BioShock

"Bioshock paralyzes the senses"

Right when you begin the game you are thrust into the action. Immediately after a plane crash in the ocean, you swim to a strange structure in the distance. During the swim you can easily see the state of the art graphics as the water shimmers and the aircraft pieces burn around you. Going to the structure you find an elevator and use it to get to one of the most interesting settings and the most fun gameplay in an FPS to date.

BioShock's story is filled with plot twists and power struggles as you explore the failed underwater city of Rapture. Since the game takes place in 1960, the city has a retro feel to it and you can really get into it thanks to the immersive scenery and music. In Rapture, crazed lunatics and little girls with large bodyguards prowl the streets and either one will have problems with trying to end your existence. Funny enough, in the whole story of the game you only see a few sane citizens of Rapture yet you still get the idea of how the city ran before its troubles started by picking up and listening to audiotapes scattered around the city.

Of course, to explore this hazardous city you will need a healthy arsenal to protect yourself. On top of your basic weapons such as the pistol and the grenade launcher, you also have an array of powers called "plasmids". With these you can electrocute, burn, or freeze your foes or can even just throw objects at them (including whatever explosives they throw at you). With the option of having different kinds of ammo for your weapons and with the large number of different plasmids, the combat involves defeating your enemies in more ways than you can count. This is one of the features that make BioShock unique.

The graphics in the game are amazing. You can see the water shimmer and reflect, the splatter of your enemies, and the "Big Daddies" kicking your sorry ass all in perfect clarity. The music is also excellent. The score is composed of old songs from the fifties and some "sci-fi" type music. Both really help you get into the game and envelop you into the story.

There are some drawbacks to the game however. For one, there are only a handful of different kids of enemies you fight in the game. You can count on one hand the number of different types. Also, the game is too short and is too easy. The game has a respawn system that makes it impossible to ever lose meaning you die and come back repeatedly until you defeat your enemy with no drawback for dying at all.

To conclude, BioShock is a classic that all fans of first person shooters (or not) can enjoy. It will give you a satisfying experience that will last over and over as you find different ways to eliminate your enemies each playthrough. Would you kindly pick this game up and enjoy it to the end?

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/06/08

Game Release: BioShock (US, 08/21/07)