Difference between revisions of "System Shock 2"

Revision as of 17:56, 26 February 2012

System Shock 2 is a first person shooter by Looking Glass Studios released in 1999. Trying to run it unmodified on modern computers usually results in several errors and crashes. The online community has produced a number of fixes to minimize these problems. The game is a sequel to System Shock and a spiritual predecessor of sorts to Bioshock.

Version Differences

Unfortunately the retail-version of the game is becoming increasingly rare and the game isn't on any digital download outlets despite being the top wished-for game on GoG.

Serial Key

The game doesn't require a CD-key.

Patches

ss2patch.zip

The only official patch released. it only resolved a few multiplayer-issues. This patch is included with the SS2Tool below.

SS2Tool

An unofficial patch/fix-tool released by the community. It fixes a wide range of compatibility and stability issues as well as introduces widescreen-resolutions and other enhancements to the game. It also patches the game to be mod-ready and to work with SS2 Mod Manager. Highly recommended.

Issues and Fixes

Windows 7 compatibility:

There are numerous problems with running the game under Vista/7, especially in 64-bit. Most of them, however, are fixed with the SS2Tool.

Left-clicking/dragging items doesn't work/is buggy:

This is a common problem that can be fixed in a number of ways. For instance the SS2 Mod Manager has a function to correct it. Go to the Tools-menu and then click Fix Use-Mode keybind file. You can also fix it by going to the file and editing it manually: locate User2.bnd in the main game directory. Open it with Worpad and find the line

bind mouse1

Replace whatever it says with

bind mouse1 +drag_and_drop_mode

Can't activate 3D sound:

If you have a Creative card and Alchemy installed try adding the following to it:

[System Shock 2]
Buffers=4
Duration=25

Graphical Tweaks

Multimonitor Support

You might be able to force wide resolutions by going to cam.cfg in the main game folder and inputting the values after game_screen_size directly. Untested though.

Antialiasing

The game doesn't have built in anti-aliasing but forcing it through the graphics control panel works.

Anisotropic Filtering

See above. Forcing it should work.

V-sync

Using the SS2Tool framerate is capped at 60. To change this open ddfix.ini in the main game directory and edit the line

;Frame rate limit in frames per second. Float. (0 = unlimited.)
FrameRateLimit=120

Also, the value

;Use vsync. Boolean.
FlipVSync=0

seems to determine if V-sync is used or not.

Run Without CD/DVD

The CD is normally required to run the game but SS2Tool removes this check.

Save Game Data

Folder Location

Saves are kept in individual folders inside the main game folder (save_0, save_1 and so on).

Useful Links

systemshock.org A forum dedicated to modding and enhancing the game.
System Shock 2 Mod Manager Essential for managing mods for the game. Also contains a few useful tools and options.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{infobox
 |cover          = Systemshock2box.jpg
-|developer      = Irrational Games/Looking Glass Studios
+|developer      = Irrational Games<br/>Looking Glass Studios
 |publisher      = Electronic Arts
 |engine         = Dark Engine
 |release dates  = August 11 1999
+|steam          =
+|gog            =
 }}