View source for System Shock 2

{{short description|1999 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| image      = Systemshock2box.jpg
| alt        = A gray feminine face with green cat-like eyes, covered in circuit-board patterns, looms over a spaceship floating in space. Between them is the game title: "System Shock 2".
| developer  = {{Unbulleted list|[[Irrational Games]]|[[Looking Glass Studios]]{{efn|[[Nightdive Studios]] developed the ''25th Anniversary Remaster''.}}}}
| publisher  = [[Electronic Arts]]{{efn|Nightdive Studios published the ''25th Anniversary Remaster''.}}
| producer   = [[Robotkid|Josh Randall]]
| designer   = [[Ken Levine (game developer)|Ken Levine]]
| programmer = Rob Fermier
| artist     = Gareth Hinds
| writer     = Ken Levine
| composer   = {{Unbulleted list|[[Eric Brosius]]|[[Ramin Djawadi]]|Josh Randall}}
| engine     = [[Dark Engine]]{{efn|The ''25th Anniversary Remaster'' uses the KEX Engine.}}
| series     = ''[[System Shock (series)|System Shock]]''
| platforms  = {{Unbulleted list|[[Windows]]|[[OS X]]|[[Linux]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
| released   = {{Collapsible list|title={{Nobold|August 11, 1999}}|'''Windows'''{{Video game release|NA|August 11, 1999|UK|September 18, 1999}}'''OS X'''{{Video game release|WW|June 18, 2013}}'''Linux'''{{Video game release|WW|April 1, 2014}}|'''''25th Anniversary Remaster'''''|'''Windows'''{{Video game release|WW|June 26, 2025}}'''Switch''', '''PS4''', '''PS5''', '''XOne''', '''XSXS'''{{Video game release|WW|July 10, 2025}}}}
| genre      = [[Action role-playing]], [[first-person shooter]], [[survival horror]]
| modes      = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''System Shock 2''''' is a 1999 [[action role-playing]] [[survival horror]] video game designed by [[Ken Levine (game developer)|Ken Levine]] and co-developed by [[Irrational Games]] and [[Looking Glass Studios]]. Originally intended to be a standalone title, its story was changed during production into a sequel to the 1994 game ''[[System Shock]]''. The alterations were made when [[Electronic Arts]]—who owned the ''System Shock'' franchise rights—signed on as publisher.

The game takes place on board a [[starship]] in a [[cyberpunk]] depiction of [[2114]]. The player assumes the role of a soldier trying to stem the outbreak of a genetic infection that has devastated the ship. Like ''System Shock'', gameplay consists of first-person combat and exploration. It incorporates [[role-playing video game|role-playing]] elements, in which the player can develop skills and traits, such as [[Hacker (computer security)|hacking]] and [[psionic]] abilities.

''System Shock 2'' was originally released in August 1999 for [[Microsoft Windows]]. The game received critical acclaim but failed to meet commercial sales expectations. Many critics later determined that the game was highly influential in subsequent game design, particularly on first-person shooters, and considered it far ahead of its time. It has been included in several [[Greatest video games of all time|greatest games of all time]] lists. In 2007, Irrational Games released a [[spiritual successor]] to the ''System Shock'' series, titled ''[[BioShock]]'', to critical acclaim and strong sales.

''System Shock 2'' had been in [[intellectual property]] limbo following the closure of Looking Glass Studios. [[Nightdive Studios]] were able to secure the rights to the game and the ''System Shock'' franchise in 2013 to release an updated version of ''System Shock 2'' for modern operating systems, including for [[OS X]] and [[Linux]], and released a 25th anniversary remaster of the game in 2025. [[OtherSide Entertainment]] announced in 2015 that they had acquired the rights from Nightdive Studios to produce a sequel, ''System Shock 3'', but as of 2020 the rights have since been transferred to [[Tencent]].

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Systemshock2 ingame final.jpg|left|thumbnail|alt=An in-game ''System Shock 2'' gameplay screenshot, showcasing the interaction menus. A hand is holding a silver pistol while the mouse is pointed at an unknown robotic being, while on top of the screen several minor objects are shown organized as in inventory.|The player, armed with a pistol, faces a protocol droid while in the interface mode. The inventory is at the top; health, psionic points, [[nanites]], and cyber modules are at the bottom left; and the cyber interface and weapon information are at the bottom right.]]

As in its predecessor, ''[[System Shock]]'', gameplay in ''System Shock 2'' is an amalgamation of the [[action role-playing game]] and [[survival horror]] genres.<ref name="SS2-LeagueTV">{{cite web |author1=Adi Robertson |title=System Shock 2 helped define survival horror — but it's still in a league of its own |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/11/20759434/system-shock-2-looking-glass-20th-anniversary-retrospective |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=January 17, 2021 |date=August 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117032511/https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/11/20759434/system-shock-2-looking-glass-20th-anniversary-retrospective/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IGN SS2 review">{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/21/system-shock-2-2|title=IGN ''System Shock 2'' Review|first=Trent|last=Ward|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=1999-08-20|access-date=2008-02-15|archive-date=2012-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918052809/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/21/system-shock-2-2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Williamson |first=Colin |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18819 |title=System Shock 2 |work=Allgame |publisher=Rovi Corporation| location=United States |access-date=2012-02-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210190610/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18819|archive-date=2014-12-10|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="DoGRvst">{{cite web |author1=Aaron Birch |title=Revisiting System Shock 2 |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/revisiting-system-shock-2/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=January 14, 2022 |date=February 22, 2013 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114124407/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/revisiting-system-shock-2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The developers achieved this gameplay design by rendering the experience as a standard first-person shooter and adding a character customization and development system, which are considered signature role-playing elements.<ref name="IGN SS2 review"/> The player uses melee and projectile weapons to defeat enemies, while the [[Role-playing game system|role-playing system]] allows the development of useful abilities. Navigation is presented from a [[first-person (video games)|first-person view]] and complemented with a [[HUD (video games)|heads-up display]] that shows character and weapon information, a map, and a [[drag and drop]] inventory.<ref name="1UP ss2">{{cite news|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3165915|title=Smart Bombs: Beloved games that flopped (page 2)|author=Mackey, Bob|work=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|location=United States|date=2007-02-05|access-date=2008-04-07|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108231211/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3165915|archive-date=2012-11-08}}</ref>

The [[backstory]] is explained progressively through the player's acquisition of audio logs and encounters with ghostly [[Apparitional experience|apparitions]].<ref name="IGN SS2 review"/> At the beginning of the game, the player chooses a career in a branch of the Unified National Nominate, a fictional military organization. Each branch of service gives the player a set of starting bonuses composed of certain skills, though may thereafter freely develop as the player chooses. The [[Marine (military)|Marine]] begins with bonuses to weaponry, the [[Navy]] officer is skilled in repairing and [[Hacker (computer security)|hacking]], and the OSA agent gets a starting set of [[Psionics|psionic]] powers.<ref name="gee">{{cite book|last=Gee|first=James Paul|title=What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BZIY7TGKySsC&pg=PA127|access-date=2011-08-27|year=2004|publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]]|isbn=1-4039-6538-2|pages=127–135}}</ref><ref name="SS2 Manual Character Generation">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|page=21}}</ref>

The player can upgrade their skills by using "cyber-modules" given as rewards for completing objectives such as searching the ship and spend them at devices called "cyber-upgrade units" to obtain enhanced skills.<ref name="gee"/><ref name="SS2 Manual Stations"/> Operating system (O/S) units allow one-time character upgrades to be made (e.g. permanent health enhancement). An in-game currency called "nanites" may be spent on items at vending machines, including ammunition supplies and health packs. "Quantum Bio-Reconstruction Machines" can be activated and reconstitute the player for 10 nanites if they die inside the area in which the machine resides. Otherwise, the game ends and progress must be resumed from a [[Saved game|save point]].<ref name="SS2 Manual Stations">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|page=24}}</ref> The player can hack devices, such as keypads to open alternate areas and vending machines to reduce prices. When a hack is attempted, a [[minigame]] begins that features a grid of green nodes; the player must connect three in a straight row to succeed. Optionally, electronic [[Lock picking|lock picks]], called "[[Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics|ICE]]-picks", can be found that will automatically hack a machine, regardless of its difficulty.<ref name="SS2 Manual Hack">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|page=13}}</ref>

Throughout the game, the player can procure various weapons, including melee weapons, pistols, shotguns, and alien weapons.<ref name="SS2 Manual Weapons">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|pages=25, 26}}</ref> Non-melee weapons degrade with use and will break if they are not regularly repaired with maintenance tools.<ref name="SS2 Manual Research">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|pages=14, 15}}</ref> There are a variety of ammunition types, each of which is most damaging to a specific enemy. For example, organic enemies are vulnerable to [[Anti-personnel weapon|anti-personnel rounds]], while mechanical foes are weak against [[Kinetic energy penetrator|armour-piercing rounds]]. Similarly, energy weapons cause the most damage against robots and cyborgs, and the annelid-made exotic weaponry is particularly harmful to organic targets. Because ammunition is scarce, to be effective the player must use it sparingly and carefully search rooms for supplies.<ref name="SS2 manual hints">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|pages=37, 38}}</ref>

The game includes a research function. When new objects are encountered in the game, especially enemies, their organs can be collected; when combined with chemicals found in storage rooms, the player can research the enemies and thus improve their damage against them. Similarly, some exotic weapons and items can only be used after being researched.<ref name="SS2 Manual Research"/> OSA agents effectively have a separate weapons tree available to them. Psionic powers, such as invisibility, fireballs, and teleportation, can be learned.<ref name="SS2 Manual Character Generation"/>

==Plot==

===Backstory===

In 2072, after the Citadel Station's demise in ''[[System Shock]]'', TriOptimum's attempts to cover up the incident were exposed to the media, and the corporation was brought up on charges from multiple individuals and companies for the ensuing scandal. The virus developed there killed the station's population; the ruthless malevolent [[artificial intelligence|AI supercomputer]] named [[SHODAN]] controlled the Citadel Station in hopes of enslaving and destroying humanity. After a large number of trials, the company went bankrupt, and its operations were shut down. The United Nations Nominate (UNN), a successor to the [[United Nations|UN]], was established to combat the hostility and corruption of power-hungry corporations, including TriOptimum. Artificial intelligence was reduced to the most rudimentary of tasks to prevent the creation of another SHODAN-like malevolent AI, and the development of new technologies was halted. Meanwhile, the hacker (''System Shock''{{'}}s main protagonist), who became the most famous person in the world, vanished from the public eye.

In 2100, 28 years later, the company's failed stocks and assets were bought by a [[Russian oligarch]] named Anatoly Korenchkin, a former black market operator who sought to make money legitimately. He re-licensed and restored the company to its former status in the following decade. Along with producing healthcare and consumer products, Korenchkin signed weapons contracts with various military organizations, private and political-owned. The new UNN was virtually powerless, with Korenchkin exercising control over them.

In January 2114, 42 years after the Citadel events and 14 years into rebuilding TriOptimum, the company created an experimental [[faster-than-light|FTL]] [[starship]], the ''Von Braun'', which is on its maiden voyage. The ship is followed by a UNN space vessel, the ''Rickenbacker'', controlled by Captain William Bedford Diego, son of the Citadel Station's infamous commander, Edward Diego, and public hero of the Battle of the Boston Harbor during the Eastern States Police Action. Because the ''Rickenbacker'' does not have an FTL system, the two ships are attached for the trip. However, Korenchkin was egotistical enough to make himself the captain of the ''Von Braun'' despite being inexperienced.<ref name="SS2 Manual World Description">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|pages=31–33}}</ref>

Five months into the journey, the ships respond to a [[distress signal]] from the planet [[Tau Ceti|Tau Ceti V]], outside the Solar System.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''Korenchkin:''' We have picked up a transmission from the surface of Tau Ceti V. I have been in negotiation with Captain Diego of the Rickenbacker and after some... coercion, he's agreed to go planet side as a joint venture. Imagine, this historic mission might even become more historic. First Contact. And who is there to get exclusive rights to all media, patents and land grants? TriOptimum. Miri, I told you this would be worth it.}}</ref> A rescue team is sent to the planet's surface, where they discover strange eggs;<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''Bayliss:''' After a couple of hours it was... it was like being on a bender... long periods that you couldn't remember... one minute we were in that crater... the next minute we were loading up the shuttle with the eggs... I remember hearing that idiot Korenchkin calling the Von Braun and ordering them to clear off the ENTIRE hydroponics deck. Diego seemed to think this was strange and said, 'Are you crazy, Anatoly?' And Korenchkin smiled and said back to him, 'Oh, Captain... WE are not Anatoly... }}</ref> these eggs, found in an old ejection pod, infect the rescue team and integrate them into an alien communion known as "the Many" - a psychic hive mind generated by parasitic worms which can infect and mutate a human host. The parasites eventually spread to both ships and take over or kill most of their crews.

===Story===
Owing to a computer malfunction, the remaining soldier awakens with [[amnesia]] in a [[Cryonics|cryo-tube]] on the medical deck of the ''Von Braun'', being implanted with an illegal cyber-neural interface. Another survivor, Dr. Janice Polito, contacts and guides him to safety before the [[cabin pressurization#Unplanned decompression|cabin depressurizes]]. She demands that he meets her on deck 4 of the ''Von Braun''.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''Polito:''' Make sure you expend all your cybernetic modules before you leave this area. You don't know when you'll find another upgrade unit. Now, find a way to deck 4.}}</ref> Along the way, the soldier battles the infected crew members. The Many telepathically communicate with him, attempting to convince him to join them. After restarting the ship's engine core, the soldier reaches deck 4 and discovers that Polito is dead and is soon confronted by SHODAN. It is revealed she has been posing as Polito to gain the soldier's trust.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''SHODAN:''' I used Polito's image to communicate with you, until we had established trust.}}</ref>

SHODAN mentions that she is responsible for creating the Many through her bioengineering experiments on Citadel Station. The [[Hacker (computer security)|Hacker]], who freed her from her ethical restraints, ejected the grove that contained her experiments to prevent them from contaminating Earth, an act that allowed part of SHODAN to survive in the grove. The grove crash-landed on Tau Ceti V. While SHODAN went into forced hibernation, the Many evolved beyond her control.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts |date=1999-08-11 |platform=PC |quote='''SHODAN:''' Thrived, and grew unruly. And now they seek to destroy me. I will not allow that.}}</ref> SHODAN tells the soldier that his only chance for survival lies in helping destroy her creations.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games |publisher=Electronic Arts |date=1999-08-11 |platform=PC |quote='''SHODAN:''' Remember, that it is my will that guided you here; it is my will that gave you your cybernetic implants—the only beauty in that meat you call a body. If you value that meat, you will do as I tell you.}}</ref> Efforts to regain control of XERXES, the main computer on the ''Von Braun'', fail. SHODAN informs the soldier that destroying the ship is their only option, but he must transmit her program to the ''Rickenbacker'' first.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''SHODAN:''' My creation has run rampant. I demand their extermination. I have no choice but to destroy this starship. We can make our escape in the ''Rickenbacker'', but you must transfer my intelligence to that ship first.}}</ref> While en route, the soldier briefly encounters two survivors, Thomas "Tommy" Suarez and Rebecca Siddons,{{efn|Not to be confused with Rebecca Lansing from the original ''System Shock''}} who flee the ship aboard an escape pod.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''Siddons:''' Move it, Tommy... the escape pod is this way!}}</ref>

With the transfer complete, the soldier travels to the ''Rickenbacker'' and learns both ships have been enveloped by the infection's source, a gigantic mass of bio-organic tissue that has wrapped itself over the two ships.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''SHODAN:''' The Many has grown to a massive size. It has wrapped itself around these two ships, preventing their separation.}}</ref> The soldier enters the biomass and destroys its core, stopping the infection. SHODAN congratulates him and tells of her intentions to merge real space and cyberspace through the ''Von Braun''{{'}}s faster-than-light drive.<ref>{{cite video game|title=System Shock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|platform=PC|quote='''Delacroix:''' You must understand the stakes here... if SHODAN is left to continue, her reality will completely assimilate ours. Space will become cyberspace and SHODAN's whims will become reality.}}</ref> The soldier confronts SHODAN in [[cyberspace]] and defeats her. The final scene shows Tommy and Rebecca receiving a message from the ''Von Braun''. Tommy responds, saying they will return and noting that Rebecca is acting strange. Rebecca speaks in a SHODAN-like voice, asking Tommy if he "likes her new look" as the screen fades to black.

== History ==

=== Development ===
[[Image:SS2 Concept.jpg|thumb|250px|alt=A green-cloaked man is staring from the right corner through black goggles to another deformed human being, who is close to a dead body of a woman laying on the floor along with several blood marks and some destroyed things.|Horror is a key focus of ''System Shock 2''. This [[concept art]] depicts the protagonist encountering an infected crewmember in the Recreation deck of the ''Von Braun''.]]

Development of ''System Shock 2'' began in 1997 when [[Looking Glass Studios]] approached [[Irrational Games]] with an idea to co-develop a game.<ref name="GameSpot SS2 Retrospect"/> The development team were fans of ''[[System Shock]]'' and sought to create a similar game. Early story ideas were similar to the novella ''[[Heart of Darkness]]''. In an early draft, the player was tasked with assassinating an insane commander on a starship.<ref name="Next Gen">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-system-shock-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820031129/http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-system-shock-2|archive-date=2012-08-20 |title=The making of... ''System Shock 2'' |author=''Edge'' Staff |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=Future Publishing Limited |location=[[United Kingdom]] |date=2007-10-07 |access-date=2008-02-15}}</ref> The original title, according to its pitch document, was ''Junction Point''. The philosophy of the design was to continue to develop the concept of a dungeon crawler, like ''[[Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss]]'', in a science fiction setting, the basis for ''System Shock''. However, the press mistook ''System Shock'' to be closer to a ''[[Doom (series)|Doom]]'' clone which was cited for its poor financial success. With ''Junction Point'', the goal was to add in significant role-playing elements and a persistent storyline as to distance the game from ''Doom''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sshock2.com/archive/jan99.htm | title = Valuable Information Salvaged - 1st Design Document | first = Dan | last = Todd | date = 1999-01-27 | access-date = 2013-06-25 | publisher = sshock2.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170711002220/http://www.sshock2.com/archive/jan99.htm | archive-date = 2017-07-11 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-14-system-shock-2-was-originally-known-as-junction-point | title = System Shock 2 was originally known as Junction Point | first = Robert | last = Purchase | date = 2013-02-14 | access-date = 2013-02-14 | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = 2013-02-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130216101836/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-14-system-shock-2-was-originally-known-as-junction-point | url-status = live }}</ref>

The title took 18&nbsp;months to create with a budget of $1.7&nbsp;million.<ref name="Gamasutra SS2"/> It was pitched to several publishers until [[Electronic Arts]]—who owned the rights to the ''System Shock'' franchise—responded by suggesting the game become a sequel to ''System Shock''. The development team agreed; Electronic Arts became the publisher and story changes were made to incorporate the franchise.<ref name="Next Gen"/> The project was allotted one year to be completed and to compensate for the short time frame, the staff began working with Looking Glass Studio's unfinished [[Dark Engine]], the same engine used to create ''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]''.<ref name="Gamasutra SS2">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3406/postmortem_irrational_games_.php |title=Postmortem: Irrational Games' ''System Shock 2'' |author=Chey, Jonathan |work=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] |publisher=UBM TechWeb |location=United States |issue=November 1999 |access-date=2009-03-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324222421/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3406/postmortem_irrational_games_.php |archive-date=2008-03-24 }}</ref>

The designers included role-playing elements. Similar to ''[[Ultima Underworld]]'', another Looking Glass Studios project, the environment in ''System Shock 2'' is [[persistent world|persistent]] and constantly changes without the player's presence.<ref name="IGN Interview 1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/10/looking-glass-prepares-to-shock-gamers-again|title=Looking Glass prepares to shock gamers again|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=1999-02-09|access-date=2008-02-15|archive-date=2015-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710154035/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/10/looking-glass-prepares-to-shock-gamers-again|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SS2 Manual Designer Notes 2">{{cite book|title=System Shock 2 instruction manual |publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1999-08-11|page=40}}</ref> [[Paper-and-pencil game|Paper-and-pencil]] [[role-playing game]]s were influential; the character customization system was based on ''[[Traveller (role-playing game)|Traveller]]''{{'}}s methodology and was implemented in the fictional military branches which,<ref name="IGN Interview 1"/> by allowing multiple character paths, the player could receive a more open-ended gameplay experience.<ref name="IGN Interview">{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/19/system-shock-2-interview-2|title=System Shock 2 interview 2|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=1999-06-18|access-date=2008-02-16|archive-date=2012-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106095341/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/19/system-shock-2-interview-2|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Horror and terror|Horror]] was a key focus and four major points were identified to successfully incorporate it. Isolation was deemed primary, which resulted in the player having little physical contact with other sentient beings. Secondly, a vulnerability was created by focusing on a fragile character. Last were the inclusion of moody sound effects and "the intelligent placement of lighting and shadows".<ref name="GameSpot retrospective SS2"/> The game's lead designer, Ken Levine, oversaw the return of ''System Shock'' villain SHODAN. Part of Levine's design was to ally the player with her.<ref name="Next Gen"/> Levine sought to challenge the player by having SHODAN betray the player: "Sometimes characters are betrayed, but the ''player'' never is. I wanted to violate that trust and make the player feel that ''they'', and not [only] the character, were led on and deceived". This design choice was controversial with the development team.<ref name="GameSpot Greatest Game"/>

Several problems were encountered during the project. Because the team comprised two software companies, tension emerged regarding job assignments and some developers left the project. Additionally, many employees were largely inexperienced, but in retrospect project manager Jonathan Chey felt this was advantageous, stating "inexperience also bred enthusiasm and commitment that might not have been present with a more jaded set of developers."<ref name="Gamasutra SS2"/> The Dark Engine posed problems of its own. It was unfinished, forcing the programmers to fix [[software bug]]s when encountered. In contrast, working closely with the [[source code|engine code]] allowed them to write additional features.<ref name="Gamasutra SS2"/> Not all setbacks were localized; a demonstration build at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] was hindered when it was requested all guns be removed from the presentation due to then-recent [[Columbine High School massacre]].<ref name="GameSpot retrospective SS2">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/system-shock-2-retrospective-6109881/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016162134/http://www.gamespot.com/features/system-shock-2-retrospective-6109881/|archive-date=2012-10-16|title=''System Shock 2'' retrospective|author=Park, Andrew|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc.|location=United States|access-date=2008-02-19}}</ref>

=== Release ===
A [[Game demo|demo]] for the game, featuring a tutorial and a third of the first mission, was released on August 2, 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/03/system-shock-2-demo-released|title=''System Shock 2'' demo released|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=1999-08-02|access-date=2008-02-16|archive-date=2015-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708204906/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/03/system-shock-2-demo-released|url-status=live}}</ref> Nine days later, ''System Shock 2'' was shipped to retailers in North America.<ref name="NARelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.avault.com/news/displaynews.asp?story=8111999-83142|title=System Shock 2 Ships|first=David|last=Laprad|date=August 11, 1999|website=The Adrenaline Vault|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000206044715/http://www.avault.com/news/displaynews.asp?story=8111999-83142|archive-date=February 6, 2000|url-status=dead|access-date=September 25, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/12/news-briefs-231|title=News briefs|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=1999-08-11|access-date=2008-02-16|archive-date=2015-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709022257/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/12/news-briefs-231|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was made available in the United Kingdom one month later on September 18.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 1999 |title=Your Most Wanted |url=https://archive.org/details/PC_Zone_79_August_1999/page/n35/mode/2up?q=%22system+shock%22 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=[[PC Zone]] |pages=35 |issue=79 |quote=''System Shock 2'' (EA) -- Aug}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Games Of 1999 ~ Europe |url=http://www.gonegold.com/golden/eurogold99.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210220535/http://www.gonegold.com/golden/eurogold99.shtml |archive-date=February 10, 2001 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |website=Gone Gold}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 1999 |title=''System Shock 2'' |url=https://archive.org/details/PC_Zone_80_September_1999/page/n61/mode/2up?q=system+shock |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=[[PC Zone]] |pages=62 |issue=80}}</ref> An enhancement [[Patch (computing)|patch]] was released a month later and added significant features, such as [[Cooperative video game|co-operative multiplayer]] and control over weapon degradation and enemy [[Spawning (computer gaming)|respawn]] rates.<ref name="ss2 patch">{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/18/shock-2-20|title=''Shock 2'' 2.0|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=1999-09-17|access-date=2008-02-16|archive-date=2012-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025152033/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/18/shock-2-20|url-status=live}}</ref> A port was planned for the [[Dreamcast]] but was canceled.<ref name="Rock paper Shotgun"/>

=== End-of-support ===
Around 2000, with the [[End-of-life (product)|end-of-support]] for the game by the developer and publisher, remaining bugs and [[Software incompatibility|compatibility]] with newer [[operating system]]s and hardware became a growing problem. To compensate the missing support, some fans of the game became active in the [[Mod (computer gaming)|modding]] community to update the game. For instance, the "Rebirth" graphical enhancement [[Video game modding|mod]] replaced many [[Low poly|low-polygonal]] [[3D modeling|models]] with higher quality ones,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=52239|title=''System Shock 2'' reborn |author=Bramwell, Tom|publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=2003-06-05 |access-date=2008-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518131911/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news050603ss2rebirth |archive-date=2011-05-18}}</ref> a "Shock Texture Upgrade Project" increased the [[image resolution|resolution]] of [[Texture mapping|textures]],<ref name="GameSpot Greatest Game"/> and an updated [[level editor]] was released by the [[user community]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=16567 | title = It's shocking! A ''System Shock 2'' level editor | author = ''CVG'' staff | work = [[Computer and Video Games]] | publisher= Future Gaming Limited | location= United Kingdom | date = 2001-01-27 | access-date = 2009-03-16 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070309190431/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=16567 |archive-date = 2007-03-09}}</ref>

=== Intellectual property debacle and re-release ===
The [[intellectual property]] (IP) rights of ''System Shock 2'' were caught for years in complications between Electronic Arts and Meadowbrook Insurance Group (the parent company of Star Insurance Company), the entity that acquired the assets of Looking Glass Studios on their closure;<ref name="Tlhoss">{{cite web | url = http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/713030/the-lost-history-of-system-shock/ | title = The Lost History of System Shock | publisher = [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] | date = 2011-06-30 | access-date = 2013-02-17 | first = Jared | last = Newman | archive-date = 2016-07-13 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160713204906/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/713030/the-lost-history-of-system-shock | url-status = dead }}</ref> however, according to a lawyer for Star Insurance, they have since acquired the lingering intellectual property rights from EA.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://techland.time.com/2013/02/13/13-years-later-system-shock-2-lives-again/ | title = Thirteen Years Later, System Shock 2 Lives Again | date = 2013-02-13 | access-date = 2013-02-17 | first = Jared | last = Newman | magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] }}</ref>

In the player community, attempts had been made to update and patch ''System Shock 2'' for known issues on newer operating systems and limitations that had been hard-coded into the game. In 2009, a complete copy of ''System Shock 2''{{'}}s [[Dark Engine]] [[source code]] was discovered in the possession of an ex-Looking Glass Studios employee who was at the time continuing his work for [[Eidos Interactive]].<ref name="Rock paper Shotgun">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/14/shipping-receiving-dark-engine-source/ |title=Dark Engine Source Code Found In A Bag |first=Quintin |last=Smith |date=2010-12-14 |access-date=2011-04-15 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |archive-date=2012-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710064954/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/14/shipping-receiving-dark-engine-source/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In late April 2010, a user on the Dreamcast Talk forum disassembled the contents of a [[Dreamcast]] [[Game development kit|development kit]] he had purchased, and among the content he received was some of the source code for Looking Glass games, including ''System Shock''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geek.com/games/game-engine-used-for-thiefsystem-shock-2-found-with-dreamcast-dev-kit-1300148/ |title=Game engine used for Thief/System Shock 2 found with Dreamcast dev kit |first=Matthew |last=Humphries |date=2010-12-14 |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |access-date=2015-07-04 |archive-date=2017-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232626/https://www.geek.com/games/game-engine-used-for-thiefsystem-shock-2-found-with-dreamcast-dev-kit-1300148/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="rps aug2019">{{cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/08/12/no-one-knows-who-is-patching-system-shock-2/ | title = No one knows who is patching System Shock 2 | first = Craig | last = Pearson | date = August 12, 2019 | access-date = August 12, 2019 | work = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-date = August 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190828005548/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/08/12/no-one-knows-who-is-patching-system-shock-2/ | url-status = live }}</ref> An unknown user, going only as "Le Corbeau" (The Raven), issued a patch for ''System Shock 2'' and ''Thief 2'' in 2012 that resolved several of the known issue with the Dark engine and other features. It is believed that the patches were enabled by the Dreamcast kit, using a combination of the available source code and by disassembling libraries off the development kit. The patch became known informally as the "NewDark" patch to distinguish it from other efforts to improve the game.<ref name="rps aug2019"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|url=http://kotaku.com/5946462/whoah-system-shock-2-and-thief-2-just-got-surprise-patches|title=Whoah, ''System Shock 2'' and ''Thief 2'' Just got Surprise Patches|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=2012-09-25|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-date=2016-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814040009/http://kotaku.com/5946462/whoah-system-shock-2-and-thief-2-just-got-surprise-patches|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/02/07/thief-2-is-now-on-good-old-games/ |title=Thief 2 Is Now On Good Old Games |publisher=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |first=Craig |last=Pearson |date=2012-02-07 |access-date=2012-11-10 |archive-date=2012-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111190221/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/02/07/thief-2-is-now-on-good-old-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At about the same time, Stephen Kick of [[Nightdive Studios]] had been seeking to rerelease ''System Shock 2'' on Windows, and Star Insurance provided him with the rights to do so.<ref name="rps aug2019"/><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE97vZLC_fA |title=The Struggles Behind Bringing Back System Shock {{!}} Noclip |date=2020-07-21 |last=Noclip |access-date=2025-03-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Shortly after getting this approval, the NewDark patch had been released, and Kick attempted to contact "Le Corbeau" to discuss the use of their patch, but the user was impossible to contact.<ref name="rps aug2019"/> Kick decided to approach [[GOG.com]] for a timed-exclusive release on their [[digital distribution]] website in February 2013, where the game was the most requested to be added to the catalog. This version, considered by GOG.com to be a "[[collector's edition]]", included the "Le Corbeau" NewDark patch.<ref name="fc nightdive"/><ref name="rps aug2019"/> In addition, the updates allow user-made modifications to be applied more seamlessly.  The release also contains additional material such as the game's soundtrack, maps of the Von Braun, and the original pitch document for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/02/13/many-questions-system-shock-2-comes-to-gog/ | title = Many Questions: System Shock 2 Comes To GOG | first = Adam | last = Smith | date = 2013-02-13 | access-date = 2013-02-13 | publisher = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-date = 2013-02-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130215050818/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/02/13/many-questions-system-shock-2-comes-to-gog/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The update rights also allowed a Mac OS X version of ''System Shock 2'' to be subsequently released on June 18, 2013, through GOG.com.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|url=https://www.vg247.com/2013/06/18/gog-kicks-off-2013-nodrm-summer-sale-with-torchlight-for-free/|title=GoG kicks off 2013 noDRM Summer Sale with Torchlight for free|publisher=[[VG247]]|date=2013-06-18|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-date=2016-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921220137/https://www.vg247.com/2013/06/18/gog-kicks-off-2013-nodrm-summer-sale-with-torchlight-for-free/|url-status=live}}</ref> The title became available on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on May 10, 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/system-shock-2-arrives-on-steam/ | title = System Shock 2 arrives on Steam | first = Patrick | last = Carlson | date = 2013-05-10 | access-date = 2013-05-17 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = 2014-12-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141217225116/http://www.pcgamer.com/system-shock-2-arrives-on-steam/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In April 2014, a [[Linux]] version was also released.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pearson|first=Craig|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/10/system-shock-2-linux/|title=Sudo Shock: System Shock 2 Now On Linux|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=2014-04-10|access-date=2016-08-09|archive-date=2016-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001184112/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/10/system-shock-2-linux/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the OS X and Linux versions run through [[Wine (software)|Wine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=System Shock® 2 (Classic) on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/238210/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=store.steampowered.com |language=en}}</ref> "Le Corbeau" has continued to update the game since 2012, with their patches being incorporated into the versions that Nightdive distributes through GOG.com and Steam.<ref name="kotaku aug2019">{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/system-shock-2-has-been-getting-new-patches-for-years-1837180538 | title = System Shock 2 Has Been Getting New Patches For Years, Based On The Work Of A Fan Nobody Can Find | first = Nathan | last = Grayson | date = August 12, 2019 | access-date = August 12, 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-date = August 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190812213745/https://kotaku.com/system-shock-2-has-been-getting-new-patches-for-years-1837180538 | url-status = live }}</ref>

Since then, Nightdive has acquired the rights to ''System Shock'', releasing an enhanced version in September 2015. Kick has reported they have acquired full rights to the series since then.<ref name="fc nightdive">{{cite web | url = https://www.fastcompany.com/3053050/app-economy/how-one-company-is-bringing-old-video-games-back-from-the-dead | title = How One Company is Bringing Old Video Games Back from the Dead | first = Jared | last = Newman | work = [[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]] | date = 2015-11-12 | access-date = 2015-11-12 | archive-date = 2016-07-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160704020716/http://www.fastcompany.com/3053050/app-economy/how-one-company-is-bringing-old-video-games-back-from-the-dead | url-status = live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 92/100<ref name="Metacritic SS2">{{cite news|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/system-shock-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=''System Shock 2''|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|location=United States|access-date=2008-02-14|archive-date=2010-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818045340/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/system-shock-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Allgame = 4/5<ref name="allgame ss2">{{cite news|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18819&tab=review|title=''System Shock 2'' > Review|author=Norands, Alec|work=[[Allgame]]|publisher=Rovi Corporation|location=United States|access-date=2008-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114234636/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18819&tab=review|archive-date=2014-11-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CVG = 9.5/10<ref name="cvg review">{{cite news|title=CVG ''System Shock 2'' Review|author=CVG Staff|work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=2001-08-13 |issn=0261-3697|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|location=United Kingdom|issue=237|page=70}} Retrieved 2008-06-24.</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref name="Edge review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/system-shock-2-review|title=''System Shock 2'' Review|author=''Edge'' Staff|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|location=United Kingdom|access-date=2008-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729075629/http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/system-shock-2-review|archive-date=2012-07-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameFan = 93/100<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gamefan.com:80/repre.asp?g=1295&t=r | title=System Shock 2 Review | magazine=[[GameFan]] | access-date=May 16, 2021 | author=Cybrid | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127180929/http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1295&t=r | archive-date=November 27, 1999 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| GamePro = 5/5<ref name="gamepro review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/1486/system-shock-ii/|title=GamePro ''System Shock 2'' review |first=Matt |last=Holmes|publisher= IDG Entertainment|location=United States|magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=2000-11-24|access-date=2008-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005093841/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/1486/system-shock-ii/ |issn=1042-8658 |archive-date=2008-10-05}}</ref>
| GameRev = A<ref name="GameRev SS2">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/system-shock-2|title=''System Shock 2'' Review|author=Colin|location=United States|publisher=AtomicOnline, LLC|work=[[Game Revolution]]|year=1999|access-date=2008-03-29|archive-date=2012-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323150736/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/system-shock-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="GameSpot SS2 review">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/system-shock-2/reviews/system-shock-2-review-2533150? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110111329/http://www.gamespot.com/system-shock-2/reviews/system-shock-2-review-2533150 |archive-date=2012-01-10 |title=''System Shock 2'' Review |author=Desslock |publisher=CBS Interactive |location=United States |work=GameSpot |date=1999-08-25 |access-date=2012-09-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| IGN = 9.0/10<ref name="IGN SS2 review"/>
| NGen = 4/5<ref name="NG"/>
| PCGUS = 95%<ref name="pc gamer ss2">{{cite news|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/system_shock_2.html|title=''PC Gamer System Shock 2'' Review|author=Harms, William|work=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|location=United Kingdom|year=1999|access-date=2008-04-08 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080331023523/http://pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/system_shock_2.html |archive-date = 2008-03-31}}</ref>
| PCZone = 96%<ref name=PCZReview>{{cite journal|title=System Shock 2 Review|author=Paul Mallinson|journal=[[PC Zone]]|date=September 1999|issue=80|pages=62–67|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|location=United Kingdom|issn=0967-8220}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]''
| rev1Score = 5/5<ref name=cdmag/>
}}

''System Shock 2'' received critical acclaim. It received over a dozen awards, including seven "[[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]]" awards.<ref name="SS2 official awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.irrationalgames.com/shock2/|title=''System Shock 2'' official website|publisher=Irrational Games|year=2005|access-date=2008-02-18 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080216161753/http://www.irrationalgames.com/shock2/ |archive-date = 2008-02-16}}</ref> Reviews were very positive and lauded the title for its hybrid gameplay, moody sound design, and engaging story.<ref name="Metacritic SS2"/> ''System Shock 2'' is regarded by critics as highly influential, particularly on [[first-person shooter]]s and the [[survival horror|horror]] genre. In a retrospective article, ''[[GameSpot]]'' declared the title "well ahead of its time" and stated that it "upped the ante in dramatic and mechanical terms" by creating a horrific gameplay experience.<ref name="GameSpot Greatest Game"/> Despite critical acclaim and being the tenth best selling PC game in the US the month of its release,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wertz Jr. |first=Langston |date=1999-09-23 |title='The next Tetris' is just as much fun as the last one |pages=4D |work=4D}}</ref> the title did not perform well commercially;<ref name="gamesThatSell">{{cite book | title = Games That Sell! | last = Walker | first = Mark | publisher = Wordware Publishing, Inc | year = 2003 | isbn = 978-1-55622-950-3 | page = 193}}</ref> only 58,671 copies were sold by April 2000.<ref>{{cite journal|title=PC Gamer Editors' Choice Winners: Does Quality Matter? |journal=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 2000|page=33|publisher=[[Future US]]|location=United States|issn=1080-4471|oclc=31776112}}</ref>

Several publications praised the title for its open-ended gameplay. With regard to character customization, Trent Ward of ''[[IGN]]'' stated the best element of the role-playing system was allowing gamers to "play the game as completely different characters", and felt this made each play-through unique.<ref name="IGN SS2 review"/> Erik Reckase writing for Just Adventure agreed, saying "There are very few games that allow you [to] play the way you want".<ref name="JA ss2 review">{{cite web|url=http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/SS2/SS2.shtm|title=JustAdventure ''System Shock 2'' review|author=Reckase, Erik|publisher=Just Adventure|access-date=2008-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224151808/http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/SS2/SS2.shtm|archive-date=2008-02-24}}</ref> Alec Norands of ''[[Allgame]]'' believed that the different character classes made the game "diverse enough to demand instant replayability".<ref name="allgame ss2"/> Robert Mayer from ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]'' called ''System Shock 2'' "a game that truly defies classification in a single genre", and ensured that "the action is occasionally fast-paced, it's more often tactical, placing a premium on thought rather than on reflexes."<ref name=cdmag>{{cite news|last=Mayer|first=Robert|title=''System Shock 2'' Review|url=http://cdmag.com/articles/022/060/systems2_review.html|work=Computer Games Magazine|publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc.|access-date=2012-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050205020110/http://cdmag.com/articles/022/060/systems2_review.html|archive-date=2005-02-05 |location=United States|date=1999-08-19}}</ref>

Buck DeFore reviewed the PC version of the game for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'', rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "Bluntly put, ''System Shock 2'' is a welcome visit to the lost arts of the good old days, and an immersive experience as long as you don't mind some of the cobwebs that come along with it."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=DeFore|first=Buck|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|volume=2|issue=3|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=November 1999|page=125}}</ref>

A number of critics described the game as frightening. ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' described the atmosphere as "gripping" and guaranteed readers they would "jump out of [their] skin" numerous times.<ref name="cvg review"/> Allgame found the [[sound design]] particularly effective, calling it "absolutely, teeth-clenchingly disturbing",<ref name="allgame ss2"/> while ''[[PC Gamer]]''{{'}}s William Harms christened ''System Shock 2'' as the most frightening game he had ever played.<ref name="pc gamer ss2"/> Some critics found the weapon degradation system to be irritating,<ref>{{cite news|last=Simpson|first=Dan|date=October 1999|title=System Shock 2|location=United States|publisher=Future US, Inc.|work=[[Maximum PC]]|volume=4|issue=10|page=107|issn=1522-4279|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3QEAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT110|access-date=2011-08-27}}</ref> and members of the development team have also expressed misgivings about the system.<ref name="GameSpot SS2 Retrospect">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/system-shock-2-retrospective-interview/2300-6109962/|title=''System Shock 2'' retrospective interview|author=GameSpot Staff|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|location=United States|date=2004-10-04|access-date=2008-02-15|archive-date=2014-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214071547/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/system-shock-2-retrospective-interview/2300-6109962/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://xemu.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2004/10/5/154992.html |title=''SS2'': When Not Enough is Too Much |author=Fermier, Rob "Xemu" |publisher=Blog Harbor |date=2004-10-05 |access-date=2006-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211124227/http://xemu.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2004/10/5/154992.html |archive-date=February 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Rob Fermier was one of the lead programmers working on System Shock 2.</ref> The role-playing system was another point of contention; GameSpot described the job system as "badly unbalanced" because the player can develop skills outside their career choice.<ref name="GameSpot SS2 review"/> Allgame felt similarly about the system, saying it "leaned towards a hacker character".<ref name="allgame ss2"/>

Along with ''[[Deus Ex (video game)|Deus Ex]]'', Sid Shuman of ''[[GamePro]]'' christened ''System Shock 2'' "[one of the] twin barrels of modern [first-person shooter] innovation", owing to its complex role-playing gameplay.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.games.net/article/netten/1/112821/the-10-most-important-modern-shooters/|title=The 10 most important modern shooters|first=Sid|last=Shuman|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=IDG Entertainment|location=United States|access-date=2008-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716022452/http://www.games.net/article/netten/1/112821/the-10-most-important-modern-shooters/|archive-date=2011-07-16 }}</ref> ''IGN'' writer Cam Shea referred to the game as "another reinvention of the FPS genre", citing the story, characters, and RPG system.<ref name="IGNretro">{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/15/top-10-retro-dlc-games-wishlist|title=Top 10 retro DLC games wishlist|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|work=IGN|last=Shea|first=Cam|date=2008-01-16|access-date=2009-02-03|archive-date=2012-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922092732/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/15/top-10-retro-dlc-games-wishlist|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[PC Zone]]'' lauded the game as a "fabulous example of a modern-day computer game" and named it "a sci-fi horror masterpiece".<ref name=PCZReview/> The title has been inducted into a number of features listing the greatest games ever made, including ones by ''[[GameSpy]]'',<ref name="gamespy greatest">{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/july01/top502ase/index3.shtm|title=GameSpy's Top 50 Games of All Time|author=GameSpy Staff|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=2001-06-01|access-date=2008-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525133108/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/july01/top502ase/index3.shtm|archive-date=2011-05-25}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'',<ref name="edge best game">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2007/jul/04/edgestop100g|title=''Edge's'' top 100 games&nbsp;– almost certainly not yours|last=Schofield|first=Jack|work=The Guardian |date=2007-07-04|access-date=2009-03-05|archive-date=2009-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318145252/http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2007/jul/04/edgestop100g}}</ref> ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'',<ref name="Empire top 100 games">{{cite news|url=http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/100greatestgames/|title=The 100 Greatest Games Of All Time|work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|publisher=[[Bauer Consumer Media]]|location=United Kingdom|date=2009-06-01|access-date=2014-02-16|archive-date=2015-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224233541/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/100greatestgames/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'',<ref name="IGN top 100 games 2007 SS2">{{cite news|url=http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_22.html|title=IGN top 100 game of all time: #22 ''System Shock 2''|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|year=2007|access-date=2008-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211122703/http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_22.html|archive-date=2012-02-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''GameSpot''<ref name="GameSpot Greatest Game">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-greatest-games-of-all-time-system-shock-2/1100-6130956/|title=The greatest games of all time: ''System Shock 2''|last=Shoemaker|first=Brad |work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|location=United States|access-date=2006-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022085604/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6130956/|archive-date=2007-10-22}}</ref> and ''[[PC Gamer]]''.<ref name="PCGamerGreatest">{{cite news|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=169961|title=''PC Gamer's'' Top 100: 50–01|last=Atherton|first=Ross|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|location=United Kingdom|date=2007-08-13|access-date=2009-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007050654/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=169961|archive-date=2010-10-07}}</ref> ''IGN'' also ranked ''System Shock 2'' as the 35th greatest first-person shooter of all time.<ref name="IGN top 100 fps 2013">{{cite news|url=http://ign.com/top/shooters/35|title=System Shock 2 - #35 Top Shooters|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|year=2013|access-date=2014-02-16|archive-date=2015-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712082034/http://www.ign.com/top/shooters/35|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[X-Play]]'' called it the second scariest game of all time, behind ''[[Silent Hill 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/658946/x-play-top-10-scariest-games/ |title=X-Play' Top 10 Scariest Games |last=D'Alonzo |first=Mike |work=[[X-Play]] |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]]TV |date=October 25, 2006 |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040723/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/658946/x-play-top-10-scariest-games/ |archive-date=September 24, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> SHODAN has proven to be a popular character among most critics, including ''IGN'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/08/top-10-tuesday-most-memorable-villains|title=IGN Top Ten Tuesday: Most memorable villains|author=IGN Staff|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|location=United States|date=2006-05-07|access-date=2008-02-19|archive-date=2010-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831222621/http://ds.ign.com/articles/694/694434p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''GameSpot''<ref name="gamespot shodan">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains/page10.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926212917/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_villains/page10.html|archive-date=2007-09-26|title=The ten best computer game villains|author=GameSpot Staff |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=CBS Interactive|location=United States|access-date=2008-06-11}}</ref> and [[The Phoenix (newspaper)|''The Phoenix'']].<ref name="thephoenix">{{cite news |url=http://thephoenix.com/Boston//RecRoom/24912-20-Greatest-Bosses-in-Video-Game-History-#1-/ |title=The 20 greatest bosses in video game history |author1=Krpata, Mitch |author2=Stewart, Ryan |name-list-style=amp |newspaper=[[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Phoenix]] |date=2006-10-23 |access-date=2008-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509212811/http://thephoenix.com/boston/recroom/24912-20-greatest-bosses-in-video-game-history-/ |archive-date=2012-05-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''System Shock 2'' won ''PC Gamer US''{{'}}s 1999 "Best Roleplaying Game" and "Special Achievement in Sound" awards, and was a runner-up in the magazine's overall "Game of the Year" category.<ref name=pcgamerusawards1999>{{cite journal |date=March 2000 | title=The Sixth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | volume=7 | number=3 | pages=46, 47, 49, 50, 54–56, 60, 62 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | author=Staff }}</ref> The editors of ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' nominated it for their "Role-Playing Game of the Year" prize, which ultimately went to ''[[Planescape: Torment]]''.<ref name=cgwpremier1999>{{cite magazine | author=Staff | magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] | title=The 2000 Premier Awards; The Very Best of a Great Year in Gaming |date=March 2000 | issue=188 | pages=69–75, 78–81, 84–90 }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Legacy==
=== 25th Anniversary Remaster ===
On a stream during the 20th anniversary of ''System Shock 2'' on August 11, 2019, Nightdive Studios announced an Enhanced Edition of the game was in development.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/08/12/system-shock-2-enhanced/ | title = An enhanced version of System Shock 2 is in the works | first = James | last = O'Conner | date = August 11, 2019 | access-date = August 11, 2019 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-date = August 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190812042644/https://www.vg247.com/2019/08/12/system-shock-2-enhanced/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Nightdive had been able to disassemble the original game's source code, allowing them to improve upon the original. They planned to port the game to their KEX engine, the same engine they used for the [[System Shock: Enhanced Edition]] and work to make sure that the co-operative play features are better implemented.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/08/12/20-years-after-release-system-shock-2-is-finally-getting-an-enhanced-edition/ | title = 20 years after release, System Shock 2 is finally getting an Enhanced Edition | first = Craig | last = Pearson | date = August 12, 2019 | access-date = August 12, 2019 | work = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-date = August 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190812170006/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/08/12/20-years-after-release-system-shock-2-is-finally-getting-an-enhanced-edition/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

It was originally also planned that a virtual reality version of the game would release alongside the Enhanced Edition; however, it was internally scrapped midway through development, for unknown reasons. The VR version would have used gameplay features that were introduced with ''[[Half-Life: Alyx]]'', and would have also been capable of cross-platform play with players on other platforms than VR.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-2-enhanced-edition-full-vr-mode-announced | title = System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition Gets a Fully-Playable VR Mode | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = February 12, 2021 | access-date = February 12, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = February 12, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210212200112/https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-2-enhanced-edition-full-vr-mode-announced | url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2025, the port was renamed "''System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster''".<ref>{{cite web |last=Hore |first=Jamie |date=February 14, 2025 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/system-shock-2/remaster-gdc-launch-date-new-name |title=System Shock 2 remaster has a new name, and soon it'll have a launch date too |website=[[PCGamesN]] |accessdate=February 14, 2025}}</ref> It was originally planned to be released on June 26, 2025 for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jovanée |first=Alice |date=20 March 2025 |title=Nightdive Studios announces launch date for System Shock 2 remake |url=https://www.polygon.com/news/543748/system-shock-2-25th-anniversary-edition-launch-release-date-nightdive-studios |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> but Nightdive ran into unforeseen issues with the version for consoles<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=June 23, 2025 |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/system-shock-2-25th-anniversary-pushes-console-release-date/ |title=System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Pushes Console Release Date |website=[[Bleeding Cool]] |accessdate=June 23, 2025}}</ref> and delayed the consoles release date for July 10.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=July 1, 2025 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/07/system-shock-2-25th-anniversary-remaster-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-and-switch-launches-july-10 |title=System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch launches July 10 |website=Gematsu |accessdate=July 1, 2025}}</ref> No further issues occurred, and the console versions launched successfully on that date.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dzisko |first=Mik |date=2025-07-10 |title=System Shock 2: Remaster Makes It to Consoles Two Weeks After PC Release |url=https://gaming.news/news/2025-07-10/system-shock-2-remaster-makes-it-to-consoles-two-weeks-after-pc-release/ |website=Gaming News |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Sequel projects ===
''System Shock 2'' has amassed a [[cult following]], with fans asking for a sequel.<ref name="IGN top 100 games 2007 SS2"/> On January 9, 2006, [[GameSpot]] reported that Electronic Arts had renewed its trademark protection on the ''System Shock'' name,<ref name="GameSpot EA trademark">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-files-system-shock-trademark/1100-6142113/|title=EA files ''System Shock'' trademark|author=Sinclair, Brendan|publisher=CBS Interactive|location=United States|work=GameSpot|date=2006-01-09|access-date=2008-02-14|archive-date=2015-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204045405/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-files-system-shock-trademark/1100-6142113/|url-status=live}}</ref> leading to speculation that ''System Shock 3'' might be under development.<ref name="CVG SS2 revived">{{cite news|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=132172|title=''System Shock'' revived? |last=Houlihan |first=John |publisher=Future Publishing Limited |location=United Kingdom |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=2006-01-09 |access-date=2008-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724070208/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=132172|archive-date=2010-07-24|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="techspot21games">{{cite web |url=http://www.techspot.com/article/140-21-first-person-shooters/ |title=21 first person shooters you shouldn't have missed |last=DeCarlo |first=Matthew |publisher=[[Techspot]] |date=2009-01-19 |access-date=2009-02-03 |archive-date=2012-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221052805/http://www.techspot.com/article/140-21-first-person-shooters/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three days later, ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' reported a reliable source had come forward and confirmed the title's production. Electronic Arts UK made no comment when confronted with the information.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=132449|title=''System Shock 3'' rumours gather pace |first=Bishop |last=Stuart |publisher=Future Publishing Limited |location=United Kingdom|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=2006-01-12|access-date=2008-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070602191043/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=132449|archive-date=2007-06-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[PC Gamer UK]]'' stated the team behind ''[[The Godfather (2006 video game)|The Godfather]]'' (EA Redwood Shores, later Visceral, defunct 2017) was charged with its creation.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Eyewitness Undercover |author=PC Gamer UK Staff |magazine=[[PC Gamer UK]]|date=September 2006}}</ref> Ken Levine, when asked whether he would helm the third installment, replied: "that question is completely out of my hands".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/121329/bioshock-ken-levine-talks-morality-system-shock-3-possibilities/|title=''BioShock'': Ken Levine talks morality, ''System Shock 3'' possibilities |author=GamePro |publisher=[[GamePro]] |date=2007-07-12|access-date=2008-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916115000/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/121329/bioshock-ken-levine-talks-morality-system-shock-3-possibilities/|archive-date=2008-09-16}}</ref> He expressed optimism at the prospect of ''System Shock 3'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.1up.com/features/ken-levine-interview |title=Ken Levine: CGW interviews the man behind Irrational from 1UP.com |first=Sean |last=Molloy |work=[[1Up.com]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |location=United States |date=2006-09-01 |access-date=2008-06-14 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718125240/http://www.1up.com/features/ken-levine-interview |archive-date=2012-07-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> but revealed that EA had not shown interest in his own proposal for a sequel, and was not optimistic with regards to their abilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=143616 |title=Levine: EA 'didn't give a sh*t' about ''Sys Shock 3''|author=Bishop, Stuart|publisher=Future Publishing Limited |location=United States|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=2006-07-31 |access-date=2008-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724070839/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=143616|archive-date=2010-07-24|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Eurogamer Ken Levine">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news010806bioshock |title=''BioShock'' dev slams EA |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=2006-08-01 |access-date=2008-02-17 |archive-date=2009-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401191042/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news010806bioshock |url-status=live }}</ref> Electronic Arts did not confirm a new title in the series and allowed the ''System Shock'' trademark registration to lapse. Redwood Shores' next release was 2008's ''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]'', a game with noted similarities in theme and presentation to the ''System Shock'' series.<ref name="Tlhoss"/> According to ''Dead Space'' designers Ben Wanat and Wright Bagwell, their project was originally intended to be ''System Shock 3'', before the release of ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' inspired them to go back to the drawing board and develop it into something more along those lines, eventually becoming ''Dead Space''.<ref name="re4dspacess3">{{cite news|last1=Paget|first1=Mat|title=How Resident Evil 4 turned System Shock 3 into Dead Space|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/how-resident-evil-4-turned-system-shock-3-into-dead-space/|access-date=2017-02-24|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2017-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118193608/http://www.pcgamer.com/how-resident-evil-4-turned-system-shock-3-into-dead-space/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2015, a fan sequel mod for the game, ''System Shock Infinite'', was released, incorporating elements from spiritual successor ''[[BioShock Infinite]]''.<ref name=ModPaper>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=2014-06-06 |title=Time Loops And Tears In SS2 Mod System Shock Infinite |language=en |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/system-shock-infinite-mod |access-date=2023-01-20}}</ref>

In November 2015, Nightdive Studios, after acquiring the rights to the ''System Shock'' franchise, stated they were considering developing a third title in the series.<ref name="fc nightdive"/> In December 2015, [[OtherSide Entertainment]], a studio founded by former Looking Glass Studios designer [[Paul Neurath]], announced they were developing ''System Shock 3'' with rights granted to them by Nightdive.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/system-shock-3-confirmed-with-ex-looking-glass-bio/1100-6432919/ | title = System Shock 3 Confirmed With Ex-Looking Glass, BioShock Devs Attached | work = [[GameSpot]] | date = 2015-12-08 | access-date = 2015-12-08 | first = Tamoor | last = Hussain | archive-date = 2015-12-10 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151210022810/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/system-shock-3-confirmed-with-ex-looking-glass-bio/1100-6432919/ | url-status = live }}</ref> OtherSide had acquired rights to make sequels to ''System Shock'' some years before this point but did not have the rights to the series name, which Nighdive was able to provide.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://time.com/4147507/system-shock-3/ | title = System Shock 3 Is Finally Going to Happen | first = Matt | last=  Peckham | date = 2015-12-14 | access-date = 2015-12-14 | magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] }}</ref> The sequel will feature [[Terri Brosius]] reprising her voice for SHODAN, and will include work from original ''System Shock'' concept artist Robb Waters.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/14/10104714/system-shock-3-announcement-official-otherside-entertainment | title = System Shock 3 is officially happening | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = 2015-12-14 | access-date = 2015-12-14 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = 2015-12-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151214164744/http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/14/10104714/system-shock-3-announcement-official-otherside-entertainment | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="polygon spector">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/17/11034836/warren-spector-otherside-entertainment | title = Warren Spector joins OtherSide Entertainment for Underworld Ascendant, System Shock 3 | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = 2016-02-17 | access-date = 2016-02-17 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = 2016-02-18 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160218042107/http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/17/11034836/warren-spector-otherside-entertainment | url-status = live }}</ref> [[Warren Spector]], the producer of the first ''System Shock'', announced in February 2016 that he has joined OtherSide Entertainment and will be working on ''System Shock 3''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/02/17/warren-spector-system-shock-3/ | title = Warren Spector Working On System Shock 3 | first = Adam | last = Smith | date = 2016-02-17 | access-date = 2016-02-17 | work = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-date = 2016-02-18 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160218094040/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/02/17/warren-spector-system-shock-3/ | url-status = live }}</ref> According to Spector, the narrative will pick up immediately from the end of ''System Shock 2'', with SHODAN having taken over Rebecca's body.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/10/15611526/system-shock-3-concept-art-warren-spector-interview | title = Warren Spector's sure System Shock 3 will stand out from the pack | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = May 10, 2017 | access-date = May 10, 2017 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = May 17, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170517072337/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/10/15611526/system-shock-3-concept-art-warren-spector-interview | url-status = live }}</ref>  ''System Shock 3'' will use the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity game engine]], with a teaser shown during Unity's press event at the 2019 [[Game Developers Conference]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/18/18272003/system-shock-3-teaser-trailer-gdc-2019-unity | title = SHODAN returns in System Shock 3 trailer | first = Sam | last = Byford | date = March 18, 2019 | access-date = March 19, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = March 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190319125918/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/18/18272003/system-shock-3-teaser-trailer-gdc-2019-unity | url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Starbreeze Studios]] was originally planning to provide a $12 million "publishing-only" investment in ''System Shock 3'', allowing OtherSide to retain all rights while seeking a 120% return on investment followed by equal shares of revenue splitting. Starbreeze's investment would allow the game to be developed for consoles in addition to the planned personal computer versions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/starbreeze-investing-12m-into-i-system-shock-3-i-as-the-game-s-new-publisher | title = Starbreeze investing $12M into System Shock 3 as the game's new publisher | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = March 14, 2017 | access-date = March 14, 2017 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-date = March 15, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170315081611/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/293696/Starbreeze_investing_12M_into_System_Shock_3_as_the_games_new_publisher.php | url-status = live }}</ref> However, in the wake of several financial problems in late 2018, Starbreeze has given back the publishing rights to ''System Shock 3'' to OtherSide, and separated itself from the project.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/02/11/starbreeze-sell-system-shock-3-rights-to-otherside/ | title = System Shock 3 returns to OtherSide after Starbreeze sell publishing rights | first = Dominic | last = Tarason | date = February 11, 2019 | access-date = February 11, 2019 | work = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-date = February 12, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070625/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/02/11/starbreeze-sell-system-shock-3-rights-to-otherside/ | url-status = live }}</ref> OtherSide stated they had the capability to self-publish ''System Shock 3'' should they be unable to find a publishing partner but would prefer to have a publishing partner.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/system-shock-3-has-a-lot-of-interest-from-publishers/ | title = System Shock 3 'has a lot of interest from publishers' | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = May 16, 2019 | access-date = May 16, 2019 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-date = May 16, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190516162511/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/system-shock-3-has-a-lot-of-interest-from-publishers/ | url-status = live }}</ref> At least twelve OtherSide employees working on ''System Shock 3'', including several in lead roles, left the studio between late 2019 and early 2020. One former employee stated that the game's development team was "no longer employed";<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-system-shock-3-team-is-no-longer-employed-its-been-claimed/ |title=The System Shock 3 team is 'no longer employed', it's been claimed |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=February 9, 2020 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |access-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210073734/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-system-shock-3-team-is-no-longer-employed-its-been-claimed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> however, in April 2020, OtherSide's vice president of marketing and development, Walter Somol, stated that the team was "still here" and progress on the project was "coming along nicely", but they were working remotely, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-3-still-in-development|title=System Shock 3 Developer Confirms the Game Is Still Coming, Despite Rumored Layoffs|last=Oloman|first=Jordan|date=2020-04-20|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=2020-04-20|archive-date=2020-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423063624/https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-3-still-in-development|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/system-shock-3-firm-still-here-insists-marketing-boss-but-no-word-on-dev-team/|title=System Shock 3 firm 'still here', insists marketing boss, but no word on dev team|last=Robinson|first=Andy|date=April 17, 2020|work=Video Games Chronicles|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421013023/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/system-shock-3-firm-still-here-insists-marketing-boss-but-no-word-on-dev-team/|url-status=live}}</ref> After several journalists noted that the ''System Shock 3'' websites had been transferred to ownership under [[Tencent]] in May 2020, Otherside confirmed that they had been unable to continue the series as a smaller studio and transferred the licensed rights to Tencent to continue its development,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-series-transferred-over-to-tencent | title = System Shock Series Transferred Over to Tencent | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = May 20, 2020 | access-date = May 20, 2020 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-date = May 20, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200520212658/https://www.ign.com/articles/system-shock-series-transferred-over-to-tencent | url-status = live }}</ref> though Spector affirmed that OtherSide was still involved in its development alongside Tencent.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/warren-spector-studio-says-its-still-involved-with-system-shock-3-after-tencent-swoop/ | title = Warren Spector studio says it's 'still involved' with System Shock 3 after Tencent swoop | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = June 2, 2020 | access-date = June 2, 2020 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = June 22, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200622115438/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/warren-spector-studio-says-its-still-involved-with-system-shock-3-after-tencent-swoop/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

Warren Spector has since stated that OtherSide stopped working on ''System Shock 3'' in 2019, and that they are now working on an immersive simulation based on a new intellectual property developed by OtherSide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-12 |title=How Warren Spector got back to making his latest game |url=https://venturebeat.com/2022/03/12/how-warren-spector-got-back-to-making-his-latest-game/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508013945/https://venturebeat.com/2022/03/12/how-warren-spector-got-back-to-making-his-latest-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=2022-03-14 |title=System Shock 3 is officially dead at Warren Spector's studio |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/03/warren-spectors-studio-hasnt-worked-on-system-shock-3-for-years/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=2022-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508045710/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/03/warren-spectors-studio-hasnt-worked-on-system-shock-3-for-years/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, during Gamescon, Stephen Kick, Nightdive's CEO, stated in an interview after he finished the [[System Shock (2023 video game)|''System Shock'' remake]], that he intended to begin development on a ''System Shock 2'' remake.<ref>{{Citation |title=EXCLUSIVE Interview with Stephen Kick CEO System Shock Gamescom 2022 | date=6 September 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXUMr9guQs |language=en |access-date=2023-02-02 |archive-date=2023-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202190940/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXUMr9guQs |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Spiritual successors ===
In 2007, [[Irrational Games]]—briefly known as [[2K Boston/2K Australia]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/01/08/the-return-of-irrational-games.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110070855/http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/01/08/the-return-of-irrational-games.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=January 10, 2010|last=Juba|first=Joe|title=''The Return of Irrational Games'' |magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=GameStop Corporation |location=United States |date=2010-01-08|access-date=2010-02-21}}</ref>—released a [[spiritual successor]] to the ''[[System Shock]]'' series, entitled ''[[BioShock]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/bioshock/707256p1.html|last=Kuo|first=Li C.|title=''BioShock'' preview|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=2006-05-10|access-date=2007-05-08|archive-date=2012-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210072307/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/bioshock/707256p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game takes place in an abandoned underwater [[utopia]]n community destroyed by the genetic modification of its populace and shares many gameplay elements with ''System Shock 2'': reconstitution stations can be activated, allowing the player to be resurrected when they die; [[Hacker (computer security)|hacking]], ammo conservation, and exploration are integral parts of gameplay; and unique powers may be acquired via plasmids, special abilities that function similarly to [[psionic]]s in ''System Shock 2''.<ref name="multiple">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-bioshock-gameplay-demo-impressions/1100-6150533/|title=E3 06: ''BioShock'' gameplay demo impressions|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|location=United States|date=2006-05-10|access-date=2007-11-04|author1=Brad Shoemaker|author2=Andrew Park|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=2014-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013013304/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-bioshock-gameplay-demo-impressions/1100-6150533/|url-status=live}}</ref> The two titles share plot similarities and employ audio logs and encounters with ghostly [[Apparitional experience|apparitions]] to reveal [[backstory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bioshock-a-defence-article|title=''Bioshock'': A defence article|first=Kieron|last=Gillen|author-link=Kieron Gillen|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2007-12-06|access-date=2008-06-13|archive-date=2009-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321014238/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bioshock-a-defence-article|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[BioShock Infinite]]'', Irrational Games included a gameplay feature called "1999 Mode", specifically in reference to ''System Shock 2''{{'}}s release year, designed to provide a similar game experience with a higher difficulty and long-lasting effects of choices made that would remind players of ''System Shock''{{'}}s unforgiving nature.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-19-fan-feedback-prompts-bioshock-infinite-1999-mode | title = Fan feedback prompts BioShock Infinite 1999 Mode | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = 2012-01-19 | access-date = 2012-01-19 | publisher = Eurogamer | archive-date = 2012-01-21 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120121181316/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-19-fan-feedback-prompts-bioshock-infinite-1999-mode | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ign 1999">{{Cite news | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/21/bioshock-infinite-gets-hardcore | title = BioShock Infinite Gets Hardcore | work = IGN | publisher = News Corporation | location = United States | first = Charles | last = Onyett | date = 2012-01-20 | access-date = 2012-01-20 | archive-date = 2013-10-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131023141746/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/21/bioshock-infinite-gets-hardcore | url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2017, [[Arkane Studios]] published ''[[Prey (2017 video game)|Prey]]'', which takes place on a space station named ''Talos I'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greenmangaming.com/prey-hub/The-Story-of-Prey|title=Prey story and plot – 2017 video game {{!}} Green Man Gaming|website=www.greenmangaming.com|language=en|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-date=2017-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831000633/https://www.greenmangaming.com/prey-hub/The-Story-of-Prey|url-status=live}}</ref> similar to ''System Shock''. It, too, features psionic abilities, in the form of "Neuromods",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/prey-guide-walkthrough/2017/5/4/15551860/neuromods-skill-tree-abilities-scientist-engineer-security-health-stamina-inventory|title=Prey guide: Neuromods, skill and abilities trees|last=Parkin|first=Jeffrey|date=2017-05-04|website=Polygon|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-date=2017-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831000545/https://www.polygon.com/prey-guide-walkthrough/2017/5/4/15551860/neuromods-skill-tree-abilities-scientist-engineer-security-health-stamina-inventory|url-status=live}}</ref> as a fundamental gameplay feature, and uses a mixture of audio logs and pieces of text to advance the game's backstory. ''Prey'' features elements like hacking, crafting, and features a heavy emphasis on side-quest exploration and careful conservation of ammunition and "Psi Points", player stat that controls how many psi abilities can be used. The game features crew members who have become infected, though, not as the result of an AI, but instead as the result of a failure of containment around a mysterious alien species known as the Typhon. Within the game, references are made to ''System Shock''{{'}}s developers, such as the "Looking Glass" technology that plays a significant role in the story's plot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/8/15581242/prey-review-xbox-one-ps4-pc-bethesda-arkane|title=Prey is a complex, tense, and scattered piece of survival horror|last=Robertson|first=Adi|date=2017-05-08|website=The Verge|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-date=2017-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508222441/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/8/15581242/prey-review-xbox-one-ps4-pc-bethesda-arkane|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="costmed-genetic">{{cite web |title=The player takes on the role of a soldier trying to stop a genetic infection outbreak that has destroyed the mpo007 ship. |url=https://costmedbuy.com/ |website=CostMedBuy |publisher=CostMedBuy |access-date=14 May 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20020408215627/http://www.irrationalgames.com/shock2/}} (archived)
* [https://irrationalgames.ghoststorygames.com/studio/projects/system-shock-2/ ''System Shock 2''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040639/https://irrationalgames.ghoststorygames.com/studio/projects/system-shock-2/ |date=2017-12-01 }} at [[Ghost Story Games]]
* {{MobyGames|/system-shock-2}}

{{Looking Glass Studios}}
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