System Shock is being reimagined, and we've got the first look

By Allegra Frank @LegsFrank
on Nov 25, 2015 at 4:30p

Check out the first screens and concept art from the upcoming System Shock remake.

System Shock: Enhanced Edition launched in September, but developer Night Dive Studios was not content to just stop there.

The classic cyberpunk adventure, which went on to spawn a sequel and inspire Irrational Games' BioShock franchise, received a high-definition makeover, which is now available for purchase. But as Night Dive Studios' CEO Stephen Kick told Fast Company earlier this month, the company's next big project is to take the original game and completely reimagine it.

Night Dive Studios acquired the rights to the System Shock franchise IP from the Star Insurance Company, which picked them up after original developer Looking Glass Studios was forced to relinquish the assets following its closure.

"It will be very true to the spirit of the originals."

After testing the waters with its Enhanced Edition of System Shock, the studio is now working on a full remake. The spirit of the original title guides the fairly young Night Dive, which opened its doors in 2012.

"We have been in contact with members of the original System Shock team and any future iterations of the System Shock games, and by this I mean both new titles in the series as well as major updates to the existing games, will be very true to the spirit of the originals," Kick told us.

That commitment to preserving the essence of the 1994 release is made apparent in concept artist Robb Waters' participation with the remake, which will be powered by the Unity engine.

Polygon got to take an exclusive peek behind the curtain at the project. Take a look below to see a comparison between the original and remade versions of System Shock, as well as original artwork for the new game.