System Shock

One of the most eagerly awaited 2023 releases is undoubtedly Night Dive Studios' remake of System Shock, which is soon to be released. The first version of the game, which took place in 2072 on a decrepit space station, was released in 1994. Soon after finding the elusive rights, the developer Nightdive announced the remake in 2015, almost eight years ago. However, the project hit a serious speed bump in 2018 and was put on hold. Now that things have changed, many fans are eager to see how System Shock's remake will hold up compared to the other remakes released this year, especially with a May release date.

What is the plot of System Shock?

Given that the game was created by a team that adores the original System Shock from 1994, System Shock is anticipated to closely retell the story of that game. Many anticipate Nightdive Studios to roughly follow the plot of the 1994 classic, which was created by Looking Glass Studios before it closed in 2000. The original, which took place in the year 2072, involved a nameless hacker who got into trouble after being discovered accessing files pertaining to Citadel Station, a space station owned by the powerful TriOptimum Corporation.

A corporation executive, who discovers the hack, makes a deal with the hacker to covertly hack into the AI S.H.O.D.A.N. and modify it so that the executive can use it to further his goals instead of handing the hacker over to the authorities. This ultimately backfires, though, as the AI is given complete control of the station and is able to mutate, turn into cyborgs, or even kill the crew who are manning the station. The hacker now has to hack and fight their way out of the space station and through this AI nightmare in order to survive this new threat.

However, whereas other remakes released in 2023 remain true to the original narratives and merely brought the title into the modern age, the System Shock remake may have a few changes. Director Jason Fader hinted at this when he emphasized that the game would not be an exact replica of the original, but rather a more "faithful remake" in which the team would use "modern design principles" to tweak the game's features and mechanics in order to render them more playable and up to the standards of contemporary gamers.

System Shock Gameplay

The System Shock remake is a first-person shooter/adventure set in a science-fiction setting. Players can explore Citadel Station at their own pace and can figure out the plot because of the non-linear story. However, they'll need to stay alert because there will be lots of adversaries to take out and systems to break into.

When it was first released, the original game was hailed as one of the most inventive video games ever made and is credited with shattering the ceiling. The reboot will include improvements to stealth mechanics, melee and ranged combat, among other things, in addition to the obvious visual improvements that are now much more typical. Along with more RPG components, the game will also include conversation responses that somehow impact the game.

Additionally, the remake has also received bells and whistles like an improved user interface, shortcuts for switching between weapons, and item consumption. A number of brand-new features have also been added to the game, such as a dismemberment system that lets players target particular mutant limbs.

The hacking system has been improved, and there have also been other updates to the interface, music, and sound effects. Additionally, the journey through Citadel Station will feature brand-new regions home to previously unseen mutants.

System Shock trailers

Official Teaser trailer

Official Trailer

Coming Soon trailer

What platforms will System Shock be released for?

The long-awaited System Shock remake finally appears to be on the horizon as development draws to a close. The remade version will be widely available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, as well as on macOS and Linux. That means the game will reportedly cost $40 when it launches and will be available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

For those who have been waiting for the console release of the remake, there is some disappointing news. Prime Matter reports that it will be released on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S after May and that more information will be provided as it becomes available.

When will System Shock be released?

The System Shock remake was first revealed in 2015, not long after developer Nightdive got hold of the elusive rights of the venerable cyberpunk horror franchise. But the game was put on hold in 2018 and while it was revived, the remake has experienced numerous setbacks. That includes moving the release date from March 2023 to May of the same year.

However, it has now been announced that the System Shock remake will be available for purchase on May 30, 2023, on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. Though no specific date has been assigned, a console release is planned.