System Shock 2 is a classic that is a predecessor to even more classics such as Bioshock, Deus Ex and Thief. The gameplay is rock-solid – in fact, it’s even more complicated than Deus Ex. The game runs very smoothly on a netbook, and that’s because it is a game from the 90’s, with 90’s graphics.
But there are issues when playing games over a decade old.
Yes… compatibility problems with Windows 7 and dual-core hyperthreaded processors. And then there’s the CD-ROM check which gets very annoying on netbooks which have absolutely no internal CD-ROMs. These problems can be fixed, step by step.
Issues Resolution
1. If you have an old SS2 CD, install it as per normal. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to run setup.exe with a command. Type, in the Start Menu’s Run box:
X:/setup.exe –Lgntforce (replace D:/ with the letter of your CD-ROM)
2. Next, get the 5mb patch that takes it from 1.15 to 2.3, clearing the way for a hell lot of problems.
3. At this stage, you might want to get the no-cd crack, since you’ll probably have no CD-ROM drive.
4. Before starting SS2, you’ll probably want to force your graphics card to maintain aspect ratio as SS2 uses old 4:3 aspect ratios, which would appear stretch on your 16:9 display.
5. I happen to use a Intel Atom N550, which is a dual-core, hyperthreading CPU. SS2 hates this to the core, so you’ll have to appease it by disabling one of your CPUs. This has to be done once you’ve loaded up the game. Press CTRL-ALT-DELETE and open Task Manager, find SHOCK2.EXE, right-click and find Set Affinity. Uncheck all CPUs but leave one only.
Done. Enjoy the game.
Links to other issues that people have encountered:
System Shock 1
System Shock 2
Patching Shock2
Running System Shock 2 on Windows 2000 or Windows XP
General Shock2 Questions, including technical!
Broken use/shoot mode problem
Direct 3D Device does not accurately report texture memory usage, or Help! I only get a black screen!
SS2 is saying it cannot play, because I do not have enough space.
My cutscenes/videos do not show!
Game freezes / Running SS2 on a Dual-Processor/Dual Core System or Got a Pentium 4 with Hyperthreading?
I’m using the Rebirth mod and my weapons/characters don’t show? AKA How to make your install Mod Friendly!
Using an Intel 7xx or 8xx or an ATI Rage based card?
Help! System Shock 2 runs too fast!
How do I stop respawning and weapon degradation?
How do I get the resources used in game? Textures, sounds etc?
Which mods are currently available for SS2?
Like
Hours of fun
RPG and FPS rolled into one
Runs smoothly (60fps!)
Dislike
Mild modifications necessary
Dated graphics
Verdict
If you like this kind of hybrid games, don’t forget to check out Deus Ex too, which I personally prefer. However, System Shock 2 is still a fun game that you ought to check out, if you don’t mind the extremely dated graphics and the mild netbook modifications.
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