience with significant depth and replayability. While some mechanics may feel dated and clunky by modern standards, the game's complex systems, resource management, and character customization provide a challenging and engaging gameplay loop that has influenced many contemporary titles, including the *Bioshock* series. Overall, players appreciate the game's atmospheric storytelling and the strategic nature of its gameplay, despite some frustrations with its difficulty and mechanics.

    • “Tons of replayability and variety in gameplay style is thankfully present due to the cyber modules/upgrades system.”
    • “The ability to have multiple systems at your hand that you then have to use in creative ways to solve problems is such a genius way to make the gameplay more engaging.”
    • “System Shock 2 has great gameplay; every combat encounter is like a little puzzle, where you must utilize the tools and knowledge you have accumulated optimally according to the current scenario you are facing.”
    • “For starters, the actual gameplay itself is boring and just all around a poor experience, the levels are overly complicated and difficult to navigate and gunplay is subpar at best.”
    • “I know a lot of gamers have rose-colored glasses for this game, but coming in cold I am shocked by the lack of pacing, convoluted and contradicting systems, and absolutely joyless gameplay on display here.”
    • “The gameplay is also extremely frustrating and unforgiving to the point where sometimes restarting the game entirely is the best option.”
  • graphics1,788 mentions

    The graphics of System Shock 2 are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 1999 release, with many players noting that they have not aged well compared to modern standards. However, the game's strong atmosphere, sound design, and storytelling often compensate for the visual shortcomings, and numerous mods are available to enhance the graphics for a more contemporary experience. While some players find the old graphics charming or nostalgic, others may struggle with their primitive quality, but overall, the gameplay and narrative depth remain compelling enough to warrant a recommendation.

    • “The graphics honestly look good for the year this was released, plus it supports my RX550 GPU and 1920x1080p resolution.”
    • “Visually, the game's graphics may be dated, but its art direction and atmosphere still hold up today.”
    • “The environments in the game look beautiful and the graphics are extremely well developed for a game released in the 90s.”
    • “Let me break it down, the graphics have aged poorly, the sound is great, including great voice acting, the story is so well-written, the action is pretty good, with a couple of cumbersome enemies, and the skills and leveling system is so satisfying.”
    • “The graphics looked dated in many aspects even when it first came out in 1999 (especially NPC models), and time has not helped.”
    • “Highly praised game which for me was a chore to play due to ancient graphics; clunky combat; concealed clues and many other annoyances.”
  • atmosphere1,492 mentions

    The atmosphere in "System Shock 2" is widely praised for its unique blend of tension, isolation, and immersive sound design, creating a chilling experience that captivates players even decades after its release. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke feelings of dread and loneliness through its haunting environments, effective use of audio logs, and the oppressive ambiance of the von Braun spaceship. Despite its dated graphics, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature, often compared favorably to modern titles in the horror genre.

    • “Talking of which, the von Braun is a memorable setting thanks to its uniquely sinister atmosphere, the distinct identity and layout of each deck, a grounded approach to sci-fi interiors, outstanding sound design and a mostly excellent soundtrack.”
    • “Shock 2's fully realized world is dripping in atmosphere, drenched in fear, and the instant you think you are safe, the game reminds you that you are not.”
    • “The atmosphere is impeccable, with the von Braun feeling like a floating metal casket in the void of space.”
    • “The atmosphere is able to convey this foreboding sense of loneliness and tension by placing you in blood-spattered surroundings with dead bodies of crew members around you, evoking imagery of the horror that took place.”
    • “The atmosphere is punishing and you-know-who is as cold and abusive as ever.”
    • “The atmosphere is very lonely and forboding, with excellent music.”
  • music802 mentions

    The music in "System Shock 2" has garnered mixed reviews, with many praising its unique blend of techno and ambient tracks that enhance the game's atmosphere, while others feel it detracts from the horror elements. Some players recommend muting the music to fully appreciate the eerie sound design and immersive experience, while others argue that the soundtrack, despite its occasional mismatch with the game's tone, is a standout feature that adds excitement and energy to gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered memorable and influential, contributing significantly to the game's legacy.

    • “The music and sounds greatly complement this.”
    • “The soundtrack is pure 90's techno bliss and deserves an award by itself.”
    • “The music is awesome and sets the mood well.”
    • “The music didn't feel fitting so I turned it off, and found the game to be more satisfying with only ambient sounds of the Van Braun.”
    • “The music is very 1990's 'loopy' with annoying drum beats that had me turning it off much of the time (a shame because the more 'incidental' parts are done far better).”
    • “The gunplay/combat is showing its age and isn't really worth writing home about, and the soundtrack doesn't mesh well with the horror atmosphere that the game is trying to establish (I suggest turning off the music. Makes the experience much better in my opinion).”
  • replayability198 mentions

    System Shock 2 is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its extensive character customization options, diverse gameplay styles, and a rich RPG mechanics system. Players can explore various builds and strategies, enhancing the experience with multiple playthroughs, despite some critiques regarding the linearity of the story. Overall, the game's immersive atmosphere and player choice contribute to its lasting appeal and replay value, making it a classic in the genre.

    • “A focus on player choice in the game design leads to System Shock 2 being one of the most replayable games ever released, with the option to tackle the title in almost any way the player sees fit, whether that be a standard FPS run-and-gun solution or more novel options like becoming a space wizard or just running from combat entirely.”
    • “The numerous ways you can customize your cyber rig gives the game so much replay value.”
    • “Dynamic and intense gameplay, a lot of ways of character development, rewarding location exploration, tense atmosphere - all this makes System Shock 2 a remarkable and replayable game.”
    • “Replayability is helped by the perk system, but it wasn't good enough for a second playthrough for me, since this game is mostly about exploring and navigating the levels, and the story doesn't seem to have any branches, which was a real lost opportunity.”
    • “The RPG mechanics can be cumbersome to learn for first-time players, but allow for the ability to have unique playthroughs which add replay value to the game, and players who come into possession of a decent weapon and with the properly leveled skill level for it will quickly go from prey to hunter on the Von Braun.”
    • “Despite the graphics being outdated (it was made in 1999 so cut it some slack; there are mods that make it look better), the gameplay itself shines like a diamond, giving replayability for those that want to literally adjust the skills of their character, whether it's spending some cyber-modules on an OSI upgrade to run past enemies undetected or improving your hacking skill so the crate doesn't explode when you hit a bad node.”
  • humor91 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players noting a mix of intentional and unintentional comedic moments, particularly in the ending and character animations. Many find the outdated graphics and awkward animations to be hilariously charming, while the dark humor woven into the narrative adds depth to the experience. Overall, the game successfully balances funny moments with its serious themes, making it both entertaining and engaging.

    • “The end cutscene is hilarious.”
    • “This game becomes insanely funny once you get a laser saber and have high agility.”
    • “The enemies are fun and hilarious at times and seeing the story take the turns that it did really threw me and kept me hooked until the end, which by the way is one of the best endings to a game that I have ever seen.”
  • grinding84 mentions

    The reviews highlight a significant issue with grinding in the game, describing it as tedious and frustrating, particularly due to excessive backtracking, resource management, and clunky mechanics. While some players appreciate the challenge and immersive elements, many feel that the repetitive nature of certain tasks detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the experience feel like a chore rather than an engaging adventure. Overall, the game is seen as a mix of innovative design and frustrating grind, especially in its later levels.

    • “In the end, the game was just too tedious to be really enjoyable.”
    • “But what starts out so well eventually devolves into a very tedious, unrealistic, and completely confusing bunch of areas to work through, which only gets worse as the game goes on.”
    • “The early portions of the game when you are just getting your bearings and exploring the ship level by level are entertaining enough, but as the game progresses it turns into a much more tedious corridor shooter.”
  • stability76 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting frequent crashes and various bugs, particularly in multiplayer and co-op modes. While some users experienced smooth gameplay on modern systems, others encountered game-breaking glitches and clunky controls that hindered their experience. Overall, players are advised to save often and be prepared for a potentially frustrating but entertaining journey due to the game's age and technical issues.

    • “This game is actually really awesome and runs great without mods.”
    • “Runs great on Windows 10 and will run on just about any potato laptop and above.”
    • “Also, 'buggy' coop was not buggy at all for me and my friend (with the latest ss2tool, at least) - excluding a couple of desynchronizations between levels, but they are easily remedied by saving before changing levels.”
    • “Game design just doesn't hold up to today's standards and makes for a buggy, clunky, aggravating experience with a disappointing ending.”
    • “While the game itself is incredible, it is buggy and basically cannot be finished due to some weird elevator bug after the command center part.”
    • “10 co-op crashes and buggy elevators out of 10!”
  • optimization62 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization for modern PCs is mixed; while many players report smooth performance and minimal crashes, others experience stuttering and issues with hit detection, particularly in combat. The community patch is recommended to address several performance problems, enhancing the experience on newer systems. Despite its age, the game retains a vibrant atmosphere, but some players find the interface and character advancement system cumbersome.

    • “No crash, optimized controls, enjoyable experience.”
    • “This version is optimized for and runs flawlessly on newer systems.”
    • “Atmosphere is amazing, graphics are still good (game made in 1998), it runs smoothly (no FPS drops or crashes).”
    • “It's not really optimized for modern PCs and stutters sometimes.”
    • “But the combat kinda sucks, the hit boxes are badly optimized, especially during hand-to-hand combat when the hit doesn't register.”
    • “However, I am forced to ask simply, 'Is the game still fun to play?', and sadly I must answer 'no.' Ignoring the draconian advancement system, the game feels sluggish and poorly optimized, and the interface is a complicated counter-intuitive mess.”
  • character development57 mentions

    Character development in the game is highly praised for its depth and non-linear progression, allowing players to make meaningful choices that significantly impact gameplay and replayability. While the protagonist's lack of dialogue may detract from some players' immersion, the intricate RPG mechanics and resource management add layers of strategy to character customization. Overall, the game successfully integrates character development with storytelling and atmosphere, creating a compelling and engaging experience.

    • “Character development diverges into many paths and the choices you make matter.”
    • “This game was seminal to adventure games based on shooter roots, where the game becomes deeper and more fleshed out based on your character development choices, applied through using roleplaying game elements and choices made by you the player.”
    • “Moreover, the narrative of System Shock 2 proves to be a triumph of storytelling and character development.”
    • “Character development wasn’t particularly riveting, since the protagonist doesn’t really talk.”
    • “But this is one of the games where you have to read the wiki or some guide before playing, not to use some optimized character build, but just to avoid the traps that are hidden in the character development system.”
    • “The inventory management is complex sometimes but it adds challenge and the character development is so extensive that you really should read a tutorial on what kind of character build you want to start with.”
  • emotional56 mentions

    System Shock 2 is lauded for its profound emotional impact, evoking feelings of vulnerability, isolation, and desperation through its tense atmosphere and challenging gameplay. Players report experiencing a wide range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to triumph and sadness, largely driven by the game's sound design, character development, and immersive storytelling. The game stands out as a unique emotional experience, often described as a benchmark for horror games that seek to elicit deep psychological responses.

    • “I don't think I've ever played a game that legitimately made me feel alone and vulnerable until I played System Shock 2.”
    • “Ss2 is one of those rare games/movies that affect you so profoundly...emotionally, cognitively, physiologically...that you are simultaneously overwhelmed by the experience and sadly resigned to the fact you can't forget it all and experience it for the first time again.”
    • “This is what horror games try to emulate and not many have pulled off the level of utter isolation and emotional breaking that this wonderful piece of madness creates.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, as it features no microtransactions, which contrasts sharply with the prevalent trend of loot boxes and in-game purchases in modern gaming. Players appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a deep single-player experience without the pressure of additional costs, although some express concern over the industry's shift towards cash grabs and superficial purchases. Overall, the absence of monetization pitfalls enhances the game's nostalgic value and accessibility.

    • “I really appreciate that there are no microtransactions in this game.”
    • “It's refreshing to see a game that doesn't rely on microtransactions.”
    • “Such deep single player games are not produced anymore these days! In 2022, it's all about loot boxes and in-game purchases. Stupid kids bully others because they may not have a cool gun skin. Such games used to be appreciated because one had to save their pocket money to get this. This game shaped me.”
    • “I highly recommend you buy into Valve's evil plan to make obscure, difficult-to-acquire games readily available to the public, and give in to the cash grab.”
    • “- the no microtransactions”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

8hMedian play time
10hAverage play time
3-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 29 analyzed playthroughs

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