Just completed System Shock for the first time (my thoughts inside) - by DentonSHODAN
DentonSHODAN on 1/5/2010 at 04:38
I've beaten SS2 a couple times now, so I've always been meaning to play the original game just because I find the universe and gameplay so great. However, no matter how hard I tried, I could not get used to System Shock's archaic (by today's standards) control scheme. However, I decided to check out the mouselook mod that was recently released, and boy did it make a difference. I was finally able to play the game comfortably, and really got into it. I loved how the atmosphere reminded me of SS2, but the gameplay was different enough so that it felt like a new experience on its own.
I managed to play the game at 1024x768, so the visuals, while obviously outdated, were not eye-tearing. In fact, I loved the art direction of the game. The music, while repetitive and somewhat annoying at times, was really great at other times (gotta love that elevator theme). However, I must say, the game's gameplay has aged remarkably well. I can't believe how "modern" it feels for a game released in 1994. Just the way the story unfolds through logs, Cyberspace, the multiple weapons and suit enhancements, the level design, the control mechanics (peaking around corners)... I can't believe this was done in '94. Really surprised by that.
I actually really liked Cyberpsace, and enjoyed the ending to this game more than the one in SS2. Felt appropriate defeating SHODAN in her realm.
Thanks to everyone who worked on the DOSBox version of the game and especially Malbha Tahan, who finally made the game playable for me.
My endgame stats (for those who are curious):
Time: 13:52:40
Kills: 720
Regenerations: 64
Difficulty index: 16 (left everything at 2)
Score: 1,052,713
Pretty crappy, huh? :p
P.S. I had absolutely zero issues running this game (with the mod) on Windows 7 64-bit, so don't let that discourage you.
Cyberpunkgothic1 on 1/5/2010 at 06:46
DentonSHODAN I am happy with you! I felt similar on 1999 when I played ss2! also the first on, system shock, was similar to me! but I didnt played part one so far as you. I got lost in decks 4-6, when there was something to collect, over the 3 level's, and I couldent find it. but I will try again. :)
the best future I have ever seen on a game, was the inventory, and that...! I miss it very much on bioshock, and dont like to play that, because it is only running and shooting, but no management! just booring! what would all the peoples say if you would take them away their touchpad and funny icons of their apple machinery? they wont buy that stuff!
but deus ex was similar in the inventory, and so it reached the goal!
but finally the athmosphere was on both games huge! need to find out, how I can tune the speech in bioshock more cold and near! ;)
okay, will now search what dosbox-version you mean!? that could give me a second try with my ss from a magazine-cd!
Cyberpunkgothic1 on 1/5/2010 at 07:11
thank you! this sceenshots look good! although I prefer only original games, a game of this date..., really needs a higher resolution! :)
thank you again!
Al_B on 1/5/2010 at 09:22
Sounds like you really enjoyed it. It's a fantastic game and although I don't have a problem with the control scheme I can see why it holds some people back.
However...
Quote Posted by DentonSHODAN
The music, while repetitive and somewhat annoying at times, was really great at other times (gotta love that elevator theme).
I can safely say I have exactly the opposite opinion :)
terrannova on 1/5/2010 at 17:44
Glad you enjoyed this classic from 1994, in fact it's more than classic it's a masterpiece.
There is no FPS game to this very day that I hold in as high regard as I do System Shock. Everything in the game was before its time.
It's sad that more people opted to play the mindless DooM back then instead of this game but I suppose it's also a unique feeling that I am of only a few who have played 'Shock' and as a result am given a unique perspective on other shooters compared to everyone else.
