I have the original release of System Shock 2. What is different between that version, the one GOG has and the one that Steam sells. I know GOG tweaks games so they run on modern systems. I don't know if Steam does as well.

So if I have the original System Shock 2 disc, do I need to buy either the Steam or GOG to get it to work in Windows 7 64bit or will my version work once I apply the same mods that GOG applied.

GOG and steam are the same, functionality wise. you can get the orig cd release to the same version by using ss2tool, see the sticky post. once you patch up, the cd release will be the same, functionality wise.

Yeah, CD version will work and can easily be turned into the same things as a GOG install; I'm using a retail based install myself. There are some potential problems with the old installer* and some DVD drives hate the Safedisc copy protection (some) CD versions used, so there may be advantages to a GOG version over retail depending on the technical skills of the installer and because you have to apply compatibility fixes (which ss2tool will do for you) that are pre applied for DD versions.

*Assuming you aren't on win98 you have to use run-> setup.exe -LGNTforce for it to recognise an NT based OS, and you may get odd disk full errors as the space checker is 32 bit.

there is not need for that - you just copy the SHOCK folder from the cd and use the tool. as long as you are able to get the files off the cd, everything will work fine.

Well, GOG's version comes pre-installed with SS2tool, which pretty much just ensures compatibility with other mods and stuff. I'm not entirely sure what it does but it doesn't affect gameplay.

Thank you everyone who responded you saved me time, a headache and a few dollars :)

All this said, the GOG version is really worth it to the mac players. Mac users can finally install mods without a ton of hassle and all that.

Even though I have the disc version, I got it for $2.50 here. It's worth it just so I don't have to read my notes on which patches to add to the disc version to get the widescreen resolutions and compatibility fixes.

-HM

wonder how many notes one needs to remember "ss2tool".

A lot of notes man. A LOT of notes.

-HM