System Shock 2 character generation features revealed

Electronic Arts and Looking Glass Studios today revealed information about the character generation features in the upcoming sci-fi/horror RPG System Shock 2. The game features the world's first 3D character generation system which allows players to guide their characters through a career in the military of the future, gaining the appropriate skills and abilities through the course of their training.

In the game, players can grow their characters by enhancing the software on their own cybernetic rig. This happens through interfacing with four types of upgrade stations and an OS upgrade machine which lets the player choose such traits as "Naturally Able", "Security Expert" and "Sharpshooter". Other unique features of the game include a complete audio-visual PDA that supports audio e-mail and logs, a note-taking system and unique in-game help. In addition, players can find a Gameboy-like "Game Pig" that allows them to play full, old-school games while exploring the 3D world. These games include such titles as Swine Keeper and Overworld, an early Ultima-style game written by none other than Doug Church of Ultima Underworld fame.

ABOUT SYSTEM SHOCK 2
The evil artificial intelligence SHODAN returns in this sequel to the award-winning System Shock, one of the most critically acclaimed computer games of all time. The game features a rich science fiction action/role-playing game system, with detailed character generation and growth, inventory and equipping, and several groups of special traits unique to each character. System Shock 2 is based on a next-generation version of Looking Glass' proprietary 3D technology, the Dark Engine, which offers 16-bit graphics, colored lighting, and variable translucency objects. The game's incredible role-playing game depth is enhanced by a huge assortment of enemies, modifiable weapons, and unique psionic powers. Available August 12, System Shock 2 was co-developed by Looking Glass Studios and Irrational Games, and will be co-published by Electronic Arts and Looking Glass Studios.