BioShock: The Collection – An Overall Comparison

For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of the BioShock games. The first one brought so much awe in the form of Rapture. The final instalment in the series gave us an incredible story. So, when I discovered that they were bringing out a remastered collection, I was the first to jump on that train. However, this is not your typical review. Since these games have been out for a while now, it would seem futile. Instead, this is a look into my thoughts about each of the games and what the remastered versions really brought to the table. Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

BioShock – Welcome to Rapture

Yes, we all know it. That infamous scene when you first descend into the depths of the ocean to find a grand city beneath the waves. I remember being awe-struck the first time I played it. Exploring this magnificent city unlike anything I’d seen in a video game before. It worked so beautifully. I tell you something, nothing beats that first time experience. But, when I stepped into that lighthouse this time, I knew what I was expecting. What I didn’t know is if the feeling would be the same.

Sometimes, games just get it right. And, man, does BioShock get it right. It doesn’t matter how many times I descend into Rapture, I still get the chills. This time, the excitement came from knowing what was going to happen. Using the array of Plasmids available; fighting your first Big Daddy; discovering who Atlas really is. BioShock knows how to creep you out and still let you kick some serious butt.

The remastered version really is just meant to enhance this experience. Honestly, there isn’t much of a difference. I am playing this on PS4 and other than a few audio issues every now and again, it hasn’t felt much different. The graphics look pretty good. You can see there are cleaner edges and the lighting is different. But, other than that, it’s nothing spectacular. For me, this is more about experiencing BioShock all over again. And, I have to say, I still love it.

BioShock 2 – Big Daddy vs Big Sister

I must confess, I never played BioShock 2 when it first came out. I missed the experience, and all I had ever heard was people complaining about it. So, naturally, I was put off. Could it really have been that bad? Well, now I have had a chance to play it myself, I have to say, I don’t necessarily agree with those people.

Don’t get me wrong. This game does not compare to the first one. As most people who have played the first one will tell you, it lacks that sense of wonder. Which is why I think people shunned this once more. Perhaps, it was simply the fact that this game didn’t really bring anything new to the table. The Little Sisters are the same, except this time, you are a Prototype Big Daddy trying to protect them. And, I know that a lot of people thought that this was a flawed concept. But, seriously, you get to play a Big Daddy! You get to be the one drilling people through the stomach. The power is unbelievable. So, I honestly don’t know what people were complaining about.

I still have not completed the full story, but as this game has been around for a while, I do know what happens at the end. I like the story myself, but it does seem a little predictable. BioShock 2 is nowhere near as exciting as the first. We are no longer fascinated by the wonder of Rapture, and the constant baby-sitting of the Little Sisters is tedious to say the least. I can’t say that this one is my favourite, but, I have still enjoyed playing it.

BioShock Infinite – Are you afraid of God, Booker?

I have to admit. The final game of the BioShock series definitely sits at the top with the first one. It takes the wonder of the first one but this time, forces our perception into the sky. No longer are we trapped under the ocean in Andrew Ryan’s “perfect city”. No, we are taken to Columbia, a magnificent almost heaven-like city in the sky. The reason I think this game works is because it tried to do something very different.

The overall story tries to neatly encompass all the games from the series. As if to explain why there is always a lighthouse, always a city. It is clever but perhaps for some people, too clever. It confused a lot of people as to who Comstock really was. Why was Booker really there? Why does none of this make sense?! I can’t say that I found it confusing, and if you explore the world and find most of the tape recordings, it explains so much.

This fantastical world is still such a great place to come back to. I do find the continuous stream of fighting to get a little tedious at times. And, I have still yet to find all the secrets within the game itself. The story, the graphics, everything just works for this game. It also has some of my favourite enemies including Songbird (who I have used in my logo) I don’t think I could ever be bored of playing this one considering this is my fourth time playing it.

Final Thoughts

There is still so much for me to learn about these games, and I doubt that I could ever really not love them. BioShock Infinite is possibly my favourite simply because the story is so fascinating and different to the other two. The original BioShock will always hold a special place in my heart though, simply because of the wonder that it makes me feel when I play. And, even though BioShock 2 was not the best, I still enjoy it for what it is.

I have to say that one of the best things about these games, especially the first two, is the sound. These games have phenomenal sound, from the groans of the Big Daddy to the awesome soundtrack, it just works so well.

I am looking forward to playing the Burial at Sea DLC, but first, I need to finish BioShock 2!

I would recommend to anyone who has not played the series all the way through or has never played any of the games at all. Would you kindly go pick up a copy?