Bioshock was a game of its own kind. It shocked many players with twisted appearance and a unique world. Offering various ways to play the game, a single play through would not do it justice.

Developed by 2K games, the story of bioshock takes a few play throughs for some players to understand that you are a man of few words, named jack who is created with a purpose. With holding spoilers, you are on an airplane looking at a letter from your parents when the plane crashes. To survive, you enter a giant pillar in the middle of the ocean. Upon entering you realize you are in a twisted underwater city called Rapture which was active mainly during the fifties. You will meet via radio a man named Atlas, who needs your help to stop a corrupt leader named Andrew Ryan. Taking up on his request you will encounter splicers, people who abused the genetic enhancers offered in Rapture for added convenience. Added to this you will face the Big Daddy, a human reprogrammed for protection of little sisters. Through all of this you will see many different vistas and environments, discover who you are, and what your sole purpose is.

Gameplay is amazing in Bioshock. Played in first person with help from the Unreal Engine, you will acquire a good handful of weapons which are upgradable multiple times as well as  many genetic enhancers (plasmids) to take full advantage of such as pyrokinesis, telekinesis, electricity, and many more. You will also gain small abilities to alter the gameplay experience. Added armor and damage are a few small perks you will pick up throughout the game. You have the ability to hack machines such as turrets and security cameras to make them your ally. To gain more abilities, upgrade your abilities, and buy genetic perks, you will need ADAM. Acquiring ADAM is done through a process of either saving or harvesting little sisters. As you may have guessed, by defeating the drill wielding, heavily armored Big Daddies can be the only way to get to the little sisters. Saving little sisters has its rewards throughout the game but you reap less ADAM. Harvesting will allow you to gain almost twice as much ADAM but based on these decisions, will result in different reactions from certain characters and various endings to the game. It is very graphic as it attains a constant eerie atmosphere which is produced very well no matter what room you enter. You will pick up health packs and more vials of EVE as well. EVE is this games mana that powers your genetic abilities. Using the map, you will have multiple objectives and you can venture out on your own for other opportunities of self-improvement. Money is a factor as you can loot every enemy, cash register, turret, safes, garbage can and more for ammunition, health, alcohol, cigarettes, and anything you can imagine would be carried by them. Using money, you can buy ammo and more if you are low. Ways to go through this game can vary upon the player. If you enjoy stealth, blunt violence, or anything in-between, this game supports it. Different types of splicers and Big Daddies will come across your path as well as mini bosses. Gunplay is smooth and fluent even with the mix of using your plasmids in the heat of battles. You can use your environment to your advantage as well. From shocking pools of water to fry splicers or setting flame to explosive containers to watch your enemies go flying in pain. With all these elements in lieu of audio and an art style that is obviously unique, it brings a heavily unique experience to any type of player.

Graphics for Bioshock are beautiful with many jaw dropping, twisted scenes and visuals. Nothing is grainy, not even the clear fifties style menus. Color contrasts look great although more than most environments are dark yet beautifully pieced together. Each room changes depending on which area you venture into, adding a feature known as change of scenery. The foliage, signs of previous destruction, and appearance of mass chaos puts the player in a very organic world seeming as if they just missed a tornado, only to be subject to the aftermath. From doctor’s offices to markets, each area will feel perfectly placed leaving most players more than satisfied.

Audio is clear, crisp, and in your face. Upon taking damage, the player will grunt in a way that shows actual pain. Enemies being hit will groan and scream war cries to threaten you. The demented sounds of others going about their own business will submerge you. Music comes and goes but leaves it to the enemies and your own silence to take the role of a constant soundtrack. Nothing is disappointing and it’s recommended to play even with headphones for a heightened experience.

Controls! Movement is standard. Nothing annoying but nothing worth noting. A good foundation of controlling your character with no sloppy walking or aiming is just what this game has. The mapped controls feel comfortable with a selection wheel for plasmids and guns to boot. Saving can be done at any point but you will be spawned at the nearest Vita Chamber. A Vita Chamber is where if you die, you are resurrected by this technological mid-fifties miracle machine.

Overall this game is nothing short of an amazing experience with multiple endings, the ability to suit different playing styles, lack of repetition through two handfuls of abilities and weapons, gorgeously horrid landscapes, and audio that will do more than send chills down your spine. Highly recommended to hardcore and casual gamers alike.

10/10