Where did you get the "gotcha" moments in System Shock 2? The closest thing to that in the whole game, is you walking along, and suddenly hearing someone from behind wailing something like"kill me" or just asking if you are lost. Besides, those moments only startle because of the mood set by the environment, and because of the genuine threat the enemies pose due to the damage they can inflict.
Also, I have to disagree on the lack of narrative in System Shock 2. There are plenty of logs to be found detailing the characters and events within the Von Braun. Both the narrative detailing the fall of the spaceship to the Many, and the plot points that unfold while you are walking through the ship, are well developed and brought home through the competent writing, good voice direction and good acting.