System Shock Remake Old vs New Comparison: All The New Changes

The System Shock remake is now available, and if you’re wondering how it compares to the 1994 original first-person action adventure game, read ahead.

For starters, the System Shock remake features completely re-done assets and textures, giving it a massive facelift over the original. Similarly, the lighting model has been completely revamped, bringing it to modern standards.

Enemy characters were rendered as 2D sprites in the 1994 original title, but they’re detailed 3D character models in the remake. Naturally, their animations are also far more detailed compared to the basic animations seen in the original. Similarly, interactions with environmental objects and weapons have received detailed animations in the remake over the lifeless interactions seen in the original.

Cinematics were pre-rendered in the 1994 original, but are rendered in real-time in the remake. Much like the rest of the game, these cinematics have also received a significant facelift. Enemy AI is far more complex in the remake, and the basic actions and AI routines seen in the original have been replaced with more complex behavior in the remake.

All in all, the System Shock remake offers a significant update over the 1994 original with a far more immersive experience. With just about every aspect brought up to modern standards, it’s the perfect way for both fans and newcomers alike to experience this classic.

Developed by Nightdive Studios and published by Prime Matter, System Shock is an action-adventure game that serves as a remake of the 1994 video game with the same title, which was initially created by Looking Glass Studios. Initially launched in May 2023 for Windows, it was later made available for Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The game has garnered positive reviews from critics and players alike.

Looking Glass Studios, the developer behind the original System Shock released in 1994, closed its doors in 2000. However, the rights to the game, along with other company assets, were acquired by Star Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Meadowbrook Insurance Group. Fast forward to 2012, Nightdive Studios stepped in and obtained the rights to System Shock 2. The studio worked on updating the game for modern operating systems and released a digitally distributable version. Following this success, Nightdive Studios went on to secure the rights for System Shock and the entire franchise.