System Shock Remake; quick review

Source: Wccftech

(This review will cover the opening segments/impressions of the game; about 2.5 hours into the game)

Story

The opening story of System Shock is an interesting one and differs from the original release. In the original game, you are unable to actually play as your character, not until you are actually in Citadel Station. In the remake however, there is a little segment that kicks off the main story. It's short and suite and sets up the story for when, where and why you are going to be doing things. It also provides background information on who you play as.

The rest of the story is played much like the Bioshock series, told through journal entries and the occasional dialogue over a (shortwave radio). There are also text entry logs and recording to discover as you explore. I can totally understand if the story does take a backseat for some players because the game isn't constantly giving you exposition. If your beat a combat section you were stuck on for a couple hours and then some random lady is talking to you about having to do something you don't remember doing I understand. Also, since this is pretty much a once per game thing to happen (you can't ask for a repeat of the exposition) it can be easy to miss if you weren't paying attention (streamer moment). Like I've said, this game's story is told like it's spiritual successor Bioshock, if you don't like how that story was told, you won't like this one.

Gameplay

When you first start a game, you are given four difficulty options to mix and match. That being, Combat, Mission, Cyber and Puzzle. First thing's first, on a first time paythrough I'd recommend setting the Mission difficulty to 1 (the easiest). That's because, on the other settings you aren't given a map marker. This can make for some unneeded stresses as you will be discovering and backtracking constantly. It'd be nice to now where you actually need to go.

The gameplay and level design is a little strange for modern AAA standards. That is, enemies and guns don't really have a lot of weight to them. The gameplay still plays much like the 90s game it is. The level design is gorgeous and really nails the claustrophobic aesthetic of the original game. There is also inventory management and "stuff" to collect and recycle. You can purchase weapon upgrades, health and other things as you find their respective machines to purchase from.

Overall

Like I've said before, this game plays just like the first two Bioshock games. If you are familiar with those systems, you will have no trouble finding your groove in this game. Nightdive have yet again delivered a superb remake. The game is very much like the original and respects all aspects of aesthetic and gameplay designs that the original was known for (for better or for worse).