Now Playing…

BioShock (Xbox 360)

This game is definitely worthy of all the praise it has received, including many Game of the Year nominations from various media outlets. If I ever get around to doing a best-of-2007, it’ll be right near the top.

It’s one of the most immersive games I’ve ever played. Calling it an FPS is only partly accurate. It’s really better described as a first-person adventure along the lines of Metroid Prime. Metroid Prime with a lot more blood and profanity. BioShock is violent and twisted, but in a non-Grand Theft Auto sort of way, if that makes any sense. Not recommended for children, but most kids probably wouldn’t find it all that appealing anyway.

Visually, BioShock has a level of polish and detail rarely achieved in games today. Rushing water, metallic hallways and open, dancing flames all look amazingly real. I find myself checking every nook and cranny of Rapture, the game’s underwater city setting, just to fully take in the dilapidated and crumbling environment.

As tight as it looks, it sounds even better. Whether it’s the psychotic ramblings of a native “splicer” or the bone-rattling footsteps and guttural moans of an approaching “Bid Daddy,” the sound ties the entire package together and brings the dank halls of Rapture to unsettling life. The voice acting is superior, as well.

The great graphics and sound are cohesive elements in support of the game’s true focal point: the story. It’s compelling and requires you to make some tough decisions. I can’t wait to see how it draws to a close.

Me and a hundred other critics can’t be wrong… right? If you own a 360, get BioShock. It’s one of the best Xbox 360 games available, and I haven’t even finished it yet. A rare, one-of-a-kind, fully realized gaming experience.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 9:35 pm and is filed under Now Playing.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


3 Responses to “Now Playing…”

  1. 1
    Motoi Says:

    So I was going to get COD4, or Assassin’s Creed, but you’re saying that BioShock is the way to go huh.

    January 11th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
  2. 2
    Timmy 2x4 Says:

    Mo, I haven’t played Assassin’s Creed yet, but critics seem to be divided on it. Some think it’s great, others say it’s kind of boring.

    You definitely can’t go wrong with COD4. A couple other friends of mine have it and love it. I played the first couple levels and must say it was outstanding, but I think BioShock is better. Depends what you’re looking for I guess, but I think you’d be very happy with either. Or both. Thanks for the comment.

    January 13th, 2008 at 2:07 am
  3. 3
    Dave Says:

    i’ve been playing BioShock, too the last couple of days. and while it is amazing from a design standpoint, i have not been blown away with the game play. not the biggest fan of: “find the keycard and then backtrack for 20mins…” and, I don’t find the fighting/shooting controls to be outstanding, but I think I was completely spoiled by COD4. the action in COD4 is just so propulsive, constantly moving forward. again, both games are phenomenal!

    and now, having just purchased Rock Band, I couldn’t be more in unadulterated love with my 360!

    January 15th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

Leave a Reply