System Shock (2023) Reviews
The graphics won’t blow you away and it won’t be making too many “best graphics of the year” lists. But it’s a loving tribute and beautifully recreated edition of a much-beloved classic. There’s a lot to like in this remake, and if this is the building block for what’s to come in the franchise, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
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.
All things considered, the System Shock Remake is a bit of a tough sell. Fans of the original will no doubt be curious to see how this version has turned out. Though for the neutral crowd, it may leave them wanting.
System Shock remake offers a great facelift on almost every front but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to enemy AI and sound design.
After almost three decades behind it, Nightdive Studio revives System Shock, a much-loved cult game that, this time, is presented to us as a remake (remember that there is also an Enhanced version that is more visually faithful to its original), preserving its game mechanics and adapting them to current ones, all programmed with Unreal Engine 4 with updated graphics in high definition according to current standards. It also has a very interesting interface, which makes all the addons look spectacularly good, updated controls and a soundtrack and voices that make walking the citadel and facing the horrors sent by SHODAN even more immersive than ever. A very entertaining adventure, especially for lovers of shooters and exploration, that although it can be finished in 6 hours on its lowest difficulties and knowing what to do, it can take substantially longer on its highest difficulties.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
System Shock is indeed a good remake, capable not only of replicating the wonderful and distressing atmospheres of the 1994 original, but of expanding on them thanks to a decidedly distinctive -- if occasionally a bit strange -- visual style and a level design still capable of setting the standard. Nightdive Studios has brought to life what is probably their best remake work; an act of love towards the work of Warren Spector and Doug Church, which now everyone can finally enjoy in its modern form.
Review in Italian | Read full review
System Shock is less of a modern means through which to experience the best of the original but a separate beast, one far clumsier but in much nicer lipstick.
System Shock by Nightdive Studios is a marvel of a title, whilst also serving as an utterly transcending and faithful adaptation. The game brings the iconic 1994 shooter to life in modern and unique ways, allowing the classic to be experienced by an entire new generation of video gamers. Similarly, it introduces a unique type of gameplay that many games today have all but forgotten about. It requires thinking, encourages exploration, and absolutely does not hold the player’s hand during any of its many challenging levels. Faithfulness is what System Shock beckons, yet perfection is what it achieves.
The ecosystem of the System Shock remake has all those elements that established the original game, confirm the professionalism of Nightdive Studios but - and most importantly for the community - discount, if accepted by the community-market, the return of SHODAN in a possible System Shock 3.
Review in Greek | Read full review
The System Shock remake offers a lot of great graphical enhancements and beautiful stylistic choices that make for an overall enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, it's dragged back by several aspects that haven't aged well over the years and have become more accentuated after the advancements that gaming has made in all these years.
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.
A remake that closely follows the original classic, with a slightly different overall effect.
The original System Shock was a classic but also a niche game that never achieved commercial success; this remake highlights the niche aspect but will forgo the classic label. It may entice players who want to see how this updated version looks and plays, and while there’s some considerable tension to be had while going down narrow and dim lit corridors, the fun of being lost in maze after maze wears out quickly, especially when you’re doing the umpteenth scan through the map looking for whatever card or switch you have missed. At this rate, SHODAN is likely going to conquer both Citadel Station and Earth, as frustrating her plans is precisely that – frustrating.
Won't be easy to drop the game before defeating SHODAN. This happens mainly thanks to an excellent gameplay set in superbly designed levels, despite some technical inaccuracies. Many hours await you in a continuous challenge between human and artificial intelligence.
Review in Italian | Read full review
For those who are huge fans of the original release, I am sure that this will be highly regarded as a fantastic remake. But this is more than that: for those new to the franchise, this is also a great point to step in at. Nightdive’s System Shock remake is one that will appeal to both audiences. The core gameplay mechanics may not the best or most polished, but it’s the world design, atmosphere and engaging plot that make for an experience that is still very much unique, and well worth the gigantic wait.
System Shock's remake is a love letter to the original and its fans, but also an opportunity for new fans to rediscover an authentic video game classic.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Nightdive Studios' System Shock remake is the definitive version of the classic 90s PC title whose influence is still felt in today's sci-fi shooters.
However commendable Nightdive’s efforts to preserve the spirit of the original may be, it doesn’t take much frustrated wandering before questioning whether their modernization efforts have gone far enough.
