System Shock Remastered Edition Update #84

Nightdive Studios brings us a new Kickstarter update for their remaster of the original System Shock. It starts by spotlighting some physical backer rewards that should start shipping later this year. Then, there’s a backer survey, a bunch of screenshots, and finally, a pretty informative FAQ section that sheds some light on the project’s current state.

Here it is:

FAQ

We have compiled a FAQ for you all with the help of community moderator CreamyElephant!

Q: What is the current state of the game?

A: Possibly one of the most common questions we receive is from people wanting to know where the game stands right now in terms of its development. At the time of writing, it’s in a position where the game can essentially be finished from beginning to end! What we are currently focusing on is polishing up the levels, and incorporating additional art, animations, and creating a ton of secondary assets that were once far lower in priority. Keep in mind these all add up, and certain things are going to take far higher priority than others. So while something may seem unfinished or lacking in features, chances are it just hasn’t been a focus for the team at this moment. Some examples of this would be weapon collision with the level geometry, or the basic graphics options menu. Things like this will of course see another pass before the game is released.

Q: Why do we not see closer looks at some of the later levels, enemies, weapons, etc?

A: While we have occasionally shown off screenshots from other parts of the game in our previous Kickstarter updates, we also want to keep a lot of surprises in store, too! We realize it’s a remake of a game that many veteran Shock fans will have played already, but we feel it’s important to provide a fresh experience, both for those people, as well as those who have chosen to make the System Shock remake their first time exploring Citadel station.

There has at times been this misconception that if we don’t show something it’s because it hasn’t been made or that it’s been removed from the game. Nothing could be further from the truth…

Q: Is System Shock still coming to Xbox and PlayStation platforms?

A: Yes! The game is still very much planned to release on Xbox and PlayStation. It’s important to keep in mind that since development began, a whole new generation of consoles have been released, and between the various iterations of each console, there’s a total of 8 platforms to cater for. We also plan to make the most of each platform, such as utilizing some of the unique controller features found on PS4 and PS5. As far as a demo is concerned, we would still very much like to make this happen – but we’ve nothing further to share about that at this time.

Q: How many people are even working on the game?

A: It’s been frequently assumed that the team working on System Shock is far bigger than it really is. Right now, we have around 15 or so people working on the game. It’s a very small team (even smaller than the team who worked on the original game!) and given the scope and ambition of the project, we’re all keeping our heads down and working extremely hard to deliver a game you deserve, and one we can be proud of.

I would also like to take this opportunity to clear up a misunderstanding we’ve seen crop up from time to time. Our KEX team who work on remastering older titles is completely separate from our System Shock development team. There may occasionally be a bit of overlap with some producer roles, but the core KEX and System Shock development teams are independent. Please understand that any new remaster that releases, such as Quake or PowerSlave, is not interfering with the development of System Shock.

Q: Are you still planning on a closed beta for the game?

A: Absolutely! As was offered in the initial pitch for the Kickstarter campaign, backers who pledged $50 or more will have access to a closed beta for the game. More details on this coming soon.

Q: What’s going on with System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition and VR?

A: System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition is coming along, and the goal is to still release it during the same window as the System Shock remake. Some have speculated that SS2:EE is holding up the release of the remake. This is inaccurate and untrue. Both games are still very much in development. SS2:EE will still be offered to those who preorder the System Shock remake.

With regards to SS2:VR, it is understandably a lower priority for us right now, and being built on top of SS2:EE means that the version must take precedence. We’re really excited to share more about SS2:VR when the time is right.

Q: When can we expect a release date for System Shock?

A: Okay, we hear you loud and clear. Despite what you may have read on other websites and comments, we have never set a specific release date. At the same time, we recognize that previous estimations of a release window have not been met, we hear the frustration, and quite honestly we do not wish to repeat this again. We also recognize the game has been in development for a long time and we have Kickstarter backers who want to play the game they entrusted us to make. We want it done right. Rest assured, there is nothing to suggest the game won’t release. It is coming, the game will be released, and we feel those who have been patiently waiting will be rewarded with a game they can be satisfied with.