System Shock 2

Technology and Gaming
#1

I recently pulled this game out of my “old games” draw, and I have to say, its probrably the most fun i’ve had for a while in any game recently. While the graphics suck, the gameplay is very good, and the atmosphere is incredible - it still retains its scare factor today, even with it’s low end technology and graphical capabilities.

Its a bit of a bitch to get running on newer operating systems, but it is well worth it. It is one of the most atmospheric experiences you can have with a game - the combination of excellent sound design and constant survival aspect make this game incredibly eerie to play.

Bioshock has been recognised as sytem shock 2’s successor, except System Shock 2 has far deeper gameplay in many areas (hacking, character development, and psi skills/plasmids). The enemies in system shock 2 and Bioshock are very similar, except those in System Shock tend to be alot more fear inspiring and seem more real IMO. As for the setting, rapture is very classy, but the Von Braun is AWESOME - the helpless survivor aspect added to the immersion tenfold. If you like Bioshock, you will LOVE System Shock 2.

Luckily for us, some kind people have created mods that increase the level of details on enemies, weapons models, player models, and textures, allowing it to actually look semi-decent.

#2

Useful Links for people thinking of digging out this old game:

System Shock 2 Mod Manager - Program to allow you to easily activate and deactivate mods. Also allows you to have multiple save-game sets.
SSTool - This installer will install the official patch, fix bugs, allow it to run on modern hardware, and remove the Cd check. Enables EAX, fixes multiplayer and cutscenes.
Technical FAQ - This thread helps people install the game on newer systems and provides fixes for errors people may encounter.

List of Good Mods:

Graphical - These mods do not affect gameplay. Instead, they increase the detail of models and textures throughout the game.

Rebirth - This mod replaces all enemy models to look much better.
SHTUP - Shock Texture Upgrade Project. This mod increases the resolution of many textures within the game making them look much better. Compatible with rebirth.
Alternative High Poly Weapons Pack. - I prefer Tacticool’s models, but this replaces many weapon models that tacticool does not. Therefore, it is a good idea to use BOTH this and tacticool. While the modmanager will report conflicts, there isnt. Just keep in mind that any models that do conflict will use the high poly versions from the LAST of these 2 mods to be activated.
Tacticool Weapon Replacements - This mod also replaces many weapon models with high poly versions. Please note that some models in this mod will conflict with those in Alternative High Poly Weapons Pack, therefore some weapons will have models based on the mod that is loaded LAST.
Eldrons Psi Amp - This is a high poly model for the Psi Amp.
High Res Player Models - This is for multiplayer. Its a little buggy sometimes (weapons are occasionally in the wrong place on the model) but it tends to work pretty well.

Gameplay Mods - These mods tend to modify gameplay. I have only linked to mods that do not change very many aspects of gameplay, in order to keep the original feel of the game.

Straylights AdaoB - This mod fixes many bugs left unpatched by the developers, adds some cool graphical features (for example, the laser rapier now glows) and balances alot of overpowered and underpowered parts of the game. It does not significantly change gameplay, except for some balancing. The mod manager will report this mod as incompatible with SHTUP, but they both work fine with each other with no problems. Ignore the warning.

Mute Security Camera Beeps - This mod removes the “bing” when cameras see you. I use this mod because otherwise security cameras are far too easy to defeat.

#3

System shock was fun back in the day, I believe it set the bar for many games in that genre.

They are similar, pretty sure Bioshocks devs said that it was the “progenitor/spiritual successor”.

It certainly received overwhelmingly positive reviews with such depth-lacking gameplay and a terrible setting with OH SO boring enemies.:mono:

#4

I didnt say it was a terrible game, but compared to its predecessor, it does have boring enemies and environments. I was personally VERY disappointed with bioshock, because I expected something closer to its predecessor, but the setting no longer had that survival horror feel, and in my opinion the gameplay had been watered down significantly for the console audiences.

#5

twitch

Dang it, must buy this game. But can’t… afford…

#6

its like $10 at the bargain bin.

It may also be on a certain bay (where certain seafaring criminals hang out) but I am not allowed to link you.

#7

True, it is dirt cheap, but I still can’t get a job (Stupid stores! It’s an hourly job, how much could you possibly need to hire me!) and since I owe a portion of the price of my new computer since my parents aren’t just giving it to me, it looks bad if 2 days after getting the new computer I turn around and start spending money left and right.

And no, I won’t pirate. Especially a game that’s suppose to be this good.

#8

I had to borrow my cousins CD because mine is broken.

sadface

#9

Are you sureee we’re talking about Bioshock here?

#10

compared to SS2, yes we are.

The underwater scene is good, but a spaceship falling apart piece by piece is awesome

#11

I dunno, I like the Bioshock games more… Call me crazy.

#12

You’re crazy. If we’re talking about setting here, I prefer the cyberpunk futuristic setting of SS2 over the retro steampunk world of BS.

#13

I prefer underwater > spaceship and bioshock > systemshock, sorry :3

#14

you guys even manage to turn a thread about a superb game which usually attracts decent and mature gamers into a shitpile contest. great

#15

Welcome to the Black Mesa forums. We hope you enjoy your stay…

#16

I’ve actually been thinking about doing a remake of SS2 on the Unreal 3 engine, with the newly released UDK you could do it. I’ve already been making some progress with making my own levels, the UDK is a great SDK for beginners.

But the amount of assets like textures and models would be too much for me too pull off. Especially since I’ve only just gotten into using 3ds Max and Photoshop.

#17

Yeah, plus EA or Irrational or whoever owns the franchise would sue your arse off.

#18

That depends, if we were to start this project with the intend not to release it without EA’s consent they can’t sue us. If I want to remake SS2 in my home without distributing it they can’t do anything about that.

If it were somehow to come to fruition (doubtful) there’s always the chance that they might want to release it commercially. The main risk would be to find people who, once they’re on the team, won’t leak it and get everyone in trouble.

#19

Then go to SBF/TTLG and start a thread asking for manpower. If you don’t want to be laughed at, be prepared to show what you can already do (mapping is a minimum), what your aim is with the mod, and find a way to discuss ‘making something system shock without using any EA IP’.
A Doom3 mod was already in preparation, they removed all mentions of System Shock after having received a C&D letter from EA, and then died from lack of motivation or members.

#20

Yeah, I know, but until my UDK mapping skills are good enough I’m not gonna ask. And yeah, not calling it System Shock would certainly help keep it from EA’s solicitors :stuck_out_tongue:

Founded in 2004, Leakfree.org became one of the first online communities dedicated to Valve’s Source engine development. It is more famously known for the formation of Black Mesa: Source under the 'Leakfree Modification Team' handle in September 2004.