Around the
time of doom, there was a game called “System Shock”, and although
no hard-core have forgotten it, it seem to have only lain in the
shadow of the aforementioned giant we know as “doom”.
This game actually required something more than just a quick trigger
finger and offered not only an atmospheric adventure, but also
something stimulating our small grey ones.
And with System Shock 2, we are once again invited to something
resembling the adventure of our lives.
At the beginning of the game, the story is quite fuzzy and
incomplete. All you know is that you are aboard the Von Braun, a new
huge star-ship cruiser on its first voyage.
And something has gone very wrong.
Even at this time, you understand that this game has something
exceptional to offer, as you have already gone through the process
of creating a character (more about this later, though) and the
first feeling you get is exceptional.
You are guided around the ship by a voice claiming to be a survivor
in OPS-centre, and you have to put your trust in her.
There is quite a RPG-element in the game, and when you complete
certain tasks you receive what is called “Cyber Modules”, which you
can use at places to “upgrade” your skills or stats.
Very innovative and fun, not to mention the game would probably be
impossible without this implement. And besides, it increases the
number of times you can play through it, depending on how you
experiment and create new kinds of characters.
You can basically choose from the beginning whether you choose to
become a marine, a navy soldier or a member of the psi-operations.
Marines are, just as it sounds, the class for action-lovers as they
use lots of weapons and can blast their way through the most, while
navy is for players who like to play with computers and hacking
system (hacking is by the way a big part of the game, which I also
find interesting).
Lastly, psi-soldiers are using their “Psionic” powers as a weapon,
and I suppose this is System Shock 2’s response on magic in other
games, as they do not rely on usual firearms.
There is one thing you should know however, about this game. If you
are the kind of person who can not handle excitement or be scared,
stop reading now. This is the most scaring game in the history of
games. It is scarier than all the resident evil games together.
Allow me to explain why in just a few words: You are never alone.
Enemies can be anywhere, you will never know where they are, but
they are drawn to you if you make much noise, and even if you are
very silent and hardly make any sign of being there, they will still
be around, just waiting for you. You can never be sure if you are
safe or alone, as they are almost always somewhere around you, and
don’t ever make the mistake of supposing you are alone. As I said
before, you are not.
The graphics may be quite a bit dated, but they work very well with
the game, and give just the right feeling fitting a game such as
this.
The sound is excellent as well, with background sounds always
present, machines emitting noises as well as when enemies know you
are around (but not the exact position), and this is all perfectly
integrated.
Something also perfectly integrated is the control system and the
way you manipulate the world. It is simple and very efficient, and
sometimes it feels “Damn, it should be like this in every action
game”.
And even if much is based in the game on logical thinking and story,
the action sequences are also well implemented, with a simple kind
of combat, but also easy to see how injured your enemy is, as well
as it is fun, without feeling too stiff.
In System Shock, the story was a very big part of the game, and this
has followed into the sequel, as it has a story in a time when
action games build more on action and less on the “epic” experience
of a game.
It may be a bit predictable at some times, but it is still something
that I would like to see more developers creating; something you can
actually understand, follow and find exciting at a time.
So what is the bottom line for this game, then? It is simple. A
great game with many refreshing news to the action genre (a genre
that does need refreshing games such as this) and also, what many
other games lacks: A great story that makes you tremble with
excitement.
Get this game if you are interested in sci-fi action aiming to scare
you. Just remember one thing: Behind you…
Ratings:
Graphics: 8/10
Sounds: 9/10
Gameplay: 10/10
Story: 9/10
Replayability value 9/10
My Rating: 9/10
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GameBoomers
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