BioShock Review

Released in 2008, BioShock is a modern day classic. The story is gripping and the world is immersive. Although the gameplay has aged, it remains fun. Plus, the underwater city setting of Rapture is unforgettable.

BioShock features a great cast of characters. Well-written, varied, and memorable friends and foes populate Rapture. The player interacts with these people while they charge towards a shocking twist that is openly discussed to this day.

Simply put, BioShock is a perfect example of just how great storytelling in the interactive medium can be.

Story

At the beginning of BioShock, you find yourself playing as the quiet character, Jack. The story to be found in the game is not exactly about Jack, however. The action focuses more on the character of the ambitious Andrew Ryan and the characters that surround the man.

As the sole survivor of an accident, you seek shelter in a mysterious lighthouse in the middle of the ocean. Upon investigation, the player finds themselves whisked away to the gorgeous undersea city of Rapture.

However, you soon find out that this ambitious dream is far from a perfect place. Rapture is in chaos and its corridors are prowled by splicers. Splicers are crazed, violent, and desperate addicts always on the hunt for a substance known as Adam. Even worse, a bloody civil war is being waged within the lonely halls of the city, as well.

In the end, BioShock’s story and setting are the factors that push it into the category of classic. The characters are varied, interesting, and compelling in their personal stories and motivations. These little side-stories often play into the larger narrative in a seamless way. This gives off the illusion that the world is alive and populated with characters whose actions affect the story.