mindx2
Codex Roaming East Coast Reporter
With all the GotY polls flying fast and loose around here recently I got the itch to create a poll myself. I just recently finished both System Shock 1 & 2 and started thinking which one did I enjoy more. With the recent announcement of a SS3 being led by Warren Spector I began comparing the games to each other. Now this isn't intended as a full review of each game and their various parts but rather a quick impressions-type look at each games strengths (and weaknesses) with one emerging as the "winner."
SS1:
- I enjoyed the level design of 1 the best. Citidel Station felt like an actual space station with each level laid out in a fairly functional way that made sense and just "felt" more cohesive. This is totally subjective but 2's level layout didn't seem as cohesive as 1's with 2's last several levels (Rickenbacker and The Many) falling flat fairly quickly and forcing a totally different play style onto the player (the jumping!!).
- The puzzles win hands down when comparing 1 vs 2. The original's puzzles felt just challenging enough with the clues planted throughout the station in a logical fashion. One had to search for those clues and the logs gave you just enough info to know in which direction to look. In SS2 Delacroix pretty much walks you through each step with her leading you by the nose until the "big reveal."
- The mini-hacking pieces also took more thinking than just the trial and error clicking of 2. I also enjoyed the cyber-space parts as well. I thought it was a great representation and allowed you to open previously restricted areas by venture forth into it.
- I enjoyed the music in 1 much more than 2. In SS2 I always turn off the music but not in 1. Plus I love the elevator muzak!
SS2:
- The cRPG additions is the biggest plus in this one. The ability to upgrade weapon, Psi, tech, etc. Each upgrade and use of those precious Cyber-modules had a direct and immediate impact on my character.
- The combat is also much better in 2. In SS1 once I got the Flechette and assault rifle there were hardly any enemies that could tough me. Also, ammo was a much more precious commodity in SS2 than the abundant amount laying around in 1. The lack of resources did up the tension in 2.
- The UI in SS2 also wins hands down when compared to 1. SS1's UI takes some getting used to but it certainly isn't a deal breaker for me but 2's is just much more user friendly.
Visually this one is a tie for me with maybe SS1 having a bit of an edge. The enemy sprites in 1 don't stand-up as well but I really enjoyed the visual look of 1 more than the more generic 3D look of 2.
For me I give the edge to System Shock 1 as the one I "enjoyed" the most. Yes, SS2 is the cRPG of the two but as far as taking everything as a whole System Shock 1 comes out ahead of 2. Both are two of the best computer games ever made and, after playing them again, there is still no doubt in my mind. I can only hope and pray that Otherside Entertainment takes the best from both games and creates another classic as these two have become.
So, Codex, what is your take on which is better and why.........?
SS1:
- I enjoyed the level design of 1 the best. Citidel Station felt like an actual space station with each level laid out in a fairly functional way that made sense and just "felt" more cohesive. This is totally subjective but 2's level layout didn't seem as cohesive as 1's with 2's last several levels (Rickenbacker and The Many) falling flat fairly quickly and forcing a totally different play style onto the player (the jumping!!).
- The puzzles win hands down when comparing 1 vs 2. The original's puzzles felt just challenging enough with the clues planted throughout the station in a logical fashion. One had to search for those clues and the logs gave you just enough info to know in which direction to look. In SS2 Delacroix pretty much walks you through each step with her leading you by the nose until the "big reveal."
- The mini-hacking pieces also took more thinking than just the trial and error clicking of 2. I also enjoyed the cyber-space parts as well. I thought it was a great representation and allowed you to open previously restricted areas by venture forth into it.
- I enjoyed the music in 1 much more than 2. In SS2 I always turn off the music but not in 1. Plus I love the elevator muzak!
SS2:
- The cRPG additions is the biggest plus in this one. The ability to upgrade weapon, Psi, tech, etc. Each upgrade and use of those precious Cyber-modules had a direct and immediate impact on my character.
- The combat is also much better in 2. In SS1 once I got the Flechette and assault rifle there were hardly any enemies that could tough me. Also, ammo was a much more precious commodity in SS2 than the abundant amount laying around in 1. The lack of resources did up the tension in 2.
- The UI in SS2 also wins hands down when compared to 1. SS1's UI takes some getting used to but it certainly isn't a deal breaker for me but 2's is just much more user friendly.
Visually this one is a tie for me with maybe SS1 having a bit of an edge. The enemy sprites in 1 don't stand-up as well but I really enjoyed the visual look of 1 more than the more generic 3D look of 2.
For me I give the edge to System Shock 1 as the one I "enjoyed" the most. Yes, SS2 is the cRPG of the two but as far as taking everything as a whole System Shock 1 comes out ahead of 2. Both are two of the best computer games ever made and, after playing them again, there is still no doubt in my mind. I can only hope and pray that Otherside Entertainment takes the best from both games and creates another classic as these two have become.
So, Codex, what is your take on which is better and why.........?
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