System Shock 2

"A game that will live in my memory forever..."

Before you start reading this review, keep in mind that it is my first. So if it is a little sloppy, please forgive me. Now, without further ado, here goes nothing...

Many years ago, still reeling from the awesomeness of Doom, I was digging through my local Hastings looking for my next fix when I came across a game that I had recently read about in my beloved PC Gamer, System Shock. PC Gamer had had nothing but praise for it so I threw caution to the reckless wind and plopped down 50 bones for it. Or, rather, I convinced my dad to plop down 50 bones for it. Man was it worth it! I played it over and over again, memorizing and mastering it. Then, four years later, the sequel came out. I admit, I was a little biased going into it (I had a wet dream about the game the night before it came out). So, needless to say, I bought it, played it, fell in love, and started worshiping it. Well, maybe not that extreme. Anyway, on with the review.

Graphics - 8.5 out of 10

For the time, I thought that the level design, texturing, and weapon design was the best I had ever seen. But even then I thought the character models were extremely lacking. After playing it again all these years later, the graphics STILL hold up exactly like that. I love the smooth, cool texturing of the early levels, and the rough, military designs of the later levels, and the beautiful organic nature of the final level. Unfortunately, as I stated above, the character models are awful, with pointy faces, arms, torsos, legs, everything. Fortunately there is an unofficial mod out that updates most of the models to ultimate supreme badassedness. You can find the link for the mod in the forums. With the mod I give the graphics a 10 out of 10

Sound - 10 out of 10

To this day, no game has even come close to matching the glory of the sound effects in this game. The voice of the Many has to be heard to be believed. The developers were most creative in their use of sound to enhance the creepy vibe of the atmosphere. The voice acting in the logs ranges from great to downright incredible. There are a couple that have been burned in my brain for all time, and when you play the game, you will know them when you hear them. *cough* Korenshkin *cough* *cough* Excuse me. The weapon effects are meaty and believable, especially the melee weapons. There's nothing like the sickening crunch of a large wrench striking center mass on an annelid hybrid. Quite satisfying.

Music - 8 out of 10

The music, on the other hand, is somewhat of a let-down for me. Maybe I've been spoiled by Final Fantasy. Don't get me wrong, it's extremely effective given the environments, but techno is over-done in games. I would have rather the developers put in some kind of choral, epic symphonic tunes.

Gameplay - 10 out of 10

Here is where System Shock II really shines. The gameplay is damn near perfect. It is basically an RPG/FPS. The role-playing elements are very well implemented and actually believable in this game. The FPS elements are well done, but the only downside is the combat. It's a little sluggish, and the weapons break down too quickly. And I mean WAY too quickly. That is this game's biggest flaw, IMHO. And you say, ''But MercuryMan, if the weapons break down that fast, then why did you rate the gameplay a 10?'' Because of the fact that despite the weapon breakdown, this game is AMAZINGLY fun to just sit and play. Everything in it comes together SO well that you can't help but fall in love with it. Besides, I was (and still am) primarily a melee user anyway (Crystal Shard Ownz!!)

Multiplay - Not Rated

This game was initially released sans multiplay, but Origin, in their infinite wisdom, released a patch soon after release that gave it multiplay. Unfortunately, I have yet to play it. If anyone would like to have a go at this game with me, feel free to IM me at CyberPunkGuy (AIM) or email me at ashndan@hotmail.com

Conclusion

Any self-respecting PC gamer that does not have this game in his or her library needs to hop on e-bay right now and purchase one. Trust me. It'll be the best 20 dollars you have ever spent. Just get the Rebirth mod so the character models mimic the awesomeness of the experience. That's the word. It's not a game. It's an experience that will live in your memory for the rest of your life.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/09/03, Updated 06/09/03