Review – System Shock (Xbox Series X)

Almost a year ago, Nightdive Studios finally released the highly anticipated (well, highly anticipated for fans of immersive simulations) remake of System shock. The remake was originally released for PC only and our own Kyle Nicol wrote a fantastic review detailing the changes and upgrades. If you want to read the full review of the System shock Remake, I suggest you check out his review. I’ll be covering the console port, which launched a year after PC, and while nothing has changed in terms of content, there are some console-specific things that need to be pointed out.

Welcome Home.

I have to say, I’m very impressed with the overall quality of this remake. Nightdive has really stayed true to the original, both in terms of feel and look. The pixel art graphics are really great. From a distance, it’s hard to tell it’s pixel art at all, but when you get closer, you see all the little details. It’s a fantastic way to stay true to the original, but make it look clean and modern. This also makes the console port look fantastic and run flawlessly. During my time with System shock I didn’t experience any performance issues on Xbox Series X. Of course, there will be higher resolution and frame options for the PC version, but overall you don’t feel like the console port lacks in graphics, and here it runs at 60 frames per second.

The port’s audio design is still incredible too; no compromises here. You still have all the awesome sci-fi sound effects, coupled with the eerie ambient sounds of enemies moaning. Add to that SHODAN popping up to taunt you or send enemies after you is a real treat. SHODAN is definitely the star of the show, although the other voice actors from the audio files do a great job too. The combat sound design is also stellar, with a wide variety of weapons, each with their own punch and unique sounds. This is a game I definitely recommend wearing a headset for.

I am absolutely thrilled with the visual mix that Nightdive has achieved here.

The only major drop from the PC version to the console version is in terms of gameplay. The general gameplay is still fine, as it has the typical controller layout for an FPS. However, inventory management is where it becomes apparent that it was made for keyboard and mouse. Inventory management is quite cumbersome, as you have to use the D-pad to move everything around. This is especially annoying when moving items from the inventory to another storage or to the quick select bar. For example, if you try to move items to the storage or recycling box, you can’t just toggle left and it will automatically take you to that storage. You actually have to bring it right next to the box before you can put the items in.

This also happens with your quick select bar. There are specific slots that items go into, and if you try to lower a weapon above a health slot, it will simply block you instead of automatically moving it to the weapon side of the bar. While these are minor annoyances, it all adds up to having to use a controller for all of this instead of using the mouse. Thankfully, this is where the annoyances of this port start and end.

These hacking sections played much better on the controller than I expected.

System shock The remake is a fantastic achievement, bringing a beloved cult classic up to today’s standards. Nightdive has clearly put a lot of love and effort into making sure it feels new but doesn’t destroy the atmosphere and feel of the original. Thankfully, they’ve put the same care into the console port as it loses nothing from the PC version. Unfortunately, there are a few issues with inventory management, but overall it’s a flawless port. For any fan of the immersive simulation who may never have had the chance to play this classic, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.

System Shock is now available for PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.

Tested on Xbox Series X.

A copy of System Shock was provided by the publisher.

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