For those of you who have been waiting to see the upcoming enhanced version of System Shock 2, a recent trailer shows off the work on this improved version, which boasts better overall visuals. While it didn’t make a huge impact in terms of sales, the sequel to 1994’s System Shock has become a sci-fi game that was well ahead of its time with a haunting and depressing world combined with an environmental story. era.
Long before Portal’s GLaDOS or Halo’s Cortana, both games introduced the world to one of the most iconic AI characters in all of gaming in the name of Shodan. The original System Shock and its sequels weren’t successful as far as the market was concerned, but they made an impact on the industry in a way that’s still felt today. In fact, many consider the first BioShock to be a spiritual sequel to the sci-fi series, which was spearheaded by Ken Levine’s Irrational Games team, co-developers of System Shock 2 and the now-defunct Looking Glass Studios.
Given this tradition, it’s no surprise that many fans of the 1999 version are looking forward to experiencing an enhanced version of System Shock 2, and the first gameplay footage of that version has recently emerged. In the sub-two-and-a-half-minute segment, the game’s opening scene is shown, with cut scenes from the original sequel shown picture-in-picture for comparison. The results speak for themselves, with the new and improved version giving the aging game some boost. Of course, this isn’t a remake, so it still retains the hit’s classic look, but it’s clear to see some tweaks, especially when it comes to character models.
Beyond that, many fans are anticipating an official remake of the original System Shock, whose release date was recently confirmed. Now slated for release on May 30, the reimagining of the first game in the series aims to bring it back to prominence, and perhaps give it a chance to once again have a big impact on overall FPS gaming.
It’s no surprise, then, that System Shock 2’s remake and revamp are two highly anticipated sci-fi titles. No doubt many older gamers will be keen to see what Nightdive Studios did to the original, bringing it into the modern age, so hopefully the wait will be worth it.
System Shock launches on May 30 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
