The graphics were decent enough for PC titles at the time but nothing special. I ran the demo just fine on my Voodoo2 which was sub Dreamcast level hardware. Some things stand the test of time better than others, it's mainly certain models that I remember looking very dated. I also tried playing another old game that I loved from 99 recently, Omikron: The Nomad Soul. Same thing, the models were horrible and much of the aura I originally felt from the ground breaking 'open world' setting was completely lost. System Shock 2 obviously created an aura with a lot more than graphics, but I'm still hesitant to give it a replay. I enjoyed Bioshock mainly because I love the setting. I have to say, as well done as Systemshock 2 was, I find the setting somewhat standard futuristic sci-fi. Personally I prefer the steampunk/art deco style of Bioshock for both artistic direction and atmosphere. That's the main reason I'm excited to play Bioshock Infinite and Dishonored also. It's hard to overcome my level of romanticism for those eras coupled with the awesome fiction thrown on top of it. I'm a sucker for alternate history sci-fi much more so than distant future space sci-fi.
I've heard of a mod called rebirth which is supposed to fix up the models with high polygon count ones. If I play the game again, I'll probably give it a try. The environments and lighting actually look fine. It's the character models that look dated.
Besides fighters and some RPG's all games from back then had very low poly models. I agree that the environments and lighting looked pretty good, I even remember certain areas impressing me quite a bit in the demo. That video also reminds me of the other big problem - animations. The animations in those videos still look a bit amateur/dated even if the models are quite a bit better. I might still give it a try with some mods when I find I have nothing to play.
Please explain how a game form 1999 has much more advanced gameplay than anything out today. What superior gameplay mechanics did System Shock 2 have? That's just a retarded thing to say. Look at your last video at 1:14. Either I'm missing something of that's the least convincing death I've ever seen, and not just in video games. I'm sure it was a fine game but saying it's got better gameplay than anything out today is A) a matter of opinion and B) wrong. You sure you're not wearing your nostalgia goggles? Shenmue would disagree. But saying what you said seems silly anyway. Of course a PC game in 1999 had better graphics than a console game in 1999. It's like trying to win an argument by saying Battlefield 3 on PC has better graphics than anything on a console these days, it's just obvious.
-Weapons that degraded and required repairs, with different ammo types and various upgrades that could be acquired through research -Character classes that completely altered the way the game played (very few RPGs have actually pulled this off). It plays so differently depending on the class that it's really more like three games rather than one. -One of the most complex and rewarding skill trees I've seen in an RPG. The game doesn't force you down certain skill paths. You can play however you like and most of the boss fights, enemies, and obstacles have multiple approaches. There's no right way to play the game. -One of the best hacking systems ever featured in an FPS/RPG hybrid -A research system that was more advanced than just about anything I've seen since, and that required some actual knowledge of biology and chemistry from the player -Really challenging combat that requires actual skill and planning from the player. You're never given very much ammo until later in the game, so you have to come up with creative solutions for beating enemies. By the time you have plenty of ammo, the enemies are ridiculously tough and will probably also require psi powers or hacking to defeat. Play the fucking game, and then come back and talk. There's a reason SS2 is always in the top 5 or top 10 in those greatest games of all time lists. It's also cited by nearly every AAA developer as one of their main inspirations, especially when talking about horror games or RPGs. The graphics may be dated, but SS2 still has some of the best gameplay you will find anywhere. Once again, stop talking out of your ass, and play the fucking game. Watching a few videos on youtube doesn't tell you nearly enough to judge a game as complex as SS2. Most critics and developers would consider SS2 as essential as Ocarina of Time or Half-Life. Games like Fallout 3 and Deus Ex would not exist without it. It really pioneered the modern first person RPG. It was that influential. You're just too young, and too much of a dudebro to have played it.
Those do seem like some pioneering game mechanics for the time to be sure. Now I know. I may play the game, I'm sure my shitty laptop could handle it but I doubt I could appreciate it as much as if I played it when it was released. If I see it around I'll give it a try. On the topic of people speaking out of their asses you said "There's a reason SS2 is always in the top 5 or top 10 in those greatest games of all time lists". Well here's a link to a page where someone has compiled 55 different top 10 greatest games of all time lists from 55 different magazines/websites and System Shock 2 is mentioned only once, and that was on a list that only considered PC games. http://www.filibustercartoons.com/games.htm
I'm sure your laptop could handle it. On the first playthrough, go the Navy/Computer hacker route. The psi agent is a weak little bitch in the beginning, but becomes the most powerful character by the end, and the marine isn't really as great as it sounds. You end up with a character who is good in combat, which helps you beat back the swarms of flesh hungry zombies in the beginning, but you will have no idea how to hack or repair anything without considerable effort, and that becomes problematic later. One of the training options for the Navy is a weapons course, which I recommend. You can do a lot with hacking, but you still need to be able to fight. I'm telling you this because the game is not very forgiving of mistakes in character customization. It's a tough game, and you can end up with a useless character if you don't know what you're doing.
Marine: most effective in combat. There's a boss fight near the end of the game where this class does well, but the other two struggle. Unfortunately, your character will struggle with things like weapon repair, research, hacking, and psi abilities. Computer Hacker: most balanced class. Good at repairing weapons, hacking, doing research, and can be decent with weapons. Best class when you have to fight Shodan at the end. Psi Agent: weak in the beginning, but the most powerful by the end. The high level psi abilities are insanely powerful. Unfortunately, you will get your ass kicked for probably the first third of the game. The marine may seem like a safe choice, but this is not a game that's easy to slug through dudebro style. There isn't much ammo early in the game, and many of the weapons you pick up are damaged or broken. You may find yourself fighting hand to hand with a wrench. I'd read a character creation faq on gamefaqs. The first time I played, I made a really worthless jack of all trades kind of character. This is a game that actually encourages you to pick one or two specialties and really go with them. That being said, the main antagonist of the game is an AI. So by the end of the game, you will have to have at least a decent hacking level.
I made the same mistake with Oblivion. I made a character not knowing what the hell I was doing or which skills I'd need. After a few days I restarted. So you're saying Hacker is the way to go first time around? I can't see the game on Steam and I just checked amazon. No fucking way am I paying £39.99 for a 13 year old game. That's the cheapest too, a used copy. There's actually a "new" copy for sale for £538.42! Are these people for real? I'd be willing to spend an absolute maximum of £20 on this game. Whenever I take game reccomendations from people I end up regretting it, Bad Company 2 and Mass Effect 2 being prime examples.
That's more like it. ebay, £20. I get paid on Monday so i might pick it up since it comes so HIGHLY recommended.
The beginning is creepy and confusing. You aren't supposed to have any idea what is going on. So don't be put off by it.
Yeah I'll give it some time. I know some games can take a while for you to realise their true awesomeness.
I don't understand the high prices. I guess maybe it became a collector's item. The game does have a significant cult following.
It must be good if it's managed to increase it's value to 13 times the original asking price in as many years. I am of course assuming it was £40 on release, which it probably wasn't.
Well I am kicking arse in Prime 2, have all of the keys to the Sanctuary Fortress so just need to go kill the boss before going on the final fetch quest to go to end game. Actually really enjoyed it, such a shame I gave up on this on the GC as it really is a very good game and is a good challenge. Puzzles are the hardest and as a result the best in the trilogy for me, it is nice when a game makes you think about where you need to go next and what you need to do to get there. Probably won't be able to wrap this one up tonight as when on the fetch quest I will probably explore a bit to pick up items I have missed but should be on to Prime 3 in a couple of days. Actually pretty glad for the lack of games coming out at the moment as it got me back into this fantastic trilogy.
I might be back into gears 3 as the community recently helped me get 2 achievements I thought I'd never get.