Bioshock

I for one, regrettably was slow off the mark in buying Bioshock. Even though I had a demo, which blew me away, other games kept popping up which too priority over it, such as MGS4, Resistance 2 and Killzone 2, so I only bought it last month, a long time after its release - and I had no idea what I was missing!!

Bioshock is an incredible game - its something you experience as well as play. Very few games in the last few years have even come close to this deep, immersive, atmospheric game. Even though at the grass roots, it is fundamentally an FPS, it strives and succeeds to achieve a lot more. The setting itself, the underwater art-deco utopia of Rapture is like nothing I've seen before, yet captures every element of every fantasy film, whilst retaining a very real, and gritty base. The characters themselves (mainly splicers) are themselves victims or casualties of the DNA splicing that makes this world what it has become. But I can't emphasise it enough that the atmosphere is just breathtaking, graphically it is beautiful yet deep and solid, you really feel like you're, but not just because of the graphics, the sound and music is also oustanding a really adds to the tension and feel, all this and I haven;'t even mentioned the gameplay!

The feel and control of the game is solid, the weapons handle with enough bang and fizz, especially when upgraded, the characters move and react so very reaslistically, you also have additional DNA enhanced powers called plamids, which are mainly used offensively to compliment your arsenal and open up genuine creativity and ingenuity as to how you assault each enemy. You are further drawn in by the addictive nature of enhancing your abilities, both physical, engineering and skills - whcih as the game gently but assertively progresses, you will need all the help you can get.

Which bring us to the final point I wanted to cover, the little sisters and their huge, mute, protectors - the big Daddies. Its this partnership itself, that makes this game utterly unique and completely spellbinding - NEVER has a FPS achieved such an emotional pull from its gamer. Their co-dependancy is fascinating, and you will never have seen anything a game before that really invites you to ask questions about your self and the decisions you make - it almost literally makes you accountable - as the little sisters carry the basic element - Adam - which can fuel your powers and make you stronger....but you risk a lot in trying to get to her and then you risk her life if you decide to take it - it really does yank at your heart-strings.

I could literally take days to explain and cover everything that I love and is great about this game. But it is an absolute one-off. I only regret not buying it sooner, it is the most, well concieved, beautifully realised and utterly immersive experience I have ever enjoyed on a console. An absolute masterpiece.

This game is an absolute Masterpiece. Everything about this game has had so much thought and effort put in that it deserves the ratings and awards it has recieved. The atmosphere, graphics, music, characters, voice actors and so on... are all top quality, and you just can't bring yourself to put the controller down. It's totally addictive.

I have always wondered about buying Bioshock since i first saw it released on PS3 but I thought it was going to be a typical make you jump every five minutes game so i decided not to buy it because that's not particularly up my street. But then I did a little online research, and asked some people who played it to share their thoughts about the game and they were all positive. Rather than people saying it was scary they said how it was more weird, eerie and freaky, which is exactly how it is. If the only reason you are put off to get this is because you think it may be a little too scary then I can tell you now that it's not. OK it has its moments that make you jump, and enemies do tend to pop out of nowhere, but most of the time you hear them (splicers) muttering to themselves so you know to expect one soon.

The atmosphere and music work together so perfectly, and it reminded me in so many ways of Fallout 3, which is only a good thing. I don't think either game copied one another, they just both had the right idea of going about things and making a couple of truly epic games. I think most fallout fans will be Bioshock fans too, and vice versa.

This game is definitely worth getting, it has trophy support too so gives you a little extra challenge if you fancy it, and the price is no excellent and worth every penny.

Bring on Bioshock 2!

10/10

Firstly, I am only about 1/3 of the way through the game (I think), but it is a big game and you will get your moneys worth! So this review is based on the first 10 hours or so.

This game is great. It is not completely your traditional run about and blast non-stop FPS, there is more to it. For those of you old enough to remember System Shock, there are many similarities, hacking, weapon upgrades, trait and ability increase spending points, hitting people with crow bars etc. For those of you that don't remember, all you need know was that System Shock was a fantastic game and me being reminded of the game whilst playing is a plus point! Is it the same people or is the naming just a coincedence?

There are some minor puzzle elements and various ways you can play through levels depending on the choices you make.

The graphics are pretty good and atmospheric (I am Non HD), certainly nothing to complain about.

The sound is excellent, together with the graphics and the stylised game design, play this with the lights out and you will be absorbed for hours.

Downside?
As with any game of this calibre, do not buy if any of the below apply to you;
1. Currently trying to study for exams
2. Girlfriend nagging that you don't do anything together
3. Require early nights for work
4. Have a baby which requires feeding & changing periodically
5. Like to spend time outdoors in sunlight

Highly Recommended!