If you get it, you get it. This is a game that rewards patience, for better or for worse, with an enormous level of mechanical depth on offer, if you're willing to get used to the jank.
Not all builds are created equal, and depending on your play style you can be in for a brutal time. This, I would argue, is somewhat refreshing. There is no wrong way to play the game, but there are easier or more difficult ways. Some people equivocate "easy" with "correct." You can't really have that mindset and enjoy this game.
The atmosphere can be truly crushing at times. Games with this level of horror are few and far between, and the mechanics only amplify your anxiety. There was one point on the first deck, where I was stuck in the dark, surrounded by drones and storage boxes, with nothing but my wrench and a couple bullets left, and the ambient noises of the environment in my ears... the way I felt at that moment is hard to describe. I was absolutely glued to this game. I couldn't even tell you why I was so engrossed. I guess it was just the right thing at the right time.
There is debate on whether to keep the music on. I say, if you want horror, turn it off. If you want more action, leave it on. The choice is yours, after-all. Me, I turned it off for my first playthrough. For first-person games, I tend to prefer my sound to be more diegetic, and System Shock 2 has some of the best sound design I’ve ever experienced.
Not everyone will like this game. The barrier for entry is high. It’s classically unforgiving and truly brutal in certain sections. I’ve died in one hit from the first enemy in the game countless times. The models are old. If limited fidelity bothers you, it will impact your experience. The missions can be confusing. It throws around terms like “Fluidic Tunnels,” “Port Nacelle,” and “Viral Proliferator” at you. Almost all the character models are the same. Enemies respawn, preventing you from ever really clearing a level. Weapons degrade, forcing you to hunt around for new ones, or spend valuable EXP learning to repair/maintain them. I love all of these things.
Is there a secret to enjoying System Shock 2? I’m not sure. If you are receptive, and patient (such as willing to restart if you realize your build has gone totally south), then I would say you have a pretty good chance of enjoying the game. The more immersed you can get, the better it will feel, and hopefully your time aboard the Von Braun will leave a lasting impact on what you thought was possible from gaming as a medium.
Not all builds are created equal, and depending on your play style you can be in for a brutal time. This, I would argue, is somewhat refreshing. There is no wrong way to play the game, but there are easier or more difficult ways. Some people equivocate "easy" with "correct." You can't really have that mindset and enjoy this game.
The atmosphere can be truly crushing at times. Games with this level of horror are few and far between, and the mechanics only amplify your anxiety. There was one point on the first deck, where I was stuck in the dark, surrounded by drones and storage boxes, with nothing but my wrench and a couple bullets left, and the ambient noises of the environment in my ears... the way I felt at that moment is hard to describe. I was absolutely glued to this game. I couldn't even tell you why I was so engrossed. I guess it was just the right thing at the right time.
There is debate on whether to keep the music on. I say, if you want horror, turn it off. If you want more action, leave it on. The choice is yours, after-all. Me, I turned it off for my first playthrough. For first-person games, I tend to prefer my sound to be more diegetic, and System Shock 2 has some of the best sound design I’ve ever experienced.
Not everyone will like this game. The barrier for entry is high. It’s classically unforgiving and truly brutal in certain sections. I’ve died in one hit from the first enemy in the game countless times. The models are old. If limited fidelity bothers you, it will impact your experience. The missions can be confusing. It throws around terms like “Fluidic Tunnels,” “Port Nacelle,” and “Viral Proliferator” at you. Almost all the character models are the same. Enemies respawn, preventing you from ever really clearing a level. Weapons degrade, forcing you to hunt around for new ones, or spend valuable EXP learning to repair/maintain them. I love all of these things.
Is there a secret to enjoying System Shock 2? I’m not sure. If you are receptive, and patient (such as willing to restart if you realize your build has gone totally south), then I would say you have a pretty good chance of enjoying the game. The more immersed you can get, the better it will feel, and hopefully your time aboard the Von Braun will leave a lasting impact on what you thought was possible from gaming as a medium.
GoldSource
4 months ago