Preface
This game is scary, maybe even scarier than the doom series (which I formerly believed to
be the scariest game, and sequel, of all time). System Shock 2 immerses the player in its atmosphere so quickly
and completely that I found myself literally frightened at times. Rest assured that THIS
GAME WILL SCARE YOU! IT WILL MAKE YOU LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER AND THEN LOOK AGAIN JUST TO MAKE SURE.... IT WILL
MAKE YOUR HEART POUND AND YOUR PALMS SWEAT... GIVE YOU CHILLS AND MAKE THE HAIRS ON YOUR NECK STAND OUT... and
then you realize that it's only the beginning!
Intro
You start out at a training base on Earth, where you will learn how to manipulate System Shock
2's advanced gameplay features. You will need this training so don't skip through it with the notion that you'll
be able to pick it all up as you play the game.
The training facility is divided into two sections, the first is Basic Training, and the second
is Advanced training. In Basic Training you will learn how to maneuver through the environment and pick up items.
Advanced Training is made up of three subdivisions. The first is Weapons. Second is Technical, this is where you
learn how to hack security systems, doors with electronic locks, and various other electronic devices in System
Shock 2. The third division is where you learn how to obtain and use psi powers.
After training, the player will have three branches of service to choose from: O.S.A, Navy,
or Marines. The demo only allowed me to join the Navy so naturally that's where I went.
The Setting
I won't elaborate much on the actual story line, that's for you to unravel on your own, but
I will tell you that it is now 4 years after your training and you have just arrived on the Von Braun, a space
ship where things have taken a twisted turn for the worst.
The level design is top notch. Texture usage and architecture fit together seamlessly and
provide a dark, earie atmosphere that pulls you deeper and deeper into the unknown.
As well as great visuals, the game uses audio extensively to build the plot and put life,
of some form, into the environment. The sounds are perhaps the biggest contributor to the fear factor. They capture
your attention and keep you on edge, using your imagination to hold you hostage.
The Environment
Be careful! The ship is your enemy, it's a living, breathing (almost) organism out to get
you! Beware of security cameras. You will quickly learn to move with stealth, or you will die.
System Shock 2's environment offers a great deal of player interaction. If you see a desk...
you can search it, the same goes for corpses and crates. Many electronic devices in SS2 will need to be hacked,
such as security systems, doors and crates with electronic locks, and even the replicators can be hacked to gain
access to supplies.The player has the ability to read logs, receive email, and even analyze the mutants body parts
to gain a greater knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses.
Monsters
Well, in the demo there were mutants.... and a monkey. I noticed that the mutants displayed
two distinct behavior patterns. Most of them will attack cautiously or retreat to find reinforcements, but several
of them are extremely aggressive and will actually hunt you down. Some are smart! On one occasion, one of the aggressive
mutants saw me through a window and immediately went around the corner, and through several doors to get to where
I was. This aspect alone plays a vital role in making the player feel like the hunted, instead of the hunter as
in most other first person shooters.
Weapons
About as much variety here as in the monster department. First is a very solid wrench, next
you have a pistol, a shotgun... and possibly your psi powers. As with real guns, you must clean and repair your
weapons in System Shock 2 (don't worry, your weapons will rarely require maintenance....
I made it clear through the demo without having to repair my pistol).
Conclusion
System Shock 2 is showing great potential of being one of, if not the best single player game
of the year. I am anxious to see if the final product lives up to the expectations produced by the demo!
So go download the demo, (it is a big download, 37mb, but it's well worth the wait) turn the lights off, crank up the sound,
and enjoy. Click here for more screenshots.
Check back soon for a complete review of System Shock 2!
