Game Stooge

Exploring the Bioshock Demo

• Scribbled on August 20th, 2007 by ChunkyMonkey
• Filed in Editorial Content, Game Demos, Microsoft Xbox 360, New Release(s), Shooter

Having had a chance to play the Bioshock demo over the past couple of days, I wanted to discuss this ambitious, chilling FPS. From the haunting atmosphere to the innovative plasmid/weapon combat style, this is a game that will definitely be a hot seller this fall season.

When I first saw this game, I was less than enthusiastic about picking up another FPS F.E.A.R look-alike. Action-Horror games like F.E.A.R need to feel “just right”. They need to be balanced with just the right amount of player freedom. Too little and the player feels detached from the game; too much and the player can choose to ignore the scares. F.E.AR. struck the balance just right. It was one of the better games I had played in a long time.

So, I was highly skeptical about Bioshock came out and didn’t really catch on to what made it truly unique.

When 2K announced that a playable demo was available last week, I thought I owed it atleast a reluctant download. Well, I am glad I did because I got to tell ya, Bioshock does not dissapoint.

From the first scene on, the audience is completely pulled into the game. After a catastrophic plane crash, the player is invited to descend into Rapture - an underwater city where only man’s creativity bounds him. Even before you step out of the bathysphere, you realize that something(or someone?) has shattered this vision of a subterranean utopia.

The graphics are really generous - very expressive when it comes to lighting. The tones are dark at the right times. Combined with the creepy 1950’s music and distorted dialogue, this game scores high when it comes to building mood and atmosphere.

The innovation of this game, of course, is the concept of possessing biologically enhancing powerups - also known as plasmids - to take down your enemies in style. In addition to the regular array of weapons, you can inject yourself to take advantage of various powers to take care of your foes. Burn them, freeze them, shock them… it’s totally up to you. Switching between weapon and plasmid cannot be simpler. This way, you can mix up plasmids with your weapon for some really enjoyable Splicer encounters.

I think it’s fair to say that no matter what you like Bioshock for, this game is going to make XBox 360 owners out there very happy when it comes out on August 21st.