System Shockis coming back after over 25 years, care of the developer behind the Turok and Turok 2 releases, as Nightdive Studios is hard at work revitalizingSystem Shockfor a 2020 launch. That includes a complete visual overhaul and a retooling so that the FPS handles like a modern first-person action-adventure. Those still skeptical that a game from 1994 will work in 2020 can now assuage their worries by checking out the all-new freeSystem Shockdemo, available on GOG and Steam.
Nightdive Studios, which is self-publishingSystem Shock, made the announcement on Wednesday. The demo is described as a “first-hand look at Nightdive’s reimagining of the classic.” It’s made clear that while the game has a new look and feel, Nightdive retained the “classic stylings, story, and gameplay” from the original game.
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Thedemopicks up right at the start ofSystem Shock, when the player awakens from a 6-month medical coma to find that something has gone very wrong while they were sleeping. The demo then proceeds with the player running into several mechanical enemies turned villainous and even some other more disturbing enemies. Players will have to see just how badly things have gone for themselves.
It’s also been confirmed that the demo is a brand new build, unlike the demos that have previously been released for Kickstarter backers. That said, the demo doesn’t entirely represent the finished quality of what Nightdive is working toward inSystem Shock. One specific example is that Nightdive is planning to re-record the voiceover for the game. It hasn’t aged particularly well. But, withCOVID-19being what it is, the voice recordings haven’t been done yet. As such, the demo still uses the original audio.
Those worried that Nightdive might get rid of some of their favoriteSystem Shockaudio, specifically SHODAN’s voicework, don’t have to stress. Nightdive is retaining the original voice actress for SHODAN to rerecord her lines.SHODAN lives.
Overall the demo offers around 40-60 minutes of alphagameplay fromSystem Shock. It should be more than enough for players, whether they’re fans of the originalSystem Shockor new to the game, to be able to judge if it’s something they’re interested in. It’s the perfect way to sate any excitement forSystem Shockwhile waiting for Nightdive to confirm the game’s final 2020 release date.
