ninja'd

Nah I forgot about scaled down health and psi. It makes the tank OS upgrade actually useful as well.

A FAQ to PSI powers I've read stated quite clearly that psi-copying items on Impossible costs fewer nanites that buying them.

There are some from each category actually. There are those that increases stats, there are those that deal direct damage, those that messes with the enemies, those that helps you find things, and those that helps with different tasks.
Do note that with the great versatility of psi powers comes a great cost, so it is balanced.

And don't skimp on the maintenance skill, it is highly useful. Do skimp on Heavy & Exotic weapons though, those are basically beginners traps.

That's my plan. I also might play with some save limiting rules (such as only saving when I enter a new area, or perhaps even only using resurrection chambers).

I do remember that the game seemed to lose some of its edge as it progressed and you started to feel a little more competent.

I plan on building as I go, my main question is thus: I usually like to play using the equivalent of "magic" in these sorts of games, but would starting as OSA be too difficult for a newbie?

How does non-regenerating limited mana sound for a newbie?

In that case, would it be advisable for the first playthrough to start with Normal difficulty and switch to Impossible after the first two decks?

I'm still a little cautious though, seeing that many of you are probably hardcore gamers and SS2 vets and one man's meat may well be another man's poison. Who knows if your definition of "hard" and "easy" is the same as mine? ;)

Well, I suppose that depends on how rare PSI Hypos are. What about starting as OSA for the initial PSI, but then immediately building more towards weapon use (with some hacking)?

Hm, I'm kind of thinking about doing something like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTfVlcCWw5Q

Pure psychic will have you wrenching most things throughout the game. But end level and endgame will be laughably easy with invisibility, psi-sword (or whatever it's called), and barrier (or whatever it's called). On harder difficulties, you get the "best" head start by choosing OSA origin. I usually had a metric ton of psi hypos at the end game.

Going any route to assault rifle will make the game a breeze.

Pure laser rapier for fun. Or wrench. Or crystal sword (or whatever it's called) later.

Forgive me for I have never played System Shock 2.

Is the game more like an RPG or an FPS?


PS: please, please, don't downvote me, have some mercy! :P

Ah, just remembered a "build" someone else posted years back, worth trying. The alcoholic, chain smoker build. Recommended with shotgun.

You must drink/smoke all vodka/cigrattes found, immediately.

I thought there's one in Recreation for that purpose? :p