System Shock (2023) Reviews
System Shock is, on paper, a brilliant remake that thoughtfully updates the 1994 original for modern systems, introducing both gyro aiming and mouse support along with a host of graphical upgrades. Unfortunately, the move over to the Switch 2 has tanked the performance, resulting in a game that never feels satisfying enough to play.Should this get fixed in the future, it may well be worth investigating, but for now, you'll be better off playing it on another platform.
A great way to experience a beloved classic now on Nintendo Switch 2
System Shock is an amazing remake that irons out a lot of the original's more impenetrable qualities. The original isn’t exactly user-friendly, so the remake’s smoother, more responsive design makes it the go-to way to play. This is especially true for the Nintendo Switch 2 version, which may have occasional frame rate drops but still offers the definitive console experience for anyone looking to play, thanks to its intuitive Joy-Con 2 mouse mode.
System Shock is an important piece of gaming history, and this remake succeeds in making that experience accessible to a modern audience. BioShock fans will see many familiar elements, from temporary upgrades and hacking puzzles to the deserted setting and the menacing presence of SHODAN. It’s fascinating to see how many ideas were already present thirty years ago. While the gameplay feels dated in some areas, the game offers enough depth and atmosphere to keep you entertained for dozens of hours. The full price may be a bit steep, but with a slight discount, System Shock is undoubtedly a must-play for fans of narrative-driven shooters and old-school FPS games.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
System Shock ends the Switch 2 year with a beautiful combination of first-person shooter, survival horror, and cyberpunk theme. Nightdive did a great job porting the remake to Nintendo's new platform and using its unique features to offer an experience that will even be new for those who have already experienced the modern version of the 90s classic.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
System Shock deftly returns a classic immersive shooter to its place on top of the heap, updated for nearly anyone to enjoy.
A remake that closely follows the original classic, with a slightly different overall effect.
It might be a little conservative, but this is a smart, faithful remake and easily the de facto way to play System Shock in the modern era.
An oddly pitched remake that has its moments but adds very little to the original beyond a visual upgrade
It’s easy to understand why people played this game and then became obsessed with it, why you can trace some people’s careers through the game.
Nightdive Studios may have taken seven years, but it's finally managed to do the impossible and thread the unlikely line between reboot and remake.
While its refusal to let you cheat the exam will prove too punishing for some, the new System Shock is a breathtakingly beautiful and astonishingly faithful remake that proves the enduring power of Looking Glass design.
System Shock on PS5 is a great opportunity for console players to experience Nightdive Studios excellent remake of a classic.
If you've always wanted to play System Shock but never had the chance, then this remake is the ideal entry point for you.
Though held back from greatness by gameplay flaws and performance issues, System Shock still presents a fascinating world and interesting story that'll be more than worth the effort for dedicated players.
SHODAN once again displays all its charm, this time on PS5 and Xbox Series, by the grace of a Nightdive that once again demonstrates the love and respect it feels for the original System Shock. Played on PS5 the result is outstanding with no bugs, performance drops or any other error.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Given its development problems, the fact that System Shock is a functional, stable game is a mini-miracle, but by sticking so rigidly to the original's ancient design it will appeal more to series fans than newcomers.
System Shock may not be an experience suited to everyone, but it's still a fantastic game, and this remake makes it slightly more accessible thanks to its new graphics, interface, and control schemes while staying true to the original game's vision and complex level design.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If only for the historical value of the original, it is worth trying. Its non-linear gameplay can choke for some players, but if you're into challenges, here's a curious incentive.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.