10 More Underrated Video Games Way Ahead Of Their Time

3. System Shock 2

the getaway
Irrational Games

The original 1994 System Shock was a hugely influential FPS, yet its 1999 sequel somehow delivered an even more pivotal and tide-changing entry into the genre.

System Shock 2 was an envelope-pushing hybrid of FPS and RPG, presenting players with a bevy of customisation options which were virtually unheard of in the genre at the time.

While most FPS games of the era were single-mindedly centered on shooting enemies, System Shock 2 allowed players to fine-tune their character's abilities and weapons however they wished, introducing more meaningful progression into a genre that typically stopped at handing you a bigger, better gun.

Sadly like its predecessor the sequel flopped commercially despite enthusiastically positive reviews, yet it nevertheless had a tectonic influence upon the FPS, with games like Deus Ex clearly borrowing from its winning feat of genre fusion.

These days RPG-esque customisation is commonplace in FPS games, and it all goes back to System Shock 2.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.