Originally released all the way back to when I was just a kid, back in 1994, “System Shock” was a very monumental first-person shooter of that time. Having never played it before, but being a huge fan of “System Shock 2” back in the day and Ken Levine’s following games from the “Bioshock” franchise, I was very eager to see what the original was all about. With the release of a built from the ground up style remake by Nightdive Studios I finally had the perfect excuse to give it a shot. Released on PC last year in a very busy gaming landscape, I still never got around to checking it out, but now with the release of it coming to PS5 it was time to clear my schedule for real this time. I must say, this was a very different yet enlightening experience than I was expecting.
This “System Shock” remake will transport you to the cyberpunk future of 2072, where the story unfolds aboard Citadel Station, a massive space outpost owned by the influential TriOptimum Corporation. The narrative begins as you are playing as an anonymous hacker who is on a quest for forbidden knowledge, and attempts to infiltrate and extract classified files concerning Citadel Station. Unfortunately, these illicit activities do not go unnoticed, and you’re swiftly captured and brought to the station to face Edward Diego, a high-ranking and morally ambiguous TriOptimum executive. Rather than facing immediate punishment, the hacker (essentially the name of the main protagonist you play) is coerced into participating in a dangerous scheme that involves a risky neural implant procedure. After the operation, you fall into a coma and wake up months later to a station in chaos. During your unconsciousness, SHODAN, the station’s artificial intelligence, has gone rogue. Initially designed to oversee the station’s operations, SHODAN’s ethical constraints have been removed, allowing it to develop a god complex and embark on a sinister agenda.
As the hacker you will discover that SHODAN has transformed the once orderly Citadel Station into a nightmarish realm. The AI has been converting the station’s crew into grotesque cyborgs and mutants, while those who resisted have been mercilessly killed. The station, now overrun with these abominations, serves as the haunting backdrop in this game. Using your skills to hack into systems, gather resources, and combat the twisted creations of SHODAN. Throughout this crazy adventure, you’ll confront moral dilemmas and uncover secrets that will challenge your perceptions of right and wrong. The story of “System Shock” is not just a fight for survival but also a deep dive into the consequences of unchecked technological advancement and corporate greed.
The first thing I noticed while playing “System Shock” was how really bright this game was, the sequel being a much more horror experience than I was expecting. This one was certainly aiming for style over ambience. The second thing I noticed was how tough this game was. Not just how quickly you can die, but the puzzle solving can be really challenging. I soon learned that nothing is what it seems and I didn’t know what to believe. I’m going to be honest, and with no shame, I desperately needed a guide to help me through this endeavor. From what I can tell as a first-timer, the developers did do quite a faithful job at remaking this title, while modernizing in areas that were necessary, primarily the controls. As a first-person shooter, the controls are indeed solid.
“System Shock” may not be for everyone as it is essentially a polished product of another era, but I feel the goal here is to get newer gamers familiar with a classic genre-defining game from the 90’s and have them enjoy it in a way they are accustomed to playing in this day and age. Let me remind you again, this game is very difficult, so be ready for a challenge. While I still preferred “System Shock 2” over this title, it was really cool to go back and experience something I never got around to and Nightdive Studios should be commended on what they managed to replicate. Now I can only hope they do something similar for the sequel!
8/10
System Shock is available for PlayStation 4|5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.
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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