Always New Depths.
"Game of the forever!!!" is bandied around pretty often in our greater internet communities. Many of us make yearly or decade long lists, numbering games to show ourselves and others what we really hold special in our gaming interests. I can't do that to myself (mostly due to a forgetful memory and I just try to enjoy myself as much as I can), but if I did, I would have a new game to add to BEST GAME 4EVA. Bioshock.
We've already had a past too. 2 times previously have I tried to start this game on PC, only to have my save either corrupted by the voices that be, or not save a file before formatting, under my own foolishness. Recently I felt the call to revist the murky wonderland of Andrew Ryan's self proclaimed utopia for the self-righteous. Unable to bend the game to my will, working on Windows 7 on Steam, I borrowed a copy from a friend for 360. He was just starting Bioshock 2 and was glad to see someone else enjoy the first game.
Bioshock would fall into the first person shooter category if not for one characteristic. The shooting aspect of Bioshock feels genuinely underplayed, and it's the more investigative aspects that play the games hands for it. Discovering the wonders of the city of Rapture is this adventures true reward, veiled with a neat weapons a unique plasmids system (I guess the games form of magics). The continually impressive environments, combined with audio diaries waiting to be discovered, from Rapture's previous and recent occupants help a truly engaging story unfurl in a way unseen in shooters for some time (Yes, Half Life 2 still has the mantle of remaining the most captive shooter around, whilst still telling a good tale). I guess I consider it just a great adventure.
It has been hard not to be influenced by previous impressions, since the game is now over 2 years old. Many have remarked that the last hour or two of Bioshock could have been cut. It's understandable, since the fight feels finished after one such battle (and one which you don't seem control in, possibly the games biggest downfall), but being eager to linger in Bioshock for as long as possible, late in the game did not feel as long winded as was anticipated. I guess it might pay not to listen to your peers all the time.
Gotta save them all? That's up to you for a change.
I could go on about the camera system, the unique enemies and the empathy the game implores you to have on the people (and monsters) inhabiting Rapture. But in short, it has been an adventure left dormant for too long, when once finished will not be forgotten for some time. I can always return to Rapture, right? Bioshock 2 awaits. I have other fish to fry first.
