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Let's Play System Shock 2 - Set 30 - A date with Shodan

HelloweenHelloween Registered User regular
edited February 2010 in Games and Technology
Welcome to the Let's Play of System Shock 2

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The 9th Let’s Play for Penny Arcade. I still hope me screaming and jumping at bumps in the night still entertains!

I started this one due to the many that never get off the ground. I thought it would be nice to see it through.

So, what’s System Shock 2 about?


Frankly, I have no idea. I have never played the game. This will be my first time going through it. All I have heard was it was good and well worth playing.

With that in mind, tips and hints would be very much appreciated. I will need them I'm thinking.

The game was sent to me very kindly by Stolls. Thanks so much man!


What's Wikipedia say about it?

System Shock 2 is an action role-playing video game, designed by Ken Levine for the personal computer. The title is a sequel to the 1994 PC game System Shock, and was co-developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios.
The game takes place on board a starship in a cyberpunk depiction of 2114. The player assumes the role of a lone soldier trying to stem the outbreak of a genetic infection that has devastated the ship. Like System Shock, Gameplay consists of first person shooting and exploration. A role-playing system allows the player to develop unique skills and traits, such as hacking and psionic abilities.



The layout


The video will be posted in sets. These will be from 2 - 4 videos and contained in the spoilers.
Should you need it/if it’s available, press HQ for the higher quality Youtube video.
Enjoy!

The videos!

Set 1 - Let's Play System Shock 2
Set 2 - Bang on the glass
Set 3 - Psychic Monkeys!
Set 4 - A Shotgun! Wait...Nooooooooooo
Set 5 - Xerxes is not a real British Computer
Set 6 - To Engineering!
Set 7 - The short one
Set 8 - Hacking Hassle
Set 9 - Why are they waving!?
Set 10 - The fixing has begun
Set 11 - Guns are now useful
Set 12 - It's always the ladders
Set 13 - That's a Midwife?
Set 14 - The Wrench is a Man's best friend
Set 15 - Cool as ice
Set 16 - Eight Legged freaks
Set 17 - Shodan's Lightshow
Set 18 - Aghh! Monster Closet!
Set 19 - When there's trouble...
Set 20 - Code Guessing
Set 21 - Power Rangers
Set 22 - It's the only way to be sure
Set 23 - Snap crackle and pop
Set 24 - Distractions
Set 25 - Bulkhead 43
Set 26 - Oh so it's called the Rickenbacker
Set 27 - Indy never had this problem
Set 28 - Ladders are bad for your health
Set 29 - A curse of insects upon ye
Set 30 - A date with Shodan
Bonus Content - Contra - Rated 'M' for manly

See all of my Let's Plays Here:
Youtube Channel!
Helloween on
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Posts

  • FaffelFaffel Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Ah you fucker. I'm tempted to play along-side with you for this one. I've never really seen anything but Hybrids in SS2. Always freaked me out too much, but I think if I can handle Penumbra I can handle this.

    Faffel on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • subediisubedii Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    I always suggest going Navy for a first playthrough, although OSA will also give you ample room for creative hijinks. The problem with OSA is that it's a lot easier to mess up your module spending and make things difficult for yourself.

    So yeah, Navy is my suggestion. Otherwise OSA.


    Also: before entering the shuttle for your final year of training (year 3), pay attention to the robot behind the glass panel (not the one at reception that you're facing as you enter, there's another one further in).


    Also also: Fortunately for Helloween, this game has a map. :lol:


    Also also also: Mantling. Jump at a low object but hold the jump button, you'll grab onto the edge and lift yourself up. That's what you were getting wrong in basic training.

    subedii on
  • IgelIgel Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Navy is excellent for a first playthrough. Real flexible ways to deal with problems I think. And I liked to hack stuff.

    Igel on
  • anoffdayanoffday To be changed whenever Anoffday gets around to it. Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    I enjoyed it so far. I've never played System Shock 2 either, so I'll be sure to watch whenever you update. Since I've never played it, I won't vote for what branch you should go into because I don't have a clue either. What is the OSA, though? Also, is this game suppose to be scary? I can't tell yet.

    anoffday on
    Steam: offday
  • KarlKarl Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    This LP will be amazing. SS2 is one of the best games ever made. And i'll fight anyone who says different.

    Karl on
  • KarlKarl Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    And yeah, play Navy for your first playthrough.

    Karl on
  • KastanjKastanj __BANNED USERS regular
    edited October 2009
    If you ever get in trouble, get those servant droids to help you out. You'll be able to hear them from pretty big distances too - bonus!

    Oh, and I recommend Navy too.

    Kastanj on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • subediisubedii Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    If you've played Bioshock before, the progression will be blindingly obvious even at this early stage.

    subedii on
  • Uncle_BalsamicUncle_Balsamic Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Yes, yes, dear god yes!

    Uncle_Balsamic on
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  • The MantizThe Mantiz BONK! DenmarkRegistered User regular
    edited October 2009
    I have never played this game, but I recently finished Bioshock and liked it a whole lot. So this will be interesting. :D

    The Mantiz on
    3DS - 2878-9572-9277
  • KastanjKastanj __BANNED USERS regular
    edited October 2009
    Weapon classes are not evenly balanced. To make things easier, go for Standard weapons (at 6 points you can use the Assault rifle, which is a good idea).

    Hacking is also good, and Maintain reduces the wear and tear on weapons (a legendarily cumbersome feature in the game).

    Strength is all-important. Inventory space is really quite limited.

    Generally, the allure and challenge of SS2 all comes from the fact that it is a game of economics - getting shit done and making efficiency with scarce resources. Take out every shotgun shell even from jammed shotguns enemies drop, use quicksave and quickload so you can defeat those nasty turrets without having to go forward with lots of damage and make sure you search everywhere. Oh, and always try to have some nanites on you.

    Edit: There is a mod scene that has done some work on making the game a little better-looking etc. Also, there is a mod that makes weapons wear themselves out slower. Just in case you feel to hampered.

    Kastanj on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    I do believe I'm going to play along with this. I've never actually completed the game, so hopefully I can do it at the same time as Helloween.

    LoveIsUnity on
    steam_sig.png
  • John ZoidbergJohn Zoidberg Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Thank god.

    Hopefully this will cheer me out of the sucky place I am in right now.

    *edit* One more vote for the Navy here.

    John Zoidberg on
    Xbox Live: Ink Pouch / PSN: Stiff_Ninja / Origin: PAZoidberg / Steam
  • subediisubedii Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Thank god.

    Hopefully this will cheer me out of the sucky place I am in right now.

    Citadel Station?

    subedii on
  • KastanjKastanj __BANNED USERS regular
    edited October 2009
    Thank god.

    Hopefully this will cheer me out of the sucky place I am in right now.

    Is this the setup of a blowjob joke?

    I've been hurt before.

    (I'm going to come off as such the douchehole if one of JZ's relatives or acquaintances recently passed away or something similar)

    Kastanj on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • John ZoidbergJohn Zoidberg Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Ooooh, you guys.

    Nah, I'm just in a bit of downer mood lately. Nothing horrible.

    John Zoidberg on
    Xbox Live: Ink Pouch / PSN: Stiff_Ninja / Origin: PAZoidberg / Steam
  • Mr BubblesMr Bubbles David Koresh Superstar Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    OMG yes.

    Although playing Bioshock before this might be a bit of a.... I dunno

    Mr Bubbles on
  • HelloweenHelloween Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Ooooh, you guys.

    Nah, I'm just in a bit of downer mood lately. Nothing horrible.

    I hope I can cheer you up with this again tomorrow then :P

    Helloween on
    See all of my Let's Plays Here:
    Youtube Channel!
  • LagnarLagnar Halifax, Nova scotiaRegistered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Ah awesome, its been a while since Ive played this, should be fun to watch.

    Another vote for navy too.

    Lagnar on
  • ZealotZealot Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    One more for the Navy.

    Zealot on
    steam_sig.png
  • HonkHonk Honk is this poster. Registered User, __BANNED USERS regular
    edited October 2009
    Yeeeeeeeeees

    Honk on
    PSN: Honkalot
  • SkribbleSkribble Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Oh god I love this game. I didn't play it until this year, but even still it was one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had.

    Bulk up on hacking, maintenance and melee; get the secondary melee strike when the opportunity arises. The anti-poison and anti-radiation skills are really useful too, as is increased agility; but if you go the strength route then you might not need to be fast.

    Half the fun is working out your own play style with this game. Your way may not be the best way, but the game will let you play it however you like. I know it took me a while to realize I could even use my psionic abilities. I'm pretty sure the amplifier is the tilde key (~) by default, and then you can cycle through your abilities with the function keys.

    Also, just a warning. When you are done playing, don't just quicksave, you actually have to hit ESC and click save or your game wont ACTUALLY save.

    Lastly, DOWNLOAD THE HIGH DEFINITION CONTENT PACK! Which replaces models, textures and fixes many bugs and unfinished side missions. There are instructions here - http://www.gnomeslair.com/2007/03/system-shock-2-2k7.html

    rebirthr.jpgshtup.jpg


    Say hi to Shodan for me.

    Skribble on
  • HelloweenHelloween Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Skribble wrote: »
    Oh god I love this game. I didn't play it until this year, but even still it was one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had.

    Bulk up on hacking, maintenance and melee; get the secondary melee strike when the opportunity arises. The anti-poison and anti-radiation skills are really useful too, as is increased agility; but if you go the strength route then you might not need to be fast.

    Half the fun is working out your own play style with this game. Your way may not be the best way, but the game will let you play it however you like. I know it took me a while to realize I could even use my psionic abilities. I'm pretty sure the amplifier is the tilde key (~) by default, and then you can cycle through your abilities with the function keys.

    Also, just a warning. When you are done playing, don't just quicksave, you actually have to hit ESC and click save or your game wont ACTUALLY save.

    Lastly, DOWNLOAD THE HIGH DEFINITION CONTENT PACK! Which replaces models, textures and fixes many bugs and unfinished side missions. There are instructions here - http://www.gnomeslair.com/2007/03/system-shock-2-2k7.html

    rebirthr.jpgshtup.jpg


    Say hi to Shodan for me.

    I have them both already. It's modded with just them in fact. The latest rebirth and the latest texture one.

    Helloween on
    See all of my Let's Plays Here:
    Youtube Channel!
  • Kris_xKKris_xK Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo....

    /reinstall

    Go navy.

    Kris_xK on
    calvinhobbessleddingsig2.gif
  • Dr SnofeldDr Snofeld Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    I love this game. Could never get the no respawn/reduced weapon wear thing working though.

    EDIT: I agree with the Navy suggestion. Don't take Modify or Research above 1, Repair isn't terribly useful, Maintain and Hack are pretty godly. Standard weapons are the best weapons, but a point in Heavy lets you use the grenade launcher.

    Dr Snofeld on
    l4d_sig.png
  • JONJONAUGJONJONAUG Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Never quicksave when very low on health before you've activated the regeneration thingy in an area, and create new regular save games often.

    I've had many a game ruined by being in an unwinnable situation like that and having to go back to a saved game from two hours ago.

    JONJONAUG on
  • HelloweenHelloween Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    JONJONAUG wrote: »
    Never quicksave when very low on health before you've activated the regeneration thingy in an area, and create new regular save games often.

    I've had many a game ruined by being in an unwinnable situation like that and having to go back to a saved game from two hours ago.

    Ok good to note, cheers.

    Helloween on
    See all of my Let's Plays Here:
    Youtube Channel!
  • KitsunaKitsuna Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    A slow start, but I anticipate that things are going to get a lot more interesting very soon.

    Watching the basic training also provides ample evidence that ladders and jumping sections may prove to be an effective means of entertainment for those of us watching this LP and a severe detriment to Helloween's blood pressure.

    I can hardly wait. :mrgreen:

    Kitsuna on
    MGRSig2.jpg
  • John ZoidbergJohn Zoidberg Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw

    Had to be done.

    I warn you, the navy you will join will be nothing like this one.

    John Zoidberg on
    Xbox Live: Ink Pouch / PSN: Stiff_Ninja / Origin: PAZoidberg / Steam
  • HelloweenHelloween Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBXu-iY7cw

    Had to be done.

    I warn you, the navy you will join will be nothing like this one.

    I am quite releaved/dissapointed.
    Kitsuna wrote: »
    A slow start, but I anticipate that things are going to get a lot more interesting very soon.

    Watching the basic training also provides ample evidence that ladders and jumping sections may prove to be an effective means of entertainment for those of us watching this LP and a severe detriment to Helloween's blood pressure.

    I can hardly wait. :mrgreen:

    I am spitting up blood already.

    Helloween on
    See all of my Let's Plays Here:
    Youtube Channel!
  • John ZoidbergJohn Zoidberg Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    System Shock 2 : Here There Be Ladders

    John Zoidberg on
    Xbox Live: Ink Pouch / PSN: Stiff_Ninja / Origin: PAZoidberg / Steam
  • Mustachio JonesMustachio Jones jerseyRegistered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Navy.

    Marines isn't balanced very well and makes it for more of a survival horror "oh shit i can't do anything and am out of ammo"

    OSA you can really fuck yourself over if you don't do stat allocation right, but in the event you do, congrats! You've made the game far too easy.



    (side-note: if anyone ever wants to play the 4-man coop, let me know.)

    Mustachio Jones on
  • subediisubedii Registered User regular
    edited October 2009

    (side-note: if anyone ever wants to play the 4-man coop, let me know.)

    I forgot about that. With limited resources all round it really forces specialisation if you're going to be playing. I wouldn't suggest going with the whole four though. 2-3 max.

    subedii on
  • DartboyDartboy Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    You've never played this before? You poor, poor soul. I recommend turning the sound up and the lights off.

    And yeah, Navy's probably easiest for a first-timer, although unless you're playing on Impossible you can branch out and take the cool stuff from the other classes.

    Dartboy on
  • Dr SnofeldDr Snofeld Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Man I can't wait til he gets to (Helloween don't you dare read this spoiler I'm warning you)
    the cargo holds...

    That'll be a fun video.

    Dr Snofeld on
    l4d_sig.png
  • John ZoidbergJohn Zoidberg Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Dr Snofeld wrote: »
    Man I can't wait til he gets to (Helloween don't you dare read this spoiler I'm warning you)
    the cargo holds...

    That'll be a fun video.

    I think he will literally break his wrist from snapping his camera around so much.

    Hohoho.

    John Zoidberg on
    Xbox Live: Ink Pouch / PSN: Stiff_Ninja / Origin: PAZoidberg / Steam
  • subediisubedii Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Dartboy wrote: »
    You've never played this before? You poor, poor soul. I recommend turning the sound up and the lights off.

    And yeah, Navy's probably easiest for a first-timer, although unless you're playing on Impossible you can branch out and take the cool stuff from the other classes.

    Unless you're starting off in OSA, It's a really hefty investment to even try and get anything from the Psionics branch. I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Weapons, well, you're already devoting part of your training to that when going Navy. Exotics aren't really useful, and as other have said the most useful weapon in the heavy weapon branch is the grenade launcher, but you can get that with 1 point. It won't be doing too much damage, but it'll be enough to conserve the occasional ammo.

    subedii on
  • HelloweenHelloween Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    See. I see spoilers and evil laughter. Now I'm even more worried.

    Helloween on
    See all of my Let's Plays Here:
    Youtube Channel!
  • Dr SnofeldDr Snofeld Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Helloween wrote: »
    See. I see spoilers and evil laughter. Now I'm even more worried.

    You should be.

    Dr Snofeld on
    l4d_sig.png
  • KastanjKastanj __BANNED USERS regular
    edited October 2009
    Hey fellas, what note do you think his screams will hit when he encounters
    the whispering spiders?

    I'm guessing a solid A#.

    Kastanj on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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