System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster
Retired 26th October 2026
Over the years I have heard System Shock 2 receiving high praise from many gaming outlets and I have always wanted to give the game a try. I have played and enjoyed the Bioshock games, which can be regarded as spiritual successors.
Before playing System Shock 2 I wanted to experience the original game first and earlier this year I completed and highly enjoyed the remake of the first game. When the 25th Anniversary Remaster of the game was released I was set on playing that version, despite possessing the original version of System Shock 2 in my Epic library.
Not to long ago I was surprised to see that the remaster of System Shock 2 was free for a week on Epic Games, so I jumped at the chance and claimed the game.
Well, after a few hours with the game I can say I am rather disappointed with what I have played so far. Earlier this year I played System Shock 1 Remake and gave it an 8/10 and said that it was one of the best games I had played of the year. After many years of hearing great things about System Shock 2 and absolutely loving my time with the remake of the first game I thought that I would similarly enjoy System Shock 2.
When I played the game it was similar to System Shock 1 remake in many regards, but a little more clunky. I think it is the chunkiness of the game that is contributing towards my lack of enjoyment and I have played and enjoyed many games from the same time period. I think the remake of the first game spoiled me and now I find it difficult to play the 2000s era sequel.
I think if System Shock 2 had a faithful remake, similar to the first game, I would enjoy my time more. If a remake of the game with a one to one replication of the level layout and improvements to the chunkiness of the game, then I would surely enjoy the game more.
So with a great sadness I have added System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Edition to me retirement list. I found the Shodan character of the first game to be very interesting, so I may watch the story of the game on YouTube.