I honestly forgot i bought this game, and i noticed when i logged into pick up freedom force, that it said SS2, got an update. It's always nice to find something you forgot you bought. Must of been a big sale, or a bundle or something :)

anyway, I am a video game purist, as the first time i play through a game, i really like to do it as close to the original versions as i can. Later if i enjoy them i will install mods, But most often they are of the bug fix sort, or widescreen on older games.

My Q is, is there anything i really should install for a first time, purist play through? I was reading that the game has gotten GoG updates and some enhancements, and just curious if its really enough. Or is there something i really should have installed.

One last thing, story wise, i was reading that SS2, is actually continued from SS1 according to the wiki site. But i do wonder how important it is to play the first. 94 is pretty long ago, and i do love older games, but this is kinda pushing it for the shooter games of the day. Heck even before diablo! Basically wondering am i going to run into huge spoilers, that will have me thinking, why didn't i play SS1 first, or can i play SS2, and if i really enjoy it, go even more classic?

PS, running win 7, with a TI-550 vid card

Edit 2, noticed i even asked about this over a year ago.. but not really the same Q :) heh, see totally forgot about this game

when i got it i just played it clean with only the official update
i may try mods after i beat it

You don't need to play SS1 for SS2 to make sense, but watching about an hour of a let's play of SS1 would really help to ground you in its universe.

This forum sticky covers mods, included recommended mods:

https://www.gog.com/forum/system_shock_series/system_shock2_faq_patches_mods_recommendations/page1

I've always played with the SHTUP mod (higher resolution textures), but nothing else. I think my last playthrough used the Tacticool mod for better looking weapons. The Rebirth mod upgrades certain monsters, but I wasn't fond of the new models. I see there's a community patch (SCP) that is recommended, but I've never used it.

However, I don't think any mods are necessary to enjoy the game. If you are a purist, I'd just go forth and have fun! It isn't a tremendously long game and it is fun to replay, so you can always use mods on a second go.