System Shock 2

"Scariest game of all time"

Every once in a while, a game comes along that gives you suspense and a few frightening sequences. Two good examples would be Gabriel Knight and Half-Life. There has also been games where you become so engrossed in the story that you nearly forget reality, like Deus Ex. However, this is the only game I have played that does both. I was literally scared to go on with this game at some points, and I was driven by an ambition to solve the game so I wouldn't spend so much time wondering what is around the next corner. After playing this game and Deus Ex, it is clear that the FPS genre, and the RPG genre, were meant for each other. Its best of both worlds, FPS action, and RPG story and length of game.

What's even more amazing is that Irrational Games took a rather crappy engine(Dark engine I believe its called) and made everything look so good. The level designing is pure genius. This game also shows that you don't need cutting edge graphics to make a great game. My only complain with the graphics is the people don't look to good.

The sounds in this game are amazing as well. The voice of Shodan alone is extremely well done and one of a kind at that. No complaints about the sound

Now, as far as the story itself goes, I do stand by what I said earlier, however, there are one or two flaws. My main complaint is that I would have liked to actually meet someone alive and well and NOT be running for their lives. The story elements are mainly presented via the various tape recordings you pick up. But still, I would have loved to have talked with a real person face to face, and maybe then they get killed, kinda like in Half-life.

The other thing I didn't like about the plot, while the ending is well done, especially the speech from Shodan, its really kind of, for lack of a better word: cheesy. There were also some things (I thought) left unexplained, however I did NOT play System shock 1. I was also hoping to see some explosions in the end-game. Which brings up the fact that after you leave the Von Braun and enter the Rickenbocker, except for the first pod, the levels and the story aren't done as well as before. The bridge level is really pointless except to prepare for the many level. The many level itself is good, but really shot, and the final fight is ridiculously hard. And the final stage is again rather pointless except to find and prepare for the final boss, which is much easier than you would expect.

With those flaws set aside, System Shock 2 is a game that makes me wonder what EA is thinking when they say there will be no System Shock 3. Maybe its a sign of respect for the game and for Irrational games, thinking that a sequel would shame the series, but wasn't that what everyone said when the original was re-least?

Also, the RPG/FPS hybrid genre is, in my book, 2 for 2 for outstanding games. The only other game like this I played was Deus Ex, and that is my favorite game of all time. What else can I look forward to? Deus Ex 2 will be out soon, but what of the Y-project? That game looked like it was going to be right up SS2 and DX fans alley. Hopefully it gets resurrected in some way.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/16/03