System Shock Remake (2023) vs Enhanced Edition (2015)

Last Updated on May 31, 2023

You may have noticed that the System Shock remake is now out on PC (64-bit systems only). Produced by Nightdive Studios (recently bought by Atari), it is described as “stunningly-faithful recreation… updated and upgraded for modern audiences.”

But how do they really compare? While we can’t give you a frame-by-frame comparison, we can provide a good idea of how the game has been overhauled. The video above is from the long-awaited new version, and while it looks impressive, there is a touch of Apex Legends about it.

What is System Shock?

System Shock was a first-person action-adventure video game developed by Looking Glass Technologies and published by Origin Systems in 1994. Set in a space station called Citadel Station, the player controls a hacker who awakens from a coma to find the station is under attack by a rogue AI called SHODAN. The player must navigate the environments and solve puzzles to progress in the game while fighting cyborgs, mutants, and security robots.

Reviewers and gamers alike lauded the game for its immersive gameplay, innovative RPG mechanics, and complex narrative. System Shock revolutionised gaming, combining 3D environments, interactive objects, and a non-linear storyline. Different endings were available, based on the player’s choices and actions throughout the adventure. The game was a massive success, and spawned a sequel, System Shock 2, as well as influencing numerous other games.

Here’s how the original 1994 game looked when it was enhanced for contemporary systems back in 2015:

Personally speaking, I prefer the look and feel of the original. But I’ll take the enhanced edition if it means leaving the HD monitor plugged in.

The new System Shock remake, the System Shock: Enhanced Edition, and System Shock 2 are all available on GOG.com.