'BioShock' - Game review
10 out of 10
It turns out that lots of the things I was going to say about this game probably ought not to be mentioned. I don't want to draw your attention to things that are best witnessed for the first time while playing the game, with awe, wonder, curiosity...
One I thing I will say is that the world of Rapture, where this game is set, is utterly wonderful, both in concept and execution. This is the most atmospheric and consistent world I can remember playing in. Essentially a linear first-person shooter, the world and the story spun around it are so engrossing that it feels like much more.
A decaying place, the history of how it came into its current state is revealed largely through audio diaries that you find while playing. It's a brilliant piece of story telling. The voice acting is wonderful throughout and the recordings are much more evocative than a full cut-scene would be. Like reading a book, you build an image in your mind that actual pictures could never match.
This game is an incredible achievement. Not only is it long (I don't know how long, I was too busy having fun) but it is also deep and detailed, with many different gameplay systems to explore. Congratulations to the team that put it together. I raise my professional hat to you.
One example of the attention to detail in this game: When you have lots of money but few health packs, a little message pops up reminding you that perhaps you should spend some of the former to buy the latter. Simple, helpful and few other games would think of it.
If games can be art, then this is surely one of our greatest masterpieces.
It turns out that lots of the things I was going to say about this game probably ought not to be mentioned. I don't want to draw your attention to things that are best witnessed for the first time while playing the game, with awe, wonder, curiosity...
One I thing I will say is that the world of Rapture, where this game is set, is utterly wonderful, both in concept and execution. This is the most atmospheric and consistent world I can remember playing in. Essentially a linear first-person shooter, the world and the story spun around it are so engrossing that it feels like much more.
A decaying place, the history of how it came into its current state is revealed largely through audio diaries that you find while playing. It's a brilliant piece of story telling. The voice acting is wonderful throughout and the recordings are much more evocative than a full cut-scene would be. Like reading a book, you build an image in your mind that actual pictures could never match.
This game is an incredible achievement. Not only is it long (I don't know how long, I was too busy having fun) but it is also deep and detailed, with many different gameplay systems to explore. Congratulations to the team that put it together. I raise my professional hat to you.
One example of the attention to detail in this game: When you have lots of money but few health packs, a little message pops up reminding you that perhaps you should spend some of the former to buy the latter. Simple, helpful and few other games would think of it.
If games can be art, then this is surely one of our greatest masterpieces.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
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