System Shock
" Immersive action-adventure with atmospheric audio and deep sim mechanics but maze-like levels "
System Shock Review
System Shock (2023) is a faithful and atmospheric remake of the 1994 classic, blending sci-fi horror with immersive sim gameplay. Players navigate the maze-like Citadel Station, facing resource scarcity, challenging enemies, and puzzles without hand-holding or quest markers. The game demands attention to detail, exploration, and note-taking, rewarding patience and strategic thinking. The iconic villain SHODAN delivers an unsettling presence through superb voice acting and audio design, enhancing immersion.
Visually, the game impresses with a neon-lit cyberpunk aesthetic, modern lighting, and detailed enemy models that honor the original's style. Combat is satisfying but can feel clunky and punishing, emphasizing cautious play and ammo management. While some find the cyberspace segments and final boss underwhelming or tedious, overall, the remake revitalizes the original's spirit with modern controls and quality-of-life improvements. It appeals especially to fans of old-school immersive sims and those seeking a challenging, narrative-rich experience.
Highlights
Players praise the game's faithfulness to the original and its successful modernization with updated graphics and smooth performance. The audio design and SHODAN's voice acting are frequently highlighted as standout features that heighten the horror atmosphere. The immersive sim gameplay mechanics—including resource management, weapon variety, and exploration—are well received for their depth and challenge. The game's distinct cyberpunk aesthetic and carefully crafted level design contribute to a tense and engaging environment. Many appreciate the lack of hand-holding, valuing the satisfaction from solving puzzles and uncovering the story through environmental storytelling and audio logs.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the maze-like and sometimes confusing level design, which can lead to player frustration and frequent backtracking. The cyberspace sections are often described as boring, repetitive, and disorienting, detracting from the overall experience. Some players find combat clunky and overly punishing, especially due to enemy accuracy and respawning foes. The lack of UI scaling and small text can cause eye strain. Additionally, the final boss fight receives mixed reviews, with some considering it underwhelming or frustrating. The game’s difficulty and minimal guidance may also alienate newcomers or casual players.
Pros
- • Faithful remake that honors the original's spirit and gameplay design.
- • Outstanding atmospheric audio design with iconic SHODAN voice acting.
- • Beautiful neon-lit cyberpunk visuals with detailed enemy models.
- • Deep immersive sim mechanics emphasizing exploration and resource management.
- • Satisfying weapon variety and impactful gunplay experience.
- • Challenging puzzles that reward attention and problem-solving skills.
- • No hand-holding; encourages player agency and discovery.
Cons
- • Maze-like level design can cause confusion and tedious backtracking.
- • Cyberspace segments are repetitive, disorienting, and often unenjoyable.
- • Combat can feel clunky and punishing due to enemy accuracy and respawns.
- • Small UI text with no scaling options causes eye strain for some players.
- • Final boss fight is underwhelming and frustrating for certain players.
- • Lack of quest log or objective markers complicates progression.
- • Enemies respawn frequently, draining limited resources.
Rating Criteria
A first-person fight to the death in the depths of space!