90
A gaming triumph...More astonishingly, they've created a system of classes and abilities that are so varied that there's a compelling reason to actually play through the game more than once.
85
A frightening game to the point that I found myself having to take breaks from playing just to ease the tension in my shoulders.
94
Like RPGs? Like to be scared? System Shock 2 shows that a game can please you on a multitude of levels: visual, auditory, and emotional.
10
excellent jeu en tout point graphiquement et techniquement impeccable gamplay plaisant ost et doublage de qualité bonne durée de vie et scénario intéressant
9
It's a very good game, but it's more linear than the first one. The first one was less FPS-RPG-like, so it was good for shooting, but the second one is more FPS-RPG-like, so the shooting isn't as good as I thought. However, if you look at recent games, this game is definitely a great classic masterpiece.
8
Real solid game. It has 9 decks, interestingly I started to enjoy the game after reaching 4th level so the game unlocks right there. From FPS perspective it was unusual, relying on stats and research rather than aim quality of player. And general level design was superb, overall.
System Shock 2
Released On:
Aug 11, 1999
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
92
User score
Universal Acclaim
9.0
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
All Platforms
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
92
Dreamcast
tbd
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
100% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
It's scary, it's atmospheric, it has a great plot, and it rewards the thinking player more than the fragaholic.
100
Even with the amazing achievements in other areas of the game, one of the most under-appreciated, but ultimately useful, components of SS2 is its interface.
User score
Universal Acclaim
90% Positive
647 Ratings
647 Ratings
7% Mixed
50 Ratings
50 Ratings
3% Negative
25 Ratings
25 Ratings
Jul 2, 2025
10
excellent jeu en tout point graphiquement et techniquement impeccable gamplay plaisant ost et doublage de qualité bonne durée de vie et scénario intéressant
Sep 23, 2024
10
I'm 37 years old and I've only now, this year, played SS2 for the first time ever! Finished the SS1 remake and had to check out the sequel... and WOW! What an amazing game that still holds up today with just a few graphics mods applied. I am in awe of this game's magnitude and weep at its magnificence. We are all just a pathetic species of insects, beings of little significance, in the presence of the almighty SHODAN. I await her return!
100
The first game was an undeniable classic that could easily be ruined in the wrong hands. We're here to tell you to pack those fears away in a box because this is the dream sequel.
90
Simply put, the creepy atmosphere is incredible. Forget those survival horror games full of cheap scares and dark alleys. System Shock 2 manages to frighten without succumbing to horror contrivances. Considering this game is six years old, it truly is an achievement. [Aug 2005]
88
Boy, did System Shock 2 suck me in and not let me go. It’s been two weeks since I got this game and I look forward to playing it every day.
85
A frightening game to the point that I found myself having to take breaks from playing just to ease the tension in my shoulders.
80
There is only one major criterion System Shock 2 fails to hit. Graphically, it isn't so special.
Jan 7, 2024
10
The best game ever made. And I've played it only a few years back. Get the Redux mod (HD textures, widescreen HUD, updated 3D models etc.) and enjoy. No hand holding, just immersive sim at its best with amazing atmosphere which feels like Alien but with more mystery.
Mar 26, 2014
7
This is one game for "found memories". Yes, then and because it was a sequel to System Shock, it was great. But today, playing it again, brings back all the drawbacks to the front. It is not a game that, by other mean than pure chance, can be won without cheating. There are less and less ammo and resources as you progress and need it more and more. There is more re-re-re-spawning than you can handle with what the game let you have. It's really an unfair game made for cheaters. If, like me, you like to win a game in normal mode with a normal chance then, unless you get it real cheap, stay away from this one. If you do play it, it will still be enjoyable until you leave the Rickenbacker. After that, quit or put up with lots of frustrations or resort to cheating.
Oct 12, 2013
7
It's an ok game. An interesting storyline, amazing level design and progression, not to mention open character delevopment and many different ways to solve puzzles and kill enemies. Annoying and broken combat (wrench ftw), many ways to abuse shortcomings anout it. Personally I hated hacking minigames. Anyway, it's a superior title to almost all next gen productions and you can clearly see dumbing down process if you compare this to its "spiritual successors" of Bioshock series.
May 10, 2013
2
Shock 2 ain't no Looking Glass game that's for sure. Comparing it with the original is like calling mud chocolate mouse. Clunky, silly, unscary, slow, **** no cyberspace. Thumbs down.
Jun 1, 2023
0
Completely over-hyped game! Endless re-spawning monsters you need to fight in melee because firearms always break. Endless backtracking trough the same maps in search for survivors that are always dead when you find them anyway. Endless maze like levels that make no sense for a space ship at all. Compared to the original System Shock, this seems like a very weak copy with a lot of things changed for worse.
SummaryLike System Shock 1, there will be persistent levels (i.e., drop an item on one level, and you could go back later to retrieve it), gameplay elements like logs, inventory, skills, persistent world, leaning, hacking, rpg elements, multiple weapons and enemies, and a compelling storyline. Unlike most other first person shooters, the purpos... Read More
Rated Mfor Mature
