BioShock is a 2007 science fiction first-person shooter video game developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia, published by 2K Games, and released Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Mac OS X, iOS, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.  The story follows protagonist Jack who descends into the the underwater city of Rapture where he fights the ADAM obsessed citizens while learning about Rapture’s past.

Campaign:  I can honestly say that this game offers a pretty immersive and extensive campaign experience. It does have a linear format but it also allows players to go outside of the story to explore the sections of Rapture. It has a really interesting story following Jack, who comes to the underwater city of Rapture, a future endeavor that falls to ruin.  Populating the city are these ADAM obsessed, insane people called splicers and Jack has to deal with that.  However, the city does have an interesting story that becomes fleshed out through exploration, through the characters, and through audio diaries collected on each level.  For those who like characters, the game has enough interesting characters.  Some are good, some are bad, some are really bad, but the cast is well rounded enough.  You find out about Jack’s connection to Rapture which was a pretty interesting twist.  (4 out of 5)

Gameplay:  Gameplay is handled well with good controls that feed into the combat which is pretty fast pace with enemies being confronted in various ways.  There can be one active weapon (with multiple ammo types) and one active plasmid (which give players unique powers such as fire and electricity) at any time.  Player’s health bar can be replenished by finding medical packs and food.  Plasmids consume a serum called EVE which can be restored using EVE syringes.  Tonics provide players with additional benefits and bonuses used as passive abilities.  Players are revived at Vita Chambers when their health bar is depleted.

Players are able to hack turrets and security systems to turn them to their side, and vendors to reduce item cost for ammo and recovery items.  This hacking consist of connecting two points on opposite sides of a grid with a limited set of pipes.  Of course, there’s a fixed amount of time and failure cost health and even can sound alarms. After defeating Big Daddies, Jack can choose to rescue their Little Sisters or harvest them for their ADAM.  Both choices have their ups and downs.  The research camera allows, for benefits against enemy types should players photograph them.

The gameplay is pretty solid with competent and challenging AI.  No matter how powerful you become NPCs have the potential to defeat you.  Fighting Big Daddies is definitely a challenging experience with their incredible strength, endurance, and especially their speed.  It’s just a great game to experience with a good balance of action and role playing elements.  (4 out of 5)

Graphics:  Visually the graphics look great, the city of Rapture looks great with this dark, gritty look.  The design of the underwater city both in the surrounding environment and in the background looks great.  The water effects are really good.  Hell, walking under water distorts the screen.  The character designs are good and have a lot of detail.  (4 out of 5)

Score/Music:   Much like the graphics, the game features a great score.  The soundtrack is ominous and dark but can be chilling with some of the jumpscares in the game.  The sound design is fucking fantastic.  The world sounds really active with noises going on in the background, weapons and powers sound unique.  Footsteps, machines, water, just the sound design is good.  The voice performances are actually solid.  (4 out of 5)

Replay Value:  There’s a lot to enjoy when it comes to replayability as well.  For those who enjoy upping the ante, put this game on harder difficulties and experience the frustrations rise.  Enemies do more damage and resist more damage, ammo gets more scarce, and healing isn’t as efficient.  And don’t let me get started on battles with Big Daddies, Big Sisters, and some of the bosses.  There are a bunch of collectibles on each level, whether it be finding all the audio diaries, tonics and plasmids, and ADAM by completing certain missions and engaging with Little Sisters (either by saving or killing them).  Based on decisions made throughout the game, the story can come into one or two endings.  Both being incredibly satisfying.  Or hell, what if you decide you want to try playing the game with a different weapon and plasmid.  There’s more to this game than what it appears.  (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, BioShock is a great game.  It’s a great first-person shooter and a great introduction to the BioShock story.  Really, the only negative I have to say about the game is some of the linear elements.  However, the game has much more to offer.  It has great atmosphere, good graphics, awesome story, great characters, great voice performances, awesome gameplay, and a great score.  BioShock gets 4 out of 5.