A review of System Shock 2's 25th anniversary remaster for PS5, exploring the terrifying effects of artificial intelligence.

Classic 90s PC game remastered for consoles by Nightdive Studios, revamping the sci-fi horror sandbox experience.

July 3rd 2025.

A review of System Shock 2's 25th anniversary remaster for PS5, exploring the terrifying effects of artificial intelligence.
Are you ready for a blast from the past? Get ready to relive one of the greatest PC games of the 90s, because Nightdive Studios has remastered System Shock 2 for consoles. This beloved sci-fi horror sandbox game has received a well-deserved makeover, and fans couldn't be happier.

Ken Levine may not be a household name, but in the world of video games, he's a legend. He's the creative mind behind Thief: The Dark Project and the co-founder of Irrational Games, the studio that brought us System Shock 2 and the BioShock franchise. Needless to say, his resume is pretty impressive. And while the immersive sim genre that he helped create may not have reached mainstream success, it has a loyal following of dedicated fans.

But fear not, because Levine is making a comeback with his upcoming game Judas. In the meantime, Nightdive Studios is keeping his legacy alive by remastering System Shock 2. The first game received a full remake in 2023, and while their original plans for a reboot were scaled back, it was still well-received. So naturally, the sequel would also receive the same treatment.

Originally released in 1999, System Shock 2's 25th anniversary edition was set to be released a year ago but had to be delayed. Now, finally, it's here. And it's not just a trip down memory lane. This game played a significant role in shaping current generation games, including the iconic Half-Life 2 that came out five years later.

The game is set 42 years after the events of the first System Shock. You play as a soldier on the UNN starship Von Braun, only to wake up from hyper sleep to find the ship overrun by zombie-like human-parasite hybrids, deranged psionic lab monkeys, and killer robots. Your job is to survive and uncover the truth behind the chaos.

But that's not all, because you also have the not-so-friendly AI, SHODAN, to deal with. And this time, there's also the rogue computer, Xerxes, and a single human survivor, Dr. Janice Polito, whose voice guides you through the game. Her cynical and dismissive tone adds to the unsettling atmosphere, and every word she says is crucial for your survival. The game's lore is also delivered through audio logs, which also contain important tips and passwords.

The attention to detail in this game is incredible. Every little thing is carefully crafted to create a sense of dread and unease. From the sounds of the decaying ship to the fast-paced drum and bass theme music, everything adds to the overall feeling of wrongness. Even the enemies apologize as they try to kill you, and the lab monkeys with exposed brains are just plain unsettling.

But wait, there's more. Nightdive Studios has added a four-player co-op mode with cross-play, and it's pretty baffling. This game relies heavily on its atmosphere and attention to detail, and playing with friends just takes away from that experience. It becomes more of a playground than the intended retro-futuristic haunted house.

The difficulty level is also something to note. The game has not been dumbed down from the original, and fights are frequent and deadly. Resources are scarce, and even the few snacks and drinks you find only heal one hit point. But don't worry, there are regeneration rooms scattered throughout the ship for when you inevitably die. And once you unlock the surgical tables, you'll realize the game isn't as brutal as it first appears.

What makes this game truly remarkable are the systems that make up its sandbox. For example, you can now choose your character's background, which affects their starting stats. This leads to different builds, from a gun-toting marine to a psionic-focused character. And once you figure out which psi powers work best, you can become extremely powerful by mid-game.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and navigating the game's menus can be a real challenge. It's even worse in combat, where the menus don't pause the action, making it easy to get killed while trying to switch powers. And why on earth is the stand-still-and-lean-around-corners button the same as the sprint button?

Visually, the game has been polished but not completely reinvented. Cutscenes, enemies, weapons, and scenery all look sharper, but they still have that characteristic late 90s low-poly look. But the most important thing is that the game's essence and what made it a classic is still very much present.

The level design is nothing short of genius. Sections of the ship loop back on themselves, creating shortcuts and making exploration less tedious. And you can leave items in the lift that connects the different floors, making inventory management a little easier. But despite these features, each new area you discover still manages to feel intimidating.

Despite a few clunky mechanics and design choices, System Shock 2's 25th Anniversary Remaster is a testament to the sophistication that was possible with pre-millennial technology. It's still just as engrossing to play, and with so many different possibilities, it invites multiple playthroughs. This remaster is bug-free and expertly made, and it's sure to please both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

In short, this remaster is a must-play for any fan of the original game or anyone looking for a challenging and complex sci-fi horror experience. Just don't call it an immersive sim.

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