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System Shock: Enhanced Edition

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2015

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Quick resume

Re-discover what made System Shock the first of it's kind, a ground breaking immersive sim that would inspire a generation of games to come....

Global score

89/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Shooter, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep immersive sim gameplay
    • Complex level design and exploration
    • Engaging cyberpunk story and atmosphere
    • Challenging puzzles and combat
    • Modernized controls in enhanced edition

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve and clunky original interface
    • Confusing objectives without quest log
    • Some frustrating enemy respawns
    • Dated graphics and audio
    • Cyberspace segments considered unpleasant

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Relaxation, Survival, Violence, Fellowship. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Exploration, Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Status.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have significant freedom to explore, choose how to approach puzzles and combat, and manage inventory and upgrades, reflecting high autonomy."

    • Competence
      4

      "The game challenges players with complex puzzles, combat requiring strategy and skill, and exploration, providing a strong sense of competence."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on individual progression and exploration without competitive elements or player comparison."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report long play sessions and high engagement, with some frustration but strong attachment to the game."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Players can customize loadouts and approach situations in multiple ways, but no direct building or creation."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No social dominance or power over others; purely individual experience."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Strong immersive atmosphere and narrative provide escapism into a cyberpunk horror world."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia, not obligation."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players experiment with different weapons, strategies, and exploration paths."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Exploration of large, complex, and interconnected levels is a core motivation."

    • Expression
      -2

      "Limited character customization; expression mainly through gameplay choices rather than visual personalization."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Cyberpunk sci-fi setting with AI antagonist and mutants provides a strong fantasy experience."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; solitary gameplay."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills, learn controls, and improve strategies over time."

    • Health
      -4

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires constant attention and focus; not suited for idle or casual background play."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No social or emotional relationship building."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles."

    • Progression
      5

      "Strong emphasis on collecting items, upgrading equipment, and advancing through levels."

    • Relaxation
      -2

      "Tense and challenging gameplay with moments of stress; limited relaxation."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Atmospheric audio and visuals provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or status systems."

    • Story
      5

      "Narrative immersion through audio logs, emails, and environmental storytelling is central."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Requires planning, problem solving, and tactical combat decisions."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Suspense and horror elements create tension and excitement."

    • Value
      4

      "Players perceive strong value in gameplay depth and historical significance."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and destruction of enemies are core gameplay elements."

    • Survival
      4

      "Players must manage resources and avoid death in a hostile environment."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026