![]() ![]() With the rising popularity of mobile and casual gaming realms, it’s not difficult to see the near extinction of complex gameplay mechanics in favor of style over substance. There’s a missing element in modern games that classics such as System Shock 2 wears as a badge of honor: that of complexity. ![]() When puzzles did arise in levels, I felt compelled each time to resort to an online walkthrough because it was such a major contrast from other recent games. Unfortunately, few modern first-person shooters, even the few with infused role-playing elements, don't require much thought or analysis on the player’s part. I’ve been completely spoiled by most modern games in which progression through levels simply required killing any enemy or destroying any obstacle that stood between the player and the next section. Audio logs in other games often function as collectible, filler-lore, while in System Shock 2 they often contain necessary codes for unlocking doors, hints about solving puzzles, or tips to avoiding potential dangers. The more-or-less functional, non-interactive, map ultimately served as my essential tool for navigation in the game, other than running away from enemies and getting lost.Īlong with the bare-bones map, in what feels like every other minute in the game is spent using the in-game PDA that stores objectives, audio logs, and notes in addition to a wide range of other uses, from managing the inventory screen to skills. I can’t remember the last time since an in-game map was actually required for plotting a route versus acting as a mere fast travel decoration. Instead of paying attention to a rotating waypoint marker, I instead focused on memorizing landmarks in levels such as vending machines, computer terminals, and wall signs. Navigation in the game requires the use of an individual’s memory for remembering the layout and structure of levels. Modern game assistance including fast travel, bread crumb trails, and waypoint markers are such of a norm that when various objectives in System Shock 2 asked me to read the game’s map and wade through mazes of corridors I usually ended up lost in a few minutes. Soon after my first encounters and later deaths at the hands of mutant killer monkeys, I acted out of both desperation and frustration and resorted to online walkthroughs. As well, System Shock 2 is well known for its array of horror elements in both the narrative and gameplay that continually break down the player's sanity.Īfter completing the game’s training and introduction levels, I felt prepared and confident enough to tackle the classic PC game without using any online help. Skill choices range from hacking to psionic powers, and there are numerous ways to accomplish objectives. With a combination of first-person shooter and role-playing elements, players decide how to tackle the game’s obstacles by choosing which weapons to use and skills to upgrade. System Shock 2 places players in the role of a lone soldier that is tasked with investigating and battling the source of an alien infection that has turned the crew of the Von Braun spacecraft into killer psychopaths. As I discovered soon into my first playthrough of the game, modern games have truly spoiled both my expectations regarding the amount of provided in-game assistance as well as the complexity involved with solving puzzles. With the gracious help of GOG.com, I was finally able to secure a copy that could run on my modern PC and operating system and, for the first time, experience the beloved classic. It’s been 14 years since System Shock 2 redefined a genre on PC and caused terror in the minds of gamers. ![]()
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