System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Reviews
A timeless classic, restored with care and respect: System Shock 2 remains a deep and unforgettable experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
System Shock 2 is still a good game. Even after all these years, it still manages to be engaging and scary. But a lot can change in twenty-five years, gaming included, and when compared to games from that era that still hold up (like Deux Ex), it’s age is all the more obvious. I’m not saying you shouldn’t play it, but I am saying that the ancient interface will probably infuriate you along the way.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster still plays really well, but the gameplay feels a little bit less special than it once did, if only because so many popular games have taken its innovations and run with them. The good news, though, is that it still plays well and its atmosphere still stands out even after all these years. System Shock 2 asks more from players than most modern shooters, and a few of its systems could have used a bit more of an overhaul to work better with a controller, but if you’re willing to explore and really dig into the mystery here, you’ll find an incredibly compelling experience.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is easily one of the best games I've played this year. I'd always heard great things about it, and this re-release lived up to expectations and beyond. Minor hiccups don't tarnish the reputation of this FPS and horror classic, packed with macabre ambiance, sparse music to create a terrifying atmosphere, a charismatic villain, and sharp gameplay.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster modernizes the visuals, but leaves the gameplay of this classic title unaltered.
Regardless of the few issues I ran into with navigation and vague directions. While this is an issue here, the original was much, much worse, and I’m glad there were some attempts after fixing that. I had a lot of fun with this game. The story is super creative in a charming b horror sci-fi sort of way, the enemy variety was enough to keep me on edge, and the old school challenge it brings is something I think more mainstream games should take a crack at more often.
The System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a hard game to recommend. On the one hand, if you're extremely eager to experience the origin of the immersive sim genre or are looking for the definitive way to play System Shock 2 as a fan of the series, then this is the game for you. However, if you're coming fresh off the System Shock remake or are entering the series as a newcomer, you'll quickly be intimidated by the backtracking and dated gameplay design.
If you’re looking for a polished, modern experience, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking to understand where games like BioShock, Prey, and Deus Ex came from—if you want to see the roots of player-driven storytelling and atmospheric design—then this remaster is definitely worth your time.
The System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster stays true to the original’s eerie vibe and immersive sim core, but takes a step back by skimping on modern quality-of-life tweaks, making the $30 price tag feel like a stretch compared to the modded classic. Suppose you’ve got cash to burn, grab the remaster to back Nightdive’s game preservation efforts. If your wallet’s crying, the original’s still there, ready to fill you with cosmic dread.
The remaster of System Shock 2 brings us back to a great masterpiece of the past... with a few too many years under its belt. It was light years ahead of its time, but some of its systems haven't aged well. However, with a compelling story and gameplay that is still very solid, it remains a milestone in the shooter genre that younger players can now catch up on.
Review in Italian | Read full review
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster brings the classic title forward for contemporary systems, and does so flawlessly. The artistic and gameplay elements are all restored to their original glory. If you've never played before, or it's been far too long since you last played, don't sleep on this one. You won't regret it.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is an excellent opportunity to get to know a classic. Though it demands more dedication than more modern titles thanks to some mechanics, the experience as a whole is high quality and the remaster does a good job at keeping it undeniably faithful.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a faithful update that preserves the original’s chilling cyberpunk horror and rewarding RPG gameplay, while adding solid visual upgrades and surprise multiplayer. Its age still shows in places, but it’s a thrilling return to a cult classic that helped shape games like BioShock.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a great one for people who missed it the first time around to get in. And for veterans, it's the best way to reread a hauntingly smart classic. Not only does System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remastered fix up an old favorite, but it also shows why it's still important to talk about in 2025. A Classic Reawakens, sharper, smarter, and still unforgivingly brilliant.
There's not much I could add to System Shock 2's long, successful critical tenure. It's the game we all know and love, but in its best edition yet. Crucially, it comes with full support for all modern amenities and with a mod staging option, to boot. Its only downside truly is the fact that it's not a full-on remake, and that's hardly a downside at all.
The System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a faithful update to a horror classic, keeping its old-school spirit intact with upgraded visuals and new co-op multiplayer. But make no mistake—this is still a remaster, not a remake. The dated combat and clunky systems are all here, for better or worse. It’s a must-play for horror fans and genre history buffs; just don’t expect something modern.
Nightdive Studios is known for restoring classic games, but System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster may be their magnum opus.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is the definitive way to experience this timeless classic. It was an amazing feeling getting back into the world of System Shock without feeling like it lost any of the charm I had fallen for from the original. The depth of the gameplay systems is wonderful, and although some of the original's faults do peek through, it doesn't change just how great it is to play with all of the improvements Nightdive has added. On top of that, it's a joy to play on the Steam Deck. It's definitely a Best on Deck game, and I can't help but enjoy playing it on the go. This is a great portable experience, and I can't wait for mods to come out!
System Shock 2 is an all-time great, easily one of the most important games of all time, and Nightdive’s 25th Anniversary Remaster edition makes it a touch more accessible without ever gutting its core, or anything that made it so cherished in the first place. The excellent core gameplay and stellar level design come together for an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, the fact it works shockingly well on a controller is already something worthy of a medal of honor for the studio.