The Storyline: As the character is introduced, you learn a little about your past and that your name is Jack before you voyage to the sea's cold, murky waters ala fiery plane crash. Pulling yourself out, your character finds himself luckily stranded next to the entrance of a lost, underwater city known as rapture. Shortly after descending a what-looks-like sweet elevator, and witnessing the awe-inspiring image that is rapture, you catch a glimpse of the darkness lying ahead. Atlas, the game's narrator, introduces himself and your mission as a plot to save him and his family from certain death. Promising to get you to safety in return, you have no choice but to disembark on a violent adventure through underwater labs and buildings.
Graphics: The game runs a bit smoother and cripser on a PC than xbox with up-to-date specs, including a possible dx10 shader system for those with the best. Dynamic lighting, shadows, and rich and vivid textures give this game a more than inviting look and style. You'll smile as the gleam of the magnum sparkles across your monitor after shooting a little sister (don't worry, they're evil). What about Mr. Bubbles? You'll learn about him later.
Music and Audio: The music is very professionally done, as expected in next generation games for certain. However, the voice-overs in this game stand out as a bit better than average considering their non use of a-list hollywood talent (popularized by companies like take 2's rockstar). You'll also find the weapon soundbytes are very satisfying, as are the crunches and screams of enemies who fall easily. One of my fav's in this one is the monkey wrench sound against one of the inhabitants. Nasty Crunch!
Gameplay and Controls: The gameplay is extremely smooth in 1st person mode and features many special quirks. Secondary fire (done with the right click) can help paralyze enemies, shoot flames, telepathically throw items, and just about as many different weird things you can think of. However, you're limited to the types of secondary fire you can choose from in each level via the start of the level and your 'selection'. The system has its merits, and only gets slightly annoying later when changing your selection becomes difficult.
Closing Thoughts: This great looking game for the PC is a must have for any next generation gamer looking for eye-candy on his desktop. Even midrange users can enjoy a fair amount of enjoyment from this game in medium graphics settings. Packed with special effects , high quality voiceover work, and rich visuals, the gamer will definitely find a satisfying adventure battling his way through the levels.
Links:
Bioshock at 2Kgames
Bioshock review at TweakTown
Bioshock at MetaCritic
Bioshock at IGN
