System Shock 3 announced, interest in console versions gauged

Classic FPS/RPG hybrid System Shock is finally picking up a sequel, courtesy of OtherSide Entertainment.

System Shock received critical praise for its atmosphere, blend of role playing, puzzle solving and shooting. System Shock is also credited with inspiring both Bioshock and Deus Ex. While the first game didn't achieve full-blown mainstream success, many of the features pioneered by System Shock are practically standard in modern shooters.

Revealed via a teaser website, System Shock 3 will arrive courtesy of developer OtherSide Entertainment and rights-holder Night Dive Studios.

On the site, you can sign up for a newsletter via SurveyMonkey, which asks for your preferred gaming platform (Xbox One included), in addition to rating your interest in virtual reality on a scale of 1 to 10. Joining the newsletter also grants a chance to win a SHODAN art print courtesy of original artist Robb Waters.

Having already released an enhanced version of System Shock's 1994 original (trailer below), Night Dive Studios are also working on a remake for the original System Shock for PC, PS4 and Xbox One - raising the likelihood that System Shock 3 will also hit consoles.

The evil A.I. - SHODAN - that serves as the franchise's central antagonist can be heard on the updated teaser site for System Shock 3, complete with the character's original voice actress Terri Brosius (Dishonored, Thief). SHODAN's look has also been updated by the original's character artist, Robb Waters.

While Night Dive Studios owns the System Shock trademark, Boston-based OtherSide Entertainment has exclusive rights to develop future installments of the game. OtherSide is made up of industry veterans, including Paul Neurath, who oversaw the previous game's development, with the aforementioned Robb Waters and System Shock veteran Nate Wells joining the art team.

It could be a while before System Shock 3 sees the light of day, given that the game is still in the "early stages" of development. Stay tuned for updates.

Pick up System Shock: Enhanced Edition on GoG.com

Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!