System Shock is back with a vengeance, as creators Nightdive Studios pay their respects to the original game. With clear nods to 2000’s Deus Ex and 2017’s Prey, System Shock draws a direct line to its predecessors as a beloved first-person adventure game. However, some of the original systems may be off-putting to those new to the game. Though the biggest improvement to the remake is undoubtedly its aesthetic, as it offers a cyberpunk universe littered with immersive detail, all stained with an atmosphere of unease. It is clear that this is a retelling of the old game, rather than a remake or reboot. However, this is not a setback, as it offers even more of the same yarn, now more fleshed out. The standout feature of System Shock is most definitely SHODAN, the evil AI. Terri Brosius returns to voice SHODAN, who is terrifying and venomous in her contempt. Though combat is often clunky, with ammo often in short supply, it somehow adds to the survival-horror atmosphere of the game. The one significant hitch in an otherwise impressive game is its inconsistent checkpointing which can cause big setbacks. Still, the overall style, design, and writing of System Shock hold up spectacularly, and this is a game sure to please longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.
Nightdive Studios was created by Stephen Kick in 2013. The company has worked on modernizing classic video games, including System Shock, its sequel, and Doom 64.
Terri Brosius is an American voice actor and singer who has worked on video games such as Thief: The Dark Project, System Shock 2, and the Dishonored series. Brosius rose to prominence voicing SHODAN, the evil AI of the System Shock games.
