SYSTEM SHOCK REMAKE
how do you possibly translate something so heavily defined by its era specific idiosyncrasies to a modern framework? the controls had to go because people are big fucking babies and decided that control schemes should NEVER be expressive or challenging ages ago, but that entombing UI? the brilliant soundtrack? I don't want to say nightdive has been infiltrated by people who likely think SS2 is better without the dnb blasting in the back, but we have to prepare for the worst
replacing the look and feel with something more conventional just doesn't work for me, even when I'm wandering the same halls, following the same convoluted adventure game sequences, and relying on the same tricks as I would in the original. the content is present, but the tension and atmosphere take a severe beating. you're too in control, and too little has changed to account for it
combat feels real rough, which is probably why I've seen people compare it to prey (2017) a bunch. well, that and the recycling system that’s clearly more inspired by it than SS2. it's good if you like picking up 12,000 folders and cups and turning them into trash to trade for money to trade for items, but I don't like that at all and I wish they borrowed from prey (2006) instead. if nothing else don't fear the reaper would give the game a little more energy
the wireframe cyberbits have been replaced by neon descent-clone bits, which (believe it or not) is a downgrade in my book. sure, they're functional now, but I liked them being fucked up and disorienting. videogames should be encouraged to be nauseating and distressing sometimes, especially games like these
probably the most uncanny remake I've had the pleasure of playing, and I think me and nightdive have some big differences of opinion when it comes to what the core essence of the game is. for me, it's the asphyxiating feeling of piloting your own obtuse and horrific body thru a daedalic labyrinth. for them, maybe not
it baffles me that a game with such distinct tactile qualities would be remade without even the faintest attempt to replicate them. there's an incredible devotion here to recreating citadel station inch by inch, but with the tangibility and physicality stripped out entirely it feels like a seven year doll house
at least we can all agree on rollerblades and rapiers