System Shock
The original System Shock game was developed by Looking Glass Studios and was released for PC in 1994.
At the time of its release, System Shock was considered groundbreaking due to its advanced 3D engine, immersive storytelling, and mix of FPS and RPG gameplay mechanics.
Without System Shock, we may never have had Bioshock, Dead Space, or Deus Ex, as these modern classics drew their inspiration from that early 90s sci-fi title.
To date, there have been four System Shock games, with the most recent being the remake of the original game that is available for PC and PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
In this article, we list all of the System Shock games in release and play order.
System Shock – Release Date Order
System Shock (1994)
Platforms: PC, Mac
Synopsis:
“Aboard a space station in a cyberpunk vision of the year 2072, a security hacker attempts to hinder the plans of a malevolent artificial intelligence called SHODAN.” (source)
System Shock 2 (1999)
Platforms: PC
Synopsis:
“An agent is deployed on a mission to explore a distant planet, but instead wakes up from his cryosleep five months later only to discover that the ship’s artificial intelligence has been corrupted and the humans infected by an alien race.2 (source)
System Shock: Enhanced Edition (2015)
Platforms: PC, Mac
Synopsis:
“You’re a renowned hacker, the most notorious cyberspace thief in the corporate world. Caught during a risky break-in, you become indentured to Diego, a greedy Trioptium exec who bankrolls a rare cyberjack implant operation. After six months in a healing coma, you awaken to the twisted aftermath of a terrible disaster. Where are the surgeons? Why is the station in such disrepair? Slowly, the chilling realization that something is very wrong creeps over you.
Once a prime corporate research facility, Citadel now teems with mindless cyborgs, robots and terribly mutated beings, all programmed to serve SHODAN, a ruthless A.I. There’s scarcely time to think before it unleashes the first terror…” (source)
System Shock Remake (2023/2024)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
Synopsis:
“System Shock is the fully-fledged remake of the groundbreaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN, one of gaming’s most iconic villains. Witness the rebirth of one of the greatest and most influential games ever created. A first-person fight to the death in the depths of space!” (source)
System Shock – Play Order
If you’re somebody who prefers games with up-to-date visuals, then it’s best to start with the recent System Shock remake. You can then move on to System Shock 2, providing you have a PC to play it on.
But if you want to check out the original title before playing the remake, then the 1994 game or the Enhanced Edition can be recommended.
It’s hoped that System Shock 2 will also get a remake but this hasn’t been officially announced at the time of writing.
Here’s our play order for the games. Let us know if you prefer a different order in the comments below.
1. System Shock Remake (2023/2024)
2. System Shock 2 (1999)
3. System Shock (1994)
4. System Shock: Enhanced Edition (2015)
Read More: 10 Books Like The System Shock Games
Which is your favourite System Shock game? Do you have a different play order than us? Let us know in the comments below.