Kry Retro-Reviews: Bioshock

Bioshock was released August, 2007 to almost universal acclaim, winning several “Game of the Year” awards. I played through the game and enjoyed it then, but I really didn’t feel it was the end-all, be-all. And what with sequels and a movie planned, as well as a recent PS3 release, I feel it’s reasonably relevant enough to mention in a quick retro review.

First off, Bioshock is amazing simply for its story, setting, and atmosphere. Truly one of the most amazing and imaginative settings I have seen ever. It is worth buying just to explore the underwater city of Rapture and to see the story unfold. I loved progressing through the city and gazing out into the murky depths outside. It is truly that immersive.

Bioshock also has an innovative system for upgrading your character (mutating yourself and gaining ‘magic’ spells). Unfortunately that system does not have much depth. Only a few upgrades are actually worth taking and others are downright useless. Along with the lack of depth are the enemies in the game themselves. They are very homogenous and do not change throughout the game besides gaining more health and damage. I was really disappointed here. The whole city goes nuts for Adam and you’re picking up magical mutating spells from vending machines, yet only the last boss has the same arsenal you’ve got. And then there are the Little Sisters. Either killing them or saving them, the game still plays the same way, except you get an ending where you are either evil or good. That is pretty much the only difference gameplay wise.

Though Bioshock was touted by some as the greatest game of 2007 and a benchmark of gaming prowess, I simply think it was a good game with a very engrossing setting. Bioshock was also very good at giving the player the illusion of choice. There are myriad options in this game, but few useful ones; and it is something most people do not realize until they are finished. Either way, I’m certainly interested in seeing the next game of the series (Sea of Dreams, I believe it will be called).