System Shock 2 Now Avaliable on GOG

System Shock 2

System Shock 2

System Shock 2, the critically acclaimed 1999 survival horror game, is finally available as a digital download from GOG.com. The game is being sold for $9.99 and is fully compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

Purchases of the game from GOG.com also come with numerous extras including never-before-seen concept art, the complete game soundtrack, the original pitch document and much more.

A direct sequel taking place 42 years after the 1994 game, System Shock, players are put in control of a soldier on-board a military spacecraft escorting an experimental spaceship on its maiden voyage. A distress signal causes the ships to investigate and culminate in both ships and their crews becoming infected. With only the soldier unharmed and seemingly alone, players must help him survive with his only ally being a highly intelligent A.I. known as SHODAN.

System Shock 2 received high praise upon release for its chilling atmosphere, compelling story and unique gameplay, which mixed elements of adventure, first-person shooting and role-playing games. Despite not being a commercial success, the game has acquired a large following. It is also credited with providing influence for games such as Dead Space and Bioshock, which is considered to be the game’s spiritual successor.

Despite its popularity, System Shock 2 has, until now, remained in a state of hibernation following the demise of its developer Looking Glass Studios in 2000. Shortly afterwards, publisher Electronic Arts stopped producing physical copies of the game. Second hand sellers have been known to sell original copies for high prices.

What has prevented a far more affordable digital download of the game being made available has been the back and forth legal battles for the game’s rights by Electronic Arts and Meadowbrook Insurance Group, which acquired the assets to System Shock 2 following the closure of Looking Glass Studios. This standoff lasted for thirteen years and has prevented the game from being re-released or licensed for distribution.

Night Dive Studios, a newly opened development studio, finally secured the distribution rights and GOG.com is the first way to purchase it. The company has also announced plans to release the game on Steam, though no specific release date has been given at this time.

Jonathan Anson

Jonathan Anson

A resident of Southern California, Jonathan Anson has been a lover of games ever since his father brought home a Windows 95 computer where he was first introduced to his first games. He previously worked for The Gamer Studio before jumping ship to Gaming Illustrated where he can be found showcasing his other love: writing. He is also in the process of attempting to acquire an AA degree in Journalism from Saddleback College.
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