What made the original a genre-defining classic - and how does the remake modernise the game?
This might be one of the best remakes ever made.
System Shock was originally developed by Looking Glass Technologies, a small Massachusetts studio known for its innovation.
System Shock is all about atmosphere, exploration and tension.
Remaking a game is never easy.
We’ll tackle each in turn, starting - in true DF fashion - with the graphics.
The original is never as scary as Irrational’sSystem Shock 2, but what’s here is compelling and atmospheric.
The remake follows in the footsteps of the original, updating the aesthetic where appropriate.
In many scenes, the original’s flat surfaces have been reworked with copious amounts of geometry.
It walks a strange line between modern, detailed visuals and a retro aesthetic, and it works.
I also appreciate the adherence to the basic shapes that define the original.
Levels closely follow the original but make changes where appropriate without losing the original intent.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the weapons, both in terms of visual design and world integration.
It’s a huge, logically-constructed ship that you’ll learn to navigate as you play.
For context, this mobile GPU resembles a desktop RTX 2060.
It also seems to offer fast performance with high frame-rates possible even on mid-spec PCs.
It’s all about cause and effect, but this relationship isn’t explicitly spelled out.
After all, this is a game that demands the player to pay close attention.
There is no floating waypoint nudging you in the right direction and your goals aren’t explicitly spelled out.
The further you progress, the more information the game tasks you with retaining.
It’s all cursor-driven, even when using a gamepad.
you’re free to still pick up or throw countless objects strewn about the Citadel.
It’s this combination of interface design with a respectable level of freedom that impresses.
I would instead describe System Shock as refined rather than simplified and that’s an important distinction.
It’s on par with the best of the best, including Capcom’s world-class Resident Evil remakes.
It’s both faithful yet completely new.
It’s the ultimate tribute and one that any fan of immersive sims needs to play right now.
