The disc version refers to SHODAN as either an 'it' or a 'he', while the later CD version uses 'she'. Her words are accompanied by stuttering, fluctuating voice pitch, shifts of timbre, and the presence of three voices speaking the same words with the constituent voices alternately lagging behind and leading ahead in different patterns, as well as computer glitches resembling a sound card malfunction. She is a megalomaniac with a god complex and sees humans as little better than insects, something which she constantly reminds the player of. SHODAN is an artificial intelligence whose moral restraints were removed from her programming by a hacker in order for Edward Diego, station chief of Citadel Station, on which SHODAN was installed, to delete compromising files regarding illegal experiments and his corruption. SHODAN has been compared to other famous AI characters, like GLaDOS from Portal, and praised for her unforgettable personality and omnipresent, threatening nature. The character has been well-received by gaming media, often considered one of the top video game villains and one of the best female characters in gaming.

Voiced by Terri Brosius, SHODAN is known for her chaotic, discordant voice and manipulative nature. Created as the AI for TriOptimum Corporation's Citadel Station, SHODAN is hacked, causing her to go rogue, take control of the station, and turn the staff into mutants and cyborgs. SHODAN has a god complex and a malevolent demeanor.

SHODAN (Sentient Hyper-Optimized Data Access Network) is a fictional artificial intelligence and the main antagonist of the cyberpunk-horror themed video games System Shock, System Shock 2, and System Shock 2023.

System shock 2 The Hacker