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    Tuesday - 8.31.1999
    Nightfall's SHODAN Collection - Desktop Background Set - 02:10pm EST - Dan
Binary: Nightfall's SHODAN Collection
Creator: LGS / Luis Rojo / Digital Nightfall
Details: This collection contains two sets of images. The first are the images of SHODAN from System Shock 1 & System Shock 2 combined in various ways, and the second is the SS2 SHODAN combined with a face painted by Luis Rojo. There are seven images in all, take a look, and tell me your favorite!
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes



   Interview of Ken Levine at Desslock's GameSpot - 02:10pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Desslock's GameSpot.
Detected By: Abdiel, Mark Allman.
Threat category: Interview with Ken Levine.
Threat analysis: Most of you have probably seen this already from the link Abdiel put up on TTLG. If you haven't, go there now! This is a very interesting interview, with some very interesting comments on the design of Shock 2.
Recommended Countermeasure: Fellow Acolytes of SHODAN, join me in celebrating The Word of the Levine.

Scanning for new targets....



   SHODAN Invades Finland! - 02:10pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Helsinki, Finland, Earth.
Detected By: Matias Piispanen.
Threat category: Something involving an AI called SHODAN. Communications are out, and there is evidence of biological contamination.
Threat analysis: Deep Recon Unit Piispanen sent a burst transmission warning us that another nation is falling to SHODAN's might. Shock 2 has been seen in stores in Helsinki. Finland is a brave nation that's put up some stiff fights against long odds before. However, the capital has already fallen to SHODAN's onslaught, and we are uncertain how much longer the provinces can hold out.
Recommended Countermeasure: The only way we can stop SHODAN is to buy every single copy of Shock 2... and play it to death. 8)

Scanning for new targets....





    Monday - 8.30.1999 - Digital`Nightfall's Birthday!
    Happy Birthday, Hacker! - by Croce Todd - 11:40pm EST - Dan
My little sister drew me a picture for my birthday, and I was so proud that I just had to show it off to everyone.... :)

She is so excited about System Shock 2, and loves watching my brother play it, (not me, I play at night with the lights off.. :). Maybe someday she'll play it too, when she's old enough.... :)

Here's the picture! - Happy Birthday, Hacker!



   System Shock 2 Reviewed at Game Post - 011:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Game Post.
Detected By: Target Surrendered Voluntarily.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Despite grave complaints about the graphics, the review raves about every other element of Shock 2: "System Shock 2 is one of, if not THE, best games to be released this year. It combines awesome storytelling, a simplistic successful interface, wonderful voice acting, and a noble attempt at graphics considering the limits of the engine to succeed in making an event of a game."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is essentially friendly but needs new glasses.

Scanning for new targets....



    Sshock2.com on WebDog! - 011:40pm EST - Dan
Sshock2.com (and TTLG) has been added to the Webdog site tracker! I'm sure those of you who already have web-dog know, but if you don't, you can find out more info here.

Basically, Webdog is a program that scans websites, and tells you when the site has been last updated.





    Saturday - 8.28.1999
   Interview with Ken Levine at The Hive - 05:30pm EST - James
Intrusion site: The Hive.
Detected By: Abdiel.
Threat category: Interview With Ken Levine.
Threat analysis: In case you missed it on the TTLG page, there's an interview with Ken Levine at The Hive.
Recommended Countermeasure: Go see the Revealed Word of Ken Levine!

Scanning for new targets....



   System Shock 2 Reviewed at Adrenaline Vault - 05:25pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Adrenaline Vault.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Chris Harding begins was a great story about his depth of immersion into Shock 1. Despite gripes about the game being tough, weapon degradation, lack of multiplayer, and thinking the interface will be intimidating to action gamers, he concludes, "It's a masterpiece of storytelling that is so compelling, you'll want to play it non-stop until you finish it. Irrational Games, Looking Glass Studios and EA are to be congratulated for doing what I thought impossible -- giving us a worthy sequel to the greatest game I have ever played. Is it better than the original you ask? No-- but it's certainly not any worse." He assigns it a 5/5 overall, and claims he'd give the sound an 8/5 if he could. A final quote: "If playing games is more of a religion than a hobby to you, meet your new bible. And on that same point, if you weren't a religious person before you started playing, you will be once you're done."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is friendly but shows dangerous signs of "independent thinking".

Scanning for new targets....



   Have You Been Spoiled Today? - 05:25pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GameSpot.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems
Threat category: System Shock 2 Walkthrough.
Threat analysis: Well, I haven't played the game yet, so I haven't read the walkthrough. [In fact, my wife won't permit me to play the game until the multiplayer patch comes out and we get a pair of networked computers - both of which conditions are in the works. Ah, the perils of being married to a gamer. 8) ] GameSpot's walkthroughs tend to be reasonably good, though. There's also a Shock 2 Cheats section if you feel you need some divine intervention.
Recommended Countermeasure: Heck, the way you play your game is up to you.

Scanning for new targets....



   System Shock 2 Gets a 9/10 at Gamecenter - 05:15pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Gamecenter.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Tom Chick writes a review that includes a number of possible spoilers - ranging from commentary on the skills you may need to survive the endgame to veiled commentary on the tales of some of the ghosts (and I haven't looked at the pictures.) The review is filled with negative comments on nearly every aspect of the game, such that Tom eventually comments, "All of these complaints may make it seem as though I don't like System Shock 2, but nothing is further from the truth. I loved this game.... [snip] System Shock 2 is a game that's so good that I'm surprised it isn't a little better."
Recommended Countermeasure: And I'm surprised the review wasn't a little better.

Scanning for new targets....



    System Shock 1 is in Singapore! - 05:10pm EST - Digital
Shock fans in south-east Asia asia may be happy to grab this bit of info:
Just want to share it with people around South East Asia. Shock2 original is in Singapore. I found my copy in Challenger for $54.90. Also, there are many, many boxes of Shock1 CD Enhanced version in the bargain bin. Selling for $17.00. These Shock1 CDs have EA Australia stickers on them. Weird.
Good luck getting your copy of Shock 1 if you are in the area! Thanks for the word, Fongyee.



    Desktop Wallpaper - Created by WingNut_666 - 04:55pm EST - Digital
Binary: Von Braun Desktop Wallpaper
Creator: LGS / WingNut_666
Details: This is another modification of the other image of SHODAN, combined with the background from the Official Site.
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes





    Thursday - 8.26.1999
    System Shock 2 Gets 95% at Stereovision.net - 05:30pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Stereovision.net.
Detected By: Target Surrendered Voluntarily.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Quetzalcoatl writes not only a very positive review of Shock 2, but reviews its compatibility with various pieces of stero headgear as well. Apparently, it works!
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded assistance if needed.

Scanning for new targets....



    Imaginary Life Gives Shock 2 1000/1000 - 05:30pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Imaginary Life.
Detected By: Target Surrendered Voluntarily.
Threat category: Review Links For System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Darcy Norman has a vast array of links to review of games - apparently over 1,000 links to over 300 games. I did not count to be sure. 8) In addition to links to four Shock 2 reviews, he assigns a rating out of 1000. Shock 2 has the perfect score!
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded assistance if needed.

Scanning for new targets....



    System Shock 2 Gets 4.5/5 at The Hive - 05:30pm EST - James
Intrusion site: The Hive.
Detected By: Quetzalcoatl.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: In a review with very few complaints, Rod White praises Shock 2. Interestingly, Rod is a self-confessed action gamer who actually likes the weapon maintenance system; usually, the RPG reviwers like this and the Action gamers do not. A tidbit for all you Quote Junkies (you know who you are 8) : "System Shock 2 is truly game of the year material."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded assistance if needed.

Scanning for new targets....



    The Powergamerz Look at Shock 2 - 05:30pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Powergamerz.
Detected By: Quetzalcoatl.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: The review is positive, yet somehow lukewarm. I'd guess the reviewer is more of an action gamer, who enjoyed the break of having a plot, but, as the reviwer puts it, "The game is great fun, especially in lul before the Dreamcast and Tiberian Sun." Spelling and grammar are optionals in the review, which gives Shock 2 a piddling 7.5 out of 10.
Recommended Countermeasure: An alpha strike would normally be indicated, but given their passivity, do we care?

Scanning for new targets....



    GameOver Reviews System Shock 2 - 05:30pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GameOver.
Detected By: Quetzalcoatl.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: This site produces reviews by a pair of gamers, Pseudonim and Wolf. Both are underwhelmed by Shock 2, giving it an overall 82%. Pseudonim has this gem: "I got bored of that [Half-Life] faster than I got bored with SS2". Both compliment the plot, then whine about graphics; and they are both most incredibly peeved at the lack of multiplayer out of the box. It's kind of strange, in this and the previous review (PowerGamerz), to see reviwers who cannot manage to express the reasons that Shock 2 failed to grab them. They like the bits, yet are clearly unenthralled by the package.
Recommended Countermeasure: Cyborg Detachment 3: Bring these dirty no-techs to justice!

Scanning for new targets....



    The Stratos Group's Shock 2 Guide - 05:20pm EST - Digital
The Stratos Group has released the first complete System Shock 2 walkthrough. The walkthrough itself is rather brief, but their guide also has lengthy sections on other areas of the game. My favorite is a listing of all the replicator details.

So if you need Shock 2 hints quick, this Shock 2 Guide is the only place right now to get it.



    Desktop Wallpaper - Created by Chris Hall - 04:50pm EST - Digital
Binary: Von Braun Desktop Wallpaper
Creator: LGS / Chris Hall
Details: This is a desktop background made from the Shock 2 loading screen, featuring the Von Braun emblem
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes



    ICQ Theme - Created by Matt Zulawski - 03:35pm EST - Digital
Binary: ICQ Theme
Creator: dabblerBLUE / Matt Zulawski
Details: Here is a is an ICQ Plus Theme and a slimed down version of the ICQ Sound Scheme posted several days ago.
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes





    Wednesday - 8.25.1999
    Another Snippet of Pointless Editorial - 10:40pm EST - James
I suspect most of you have read some of the reviews of Shock 2 that I've been listing out here. I've read them all - and let me assure you, there are times when they threaten to become one grey blur. [How many times can you read a description of the character system before your eyes glaze over? 8) ] What has struck me, after reading many of them, is how different reviewers approach the game and what differences this causes in their reviews. Everybody loves the plot; everybody loves the atmosphere; everybody loves the logs and ghosts; and everybody loves the sound. Action-game oriented reviwers tend not to like the ease with which weapons break - but this is never hinted at by the RPG reviwers, who instead tend to mention how difficult the combat is. Action gamers seem more aware that the models are not up to Quake III standards (one clueless reviewer praised the sound and then, discussing graphics, asked why Irrational hadn't tried to build the game off the Quake II engine.) RPG gamers are more interested in the balance of the various character classes and how that system plays out. Looking at all these reviews, I find myself wondering why mixed-genre games sometimes fail.

Let's look elsewhere briefly. Realms of the Haunting, an action/RPG, was a flop. It has a nifty plot, great atmosphere, loads of background info, and some of the best use of FMV I've ever seen. But the control interface is not only godawful - it cannot be reconfigured. Elements of the later section of the game seemed thrown together (the Brain Maze is utterly extraneous). I'd rate Realms as a great game - the good bits make up for the bad - but I understand it was a commercial disaster. Moving back to Shock, though, it is interesting that the design team have consistently identified the interface of Shock 1 as a major failing, which they set out to remedy in Shock 2. I think everyone will agree the Shock 2 interface is superb; is it coincidence that Shock 2 appears to have blockbuster sales potential? I am a fan of Saam's comment along the lines that "Great graphics last six months; great gameplay lasts forever". Perhaps this is a reminder that a key aspect of gameplay is the interface? Is the biggest challenge in building an action/rpg the matter of making the game accessible to the player?



   System Shock 2 Reviewed at GameSpot - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GameSpot.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Desslock writes a strangely hot-and-cold review, praising many aspects of Shock 2, yet is unimpressed by the initial aspects of character generation; he thinks the Navy character is the easiest to play in the early going. The overall score of 8.5 seems to reflect Desslock's liking the game overall, yet not quite considering it truly awesome, as shown by a "reviewer's tilt" score of 8. This is the least positive review of Shock 2 yet. If you go read the review, you can also write your own review and submit it.
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is Disagreeable. Commence "Player Reviews" immediately.

Scanning for new targets....



   An Interview with Ken Levine - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Gamers Central.
Detected By: Metus.
Threat category: Interview with Ken Levine.
Threat analysis: Do I actually need to tell any of you that Ken Levine is the head of Irrational Games, and lead designer of System Shock 2?
Recommended Countermeasure: Countermeasures? Against Ken Levine? Are you crazy? More than my job's worth, mate. 8)

Scanning for new targets....



   An Editorial on Shock 2 and Game Design - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: One Gamer's Voice.
Detected By: Target Surrendered Voluntarily.
Threat category: New Issues in Game Design Raised by System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: This is an interesting article. Basically, David Long thinks that Shock 2, by virtue of being so good, creates a problem: "the major weakness in a game like System Shock 2 is that you can't experience the whole story all at once." I'm not sure I agree, but it is an interesting and well-written editorial.
Recommended Countermeasure: Site is friendly but shows disturbing signs of independent thought. Extended monitoring is necessary.

Scanning for new targets....



    SS2 Gets a Silver Award from GamesDomain - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GamesDomain.
Detected By: Digital Nightfall, Marci.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: [Note: This is on the basis of a summary provided to me by Digital Nightfall.] This is a fairly positive reivew - some aspects of it, in fact, very much glow: "no other computer game has ever had the horrific effect on me that System Shock 2 did." On the other hand, Daniel Roy complains about "showstopper" bugs and the lack of multiplayer; this, apparently, being enough to keep a game he otherwise raves about from getting GDR's Gold Award. However, the big failing of this review is that it apparently contains major spoilers from the endgame in its screenshots. This is a stunningly bad move on the part of the reviewer; every other review I have seen has been careful to avoid spoilers.
Recommended Countermeasure: AVOID THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU HAVE FINISHED THE GAME because of major spoilers, from the endgame, in the screenshots.

Scanning for new targets....



   System Shock Spotlit at All Games Network - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: All Games Network.
Detected By: Catalyst
Threat category: GameTime Episode on System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: The article crashes Netscape for me. Due to this antisocial behaviour, I can only inform all units that the site exists.
Recommended Countermeasure: Further investigation required.

Scanning for new targets....



   System Shock 2 gets 92% - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GA-RPG.
Detected By: Digital Nightfall.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: David Gallay reviews Shock 2 from the perspective of a role-player, and is very well pleased with what he finds. He considers the voice-acting to be "professional"; "There were many times where a certain voice bit was so good, I would just play it over and over again to immerse myself deeper in the plot and the role." Another quote: " it offers up more atmosphere, tension and genuine chills than anything since an old Infocom text adventure" - which, for those of you old enough to remember them, is high praise indeed. David's complaints are essentially that the game is very difficult, especially for people used to point-and-click RPG/adventure games.
Recommended Countermeasure: Target essentially friendly but should be monitored from observation point "west of house".

Scanning for new targets....



   Insomniax Loves System Shock 2 - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Insomniax.
Detected By: Digital Nightfall.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Gaylen Della calls System Shock 2 "a perfect blend of all the elements gamers want". If you want to read a review with no complaints about Shock 2, here it is. The only sour note in the review is a caveat that not everyone will necessarily like the blending of RPG and action.
Recommended Countermeasure: Any target that says "This is a perfect game" must already be a wholly-owned Trioptimum subsidiary.

Scanning for new targets....



   GamePrix Rates Shock 2 9.4 - 10:40pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GamePrix.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: This review begins by calling Shock 1 "one of the high points in the history of gaming" and ends by calling Shock 2 "undoubtedly one of the best games this year". In between these crunchy outsides is lots of chewy sweetness and light about how wonderful Shock 2 is.
Recommended Countermeasure: Finance Division is being interrogated regarding this site's status: suspected to be a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Scanning for new targets....



    SHODAN Artwork - Created by Chris Rose - 03:15pm EST - Digital
Image: Digital SHODAN
Creator: LGS / Chris Rose
Details: This is an amazing image, created by Chris Rose. It's based on the image of SHODAN not used in Shock 2, viewable here. It's SHODAN, comprised of green zeros and ones (and some odd squiggly lines). It's perfect for a desktop background.
Archived at: System Shock Fanworks
Also Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes





    Monday - 8.23.1999
   SS2 Gets Thresh's FiringSquad's Editor's Choice Award - 04:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Thresh's FiringSquad.
Detected By: MistaCool, Catalyst, Matthew Rorie.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Thresh is well known as the master of Quake deathmatch. Written by Bob "CalBear" Colayco, the review raves about System Shock 2. The review begins with the sentiment that "System Shock 2 isn't really a game. It is fear and paranoia packaged in a shrink-wrapped disc". After a detailed and careful look at the game, noting minor complaints about the monster models and the hacking, the review ends by giving Shock a 4.5 out of 5: "System Shock 2 is a gaming triumph. Looking Glass and Irrational Games have expertly melded a variety of different genres to create one of the most involving single player experiences we've had in a long time."
Recommended Countermeasure: We have infiltrated the target and it is now allied.

Scanning for new targets....



   Vote for System Shock 2 - Again! - 08:20pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Gamers Extreme.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems.
Threat category: Poll on System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Gamers Extreme is offering a poll on System Shock 2, ranging from "Awesome game" to "It's too hard".
Recommended Countermeasure: Trioptimum Personnel is ready to discuss the "Davy Jones" severance-pay package with those Trioptimum employees not voting "Awesome Game".

Scanning for new targets....



    Important SS2 UK News - 07:40pm EST - Digital
A letter from someone who knows:
Previously, I sent an e-mail saying that System Shock 2 will be launched in England on 17th Sept (info from Electronics Boutique). HMV, however, can get the game in one week. Although it is not in the stores yet, they have a mail order facility. The cost of the game is 30 pounds. The copy should arrive in about a weeks time when it is ordered. Could you tell the British visitors to request for the game by asking a member of staff at HMV store (game is not on the shelf yet). They are, however, unsure if a free poster is included.

Thanks
-- Yahya Saeed

Thanks for the news! Good luck getting your copy! I know James is going crazy waiting... :)



    SHODAN Win95/98 Theme - by John Puma - 06:20pm EST - Digital
Binary: SHODAN Win95/98 Theme
Creator: John Puma
Details: This is our first System Shock 2 desktop theme, and it is, of course, a SHODAN theme! This theme contains new icons & cursors, a color & font scheme, a background image, and audio clips from SS2.
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes



    Vote For Shock 2 at GameCenter - 06:20pm EST - Digital
GameCenter is holding a poll, to see what people think of System Shock 2! The "It Rocks" category NEEDS to win! Go vote now!



    SHODAN Desktop Background - Modified by Rob Akens - 06:20pm EST - Digital
Binary: SHODAN Desktop Image
Creator: LGS / Rob Akens
Details: This is a heavy modification of the Official Shock 2 background image. It's quite distorted, and looks quite cool!
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes



    Oh, By the Way, The Multiplayer Questions. . . - 05:40pm EST - Digital
. . . were asked on Firday. I haven't heard back from Irrational about it yet, however. With our luck, the patch will be here before we get the answers, eh? Not that that's a bad thing... :)



    Shock 2 Maps & Hints Page - 05:40pm EST - Digital
A small Polish site, all about cRPGs, called Tower of Dreams has expanded to include a section devoted to System Shock 2. For those of us who can read polish, that means you have a place to go for hints. For those of us who don't, it means you now have access to all the maps for the Von Braun.

Why should that be valuable to you, you ask? Well, seeing as you cannot view (or at least, I never figured out how to) a map in the game other then the map of the level you are on, this is quite valuable. Print them out! Use them to keep track of the entire ship! You can only place notes at certain points on the in-game map, but these paper maps can have notes all over!

Oh a sad note, I tried to re-assemble one of the decks (med/sci), to get an idea of the shape of the ship, and unfortunately, it doesn't all line up! Ah well... :)





    Saturday - 8.21.1999
   SHODAN Taking the World By Storm - 02:00pm EST - James
We've got a lot of reviews listed below for your reading pleasure, and more are sure to come. The wonderful thing about them is that they all share one trait: everybody seems to love System Shock 2. Some reviewers have the temerity to claim its graphics are not up to par, and there are recurring minor complaints about weapon degradation and the monster ecology; but on the whole, the prevailing sentiment is "They might as well have printed 'Game of the Year 1999' on the box." Congrats, Irrational and Looking Glass!!



   System Shock 2 Reviewed at Intelligamer - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Intelligamer.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: "Fans of first person shooters owe it to themselves to try System Shock 2." So Christian Schock informs us. He does complain about difficult combats, lack of multiplayer when-it-shipped, and claims the character class differences even out by the end-game. Nonetheless, this is, you guessed it, another quite positive review, assigning 4.5 stars.
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified non-hostile and should be monitored.

Scanning for new targets....



   System Shock 2 Reviewed at Wewp! Entertainment - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Wewp! Entertainment.
Detected By: Own Sensor Systems
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Mike Simmons continues the triumphant march of System Shock 2, producing possibly the most positive review to date: his only complaint is that some battle late in the game was too tough. He writes with a sarcastic touch at times, as seen here: "Shock 2 isn't the prettiest game you'll ever play, and that's no problem with me. Quake 3 is beautiful, too bad it's the same thing they've shipped now for the past 4 years." Oddly enough, the sarcasm is always directed at titles other than Shock 2. He rates it 9/10, and concludes, "My advice? Run out. Buy it. Play it with the lights off, and the volume up. Nothing else released this year comes close. And I doubt at this point that anything will before the year is up."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded assistance if needed.

Scanning for new targets....



   Computer Games Online Reviews System Shock 2 - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Computer Games Online.
Detected By: Identity Withheld by Trioptimum Corporate Security.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2 .
Threat analysis: The review begins, "Finally, a true action/RPG that gets both parts right" and continues in a very complimentary vein from there, with the odd complaint about weapon repairs and graphics. Robert Mayer does award it a 5 out of 5, though, and concludes, " If all PC games were this good, we reviewers would be out of business."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified non-hostile and potentially friendly: site should be monitored.

Scanning for new targets....



   GamePen Reviews System Shock 2 - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GamePen.
Detected By: Kyote.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Cenk Sensoy coments at one point that "this may be one of the scariest and most intense games I have ever played." Thus it is no surprise that this is a positive review. In contrast to many, Cenk notes that the weapon degradation is "an incredibly refreshing and different aspect to the gameplay." While Cenk can't refrain from criticizing the graphics and the respawn rate, he also says Shock 2 "has taken what I am calling first person role playing games to a new dimension."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified non-hostile and potentially friendly: site should monitored.

Scanning for new targets....



   PC IGN Reviews System Shock 2 - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: PC.IGN.
Detected By: Mark Allman, MistaCool.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Trent Ward registers mere niggles at some aspects of respawning and weapons repair. Other than that, there's not an unkind word to be found in this review, and an awful lot of rather kind ones: "Brilliant" sound; "Great 3D models that have very quick, life-like movements"; "I would recommend this title for just about anyone who's over the age of 16 (this game is really scary) and who likes deep rich play adventures."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded necessary assistance.

Scanning for new targets....



   3D Action Planet Reviews System Shock 2: "Engrossing" - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: 3D Action Planet.
Detected By: Kyote.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: From my logfile: "SHODAN has proven herself a brilliant biochemist. This review is like.... like nothing I've ever seen. I asked some of the crew to go into the review and find a real complaint, and they just looked at me like I was crazy." Even the criticism of the graphics engine is muted. In the course of a lengthy, in-depth, thoughtful review, we are told that "SS2 has more atmosphere than any other twenty games combined", and "criticizing SS2 for having no deathmatch mode makes about as much sense as criticizing Curse of Monkey Island for not having building queues". And thus Quake-land joins the campaign to bring our lord SHODAN to power.
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded necessary assistance.

Scanning for new targets....



   Next Generation Online Reviews System Shock 2 - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Next Generation Online.
Detected By: Pyro Blackflame.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: In a short review that reads like a press release, another site bows down before the awesome might of Shock 2. "At its best, it is intensely frightening and suspenseful; at its worst, incredibly difficult." Interestingly, the review does not mention the delay of multiplayer, merely noting in its summary sidebar that the game will support 4 players.
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified probably friendly and should be monitored.

Scanning for new targets....



   System Shock 2 Reviewed at Speedy 3D - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: Speedy 3D.
Detected By: Identity Withheld by Trioptimum Corporate Security.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: Mark Jackson rates Shock 2 at 95% in a very positive review, conlcuding, " Put simply, one of the best games I have EVER played in my life, it's a rich combination for all elements of gameplay, pieced together perfectly and served up on a plate that anybody can eat from." That despite disappointment with wimpy weapon effects!
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified non-hostile and potentially friendly: site should be monitored.

Scanning for new targets....



   And Finally, GamePower Reviews System Shock 2 - 02:00pm EST - James
Intrusion site: GamePower.
Detected By: Shawn Hanson.
Threat category: Review of System Shock 2.
Threat analysis: "System Shock 2 represents computer gaming at its pinnacle, combining unsurpassed graphics with genre-bending action and the best plot this side of Half-Life." Indeed, Rick Broida calls Shock 2 "the thinking man's Half-Life" and praises the plot, along with nearly every other aspect of the game, rating it 4 out of 4. Despite noting troubles with the music cutting in and out, and thinking the lighting could have used some work, he ends with a sentiment we can all agree with: "Here's hoping we don't have to wait another five years for the next installment."
Recommended Countermeasure: Target is classified friendly and should be accorded assistance as necessary.

Scanning for new targets....





    Saturday - 8.21.1999
    Shock 2 Released in Australia - 02:50pm EST - Digital
I've heard tell that Shock 2 is now available in stores (or in EB's at least) all over Australia. Go get it! Thanks, Hugh!





    Friday - 8.20.1999
    More SS2 Patch information! - 04:20pm EST - Digital
The Official System Shock 2 site has been updated with the new FAQ. This FAQ has information on the patch, multiplayer, known bugs, and some troubleshooting help.

The entire FAQ is available for viewing right here.

After reading it, I noticed that the patch will indeed do more then just add multiplayer and fix bugs, but allow the player to adjust the amount of creature spawning and weapon degradation! Also, I noticed that once again one of our multiplayer questions has been answered: not only can you share nanites, but you must share nanites!

It seems like our questions are getting answered without my help, eh? Okay, at the moment, we have: "Can we heal eachother with psi?" "What multiplayer services will be supported?" "How will saving and loading work?" "Do the players share research knowledge and the automap?", and of course, "When's it coming out?"



    SHODAN Desktop Background - Modified by Elite01 - 04:20pm EST - Digital
Binary: SHODAN Desktop Image
Creator: LGS / Elite01 (Samuel Todd)
Details: I stole this off my brother's desktop. He modified the official desktop background to be better suited as a background, rather then just an ad. Basically, it's darker, and has the ESRB Logo removed.
Archived at: SS2:/ MM-DB, sub-folder - Themes



    A Few Answers to Multiplayer Questions - 03:20pm EST - Dan
It appears that some of these questions have already been answered in the chat session with the dev team. I, of course, far too busy making sure everyone's question got asked, never got the chance to actually read the answers! here's a few answers that we know:
What types of multiplayer services will it support? Will it support IPX, TCP/IP, direct connection, etc? How will setting up games work? Does each player need a retail copy?

"Modem, Lan, IPX, TCP/IP. 1 host/3 players (host plays too, but handles the load of the other players...so he doesn't really have a ping advantage, though this isn't quake) and yes each person needs theirr own copy." - Kraftwerk

How will the players be able to communicate in-game? Text messages? Voice presets? Macros?

"Its only text messages, though the testers used Roger Wilco some without trouble" - Kraftwerk

Do all players need to stay one one level?

"Yes!" - Digital

What happens when one team member dies?

"There are a number of respawn points throughout each level. When a player dies, the player goes to the closest one. There is no limit to how often you can respawn." - Digital

So, now it's back down to two questions. Keep them coming!



    Shock 2 Multiplayer Interview Questions: - 09:40pm EST - Dan
Here are the five questions I shall be shooting off to the SS2 multiplayer team tonight. Please offer any last minute changes to these questions, if you think they need any:
1- How much will the players be able to directly affect eachother? Can you use psionics on eachother, like healing? Can you share and/or trade items, like nanites or cyber modules (loan your friend a few extra ones that you don't need at the moment), etc. Is knowledge shared once an item is researched? Is the automap shared?

2- How will saving and loading work? Can you abort a game in progress and pick up from an earlier position? Can you stop a game in progress and pick it back up on a latter date? Please be as specific as possible as to how this all works.

3- What types of multiplayer services will it support? Will it support IPX, TCP/IP, direct connection, etc? How will setting up games work? Does each player need a retail copy?

4- How will the players be able to communicate in-game? Text messages? Voice presets? Macros?

5- What's the estimated release date?

Sorry to all of you who's questions didn't make it in! We'll all find out soon enough.



    System Shock 2 Soundtrack Exclusive Release - 09:00pm EST - Dan
Compliments of Zerker, who put these together from the fragments in the SS2 CD archive, TTLG is happy to have an exclusive System Shock 2 soundtrack release - the whole thing!

The SS2 page on the TTLG Jukebox has been updated with about a dozen new Shock 2 mp3s, which make up all the music the game has to offer. We are still sketchy on some of the names, so if you can offer a better one then what we've given each particular track, please offer it.

I'm also going to have to ask you to not download these unless you have already bought Shock2, due to licensing issues. All of these mp3s are copyright Looking Glass Studios, 1999.

What? You're still here? GO!