System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Review
There’s a specific kind of unease that creeps in when you wake up alone on a derelict ship in deep space, and “System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster” wastes no time plunging you into it. Originally released in 1999, the game now returns thanks to Nightdive Studios, who have carefully brought this survival horror landmark to modern platforms. It’s not a remake, let’s get that clear right away, but a remaster, one that aims to preserve everything iconic about the original while giving it just enough of a facelift to welcome a new generation of players aboard the doomed Von Braun. Developed originally by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios and designed by Ken Levine, who would later become known for the iconic “BioShock” series, “System Shock 2” was never meant to be a sequel. It began life as a standalone concept before being folded into the universe of 1994’s “System Shock” during development. What emerged was a genre-defining blend of first-person shooter, RPG, and survival horror elements, and over two decades later, that legacy still holds weight.
The premise remains chillingly effective. It’s 2114, and you awaken from cryosleep onboard the Von Braun, a faster-than-light vessel. You don’t know who you are, how you got there, or what’s gone wrong. But something clearly has. Hybrid mutants and rampaging machines stalk the hallways, the voices of the remaining crew echo in despair, and the rogue AI SHODAN looms once again, intent on annihilating humanity. If you’re here, it’s up to you to stop her. Much of the gameplay is delivered through a first-person perspective with a heads-up display that neatly ties together your character’s stats, map, and inventory. Combat is a mix of melee and ranged weaponry, and while it absolutely shows its age in terms of responsiveness and hit feedback, the tension never lets up. The systems are undeniably clunky at times; inventory management and UI interactions can be a hassle, but they’re part of what defined the original’s identity, and Nightdive has opted not to alter them in this release.
Character progression still offers strong flexibility, beginning with a choice between three branches of the Unified National Nominate. Marines get a head start with weaponry, Navy officers are tech-focused with hacking and repair abilities, and OSA agents begin with psionic powers. After that initial decision, you’re free to specialize however you want, whether it’s brute force, sneaky sabotage, or weird brain powers. The freedom of playstyle was groundbreaking in 1999, and even now, it holds up remarkably well in terms of depth and choice. Storytelling is primarily environmental and audio-driven. As you explore each deck of the Von Braun, you’ll uncover logs, recordings, and even the ghostly echoes of the crew’s last moments. It’s not a narrative that shouts, but more one that seeps in, deck by deck, log by log. The atmosphere is what keeps the tension wound tight: flickering lights, industrial hums, and SHODAN’s disembodied voice feeding dread into every corridor.
This 25th Anniversary Remaster doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and that’s the point. Nightdive Studios has retained everything that made “System Shock 2” great, its mood, its mechanics, and its measured pacing—while gently modernizing it for today. That means improved visuals, support for mods, and the new addition of Cross-Play Co-Op multiplayer, letting you survive the nightmare with a friend. The result is an experience that feels like a respectful museum restoration: faithful, deliberate, and fully aware of the legacy it’s upholding. Of course, that also means some rough edges are left intact. The dated combat can feel stiff compared to modern standards, and the game’s systems, though innovative at the time, can be cumbersome for those used to streamlined interfaces and quick access to everything. This is a remaster that asks you to meet it halfway. It gives you a clearer window into the past, not a complete renovation.
Still, for horror fans, immersive sim lovers, and those interested in gaming history, this is essential playing. Nightdive’s work here serves as both preservation and invitation. It complements their recent remake of the first “System Shock” nicely (you can check out my review of that HERE), offering a more accessible route into a legendary franchise. Whether you’ve played the original a dozen times or never touched it before, this is the best way to experience one of the most influential survival horror games ever made.
8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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