One of PC’s biggest classics could be getting an extensive, modern overhaul.
Developer Nightdive Studios has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for a complete remake of System Shock, the classic role-playing game/first-person shooter hybrid for PC. System Shock, which originally came out for PC in 1994, isone of the most revolutionary games of its time for its use of 3D graphics to create an creepy, story-rich environment. It inspired dozens of other titles, including the direct sequel System Shock 2 and the spiritual successor BioShock. Warren Spector, who produced the original, is working on System Shock 3.
System Shock is asking for $900,000. It is targeting a release for Xbox One and PC. Mac and Linux versions will be added as stretch goals.
“This is a full-fledged reboot of a classic game into something new” said Stephen Kick, chief executive officer of Nightdive Studios, in a press release sent to GamesBeat. “As well as including members of the original team, such as famed concept artist Robb Waters, we have been expanding to include a number of industry veterans with years of triple-A development experience having worked on games such as Fallout, Tomb Raider, Skyrim, and Wasteland.”
The remake will feature new assets and graphics created from the ground up in the Unity engine. It was also have a new score and an updated user interface. Nightdive has already released a pre-alpha demo of the project on Steam, GOG, and the Humble Store.
Nightdive has a history or restoring classic games, including System Shock 2, 7th Guest, and Turok. This System Shock project is different, though, since it’s a complete remake. It will require a lot more money and resources.