Nightdive Studios’ long-in-the-works System Shock 2 remaster finally has a release date, and it’s coming to PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC on 25th June.
Nightdive initially announced it would be remastering BioShock developer Irrational Games’ critically acclaimed – and hugely influential – 1999 FPS/RPG sci-fi horror hybrid back in 2019. At the time, it was known as System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition, but it’s since had a name change, and will now be arriving as System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster.
Following on from Nightdive’s extremely well-received System Shock 1 remake, which launched back in 2023, its System Shock 2 remaster promises enhancements to characters, weapon models, textures, cinematics, and animations. That’s alongside quality of life improvements, optimised controller support, updated co-op multiplayer, and achievements. PC players can also expect mod support, up to 144fps, and ultra-widescreen compatibility.
At its heart, though, it’s still the same acclaimed System Shock 2. That means another battle of wits against rogue AI SHODAN as players – choosing between one of three military branches – find themselves on he FTL ship Von Braun in the year 2114. “Hybrid mutants and deadly robots roam the halls while the cries from the remaining crew reverberate through the cold hull of the ship,” explains Nightdive. “SHODAN… has taken over, and it’s up to you to stop her.”
And now, just managing to squeak into the 25th anniversary window with two months to spare, Nightdive’s System Shock 2 remaster launches on 25th June. It’s be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC via Steam, GOG, Epic, and the Humble Store. Additionally, anyone that pre-ordered Nightdive’s original System Shock remake on Steam (or crowdfunded it at the $30 level or higher) will get the System Shock 2 remaster for free.
“It’s the finest work that both Looking Glass and Irrational ever produced,” Eurogamer contributor Rick Lane wrote of System Shock 2 back in 2015 (beware spoilers!) “and if that doesn’t give you a shout of being the best game in existence, I’m not sure what does.”