GOG release: “System Shock” (PC)

It has been a long time coming, but now the game so many contemporary FPS/RPG hybrid titles were influenced by is finally available on GOG: System Shock.

Even if the sequel has been available on PC for quite some time, restored by Night Dive Studios, the original seemed to have gone forever. I still remember when it was released, and it didn’t run on my PC. This was in 1994, and despite always thinking of getting the retail version (that fetches high prices today) later, I never got the chance to play it.

So what’s so important about this really antiquated-looking game? The idea of an A.I. with the name of SHODAN taking over and bringing chaos and destruction to a research facility might not seem new today in the wake of games like Portal or Bioshock, but two decades ago, this was a different matter entirely. What was even more unthinkable was the mix of RPG, puzzle and action segments (just like Deus Ex after) in an atmosphere reminiscent of survival horror and also with quite some violence on display.

Despite its age, the soundtrack and voice acting are still creepy and strong. The Enhanced Version offers higher resolution support of up to 1024×768, and a 854×480 widescreen mode, mouselook, and remappable keys. Some original game bugs were also fixed. Gameplay and storytelling remain the same, though, and if you want to experience the title in its original form, you can do that as well.

So thank you, Good Old Games and Night Dive Studios to get the licence and game back so that we’re able to experience this classic gem again without shelling out for more than our purses can handle and our computers are able to run without any real problems!

Another nice gesture from GOG is that those who’ve already purchased System Shock 2 will get a 40% discount on the sequel, while others will have 20% off. This offer will last until Tuesday, September 29, 6:59 AM GMT.

There will also be a very interesting roundtable discussion on the System Shock phenomenon and its influences with Stephen Kick (founder and CEO of Night Dive Studios), Daniel Grayshon (Lead Technician in charge of QA at Night Dive Studios) and Paul Neurath (creative Director at Looking Glass Studios, and industry veteran credited on System Shock 2, Thief, Neverwinter Nights, etc.). It will take place on Twitch.tv/GOGcom today, 6:00 PM CET, 4:00 PM GMT, 9:00 AM PDT, 12:00 PM EDT.

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