How can you challenge a perfect, immortal machine?
A Shock to the System
System Shock 2 requires you to genetically alter your weaponry when researching the organs of different enemies. Chemicals throughout the game need to be used in conjunction with these organs as well as weapons and bullets to enhance their combat efficiency. Some weapons first need to be researched to be used. This area of System Shock 2 is the founding principle behind BioShock’s use of anti-personnel or armor piercing rounds.
You can also conjure your damage against enemies with Irrational’s first attempt at Psionic powers. This way to attack your foes requires you to choose a purely Psionic character. You do not get to use bullets and guns against the computer in this mode, which made it notoriously difficult. In fact, veterans often caution first time players against developing a pure Psionic character with your skill points.
If you choose to go this route, System Shock 2 is ambitious as far as magical powers go. Throughout five tiers of power, each tier includes seven types of abilities -- pyrokinesis, hypnogenesis, molecular transmutation, photonic redirection and quantum relocation to name a few. System Shock incorporates abilitites to transform various battle spoils into nanites, to regenerate health, to teleport yourself, and turn your enemies against each other with neural restructuring. You might notice the more scientific approach to powers if you compare System Shock 2 to its spiritual successors.
My only gripe about Bioshock was I blazed through it too quickly. However, the story telling and gameplay were both top notch! (Though I had no desire to play it through again just to be "evil".) I also enjoyed the sequel despite having the same qualms I had with the original.
I probably still consider System Shock 2 to be the better game even if it's not as pretty to look at.
You're most likely right about that. It was over pretty fast and there wasn't much replay value, but the story didn't lend it much to that replay either. They made me feel dirty, and I liked it. I just didn't like it in the 'I want to play it all the time' way. More in the, 'I will remember these moments and gameplay' forever kind of way.
Maybe Irrational just implanted those memories of crashing on a beach from an airplane in my head though. That would explain a lot.
Just a little Backloggers PSA: After we finish Enslaved, we'll be playing System Shock 2, so if you were always curious about that game and want to play it, or don't want to play it and just want to listen to a few people spoil the snot out of it, keep a lookout for our coverage. You can pick it up on Good Old Games right now for a pretty reasonable price
This is the best news I've heard all morning (not that I've heard any other news this morning).
Still not sure how I feel about Infinite, though I don't doubt it will be good.
Just played Bioshock 2 recently for the first time (had it for a couple years now, but hadn't ever really had the desire to play it). I have to say, very underrated game imo. Quite enjoyable. Didn't bother to play the multiplayer (which is what I remembered most people talking about when it first came out). Campaign alone was a very suitable follow-up to the first Bioshock.
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