System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster

The main pros of the game

• Visual Upgrades: The remaster features significantly improved graphics, including better textures, character models, and animations that enhance the overall experience while preserving the original aesthetic.
• Gameplay Improvements: Enhanced controls, smoother gameplay, and the addition of proper weapon animations (like reloads) contribute to a more modern feel.
• Quality of Life Features: Improvements such as native mod support, achievements, and changes to inventory management make the game more accessible and enjoyable.
• Stability: Many users noted that the remaster is more stable than the original, with fewer crashes and bugs during gameplay.
• Faithful to the Original: The remaster retains the core gameplay and story elements that made the original a classic, making it appealing to both new players and veterans.

The main cons of the game

• Multiplayer Issues: Many users experienced significant bugs in the multiplayer mode, including save file corruption, connectivity issues, and game-breaking bugs that hindered the cooperative experience.
• Limited Changes: Some players felt that the remaster did not introduce enough new content or gameplay changes, often comparing it to simply being a collection of existing mods.
• Audio Problems: Complaints about audio mixing, such as music not playing in certain areas or being inconsistent in volume, were common.
• Minor Bugs and Glitches: A variety of minor bugs, such as issues with key bindings, navigation markers, and quicksave functionality, were reported, indicating that the remaster still requires some polish.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• FOV Slider: Users noted the absence of a Field of View (FOV) slider, which would have enhanced the gameplay experience.
• Improved UI: Several players expressed a desire for a more modernized user interface, including better navigation and customization options.
• More Comprehensive Updates: Some reviews indicated that the remaster could benefit from additional gameplay tweaks, balance changes, and enhancements that go beyond visual improvements.
• Better Audio Controls: A separate volume control for dialogue and sound effects was requested, as the current setup was deemed inadequate.

Summary

• Overall, while the remaster has been praised for its visual and gameplay improvements, it has also faced criticism for its multiplayer functionality and the lack of significant new content. Many players recommend it as the best way to experience System Shock 2, especially for newcomers, but some suggest waiting for patches to address ongoing issues, particularly with the multiplayer mode.

Summary generated on: July 7, 2025