Now here we go. Mad AI, Human Experimentation, exploration, ethical dilemmas, monsters on the loose. That’s what I call entertainment.

My spouse and I played System Shock II together and I am sure it was one of our all time favorites played side by side. The other key games were Star Wars Dark Forces, Realms of the Haunting, and Bioshock.

Those were the days.

We would have played the original System Shock game, but it was never available till now. I’m pleased to say that I’m ok so far with the creatures you fight. I’m not scared as I often am. This means I can play it solo, and make my way through. With not too much screaming. There was some screaming.

So you’re a hacker trying to get access to some body mod upgrades. In a cozy apartment (usually future living spaces seem barren) you flex your fingers and log onto a computer.

Oops, busted.

A man named Edward Diego promises to get you the implants you want if you will do a bit of hacking for him. It turns out Shodan, the AI who runs Citadel Station, now in it’s glorious 10th anniversary, needs some tweaking to remove her “ethical restraints.”

Done, with ease. But, no good dead goes unpunished, (I don’t really believe that but it fits the narrative) and you’re stabbed, then wake up on Citadel Station. You’re in the Neurosurgery department, so you’ve got your upgrades. Good news.

The bad news is, things have gone south on the station following the removal of Shodan’s ethical restraints. You will need to try to set things right.

Thank God you get a proper weapon right off. I can’t decide which is finer, a wrench or a lead pipe.

It’s clear pretty quickly that things have gone very wrong here. This guy doesn’t have a hangover.

This guy is beyond help.

Be ready when you open doors.

You get a glimpse of how these guys got the way they are via the Cyborg Surgeon.

I didn’t like doing it, but I took out the surgeon and his patients just in case they might show up again later. Even so, I think next time I’ll pass anyone by who is half baked. Yuck. Maybe they could be saved.

There’s a pipe puzzle for puzzle fans. It took me longer than it should have, but now I see how they go.

Guys creep up on you from behind so it’s a good idea to turn around and look for them as you work.

Really well done. It isn’t spoiled by knowing about Shodan in advance. The game looks great.