BioShock
BioShock is a very unusual game. You find yourself in the place of a man named Jack who, after a plane crash, finds himself trapped in the underwater utopia called “Rapture”. Something has gone horribly wrong in rapture however and Jack must escape back to the surface. The creators of the game placed an unusual emphasis on moral choices which means the choices you make in the game will result in a positive or negative ending. Jack has multiple weapons at his disposal from genetic enhancements called plasmids to a small arsenal of guns, and he needs each one to take down the behemoths within rapture known as Big Daddies.
Story: 4.5 Stars – One of the best stories you will come across. The words “Would you kindly” will mean something completely new as soon as you finish the game. Voice acting is very well done and the seamless cut scenes keep you in the action. Every character has a story and a unique effect on the game which makes it all worthwhile. The only issue that can be found with the story is the limited ways that you can change the ending. Overall, it’s one of the best stories I’ve found.
Gameplay: 4 Stars – The strategy is afoot! The game is meant to be played with you setting up traps to take down the Big Daddies in one fell swoop, but you’ll probably end up charging in with your shotgun again and again until the big guy falls and you reap your reward. When switching weapons and plasmids I found it more beneficial to stop the game and switch, meaning that there could have been some improvement in how you switch guns and plasmids. Still, a lack of lag and everything working overall keeps gameplay at a solid score.
Music: 5 Stars – BioShock has outdone itself in making the music match the atmosphere. You get a whole bunch of old music to go with the art deco style of Rapture’s original setting. As for generic noises the guns sound like guns and the screams like screams. Well done.
Style: 4.5 Stars – The water is incredibly realistic, as it should be for an underwater adventure. Enemy models are well done, but repeated making it a bit boring. Still, everything looks wonderful and fits the style and timeframe that the game tried to project.
Bonus Points:
Overall: 4.5 Stars
Rank: Pal
This game is more than a friend, it's a pal. You can count on this game to do its job and be fun until the very end. If you don't normally enjoy this genre this one might be the exception, and if you enjoy the genre you're pal will not disappoint. Pals are hard to come by, so take note and consider the game for what it is.
