So tomorrow we see the local and long awaited release of BioShock, that is if you couldn’t stand the wait and imported it for yourself.
But for those people who could wait, or just have to wait until payday, like me, its release is tomorrow.
I must say this game has got me all “giddy” inside, I was privileged enough over the weekend to play the game at a friend of mine’s house, and I must say even though I played the PC version the game is extremely enjoyable, especially if you like the occasional thriller/shooter.
I must make a note to commend the developers on the well thought out story, though at times it seems a bit lackluster. The AI is another thing all together, whilst being on par with most shooters of our era, I at least thought they could have made the NPC’s react more to their surroundings, for instance the “Splicers” (The general bad guy) will run up to you screaming instead of trying to take you out whilst protecting themselves. The graphics don’t make you want to jump into the screen, but they are great nonetheless.
The plot is somewhat based on the novel by George Orwell called “1984”. The plot of the game involves the world of Rapture, built in the 1950’s by a man called Andrew Ryan. The story starts with you flying over the Atlantic in the year 1960, the plane crashes and you are the only (un)lucky survivor. You soon discover the world of Rapture, with its mutated beings called “Splicers”, the Little Sisters, the Big Daddy’s and the security mechanisms. The game has an economy, revolving around two substances, Dollars and “Adam”,”the latter is harvested by the “Little Sisters” from corpses. These “Little Sisters” are protected by the meanest deep-sea diving instructors I have ever seen, the “Big Daddy’s”, these “beings” are pretty tough. They come in different forms and to get “Adam” you need to get to harvest or rescue a “Little Sister”, and guess what? Lets just say you have to go through the “Big Daddy’s”. The world here revolves around “Adam”, its the lifeblood. The Splicers even look for it, yes they attack the Big Daddy’s too!
The other key aspect of the game is that it uses a thing called “Plasmids”, plasmids are genetic modifications to your DNA, they allow you to call forth powers so to speak, such as fire, electricity, telekinesis, ice and even pheromones. The last one being a plasmid that when a being is marked with it, depending on which pheromone you have equipped it will have a desired effect. One such plasmid is the “Big Daddy” plasmid, which when thrown at a Big Daddy will cause the Big Daddy to protect you as if you were a Little Sister.
The atmosphere in the game, now that is another thing, it is so engrossing that you feel as if you are apart of the world playing through the eyes of the lead character.
Though my time spent playing the game was limited, I hardly think it deserves the 10/10 rating a lot of reviewers have been giving it, instead I will rather settle on a 9/10, don’t get me wrong it is a brilliant game, but it just lacks the bit of extra magic to go the last mile.
Last Updated: September 13, 2007
Craig Nicholson
September 13, 2007 at 18:36
I managed to get my copy today, I think most people who pre-ordered did.
XennoX
September 13, 2007 at 18:42
Craig, correct me if I am wrong, but do you work for BT Games Northgate?
If what you are saying is true, then I’m one of the few that didn’t. I ordered mine off Kalahari and I live in a main center.
LazySAGamer
September 13, 2007 at 18:50
lol no Craig does not work for BT Games :). Unfortunately due to kids birthdays and my lack of willpower I won’t be playing until after the weekend…
PillsburyDeeBoy
September 13, 2007 at 19:53
Lazy, did you write this review…? If yes, I must let you know, I think you’ve come up rather short. And the PC version? Are you serious? Unless your PC is on steroids, then getting the 360 version instead is a no-brainer…
PillsburyDeeBoy
September 13, 2007 at 19:53
Oops, sorry, I see Xennox reviewed it. Well, Xennox, what I said to Lazy now applies to you 😀 !
XennoX
September 13, 2007 at 20:03
Pillsbury that PC actually is on steroids, the only problem with it is that it dies with HDR on. Also many people prefer a mouse & keyboard for FPS games to a controller, although I did use my 360 controller to play it. Also when you say I came up short, how do you mean so and where? I would like some feedback so that I may improve the reviews. 😀
ocelot
September 14, 2007 at 04:48
Does not deserve a 10/10 but definitely the best FPS I have played since HL2.
Ruslan
September 14, 2007 at 07:06
Saw collector editions @ BT Games yesterday afternoon for the PC version. Pity the X360 CE wont make it to SA. Overall this has got to be the best FPS game to grace gamers since System Shock.
Evilredzombie
September 14, 2007 at 07:47
Im getting it today…
koldFU5iON
September 14, 2007 at 09:21
AWX have had it for a while already… don’t know why you guys didn’t get it then?
Bluecollar
September 14, 2007 at 09:37
Well I played a solid five hours last night.
My impressions: Bioshick’s a beautiful looking game – amazing art direction and extremely atmospheric environments more than make up for graphics which may not be quite up to the benchmark set by Gears of War. Unlike Gears, Bioshock’s environments never get boring or repetitive; literally every room has its own distinct feel.
The storyline so far is solid and immersive, although I don’t quite see how many reviewers are saying it will change the way game narratives are told in future. Still, I’ve only completed the first three levels, so there’s a lot of room for plot development, and I’m hoping that by the end I’ll be raving about it like most of the other reviewers out there.
AI too is solid but not incredible. Again my impression seems to be at odds with what many people are saying, and again I’m hoping that as the game progresses the enemies will get smarter.
One of my favourite elements in Bioshock so far is the RPG-style character and weapons upgrade system. There really is a lot you can do to make yourself more powerful – from increasing the number and strength of your plasmids (read spells), passive abilities like engineering and combat upgrades, as well as a multitude of weapon upgrades.
Anyhoo… my commment’s turning into a full review here. I’d better finish the game first before reviewing the game in full. Still, my early game impression is an 8/10, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this score should improve as the plot deepens and my character becomes more powerful.