26 years later, System Shock 2's music is a crucial part of its level design, and turning it off is a tragedy

Close up of Shodan, antagonist of System Shock 2. Feminine face with circuitry spreading over it and out into wires surrounding.

The worst thing I've ever read was this: "Just make sure you turn the music off before you start." It was a throwaway forum post around the launch of Nightdive's System Shock 2 remaster—advice given to a new player asking for tips before their first playthrough.

Soundtrack Sunday

Welcome to Soundtrack Sunday, where a member of the PC Gamer team takes a look at a soundtrack from one of their favourite games—or a broader look at videogame music as a whole—offering a little backstory and recommendations for tracks you should be adding to your playlist.