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Masterpiece

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: April 10, 2001
Author: Amazon User

It's your typical nightmare; you are stationed in the starship capable of faster-than-light travel. Millions of light years away from Earth, you're awaken from the hyper-sleep only to find out the whole ship is infested with flesh eating zombies and nightmarish creatures.

You have been implemented with various cyber-modules that allow you to perform inhuman tasks, but they might not be enough to save you ... During the whole course of the game, you do not interact with any 'living' crew. Only ally you have is the woman who calls herself Dr.Polito, occasionally communicating with you via the comms module in your head, and giving you objectives that are insanely difficult. She is dubious at best but you have no other choice, but to follow her cold voice of command.

This is the outline of System Shock 2 - one of the most intense and terrifying journey you will take in PC gaming history. It's literally one hell of a game. Consider as 'Aliens' equivalent in interactive PC gaming where you 'do' have to try 'very hard' to survive.

At start there are a limited cyber-modules to upgrade your system, and some weapons you may not able to even use just yet. But there is never enough cyber-module and it makes you think really hard how you want to develop your skills.

In terms of game play SS2 is a mixture of First Person Shooter and RPG (not unlike Baldurs Gate). You do have weapons and shoots monsters but you cannot be proficient with certain types of wespons unless you learn the skills in those areas. As you go on, you will make certain choices that will affect how you would play the game later on. My advice is to study the manual and think hard before making any rushed decision. Even on easy level this game is extremely tough, not a game for casual gamers who want to play something 'quick' and 'relaxing'.

The level design is, I think, where this game shines. Each level of the starship is totally believable and makes sense to have it there. From Engineering to Medical bays, the levels are detailed and well-thought out. And the Body of the Many ... Don't even let me start....

The graphics are by todays standard are pretty much dated (especially (dead) humans where polygon counts are pretty low), and cut scenes are pretty bad in comparison as well. But they are crisp and neat at least, and convey the feelings of the starship adequately. You will be so scared - you won't even care anyway.

The sound work in the game, I think, will be the true milestone of gaming industry. Yes it's that good, especially if you got good speakers. Shrieks of crazy monkeys were never sooooo scary. Sound plays an important part in the game, I pity those who don't have good speakers or sound card. It will be a worthy investment before playing this game.

...It's a steal; you have my permission to proceed, soldier!

The Greatest Game I Have Ever Played

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: October 31, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Quite simply, System Shock 2 is the greatest PC game ever, at least in my opinion. There are many similarities to Half-Life in terms of gameplay, but Half-Life, as good as it is, pales in comparison to this masterpiece from the now defunct Looking Glass Studios. The atmosphere of this game is nothing short of incredible. The experience is as immersive as its two-dimensional constraints allow. You don't just run and shoot your way through this one. You have to examine everything, from the ceiling to the floor, and there is a wealth of items to examine, pick up, gain information from, and use. Controlling your character takes a little getting used to, given the spatial elements of the game. I use the old Magic Carpet method--right hand on the mouse and left hand on the arrow keys. Some folks have said the game is able to generate real scares; I can't say it really scared me, but there were a few times that it made me jump. When one of those hybrids sneaks up on you from behind and moans in your ear, it can indeed be rather startling. The AI is just superb--these creatures don't just stumble around haphazardly; things come at you from directions you don't expect. If you allow security to be alerted to your presence and can't get to a security station, you better find yourself a corner and try to look in every direction all at the same time until the alert ends.

This game could not be as great as it is without a great storyline. While players of the initial System Shock may immerse themselves a little easier in the gameplay, new gamers will quickly be pulled into the world of the Von Braun. It's classic sci-fi, in my opinion. If you are worried about getting through the game quickly and relegating it to your "games I will probably never play again" stack, dispense with your fears. The System Shock 2 universe is huge, and it will take you untold hours to see the game to its very end. On several occasion, I thought the game was about to end, but it just kept going and going. If you do finish it, you may very well want to start all over; you can choose any of three different types of characters, so you can get three different experiences guaranteed. I hate to think how many hours of sleep I have missed playing this game; you just can't pull yourself away from it without an effort.

As some reviewers point out, this game can be pretty difficult. The first two-thirds are not really too bad but may well take you a long time to complete; the final one-third of the game does get downright arduous, though. I'm the kind of wuss that can only play on the easiest level, and I can't see how anyone can finish this game without cheating--I can't even imagine how impossible a task it must be to play at the highest difficulty level. I don't endorse cheating, but I was so anxious to see more of the game that I had to resort to dastardly measures. Toward the very end, I sadly had to resort to God mode; had I not, I would be spending a number of years trying to finish this game.

Play System Shock 2. (...)This may well be the best value in all of gaming. Don't worry about the fact this game was produced way back in 1999; it stands up to and surpasses any other game I have seen on the market today. I really cannot understand why this game was not one of the biggest sellers in history. I read nothing but rare praise from critics in the business (unheard of ratings like 97 out of 100), and the game actually lives up to its promise. The sales figures of the original System Shock were disappointing, but the lack of popular acclaim for this sequel is tragic. The fact that Looking Glass Studios is now no longer in existence is heartbreaking because it means there will probably be no System Shock 3.

SS2? Bargain Bin?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: May 06, 2000
Author: Amazon User

As a justice to this game, I am now going to try to get you to buy it and experience the wonder ... This game is the result of the genius of the folks behind Thief, and I would have to say that it is the most immersing game ever. To play it is to feel, to be, and to know the horrible fate of the Von Braun. From the exciting action of one floor to the white knuckle desperation of another floor to the vengeful assault of the next, each folding out the story, the history, and most importantly, your situation. Previous reviews are correct; Play with the lights out, alone. You are in the game, in the world, alone, with the unimaginable horror around you and nothing but a dying handgun to stem the tide, while you wrestle with the wracked remnants of the systems. Or maybe the pistol's already dead, and your stuck in the bowels of engineering, being closed in by the dark ... and the many. Or maybe your totally out of psi, huddled in a tunnel below the gardens, on the dead nightmare of the endgame, and you can scream, and the only reply you get is the hollow void of space, the whirr of the dying ship, the ghosts of the horribly fated crew ... And the biomass which grows tired of your sentient form. Or maybe you are one sorry sucker and got trapped IN ... Alright, what more can I say? GO buy the game and play it, for the price it's a fricking crime. This game should not deserve the bargain bin (although I'm not going to complain about the price) It will hopefully and likely be the best gaming experience you have ever had. Then, when you are done, you will have lived the experience, be able to say .. "Yeah, I was on the Vaun Braun" ... It's that deep. And the environment? Jeez, amazing. I so wish things hadn't happened the way they did in that game, because the depth and the history make the crew and the ship intrigung, even though it's a little late for them. The VB/Rickenbacker was the coolest sci fi setting, getting to go around in a fully detailed and 100% traversable interstellar ship (except for the sections you end up getting depressurized in hard vaccum, heck, happens to the best of us). Even if it is somewhat used by the time you reach it ... Now that I have finished the game, I am trying to piece together the sequence of events from the datalogs and evidence I witnessed aboard the ship. Now go buy the game already!

One of the best of all time

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: June 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This is one of best games of any type I have played (and I have played a lot of games on PC). Here's what I like:

1) Outstanding, creepy ambiance...augmented by great sound and good graphics. This is one game that totally envelopes me, to the point that I completely lose myself in it for hours on end.

2) Great story. I care about what's going on and the characters.

3) Many ways to play the game. The RPG aspect, added to a FPS is truly outstanding. This is a game where it's absolutely necessary to build your character by making hard choices. In this way you write the story.

Because it's an older title it's on sale. Don't let that fool you. This is one of the greats.

Be afraid

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: December 17, 1999
Author: Amazon User

I've always been a big fan of the suspense/horror genre in books and film. When I purchased System Shock 2, I never expected it would be more frightening than any novel or movie had ever experienced. My 14 year old will only play it if I am in the room with him. The plot is great....I have yet to reach the end of the game and I am dying to see how it all pans out. The only thing better than the graphics is the audio. I have actually jumped back from my computer out of reflex. What a ride! Parents beware, however. Although there is no nudity or sex, the suspense and horror are very realistic and intense. I would not reccommend to anyone under 14.

The best sci-fi RPG ever!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: November 25, 1999
Author: Amazon User

This is without any doubt the best sci-fi RPG ever (and I mean ever) made. And it's so scary that the first many hours you play it, cold sweat will run down you neck. It's in 3D, and it's (in my oppinion) the only RPG that gets away with that. And the sound is so great and sooooo scary that some times you wish you never loaded the game. Even if the game costs $100, it was still worth the money.

Classic sequel to a classic original

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: February 28, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This game oozes with intense atmosphere. It is wonderfully balanced and includes some of the best gameplay to date.

The mechanics of the game work as an action-RPG. You have several attributes and several skill categories. The attributes includes speed, endurance, strength, etc. Each has a very noticable effect on your character. You inventory and melee damage increase with strength, your character moves faster with a higher speed, etc. It makes for a different play experience based on how you choose to develop your character. You can run through with guns a blazin' or develop a sneaky hacker. In addition to weapons and technological skills, you can also develop psionic powers if you choose.

The sound is also phenominal. You can hear the tormented moans of your enemies as they walk around. Using a four-speaker setup or preferably headphones really enhances the fright-factor as well.

The character interaction is very minimal. You find audio-logs of the dead crew as your explore the ship. You will also witness ghostly apparations of the recently deceased. While some thought it was empty, I felt it was right in tune with the rest of the game. It really drives home the feeling of aloneness, helplessness and desperation of struggling against an awesome unknown enemy. The other interaction you will receive is from the main computer on board the ship. It also contributes greatly to the atmosphere.

Do yourself a favor and play this game. Play it several times. It is one of the better games to be produced, period. Then pick up Deus Ex for an equally engaging experience.

Beware the Van Braun

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: June 12, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Ok, let me get this out of the way first. Whenever anybody comes up to me and asks what my favorite PC game was, I reply saying System Shock 2. I just can't say enough about how amazing it is. Look at other reviews for all the praise. I'm (unfortunately thanks mom) a person who sees flaws. The only flaw in this game is the difficulty. I just don't like how incredibly hard it is. I want to keep moving on and finding the next puzzles but then get stuck from some near impossible part. My advice, get the game, but beware, if you're not an experienced gamer then you will have a hard time enjoying it.

A great one!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: January 23, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I remember being intitially amused, and somewhat bored. I cheerfully clicked through the screens regarding something about initial training, and my branch of the military, and then....

...somehow hours later, I was still at it, sitting there in the darkness of the night with my hands sweating horribly. The ominous silence of the ship I was on was killing me. I realized with horror that I would have to backtrack to the chemical storage room to get Na to research the mushroom. Nervously I ran back through the rooms filled with dead zombie carcasses, when SUDDENLY and AWFULLY I heard that distinctive, soulless voice informing me that i "couldn't hide forever..."

A ZOMBIE! I ran from it, running for all my worth with my speakers cranked up(the sound is AMAZING), when I nearly defecated pants when my mom entered the room and touched me on the shoulder...

THIS, my friends, is not your ordinary game. I've played nearly every first person shooter out there, but this one took it up a notch. I personally despise RPG's, but this combo of shooter and RPG really dug it's claws into me. Needless to say, I was sorry to see Christmas break end so soon, sending me back to college with the game incompleted!

This game has reasonably decent graphics...they were certainly good when the game was released. The story is compelling and creepy, and develops frighteningly through the abandoned data logs of your mutilated friends. The weapons are varied an interesting, and will undoubtedly take several replays of the game to use them all. Ditto for the spells and other personal powers.

Did I mention before that I discontinued playing the game because Christmas break ended? That's only half true...in reality, I stopped playing in angry frustration after pounding the computer desk after dying over, and over, and over. Perhaps I mischose my skills, or missed some secrets or something, but in my opinion this game can just be too hard! I was playing on the medium skill level until the later part of the first mission, where it just got impossible. Even after switching to "easy", it was faaaaar from that. My main gripe is that weapons "deteriorate" unless you keep using maintenance tools on them repeatedly. However, I have since returned the game, started anew, and am determined to win once again! Let it suck you in...

The most terrifying Action/RPG ever made - period.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: February 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

All is NOT quiet aboard the Starship Von Braun, as you reel from the effects of hypersleep after a "voluntary" surgery. SS2 opens with a bang and the tension begins to mount. This is a game reliant on sound to generate atmosphere - and I assure you, atmosfear is something to worry about. From the chilling voice which issues commands, to the log files of the dead, up through the horrid sounds of the Many (and let's not forget the creak and groan of millions of tons of metal around you, holding you in space) this game radiates fear like none other.

As a soldier assigned to security duty aboard the Von Braun, you begin the game 4 years eariler, and go through the process of enlisting into one of three military branches. You then receive additional training before being shipped off; all of this seems fairly innocuous.

Once you re-awaken, things are radically different. Equipped now with a cyber-interface, you will easily be able to manage skills, equipment, and personal statistics - all available at the click of a mouse. There's something here for any fan of action games or RPGs; a broad selection of weaponry, an array of Psionic abilities (read: magic), and a group of skills and upgrades that will, with a bit of luck, see you safely through one of the most hazardous tours of duty I've ever been on.

The game is smooth, sleek, and is beautifully well lit. While creature animations lean towards the low end of the poly-count scale, they aren't really missed. What will grip you by the throat is not only the feeling of being on board this doomed expedition, but the realization that They are the Many... and They see you...

This game was, for me, perfect. Perfect balance of fight and run (don't shoot everything - this is HORROR, not ACTION - ammo isn't exactly lying on every corpse) along with a beautiful blend of action and puzzle solving. For 10 dollars you can't go wrong.

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