System Shock is one of the most iconic and influential first-person action-adventure games. Its stamp can be found on games like BioShock and Dishonored. It is a faithful remake of the original and combines the best of the retro classic with modern conventions that make it welcoming to new players. The immersive and interconnected world is cleverly done, encouraging exploration and getting players to take their time. The Citadel Station in System Shock is fleshed out with audio logs, data sticks, hidden doors, and other collectibles contributing to world-building. There is enough game to keep players busy, but how long does it take to beat the System Shock Remake?
How Long To Beat The System Shock Remake
The System Shock Remake is a faithful adaptation of the original game. It was possible to finish System Shock: Enhanced Edition in around 15 hours for a normal playthrough, whereas those that took their time without using guides could get over 20 hours. However, the remake from Nightdive encourages multiple playthroughs thanks to Steam's achievements and increased difficulty levels. For the average player, the System Shock Remake should take around 20 to 25 hours to finish. Speedrunners will love the challenge of defeating the game in 5 hours, as required by the hardest difficulty mode. The Enhanced Edition expects players to finish it in 7 hours, but achieving this in the original and the remake on the more challenging difficulties requires knowledge of the Citadel Station.
System Shock Completists
With an average of 25 hours to finish a normal playthrough of the System Shock Remake, collectors and completists will take much longer to complete the game. As mentioned above, the highest challenge expects players to finish the game in 5 hours or less. However, it will take several playthroughs and practice to become good enough to pull this off. Learning the Citadel - which plays like a science fiction dungeon - will take time, so the most determined players must know the map like the back of their hands.
System Shock is an immersive game, and part of the immersion is dropping the player into its world without handholding. It is designed so players can take their time and mentally digest everything the sci-fi horror offers. This is alleviated somewhat by the achievements, but only because it shows how much there is to find and discover at the Citadel Station. Moreover, achievement collectors must play the game at least twice with a guide to unlock everything. With this in mind, the System Shock Remake has the potential to last up to 40 to 50 hours for completists.
System Shock Remake is available now for the PC.