Invalid characterset or character set not supported <I>System Shock 2</I> is progressing very, very slowly.





System Shock 2 is progressing very, very slowly.
May 20, 2009

I played System Shock 2 a long time ago and have very vague memories of enjoying it. Considering how convincing Lewis's recent review of the game was, I figured I'd dig it out of the archives (i.e. borrow a friend's copy, which he has also not played in ages) and give it a go.

This was two weeks ago. Since then, I have made roughly two and a half hours of progress. This is because I have only ever been able to play for about thirty minutes at once before closing out so I can move on to a game that is fun and interesting.

But I made a commitment here. You see, for some reason, I went in expecting System Shock 2 to be really great, despite the constant comparisons the game has drawn to its spiritual successor, BioShock... another ludicrously overrated game. And let me be perfectly clear: System Shock 2 does NOT get off to a good start. It's slow, monotonous, not REMOTELY scary, and packs some of the most poorly implemented RPG elements I've ever encountered in a non-RPG. I am not enjoying myself.

But no, I said. This will not be one of those games that I play for an hour and then dismiss. I will see this one through to the end, no matter what it takes. I haven't even reached SHODAN yet, which means I've yet to experience the game's biggest selling point, if the rave reviews are to be believed.

But I'm pessimistic. The problem is that I'm not a superficial person, my BioShock review notwithstanding. I judge games as games first and foremost. If they can provide me with an intriguing plot or intimidating villain, great. But they need to function as games. And at this rate, unless System Shock 2's design lags are somehow rectified by the time this SHODAN arrives, I do not expect to be giving this one a favorable score when my inevitable review eventually rolls around.

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zippdementia zippdementia - May 20, 2009 (12:06 PM)
I'm in the same place with Bioshock. Here's a game everyone raved about, I spent long enough NOT OWNING IT to let any hype down, I came into with only the barest of expectations, and I'm STILL not having fun. What gives?

It's all in the level design, I tell you, as my next Retro-review will explain.

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