System Shock
DOS - 1994
Description of System Shock
Looking Glass Technologies' magnum opus before 1998's acclaimed Thief was a vast improvement over the earlier classics Ultima Underworld series.
One of the most sought-after underdogs of all time, System Shock is sci-fi action/RPG at its best, featuring vast gameworld, gripping plot centered around a sentient computer gone awry, plenty of high-tech gadgets, and puzzles that integrate seamlessly with well-designed 3D levels. The only downsides are the less-than-intuitive controls and uninspiring cyberspace design. Otherwise, a true classic in every respect.
Note: you can download zip file of game maps here. Also, if you think you have done everything there is to do in the game, the excellent hacker's guide to sin will change your mind ;)
Review By HOTUD
External links
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
Aiodensghost 2023-12-13 0 point
I was kinda hoping you guys would have a .pdf version of the manual, but it looks like I'll need to check my Steam folder again. I got this game up and running through Magic DosBox on my Retroid Pocket Flip after installing it to my actual gaming PC via Steam, and after some fiddling around with the mapper I have the game almost running the way I want. I just want to map the D-pad on the Flip to not only control leaning but crouching/standing, too... and I'd be there already if I had the manual.
GMANATOR 2018-04-12 1 point
I enjoyed the game for what it is. I played both floppy and cd versions.
The controls are a little clunky. It controls like a space simulator.
Guy Fawkes 2017-03-17 3 points
Mods for SystemShock can be found at SystemShock.org including SystemShock Portable, an all-in-one launcher with dosbox.
I also found 3 versions of the Enhanced CD release on webarchive here:
https://archive.org/details/System_Shock_1995-11_Electronic_Arts_M3_budget_CD-ROM_Classics
https://archive.org/details/System_Shock_1996_Electronic_Arts_M3_budget_CD-ROM_Classics
https://archive.org/details/System_Shock_1994_Electronic_Arts_-_Origin_M3
Brickface 2016-04-11 3 points
Before you download this, you should know what you're getting. This is the floppy disk version of the game, which has lower quality music and no voice-overs. plus, people are not making mods for it, so if you want mouselook, good luck altering the code yourself. All in all, it's incredibly inferior. I'd only recommend this version if you have no money. But, you're using a computer, so you probably can come up with ten dollars to buy the enhanced edition on GOG.
kissKIZZkiss 2016-02-13 0 point
yes SS2 is much better, but give credit where credit is due, this game was pretty much unlike anything else when it first came out, it was REVO...... hmmm, what's that word? well it was that!
Razor440 2014-12-05 5 points DOS version
If you watched LazyGamerReview's YouTube video, clearly he loves the game.
doomguy21 2014-10-12 -5 points DOS version
I found this very clunky. System Shock 2 is incredible, though. It's just this one that's a bit... blegh.
Busta 2014-05-23 2 points DOS version
this game rocked!!! everytime is listen the Beuamont Hannant's Texturology i think of system shock. I guess i played it a lot while listening to it
spock 2014-05-15 2 points DOS version
I recommend getting system shock portable, because it includes a mouse look mod that makes the game easier to play.
RegalSin 2014-03-19 1 point DOS version
This game was only recenlty released in 1994, Around 1994, many of the technologies that is used in 3d gaming, including exHD, multiprocessing, 3d ( without glasses ), and many other things, was around during this time.
The original Playstation and Sega Saturn was also launched. This thing is running on pure DOS, which would be a bitch to run on the Playstation or Saturn, and achieve the results of a DOS game.
Imagine if it was programmed for a 3d game console at the time, chances are it would have been ignored, compared to DOOM.
Playing this game looks lik
Zyyz 2013-11-13 8 points DOS version
Bioshock must NOT be compared with this master piece. Bioshock has nothing on this title.
Sure this title may be old, but even today, it delivers better game play and "horror" moments then most games today because of limited controls, limited graphics and limited Field of View.
The Graphics leaves much to the imagination, the limited controls leaves you surprised in many situations because it's hard to react fast with the clonky yet perfect controls. And the 74 FOV makes it hard to be prepared.
The Atmosphere of the game keeps pushing you to the edge of the seat and the darn annoying yet perfect villain, the rampant A.I. Is so well done it's kind of scary, even for a game this old.
I'm a System Shock Fan, and my 3D art and drawings and things i make in Sandbox games clearly depicts this!
a 2012-09-13 -1 point DOS version
Man I've played this game back in 1994 on a 386... super long loading times due to slow harddrives. Anyway this game is way ahead in delivering a claustrophobic horror atmosphere than any of it's spiritual successors like SS2 or BioShock and shit. This is the best game out of the series bar none!
TheHacker 2012-07-30 3 points DOS version
A simply amazing title. Full of suspense, horror, and more. A must-download for any Bioshock fan.
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Buy System Shock
System Shock is available for a small price on the following websites, and is no longer abandonware. GOG.com provides the best release and does not include DRM, please buy from them! You can read our online store guide .
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