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PC Gamer
PC Gamer
Rick Lane

Ken Levine wanted System Shock 2's final level to be set in outer space, but the idea was shot down by its senior designers: 'They're like dude, we have 14 months to make this game'

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

System Shock 2 is a PC gaming classic, but much like its spiritual successor Bioshock, its final act isn't as strong as the rest of the game. Its final level—The Body of the Many—swaps out the twisting spaceship corridors of the game's earlier levels for what is basically a giant intestine, with you fighting through a resource-draining gauntlet of enemies. Unless you're extremely careful, this can leave you ill-prepared for your showdown against Shodan.

While undeniably memorable, The Body of the Many is generally considered one of the weaker parts of System Shock 2. And according to System Shock 2 designer and Bioshock creator Ken Levine, this is entirely the fault of…Ken Levine.

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