Note: This post was started on 3/4/08.... I've been horrendously slacking on the blog since then, due to finishing up college, moving from NY to CA, and starting a job. I plan to actually start updating this on a daily basis (hey... I hear laughter...). But seriously, I really want to try and create a habit out of updating, no matter how small. So stay tuned for actual updates!
I've finally finished Bioshock, after getting it the day it came out and playing it off and on since then. Here are my thoughts. (I don't want to call these reviews, since I don't really want to go into too much depth relating to sound and graphics like a typical review. They are just my thoughts regarding the games).
Bioshock is one of the best games I've played in a while. And by "a while" I mean that I haven't played a game since Metal Gear Solid 2 that so wonderfully entwines story and action (I never played MGS3, mind you, but since it didn't really further the MGS2 story, I don't count it in the MGS storyline). The setting of the game is such a high achievement of imagination, and Irrational Games/2K Boston/Marin did a wonderful job of drawing players in to an incredibly unique, and many times disturbing, landscape.
Another aspect of Bioshock is its intensity. Lately, shooters have really lacked the seat-of-your-pants, HOLY SHIT ITS CHASING ME-type feel that really makes a great experience. The Doom series really pulled this off well, especially Doom 3, and I really find that aspect of the game compelling. True, sometimes it forces you to take a break from the game for fear of having a heart attack, but it keeps you coming back. All of the enemy-AI technology in the world means nothing to me personally without the "fear" aspect, and I think that is what a lot of modern shooters lack as they look towards more realistic settings. Even Halo, with its sci-fi setting, seems a bit too "military" and formulaic. Of course, Halo has great sequences to break things up, but it never really gives you that fear of what's around the next bend. Bioshock has that, and its amazing. I tried to get Meghan playing a few times, but she kind of fell off due to the intensity of it. Hell, I almost did at times too, but I kept coming back because of the story, which is an aspect that Doom lacks. There were a bunch of great twists and turns, and an amazing story scene near the end that had my jaw dropping.
To cut this a bit short before you get bored... Bioshock is great, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great game experience and who enjoys shooters with a sci-fi/fantasy/RPG twist. It will be on my list of great games for a long time to come....
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