System Shock 2 is a first-person shooter action role-playing survival horror video game for Microsoft Windows, OS X and Linux, designed by Ken Levine and co-developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios. Originally intended to be a standalone title, its story was changed during production into a sequel to the 1994 PC game System Shock; the alterations were made when Electronic Arts—who owned the System Shock franchise rights—signed on as publisher. System Shock 2 was released on August 11, 1999, in North America.
The game takes place on board a starship in a cyberpunk depiction of 2114. The player assumes the role of a soldier trying to stem the outbreak of a genetic infection that has devastated the ship. Like System Shock, gameplay consists of combat and exploration. It incorporates role-playing system elements, in which the player can develop skills and traits, such as hacking and psionic abilities.
System Shock 2 received positive reviews, but failed to meet commercial sales expectations. Many critics later determined that the game was highly influential in subsequent game design, particularly on first-person shooters, and considered it far ahead of its time. It has been included in several "greatest games of all time" lists. In 2007, Irrational Games released a spiritual successor to the System Shock series, titled BioShock, to critical acclaim and strong sales. System Shock 2 had been in intellectual property limbo following closure of Looking Glass Studios, but Night Dive Studios were able to secure the rights to the property in 2013 to produce an updated version for modern personal computers. OtherSide Entertainment announced in December 2015 that they have been licensed the rights from Night Dive Studios to produce a sequel, System Shock 3.
Children play in the park, they don't know
I'm alone in the dark, even though
Time and time again I see your face smiling inside
I'm so happy
That you love me
Life is lovely
When you're near me
Tell me you will stay
Make me smile
Living life is just a game so they say
All the games we used to play fade away
We may now enjoy the dreams we shared so long ago
Oh my darling, got to have you. Feel the magic when I hold you
Cry sweet tears of joy, touch the sky
Now I need you more than ever. No more crying - we're together