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| | Title:
Bioshock
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System:
Xbox 360
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Genre:
First-Person Action RPG
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Publisher:
2k Games
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Developer:
IR Gurus
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Release:
TBA 2007
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Online:
Yes
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ESRB:
Rating Pending (RP)
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Now and then a game comes along where everyone has to stop and just admire how much creativity has been injected into the title. Whether it is the world, weapons, or gameplay mechanics, the game just reeks of new ideas; or old ideas with a fresh spin on them. Such is the case with the First Person RPG from Irrational Games called Bioshock. Being developed by Irrational Games (the team behind System Shock 2) and published by 2K Games, Bioshock is looking to give gamers one heck of a unique experience.
The story of Bioshock takes place in the 1950s to 1960s. World War II is over and the major world powers are at peace. Players take the role of a survivor from a plane crash in the ocean (this is the opening sequence). This survivor stumbles upon the abandoned and creepy underworld “utopia” known as Rapture. The details on Rapture’s history are slim. What we do know is that is was meant to be the ultimate society where everything was basically perfect. People would be able to fend for themselves while helping the whole at the same time. All was going well until the scientists stumbled upon some sea creatures, who had within their physiology, a reservoir of pure stem cells. For those not in the science community, a stem cell is basically a cell with no specific job or identity. They have great potential for scientific advances and such is the case in the world of Rapture.
These stem cells were dubbed Adam and were quickly implemented in the genetic enhancements of the citizens within Rapture. As one can imagine, Newton's Law took over and the result was a war ultimately erupting between the two factions. These factions fight for control over how Adam should be handled. In the end many died and those which were “fortunate” enough to survive found themselves dependent on Adam to actually survive. Rapture became a ghost city only to be populated by mutants and freaks all who want one thing: Adam. This is the world the player will step into... thinking it's your savior.
The level design of Rapture is really impressive. The best way to describe the setting is a combination of 1950s décor and structures (with the exception of funky neon lights), and the presence of the unyielding dark abyss just outside. It is evident that Rapture used to be one nice place to call home. Since the war, though, Rapture has seen better days. Many of the levels are deserted or heavily damaged. As one would expect from an underwater city that has been through a war, there is quite a bit of flooding. The water effects are some of the best yet to be witnessed in this new generation of consoles. Also, some environments seem amazingly serene, thanks to the superb graphics that are already evident.
Of course, this setting will be plagued with mutant freaks -- and not just scary or dimented freaks -- and all of which the player will have to contend with, one way or another. So far only three enemies have been shown to the press, but we're told that there will be far more unique enemies when the game goes gold. The first enemy available for view were the Splicers. The Splicers look to be the generic enemy; though they are strong, aggressive, and love to use squad tactics when dealing with the player, they still seem less than we expected. The second are child like enemies known as Little Sisters. These "enemies" seem most concerned with gathering something from corpses, rather than bother the living . The best bet as to what this substance is... yes, Adam. If you think you will be able to just kill off the Little Sisters and take their Adam, think again. Where there is a Litte Sister, there is usually a Bid Daddy protecting her. Outfitted in what can best be described as a diving suit, the Big Daddies live up to their name. They are huge -- heavily armed, heavily shielded, and have a temper that will make you think twice about confronting. If that didn't make you hesitate, when you actually see the poor and helpess Little Sisters, you'll be hard pressed to take the lives of the little wretches. Choices are the biggest production factor the developers pushed for. What choices and consequences are you willing to take to survive?
So far there have been no big details on how players are going to be able to survive in the world of rapture except that they will be able to augment themselves with enhancements. The enhancements can only be obtained by using your Adam. This trend sounds very similar to the Deus Ex system (this isn’t a bad thing). And, considering that everything in Rapture is killing and dying to get Adam, expect to work hard and experience some overwhelming, but exhilerating battles to obtain and protect your Adam.
So far Bioshock looks like it will be a very interesting experience. The level of creativity and seemingly stellar graphics is a welcome change from the loads of sequels being released every year. Here is hoping Bioshock can keep up the level of creativity and deliver a truly rewarding experience.
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Alan
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