June Update
over 3 years ago
– Fri, Jul 02, 2021 at 02:38:13 AM
Welcome back Hackers,
For this month's update, I thought we could celebrate the details that go into fleshing out Citadel Station.
Enemies
“Specimen #124 - Attempting to uncover the lines of evolutionary heritage, we injected the mutagenic virus into unhatched lizard eggs and exposed them to hyper-oscillating UV radiation. After several unsuccessful trials, we were able to reverse-breed reptilian mutations of the "Squamata" suborder. These airborne lizards appear to be ancestors of our original test organism and have adopted bird-like wing structures, membrane-thin skin, and razor-sharp teeth and foreclaws. Although we have successfully reversed the biological cycle, we have yet to obtain any color variations other than blue. This is most likely attributable to our UV-breeding techniques.”
Now here is a first look at the Avian Mutant-Tastes like chicken?
As you can see, the Avian mutant has had a small redesign by Robb Waters, be prepared for it to be a tad more scary and dangerous this time around.
Then we have the initial concept sculpt.
Followed by a more detailed model in progress, during this phase we can begin working on an animation suite while the rest of the model is detailed out.
Levels
We know that you are eager to explore more parts of the station, so here is a sneak peek of some special tiles for The Bridge made by artist Robert Simon.
Now a slightly different type of special tile, the teleporter.
Appearing on just a few levels, special tiles like these are given lots of care and thought. This piece will truly be brought alive with future particle effects and sounds.
In a past update, we showed a very early look into the specimen jars, but here it comes together in more detail. We hope small featured props like this will truly immerse you as you make your way through the station.
Now let’s get even deeper with the details…
Now you can spy on what could be ahead.
Status screen on storage units.
A new and unique door function to take you to the Groves.
GamePig
This month's featured GamePig game TriOpToe!
When it’s time for a break in facing SHODAN and her denizens, sit back and fire up the GamePig.
Announcements
Stephen Kick and Evelyn Mansell will be the guests on the Twitch Weekly show starting at 1:00 PM PST this Thursday! They will be showing a never-before-seen level from System Shock.
April Update
over 3 years ago
– Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 04:47:04 AM
Welcome back Hackers,
We hope that you have been enjoying the demo, but it’s time to get back to monthly updates!
In the original game, you watch the scene play out as the Hacker is apprehended and brought to Citadel Station. Now, we want you to be able to experience that moment first hand. So let's get a look at what could be seen in the original footage of the Hackers apartment.
Not much to be seen right? Now let's see a more revealing view.
In the last update, we showed a few images of the reimaging of the space, but here it is coming together.
To start off, we have concepts of the tiles that build out the main area of the apartment, from original System Shock artist, Robb Waters.
Then we establish a mood with these lived-in concepts.
Next, we think about the props that will need to be modeled to fill out the spaces.
Here is an early example of the props being put in the actual level before further iterations.
Look at that, a functioning apartment coming together.
The Hacker might need to order some take-out to fill out this fridge.
Don't forget to flush the toilet and wash your hands.
Immersive, right? I hope you look forward to playing out the intro this time and not just watching it!
KEX Team News
It's your time to walk on the Deadside, with Shadowman.
He is coming, stalking criminals in the spirit world and the real world. A possessed man is coming, a voodoo mask in his chest and lines of power in his back. Shadow Man is coming, trailing evil from Liveside to Deadside. To stop an apocalypse. To save your soul.
February Update
almost 4 years ago
– Fri, Feb 26, 2021 at 10:06:02 PM
Welcome back Hackers!
We’ve got a very special update this month - as you are aware we’re releasing our final demo and opening pre-orders on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store which should be available as you read this. This is a major milestone in our development of System Shock and once again we’d like to thank you for your continued patience and support while we diligently create the experience you originally backed all those years ago.
Our development road was bumpy (to say the least) - but ultimately what you’re playing is the vision and experience we set out to create and the adversity and challenges we’ve faced along the way has only improved the final game. The team has evolved and grown considerably and we hope that the end product will meet your expectations. With all that said we are planning on a late Summer 2021 release date.
On to the demo - Let’s run through all the updates!
NEW Cyberspace Level! (tame those cyber doggies!)
NEW Crew Audio Logs! (no devs this time!)
NEW SHODAN Audio! (Terri is back!)
NEW Dismemberment! (if Viva Pinata were rated M!)
NEW Proximity Mines! (don’t get too close!)
NEW Bugs! (tell us what you find :D)
NEW Enemies! (the repair bot is flamin’ hot!)
NEW GenerativeMusic System! (never the same song twice!)
NEW Snack! (make your selection at the Snacktron!)
NEW Save Feature! (what a novelty!)
NEW Notes System! (USB 1.1 support!)
NEW Difficulty Modes! (crank it all the way up to 3!)
NEW Destructibility! (smash that glass!)
NEW DLSS Support! (update your drivers for your RTX card!)
NEW Trailer! (a ton of new reveals!)
NEW Nightdive intro! (who’s that lurking in the depths?)
NEW Secrets! (first to post a picture of the special skull to our Twitter wins a prize!)
So check it out and please tell us what you think - we value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.
If the demo wasn't enough for you, here is a little taste of something special…
Concepts from the Hacker's apartment!
In the original game, you only get a glimpse of the space the Hacker occupies before being taken away to Citadel Station. Artist Robb Water’s took the time to build something that really brings a new atmosphere to the world of the Hacker and System Shock.
Platform Announcement
We’re also excited to announce that when we launch System Shock later this year, it will also be available for Amazon Luna, the new cloud gaming service from Amazon.
Studio/KEX News
A patch for Turok 2 on the Nintendo Switch is set to release on the 25th:
- Online multiplayer!
- Re-enabled German audio localization
- Support for gyro for some third-party controllers such as the Hori Splitpad in handheld mode
January Update
almost 4 years ago
– Sat, Jan 23, 2021 at 12:14:42 AM
Welcome back, Hackers!
We at Nightdive hope you had a great holiday season! Now for some news.
PC pre-orders will open near the end of February on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Game Store. This will be accompanied by the release of our final demo which will include the medical level, cyberspace level, full dismemberment, all newly recorded voice lines, and a ton of additional features and polish. We will still improve on the experience as we get closer to launch so please check it out and share your feedback with us on Discord. The feedback we’ve received for the previous demos has been invaluable to us and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Console versions of the demo will come later.
We’d also like to announce that anyone who pre-orders System Shock remake will receive System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition for free and ALL Kickstarter/Backerkit backers who backed at the $30 level or higher will also be receiving SS2:EE for free. It’s our intention to release both System Shock remake and SS2:EE around the same time. SS2:EE has evolved into more than what we were intending. This will be a complete source port to our KEX engine. All the character and weapons models are being remade, and we’ve received permission from the Shock community to include many of the mods that have become standard for many Shock 2 veterans.
These include:
Vurt's Space Textures, Flora, Hi-res Water, Organics/Goo
ACC's Four Hundred (400) Hi-res Terrain Textures
Eldron's Psi Amp
Olfred's Fixed Objects
Grosnus' Hi-Res Spinning Marine/Navy/OSA logos
SCP
SHTUP
ZylonBane's New Quest Notifier
Vaxquis Vintage Song Remake v1.0 Mod
Mercurius' Tacticool Weapon Replacements
Here is a quick look at the before and after of the protocol droid. We’ve added more detail to both the poly model and the texture while retaining as much of the original as possible.
We are also working on a standalone VR version of System Shock 2, but more news on that later.
In the meantime, check out what else we’ve been working on!
Concept Corner
Here we have the Beta Grove concept by Robb Waters, which serves as a great reference to each Grove area. Robb, along with the team, takes time to thoughtfully reimagine how the station will come together in a modern way.
Next, we have a rendered version of the grove outer and path leading to it. These are modeled and then painted over by artist Robert Simon. These not only help with the concepting phase but the actual creation of the final asset.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the escape shuttle concepts above, you will be needing to make a hasty getaway later...
In-Engine Preview
Look closely at the surroundings, or else you will miss a few secrets!
Every detail with the blood and gore is important to us and we hope you enjoy even the little details.
Designed for laser welding and cutting, the Hopper works in coordination with Repair-Bots for major repair jobs. Now, we have a better look at the new “HOP-3R", built for top of the line mobility on the station.
As you may know, we are bringing a grenade launcher for all your favorite explosives to help you survive your time on Citadel. Here you get to experience the first-person view for the first time.
I think it is safe to say that the Mantis Assassin is just a bit more frightening than your standard Cyborg Assassin. You will have to be sure to keep your distance and maybe take advantage of that grenade launcher.
Executive-level hosts a number of conference rooms, living quarters, and other lavish facilities. The feeling of this Executive theater is very imposing, but it is just 1 of many things that truly builds the mood.