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For the weapon in the Remake, see LG-XX Plasma Rifle (System Shock Remake).


LG-XX Plasma Rifle
Weapon Data
First Found Level 8 - Security
Destructible No
Operation Refracting Plasma Projectile
Attack Type Projectile Energy Beam
Damage 35 per Blast (Low)
350 per Blast (High)
Energy Usage 13v (Low)
130v (High)
Armor Penetration 100
Offense Value 6
[Source]

The LG-XX Plasma Rifle is a weapon found in System Shock.

Overview[]

An experimental weapon with less than desirable energy consumption and the capability to destroy multiple targets with a single shot.

Indisputably the most powerful of all energy weapons, the LG-XX is, ironically enough, also one of the least versatile and reliable the player will come across. One of the two main reasons for this being that it will drain battery life from fully charged to empty in just three shots, and the other that it is the only direct-fire weapon that can kill its user as its plasma shots will ricochet off walls and targets like a ping-pong ball, dealing lethal damage to all targets including the player.

This makes the use of this particular weapon in close range completely inadvisable, and unreliable and impractical in open spaces due to the plasma projectile's short lifespan, rapidly decaying and painfully slow travel speed, and random bounce pattern. Coupled with its extremely high ammo consumption, the LG-XX is an all-around less-than-desirable option in most combat scenarios. Its best (and arguably only practical) use during combat would be to employ it as a room-clearing tool: fire the weapon around a corner into a secluded room and take cover (preferably also closing the door), allowing the projectile to make quick work of whatever it comes into contact in the vicinity.

With all these factors taken into account it is partly a matter of personal taste whether to even carry the Plasma Rifle around at all or leave it behind. Either a Laser Blaster or an Ion Pulse Rifle can kill the majority of enemies with far less power drain - not to mention less risk from one's own weapon.

Best reserved for use (if at all) on densely packed groups or the absolute nastiest enemies like Cortex Reavers or Edward Diego. A wise Hacker will have at least a couple Portable Batteries handy before using this weapon. Keeping track of where the nearest Energy Charge Station is located is also recommended.

Trivia[]

  • Most of the weapons' names in System Shock are derived from the initials of the game's makers. In this specific case, however, the LG stands for the studio, LookingGlass Technologies.
  • Given the weapon's propensity to kill players, it has sometimes been dubbed a "shortcut" or "the teleport gun" as firing it can quickly send you to the nearest Restoration Bay.
  • The animation frame of this weapon firing is actually not shown in the game itself, even if present in the files. This applies to all versions except the Source Port update, where it can be enabled using "Show All Weapon Frames" Game Option.

Gallery[]

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