Over a year after Bioshock stunned the gaming community on Xbox 360 and PC, winning innovation awards and ‘Game of the Year’ awards across the nets, the much loved title finds its way onto the Playstation 3. So does a game that is technically over a year old warrant your attention? Are the reported graphical issues enough to put you off? Is it deserving of your hard earned cash in a boom time in great titles being released?
First of all I’d like to address the reported issue of the ‘lower res’ figures and some of the weapons. Yes they are lower resolution than the other (360 and PC) versions and yes it is noticeable when you look for it. But as of November the 20th it has been patched via a online update, and now it looks incredible. The frame rate was rock solid before and the environment was gorgeous, and now, it’s even better.
Now with that out of the way we can get on to how the game plays, for you 360 and PC guys that have already played the game there is nothing new for you here. as far as I can tell it’s virtually identical. So would you kindly go check out Newsboys’ Far Cry 2 Review.
Before you start there’s the unfortunate issue of having to sit through a lengthy install, just under 5 gigs. Unfortunate because I had to delete some demos before I could install. The less you know about the storyline the better, I believe Bioshock delivers one of the most unique storylines in a game yet, and it’ll detract from the experience the more you know.
Basically the game is set in a dilapidated underwater city ‘Rapture’ built by the self-exiled Andrew Ryan, founder of Ryan Industries. It’s not long before you discover what makes this game so unique. The ability to ‘Upgrade’ yourself and your weapons. The use of ‘Plasmids’ is what makes this possible. They modify your genetic structure to create incredible powers at your finger tips, literally. Incinerators, freeze ray, telekinesis powers and many many more. It’s essential to master these powers to progress through the game, and to stay alive. The physical hands on weapons are what you’ll find in most current gen games, pistols, shotguns, machine guns and more. All with their own benefits and drawbacks.
The reason for the need for these new powers and weapons is the enemies you quickly encounter. Splicer’s, these genetically modified creatures/people are found throughout Rapture, generally well armed and blood thirsty, Bioshock definitely isn’t a game you can sneak around in and by pass the bad guys, then again its not a ‘run and gun’ either. Strategic use of you powers, the environment and weapons is the best way to combat these foes. Splicer’s aren’t the only enemies you’ll encounter. Keep an eye out for Big daddy’s, I’ll let you find out more about them by yourself.
Throughout the levels you’ll come across weapon vending machines, first aid stations, security cameras and automatic gun turrets, all these items have the ability to be ‘Hacked’. Hacking is like a quick mini game where you need to get the electrical current to flow from one part of a circuit panel to another by flipping and re-arranging panels, a great addition in my opinion, some say it breaks the flow of the game, I feel it gives a chance to stop and catch a breath. It gets that intense. The use of hacking lets you buy ammo at a discount and use security cameras and automatic turrets to your advantage.
The atmosphere created by Bioshock is incredible, from the impressive level design to the sound score. It’s so engaging that before too long you’re creeping around at a slow pace, searching every room, looking behind all the time, and generally worrying about what’s around the next corner.
The game has no multi-player aspect to it, although with a single-player campaign like this, it’s still a recommended title to have. I’d also recommend a second play through, I did and I came across a lot I missed the first play through. To be honest I’ve only scratched the surface with this review, I’m really not wanting to give too much away.
So in closing the Playstation 3 version is simply a stunning experience. Not offering much more than the other versions (no less either), but it is still one of the best gaming experiences you can have on any console to date. So would you kindly next time you’re browsing your local games store, give Bioshock a second glance.
UPDATE: DLC is now available on the PSN for $15.50NZD, I’m yet to try it but from what I hear it’s a challenging addition to the game.
