BioShock Review
When I thought new Sci-fi shooters began to overlap, I was contradicted after purchasing BioShock. The primary difference this game has (although it has numerous differences to today's shooters) is its emphasis on making decisions. At first when you are given the choices in this game, they don't seem so heavy, but as you play through this game you will see their significance. Despite a lack of multiplayer, BioShock is a very powerful shooter that gamers out there should not miss.
The Plot- It is 1960. You crash and are forced to swim to land. This is the simplest way to explain how you make your way to Rapture- a beautiful yet horrid underwater civilization. Upon first glance, Rapture does not seem so bad, but after minutes you will discover that Rapture went through hell. Andrew Ryan, the founder of Rapture, is basically your primary foe. Anyways, what caused Rapture to mess up? People. A powerful force known as ADAM can be found in Rapture. Everyone living there had a craving for this power. However, after getting too much of this force, people became corrupt and started killing. As you make your way through Rapture, guided by a man named Atlas, who seeks to find his family, you will run into these horrible civilians known as Splicers... and the errie Big Daddies.
The Graphics- BioShock is definitely known for its astonishing graphics. The images in Rapture will definitely scare you. Every being in Rapture looks frightening enough to send shivers down your spine. The weapons and powers you eventually find known as Plasmids (which will be discussed later) look realistic. The 1960's theme of the environment add on to the incredible visuals and make it all the more terrifying.
The Sound- Voice acting has generally been a flaw in the videogame world, but BioShock definitely perfects the problem. The voices are done very well. The people sound intimidating, and the sound is what creeps me out the most. When you hear loud footsteps, groans, and the conversation of a Little Sister, you will sweat. The recordings scattered throughout Rapture will add on to the horror as you learn of those peoples' predicaments and often tragic results. Lastly, the music is good and adds even more to the already present horror.
Gameplay- BioShock plays as a FPS. At first, you begin with a wrench and beat people down. Fun as it is, you will enjoy yourself even more as you discover the numerous guns and Plasmids. My major complaint about the weapons is how weak the weapons are. The guns do not cause the amount of damage you would normally be seeking. You can upgrade weapons, and I know that the lack of power in the weapons adds on to the difficulty, but I find it annoying more than a challenge. If it were not for the Plasmids, I would probably consider BioShock to be an average shooter. The Plasmids, which are powers modifying your genetic code grant you some pretty cool actions. You can fire ice or fire out of your hand which is simply awesome. Oh, and you can fire hornets at your enemies (definitely my favorite technique). As far as decisions go, you will reach them when you encounter a little sister. These young girls contain the ADAM you are looking for. However, Big Daddies protect these children. Big Daddies are giant, hulking creatures covered in armor. Each one of these seems like an enormous battle, and they are very challenging to take down. In my opinion, Big Daddies are the highlight of the game. These dudes can be found on the cover of the game and man are they awesome in every single way. Their actions, appearance, and sound make them the enemies of the year. After taking these guys down, decisions take place. You can either harvest or save a little sister. By harvesting, you get more ADAM but it makes you seem like an evil person. Saving them is good but it promises you less ADAM. Whatever you do is your choice but the ending of the game is based off of these choices. Overall, BioShock is a fun game. If only the guns were stronger and more enjoyable to use, and multiplayer could have been a great addition to this game.
Overall, BioShock is definitely a fantastic game that has game of the year potential, but it does have its flaws. If it were not for its powerful story, awesome sound/visuals, and Plasmids, BioShock would only be an average shooter. Luckily, its originality makes it an incredible game that gamers need to try out. Its scares and visuals will definitely pull you in right away.
The Plot- It is 1960. You crash and are forced to swim to land. This is the simplest way to explain how you make your way to Rapture- a beautiful yet horrid underwater civilization. Upon first glance, Rapture does not seem so bad, but after minutes you will discover that Rapture went through hell. Andrew Ryan, the founder of Rapture, is basically your primary foe. Anyways, what caused Rapture to mess up? People. A powerful force known as ADAM can be found in Rapture. Everyone living there had a craving for this power. However, after getting too much of this force, people became corrupt and started killing. As you make your way through Rapture, guided by a man named Atlas, who seeks to find his family, you will run into these horrible civilians known as Splicers... and the errie Big Daddies.
The Graphics- BioShock is definitely known for its astonishing graphics. The images in Rapture will definitely scare you. Every being in Rapture looks frightening enough to send shivers down your spine. The weapons and powers you eventually find known as Plasmids (which will be discussed later) look realistic. The 1960's theme of the environment add on to the incredible visuals and make it all the more terrifying.
The Sound- Voice acting has generally been a flaw in the videogame world, but BioShock definitely perfects the problem. The voices are done very well. The people sound intimidating, and the sound is what creeps me out the most. When you hear loud footsteps, groans, and the conversation of a Little Sister, you will sweat. The recordings scattered throughout Rapture will add on to the horror as you learn of those peoples' predicaments and often tragic results. Lastly, the music is good and adds even more to the already present horror.
Gameplay- BioShock plays as a FPS. At first, you begin with a wrench and beat people down. Fun as it is, you will enjoy yourself even more as you discover the numerous guns and Plasmids. My major complaint about the weapons is how weak the weapons are. The guns do not cause the amount of damage you would normally be seeking. You can upgrade weapons, and I know that the lack of power in the weapons adds on to the difficulty, but I find it annoying more than a challenge. If it were not for the Plasmids, I would probably consider BioShock to be an average shooter. The Plasmids, which are powers modifying your genetic code grant you some pretty cool actions. You can fire ice or fire out of your hand which is simply awesome. Oh, and you can fire hornets at your enemies (definitely my favorite technique). As far as decisions go, you will reach them when you encounter a little sister. These young girls contain the ADAM you are looking for. However, Big Daddies protect these children. Big Daddies are giant, hulking creatures covered in armor. Each one of these seems like an enormous battle, and they are very challenging to take down. In my opinion, Big Daddies are the highlight of the game. These dudes can be found on the cover of the game and man are they awesome in every single way. Their actions, appearance, and sound make them the enemies of the year. After taking these guys down, decisions take place. You can either harvest or save a little sister. By harvesting, you get more ADAM but it makes you seem like an evil person. Saving them is good but it promises you less ADAM. Whatever you do is your choice but the ending of the game is based off of these choices. Overall, BioShock is a fun game. If only the guns were stronger and more enjoyable to use, and multiplayer could have been a great addition to this game.
Overall, BioShock is definitely a fantastic game that has game of the year potential, but it does have its flaws. If it were not for its powerful story, awesome sound/visuals, and Plasmids, BioShock would only be an average shooter. Luckily, its originality makes it an incredible game that gamers need to try out. Its scares and visuals will definitely pull you in right away.
