Squatchwatch: Review of Bioshock

07 Dec

Posted by Ben as Squatchwatch: Videogames, Video Games

Lets take a look back at one of the best games of yesteryears. Bioshock came with a great vision from the mind of Ken Levine, who is the father of one of my all time favorite games, System Shock 2. Bioshock features the underwater city of Rapture in its waning hours after a catastrophic conflict. I had high hopes for Bioshock and I’d like to share my thoughts.

bioshock

The Mechanics:
This is a very pretty game. Details and water effects are beautiful, and you will want to spend time to take everything in. Rapture is a incredible and full of sites and sounds that feel very much of the Art Deco age. The control scheme is very simple and doesn’t take long to learn. I very much enjoyed the voice work and sounds. As far as the games build goes, this is very well done.

combat

The Play:
Bioshock features all the mechanics of its forefather, System Shock 2, just set in a 1930’s and 40’s era technology. There are RPG elements in upgrading your abilities and weapons, customization in what you can do, and tactics to be derived from it all. Combat is tense and exciting, and once you really develop your powers you will be unstoppable. Switching between armaments can be a little trick, but the environment is very alive and interactive, leaving room for much experimentation and exploration.

The Experience:
This is the defining piece for Bioshock. All game elements are derived to make the game feel organic. There are very few, if at all, parts that take away from the games soul. The story is incredible all but the ending, which will feel not quite as powerful as the rest of the game, but there are plenty of moments that will have you glued to your console. This is a game everyone must experience.

The Value:
Bioshock does not offer much replay; there is free DLC that includes new abilities and difficulty modes are available. The karma system is intriguing but doesn’t off much in game changes. Playing this game is like reading a great novel or watching a spectacular movie; even if you know what happens it is a great experience.

So what do I recommend? Bioshock is a great game. There are no major blemishes to this game. I will play this game again before I am completely through.