BioShock Reviews

The weekend brings us four more perfect/near-perfect reviews of 2K Games’ BioShock. The first is at WorthPlaying where they’ve given the PC version an overall score of 9.2/10:

While not exactly perfect, Bioshock is not to be missed. From the superb visual design to the enchanting audio soundtrack, this futuristic period piece is a delight to play and accomplishes a rare feat for a video game: It leaves you with plenty of weighty existential questions to think about.

The second is at The Laser with an overall score of “A”:

Bioshock creates a world and allows you to explore its many alleys, corridors and rooms without ever feeling like you are on rails. There is a slight sense of manipulation that comes into play later on, but that only works to make the plot even more engrossing and entertaining. You are given a number of different choices throughout the game, but the key difference between Bioshock and most other mindless shooters is that you have to deal with the consequences of your actions which adds a layer of strategy and thought to your decisions that most other games on the market probably wouldn’t even consider. There are a few minor problems with the game that can be considered minor, such as the too-frequent use of vita-chambers and the sometimes oblique mission goals, but these are extremely minor complaints in what is otherwise one of the most enjoyable and innovative shooters in recent years. Bioshock is probably the best example of what games as a medium can create. Far from being a game with lots of bells and whistles that you immediately forget afterward, Bioshock’s thought-provoking backstory and brilliant design will stay with you long after you’re done playing it. This is an incredible game from any perspective, and its cohesive world, brilliant story and immersive gameplay delivers what is an absolutely unforgettable experience.

The third is at VGNZ with an overall score of 90%:

BioShock is a remarkable title that gives people another reason to own an Xbox 360. The design, story, atmosphere, graphics, sound and music all combine together seamlessly to provide an exciting and immersive FPS experience that is rarely seen on home consoles. I haven’t personally been this impressed with a single player FPS since The Chronicles of Riddick – Escape from Butcher Bay on the original Xbox. BioShock doesn’t do anything substantively new in terms of gameplay and lacks multiplayer, which in turn limits its long term appeal and replay value. However this title is indisputable proof that superior presentation, design and technical features all count for something in modern game production. If you’re a fan of FPS’ or games that involve horror or sci fi fantasy, then BioShock is compulsory playing.

And the fourth is at GamerDad with a perfect score of 5/5:

Despite the 5-star score, Bioshock is not a perfect game. There are annoyances in the interface and problems with antivirus compatibility and installation activation woes, as well as a few weak moments in the narrative. But in terms of the actual gameplay these are very minor and do little to detract from an otherwise excellent experience. It is brutal, but not very hard as shooters go, so you don’t even have to worry if your twitch gamer skills are up to snuff. Many people are calling this the best shooter since Half-Life 2 and comparins and contrasting the two. I think that is an excellent comparison because neither are particularly innovative in large terms but each delivers compelling narrative that is extremely polished and well done and changes the way you look at other games.