System Shock Returns to PC After 21 Year Hiatus

A little while back, cult classic FPS System Shock 2 got a big fancy re-release over Steam and Good Ol' Games, because it was one of the most influential video games in history and it showed the world that Ken Levine is a force to be reckoned with. Well, that was all well and good, but there was a small problem--what about the FIRST system shock? Everyone talks about how great the second one was, but the first set the groundwork and was also a pretty good game by its own right.

Well, fortunately, that’s now changed. To celebrate the twenty-first anniversary of this game (yes, it’s old enough that it’s legal to drink now, although looking at the graphics you’d probably think it’s already had a few), Good old Games announced that an “Enhanced Edition” is now available for purchase, with improved graphics and--this is important--compatibility with modern computers. Check out the trailer if you want to feel old:



I was two when that came out. And it was cutting-edge technology. Wow.

Anyway, it’s being sold for ten bucks, and it’s certainly worth a look if you want to see some of Ken’s early work, or if you’re a huge gaming history buff. Or if you really miss when interfaces were harder to navigate than a greased Jacob’s Ladder.