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System Shock (Remake)

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For the Original, see System Shock.
For the Re-Release, see System Shock: Classic.
For the Enhanced Edition, see System Shock: Enhanced Edition.


System Shock (also known as System Shock (Remake) and System Shock (2023). Previously as System Shock: Remastered, System Shock: Remastered Edition, and System Shock (Reboot) during early states of development. As well as System ReShock internally) is a remake of the original System Shock. It was announced in November 2015, developed by Nightdive Studios, and released on Windows on 30th May 2023. It was later released for PlayStation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S on May 21st, 2024. MacOS and Linux were planned at some point but later got cancelled.

A Kickstarter campaign featuring a Unity engine demo of the game was launched on 28th June 2016 at 12:00 PT.[1][2][3] It successfully reached its goal, ending a month later (with BackerKit later added as an option after the Kickstarter ended for people to still get rewards). The remake was slated for release during Holiday 2017, but got pushed back to 2018. However, the game was put on temporary hiatus in February of that year.[4] It was later put back in development in April 2018.[5] The projected release date was pushed to 2020.[6] There was then a Summer 2021 release window but that got pushed back too. According to Steam, the game was then set to release in March 2023 but was delayed.[7] The game went gold as of 9th May 2023 and released as of May 30th, 2023 on PC. [8] [9]

A second playable demo of the game built on the Unreal Engine 4 was released on 27th May 2020 on GOG and Steam gaming platforms,[10] and has since gotten a few updates and also been released on the Epic Games Store. The most recent update to the Demo released on 7th February 2023 as a part of Steam Next Fest. The Kickstarter Backer Beta, was released on 3th March 2023.

Certain features were not available on launch like the Gamepig minigames and Female Gender/Sex Option, but are said to be added in future updates as well as alongside the console release. [11]

Some have expressed the concern that the remake feels more like System Shock 2 [12] or that it borrows too much from games that came after. [13] However despite the changes that some dislike or are concerned about, some are still excited for it and enjoy it. [14][15] Reviews for this game have generally been positive, though there has been some more mixed opinions[16].

Description[]

  • Face off against the forces of a rogue AI gone mad. Improve your skills and adapt to take on your foes.
  • Jack into cyberspace to hack the system and open alternative routes.
  • Become fully emersed: shoot, brawl, crawl, climb, leap and think your way through citadel station.
  • Discover a non-linear story unfolding at your own pace.
  • Innovative art style combines retro future design with modern technology.

System Shock is the fully fledged remake of the groundbreaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN, one of gaming’s most iconic villains. Witness the rebirth of one of the greatest and most influential games ever created. A first-person fight to the death in the depths of space!

  • SHE IS SELF-AWARE AND AWARE OF YOU: Meet SHODAN: The psychotic AI has taken control of Citadel Station and turned the crew into an army of cyborgs and mutants; She now plans to do the same to Earth. You must explore and battle your way through the depths of a space station gone to hell. Stop SHODAN and avert humanity’s destruction.
  • HER TERMINATION IS OUR SALVATION: Innovative art style combines retro future design with modern technology. Face off against the forces of a rogue AI gone mad. Improve your skills and adapt to take on your foes Discover a non-linear story unfolding at your own pace Jack into cyberspace to hack the system and open alternative routes Become fully emersed: shoot, brawl, crawl, climb, leap and think your way through citadel station's-Fi, Space, Survival Horror, FPS, RPG, Atmospheric, Action, Horror

Development[]

Development was done by both brand new developers at Nightdive Studios, as well as having some original developers involved such as Robb Waters and Warren Spector. Chris Avellone was involved with the game, alongside other members from Obsidian Entertainment, but Avellone eventually left in 2017. Terri Brosius, the original voice actress for SHODAN is returning to voice her in the remake. Nighdive Studios also commissioned artists outside the studio to help create concept art and models.

Two months after the release of the Enhanced Edition, System Shock was announced as a remake.[17] It was then quickly announced to be a remaster[18], then a remake, and finally a reboot[19]. The Kickstarter campaign opened on June 28th 2016, alongside a free demo of the first level, with a goal of 900 000 US$, which was reached on July 9th 2016[20]. The Kickstarter finally received 1 350 700 US$ by the time it ended on July 28th thanks to 21,625 backers.[21] The additional funding was to be used towards Linux and macOS versions of the game, expanded areas, and support for the Razer Chroma. With the successful Kickstarter, Nightdive Studios anticipated a December 2017 release for the game. Additional ports for PlayStation 4, Linux, and macOS were confirmed after stretch goals were met.

During the 2017 Game Developers Conference, Nightdive Studios announced they would move development from Unity to Unreal Engine 4, with director Jason Fader citing issues related to a combination of fidelity, cross-platform support, content pipelines and performance issues as the reason for the switch.[22] Fader also clarified that they now considered the game a more "faithful reboot" than a remake; the game's story, character, weapons, levels, and enemies remained as in the original game, but they were applying "modern design principles" to rework some of these and add in others to make the game more playable for current audiences. Fader offered one example in level design, calling the original System Shock's maps a "product of the time" which did not age well; while somewhat fixed to the level's layout, the team was able to open up some areas and remove unnecessary mazes to make the game more interesting for players.[23] n mid-February 2018, Nightdive announced that development of System Shock was put on hold. CEO Stephen Kick explained that as the project had shifted from a remake to a reboot, they "strayed" from the core concepts of the original game, and found they needed a larger budget. Nightdive's director of business development Larry Kuperman said they had approached publishing partners to fund the expanded effort, but could not obtain this additional support. Kick opted to put the project on hold, reassigning the team to other projects in the interim.[24]

The game restarted development a third time in March 2018 as a remake of the first game, focusing on the promises of what they would deliver during the Kickstarter, set to release sometime in 2020. The refocusing of the game also helped them to engage with interested publishing partners who were more amenable to supporting them.[25] In May 2020, Nightdive released an updated alpha demo of the game via GOG and Steam, along with a developer's walkthrough and commentary to accompany the release. The demo featured a new build of the game from that of previously released demos; however, it still featured voiceover audio which Nightdive had yet to re-record due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[26] Following Chinese developer Tencent's acquisition of the rights to System Shock 3 from OtherSide Entertainment, Nightdive also clarified that Tencent had only acquired the rights to make sequels in the series; therefore not impacting the status of the remake. [27]

Features[]

Disclaimer: all info on the remake is currently based upon pre-release material and info, and may or may not reflect the final game.

The Remake makes many changes, additions, and exclusions compared to the original, making it in many ways a completely different game. The developers have said these changes come from a number of factors, such as after feedback from some of the fans/backers as well as the original devs they worked with. They also cited their own experience with System Shock: Enhanced Edition. The developers have not gone into more detail than this. The remake supports 13 languages for the interface and subtitles, but only features English voice acting,[28] compared to the original's French and German voice acting alongside a fully translated interface for both of these languages.[29]

New Gameplay, Weapons, and Enemies[]

Various weapons, items, enemies, levels, etc have been redesigned, cut, or are brand new. The end boss is also different. A shooting range to test weapons and items has also been mentioned but not confirmed. Some level geometry/locations has been altered., and there are also vending machines with food items, and restrooms around the station.

New Story[]

Some story aspects have changed, such as the intro being playable and the ending being different.

New Characters[]

Existing characters have some new dialogue, have redesigned, and some have new voice actors, early demos used the original, but that was later switched to rerecorded versions. A sex option for the hacker was also mentioned as a possible option. A sex/gender option for the hacker was mentioned but not confirmed. As of the game's release, it has not been implemented and likely won't be for a long time as Nightdive have not brought it up again.

New Design[]

Various enemies, levels, items, weapons, etc. have been redesigned from their original versions, some more closely resemble the originals, while others look completely different. The levels are also darker and attempt to give a more horror feel, with some being redesigned completely such as with cyberspace.

New Music[]

Most of the music has been changed, a few songs return, but most are different and have a more atmospheric ambiance than the original. An alternate soundtrack with original music has been mentioned but not confirmed. Some aspects of the original themes are featured in some of the new tracks, but they are largely new songs and the remnants of the original music is mostly minor and unnoticeable.

Modding[]

Modding has been considered, but so far isn't confirmed.

Differences[]

There are a number of differences between the original and the remake

  • The music is different, there are elements of the original, but a majority is new
  • A few enemies are redesigned with different looks and some with different names
  • The Hunter-Killer has been removed
  • A few weapons have been redesigned and some removed
  • Cyberspace has a different look and layout
  • Parts of levels have been redesigned, though the overall layout is mostly the same
  • Certain story and character details have changed, though the overall story remains the same
  • The intro is now playable
  • The end boss fight is different
  • A few items have been merged into one or removed

Story[]

(While the full game is released, more story content such as a different endgame is planned to be added.)

The game is set in 2072, in New Atlanta a Hacker hacks into the Trioptimum corporate network, he is soon discovered and captured, and gets taken to Citadel Station near Saturn where Edward Diego offers a Neural Cybernetic Interface in Exchange for removing SHODAN's ethical constraints. The hacker agrees and removes the constraints and is put into a healing coma for 6 months after it is installed.

While the Hacker is asleep, SHODAN works to take over the station, converting many of the Station's inhabitants into Cyborgs or Mutants, and turning the Robots to her side.

SHODAN also makes use of existing robot parts in creating her cyborgs.

The Hacker wakes up 6 months later, to discover that SHODAN has taken over the station, Rebecca Lansing contacts the Hacker from Earth and assists him from then on, and from there works to take out SHODAN and her plans.

The Hacker wards off SHODAN's many plans, such as firing the station's orbital laser on Earth, releasing a virus that would transform humanity into mutants, and crashing Citadel Station directly into Earth. While exploring the station, the Hacker encounters and fights SHODAN's forces.

The hacker also finds audio logs and notes from the previous occupants of the station from the 6 months coma, detailing exactly how SHODAN took control of the station and what happened to the people living and working on Citadel Station.

One particular note explains that Edward Diego pledged allegiance to SHODAN and was subsequently turned into a Cyborg, which the hacker encounters at multiple occasions, but Diego Cyborg teleports away before the hacker can deliver the fatal blow.

The Hacker eventually reaches the Bridge, where they finish off Diego Cyborg once and for all, before going into Cyberspace to finally defeat SHODAN and end her plans for good.

Characters[]

Enemies[]

Mutants[]

Cyborgs[]

Robots[]

Cyberspace Entitites[]

Others[]

  • Humans (Dead or Inactive)
  • Protoborgs (Dead or Inactive)

Cut Enemies[]

Weapons[]

Melee Weapons[]

Ballistic Weapons[]

Energy Weapons[]

Grenades[]

Cyberspace Weapons[]

Cut Weapons[]

Items and Upgrades[]

Items[]

Upgrades[]

Cut Items and Upgrades[]

Levels[]

Citadel Station[]

Citadel Station's structure breakdown:

                  The Station's four garden Groves (also known as Eco-Pods) were used mainly for relaxation purposes.
                  Whether or not they served other uses such as food or oxygen is unknown.

  • Level 7 - Engineering - The most prominent communication technologies on board were found there.
  • Level 8 - Security - Most famously known for its verticality, this area was where the prominent security and military forces were stationed and kept.
  • Level 9 - Bridge - The uppermost level was the Bridge, which housed SHODAN and the various controls needed to move Citadel Station from place to place, among various others. It separated right before the Station exploded.
  • Cyberspace - The stations computer network, accessible via Cyberspace Terminals (aka "Cyberjacks").

Other Areas[]

  • Saturn - A ringed gas giant (planet) that Citadel Station orbits.
  • New Atlanta - A metropolis and home of the Hacker.
  • Earth - The Human home world.

Soundtrack[]

The original soundtrack was composed by Jonathan Peros, and takes a different direction than the original. It is generally much more ambient than the original, but citing original thematic material. The original soundtrack became available on Nightdive's Bandcamp page the same day as the game, on June 30, 2023.

  1. Look at You, Hacker (Intro) (Remixed from the Original)
  2. The Ruined Infirmary (Medical [Exploration]) (Remixed from the Original)
  3. Containment Failure Warning (Medical [Combat]) (Remixed from the Original)
  4. Assembly Nexus (Research [Exploration]) (Remixed from the Original)
  5. X-22 Interlocks Engaged (Research [Combat]) (Remixed from the Original)
  6. Low-G Experiments (Reactor [Exploration]) (Remixed from the Original)
  7. Fusion Energy (Reactor [Combat]) (Remixed from the Original)
  8. Whispers of the Forgotten Machines (Maintenance [Exploration]) (Remixed from the Original)
  9. Demodulation (Maintenance [Combat]) (Remixed from the Original)
  10. Project Cortex Prototypes (Storage [Exploration]) (New)
  11. L4 Cache Hit (Storage [Combat]) (New)
  12. Writing on the Wall (Flight Deck [Exploration]) (New)
  13. Prophet Through Synthesis (Flight Deck [Combat]) (New)
  14. Opulence and Ostentation (Executive [Exploration]) (Remixed from the Original)
  15. Master Jettison (Executive [Combat]) (Remixed from the Original)
  16. Cybernetic Canopy (Groves [Exploration]) (New)
  17. Perfection Through Genetics (Groves [Combat]) (New)
  18. Cardinal Transmissions (Systems Engineering [Exploration]) (New)
  19. Terminal Interference (Systems Engineering [Combat]) (New)
  20. Burgeoning Empire of Steel (Security [Exploration]) (New)
  21. Face Your Executioner (Security [Combat]) (New)
  22. Isolinear Echoes (Bridge [Exploration]) (Remixed from the Original)
  23. Throne Room of a God (Bridge [Combat]) (Remixed from the Original)
  24. Domain Linked (Cyberspace) (Remixed from the Original)
  25. Interlude in Motion (Elevator) (Remixed from the Original)

Additionally, Nightdive licenced Public Image Ltd's "The Order of Death" for the credits sequence.

During development, additional music was included in demos and promo materials, which don't appear in the final game:

  1. Theme of Citadel Station (New) (Unused in Final Game)
  2. Welcome Back To Citadel Station (New) (Unused in Final Game)
  3. Medical Exploration (Early Version) (Ambiance) (track currently unnamed) (New)
  4. Combat (Early Version) (track currently unnamed) (New) (Unused in Final Game)
  5. Tension (Early Version) (track currently unnamed) (New) (Unused in Final Game)
  6. Stinger/Doomish (Early Version) (track currently unnamed) (New) (Unused in Final Game)
  7. Main Title (Early Version) (New) (Unused in Final Game)
  8. Ethical Constraints Removed (Intro) (Early Version) (Remixed from the Original) (Unused in Final Game)
  9. Elevator (Remix) (Remixed from the Original) (Unused in Final Game)

Note: Many of the tracks have yet to be released and the official order is yet unknown.

Walkthrough[]

Spoilers
To Be Added

Reception[]

Review Ratings
Publication Rating
Metacritic 78/100[30]
IGN 9/10[31]
Destructoid 9/10[32]
Eurogamer 4/5[33]
PC Gamer 80/100[34]

System Shock has gotten generally favorable reviews, with a 78 score on Metacritic based off 74 reviews.[16] Keengamer's Srinivasa awarded the remake a perfect 10/10, declaring "The freedom System Shock offers its players the to discover and play it along with its stellar exploration, voice acting and storytelling is worth the time."[35] Jon Bolding from IGN offered the remake a 9/10, saying "System Shock deftly returns a classic immersive shooter to its place on top of the heap, updated for nearly anyone to enjoy."[36] Kaan Serin of Eurogamer gave it 4 stars out of 5, saying "ultimately, the System Shock remake faithfully recreates a classic, retains most of its appeal, reframes everything with a horror tilt, and as a result, makes it more playable for everyone."[37] Joshua Wolens from PC Gamer gave it an 80/100, and thinks that "this is a smart, faithful remake and easily the de facto way to play System Shock in the modern era."[38] On the other hand, GamesRadar+'s Leon Hurley was more mixed on the game, giving 3/5 stars, and cites "very little to the original beyond a visual upgrade."[39] WellPlay's review by Nathan Hennessy is even more harsh, stating that "The atmospheric visual overhaul marks the best part of this exhausting and dated remake, while the villainous AI SHODAN remains a timeless antagonist." for a score of 5.5/10.[40]

Before System Shock released, almost 500 000 people had wishlisted the game on Steam. According to GameSensor, the remake made 2 million US$ in its first 3 days, with around 40 000 people buying the game in that same period.[41] Based on GameSensor as well, more than 85% of the Steam user base were English-speaking.[42]

Legacy[]

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Versions[]

  • System Shock (Remake) - A remake of the original game released in 2023.
    • System Shock (Remake) 2016 Kickstarter Unity Demo - A demo version of the game, features a very small section of the first level with early assets.
    • System Shock (Remake) 2020 Alpha Demo - A demo version of the game, features nearly all of the first level with early assets.
    • System Shock (Remake) 2021 Medical Demo - A demo version of the game, features the entire first level with early assets.
    • System Shock (Remake) 2023 Steam Next Fest Beta Demo - A demo version of the game, features the entire first level with early assets.
    • System Shock (Remake) Kickstarter Backer Beta - An early version of the game for Kickstarter Backers to test, it features early assets and contains bugs that were later patched.

Trivia[]

  • The game was previously known as System Shock: Remastered Edition before being renamed.
  • The game was briefly known as a Reboot in 2017 and early 2018 during the time when the changes were more numerous and more drastic overall, but after the Hiatus it went back to being called a Remake.

See Also[]

Gallery[]

Note: There are some videos that are not yet listed here due to being difficult to save

Concept Art[]

Promo Images[]

Magazines[]

Pre-Release Images[]

Books[]

Videos[]

External Links[]

System Shock Remake Characters
Level R - Reactor
Level 1 - Medical
Level 2 - Research
Level 3 - Maintenance
Level 4 - Storage
Level 5 - Flight Deck
Level 6 - Executive
Groves
None
Level 7 - Engineering
Level 8 - Security
Level 9 - Bridge
None
Cyberspace
None
Earth
Non-Specific
Mentioned Only
Maxwell Cannon · Herman Faustus · Roy Sitwell · Oscar Kamar · Keith Swanson · Hanson · Al · Katelyn · Patrice · Jared · Mr. Whiskers · Mrs. Mannion · L.W · Jackson · Mr. Wu · Verne
Cut
System Shock Remake Enemies
Robots
Mutants
Cyborgs
Cyberspace Entities
Environmental Hazards
Cut


System Shock Remake Weapons
Melee Weapons
Firearms
Energy Weapons
Explosives
Cyberspace Weapons
Cut


System Shock Remake Items
Dermal Patches
Hardware Attachments
Tools
Key Items
Gamepig Games
GamePig™ • Tri-Pets • The Maze of the Space Minotaur • Space Mountain • Battle Hogs • Witch • TriOpToe • Coffin Tank
Food & Drinks
Ammunition
Misc. Items
Cyberspace Software
Cut


References[]

  1. ↑ System Shock Remastered is launching a Kickstarter campaign
  2. ↑ A System Shock Remastered demo is coming next week
  3. ↑ Kickstarter - System Shock - Update 12: PS4
  4. ↑ Sometimes You Need To Take a Step Back In Order To Take Two Steps Forward
  5. ↑ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598858095/system-shock/posts/2135868
  6. ↑ Don't expect the System Shock Remake till 2020.
  7. ↑ System Shock coming March 2023 according to Steam
  8. ↑ System Shock has Gone Gold!
  9. ↑ System Shock has gone Gold
  10. ↑ A new demo for the System Shock remake is now available on PC
  11. ↑ System Shock Kickstarter Update #100
  12. ↑ https://gameranx.com/features/id/367006/article/the-system-shock-remake-is-a-lot-like-system-shock-2-and-thats-kind-of-weird-hands-on-preview/
  13. ↑ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/system-shock-remake-preview-overshadowed-by-its-own-legacy/
  14. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/nightdives-smart-remake-proves-system-shock-has-still-got-it
  15. ↑ https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/02/system-shock-remake-demo-fuses-modern-design-to-a-retro-fps-rpg-package/
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/system-shock
  17. ↑ http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/25/9801434/system-shock-remake-first-look-art
  18. ↑ http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/05/15/system-shock-remastered-hits-kickstarter-this-june.aspx
  19. ↑ http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/24/12007602/system-shock-kickstarter-campaign-rewards-screens-demo
  20. ↑ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598858095/system-shock/posts/1625954
  21. ↑ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598858095/system-shock
  22. ↑ http://www.polygon.com/2017/3/1/14784082/system-shock-reboot-unreal-engine
  23. ↑ https://www.pcgamesn.com/system-shock-remastered/system-shock-remastered-unreal-engine-4
  24. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/16/17016744/system-shock-reboot-hiatus-nightdive-interview
  25. ↑ https://www.pcgamer.com/nightdive-talks-system-shock-remakes-change-in-direction-expects-release-probably-q1-of-2020/
  26. ↑ https://www.techspot.com/news/85412-nightdive-studios-drops-new-system-shock-remake-demo.html
  27. ↑ https://www.engadget.com/nightdive-system-shock-remake-demo-035626067.html
  28. ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/482400/System_Shock/
  29. ↑ https://store.steampowered.com/app/410710/System_Shock_Enhanced_Edition/
  30. ↑ Metacritic - System Shock (2023)
  31. ↑ IGN - System Shock (Remake) Review
  32. ↑ Destructoid - System Shock (2023) Review
  33. ↑ Eurogamer - System Shock (2023) Review
  34. ↑ PC Gamer - System Shock (Remake) Review
  35. ↑ https://www.keengamer.com/articles/reviews/pc-reviews/system-shock-review-a-remake-done-right-pc/
  36. ↑ https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-remake-review
  37. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/system-shock-review-shodan-steals-the-show-in-this-faithful-remake
  38. ↑ https://www.pcgamer.com/system-shock-remake-review/
  39. ↑ https://www.gamesradar.com/system-shock-remake-review/
  40. ↑ https://www.well-played.com.au/system-shock-review/
  41. ↑ https://gamesensor.info/app/482400
  42. ↑ https://gamesensor.info/news/system_shock_sales_first_three_days
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