| System Shock 2 | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Irrational Games, Looking Glass Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
| Year released | 1999 |
| System(s) | Windows, macOS |
| Preceded by | System Shock |
| Series | System Shock |
| Designer(s) | Ken Levine |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Action RPG |
| Modes | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) |    |
System Shock 2 (commonly abbreviated SS2 or Shock 2) is an action RPG, designed by Ken Levine for the personal computer. The title is a sequel to the 1994 PC game System Shock. It was originally co-developed as a separate game by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios. After Electronic Arts, who owned the Shock franchise rights, signed on to publish, the game became a sequel. System Shock 2 was released on August 11, 1999 by Electronic Arts.
System Shock 2 received positive reviews when released, but failed to meet commercial sales expectations. The game has since become a cult classic, and is widely regarded by critics as one of the greatest ever made.
In 2007, Irrational released a self-proclaimed spiritual successor to the System Shock series, entitled BioShock, to critical acclaim and strong sales.
Story
The game takes place on board an adrift starship in a cyberpunk vision of 2114. The player assumes the role of a lone soldier trying to stem the outbreak of a genetic infection that has devastated the ship. Like System Shock, gameplay consists of first person shooting and exploration, while a role-playing system allows the player to develop unique abilities and traits.