one recurring element between the games is a material called ADAM. ADAM is used as a type of currency for the player to buy new Plasmids, more slots to hold additional Plasmids, gene tonics (which give the player a boost in certain areas; i.e. easier hacking) and slots to put more of them in. ADAM isn't just found lying around (that is, until Bioshock 2) so one must seek out the Little Sisters to get more. the Little Sisters are always escorted by a Big Daddy, which are like if someone were to put a small tank inside a diving suit. the player must kill the Big Daddy to get to the Sister, which they can either choose to rescue (breaking them from their trance-like state, restoring their humanity, and gaining a small amount of ADAM in the process) or harvesting them (outright killing the Sister, but gaining a larger amount of ADAM). this being said, onto the games themselves:
Bioshock
the first game in the series, taking place in 1960. the player takes on the role of Jack, a plane passenger onboard a plane flying over Rapture which crashes just outside the gates. throughout the story, it is revealed that Jack is the son of Rapture's founder Andrew Ryan. Ryan has been able to control Jack throughout the story by using the phrase "Would you kindly," even using it to commit suicide by his son. the ending of the game varies depending on how many Little Sisters the player rescued or harvested.
MY REVIEW: upon first playing the demo for this game, i was instantly hooked. i later went and picked up a copy, and was not disappointed. the game is a dark, gritty thriller from start to finish that will always have you looking around and readying your weapon at every bump in the dark. a wild ride from start to finish, but left some room for the sequel to improve on. RATING: 3.5/5
Bioshock 2
the obvious second game, taking place in 1968. this time, you play as a Big Daddy (unlike the portion in the first game, you're the real deal). but not just any Big Daddy, one of the first ones ever made, codenamed Subject Delta. this game improves on the first in many areas, one being that since you're a Big Daddy you can recruit Little Sisters to gather ADAM with you. however, you're limited to 2 gathers per Sister and can still choose to rescue or harvest them. also, you get the Big Daddy's signature weapons (the drill and rivet gun) for your own and they can be upgraded like any other weapon. additionally, you can dual wield Plasmids in one hand and a regular weapon in the other. another new addition are the new types of Big Daddies; in the beginning of the game, it is revealed that the Little Sister you see with you in the opening cutscene is actually your daughter, Eleanor Lamb. Eleanor has been kidnapped by the new ruler of Rapture, who is also her mother, Sofia Lamb. your goal is to find her before your body shuts down. like the first game, the ending depends on how many Sisters you rescued/harvested, but also whether or not you chose to kill certain characters.
MY REVIEW: after first reading about this, i knew i had to play it. the gathering sequences were a good addition (i'd have been very sad if they didn't let you gather ADAM with a Little Sister, you're a Big Daddy now!). however, my favorite part of the game was the fact that you can have your Plasmid out at the same time as your regular weapon. this made battles oh-so-much smoother, especially against the new Big Daddy breeds. much like the first this game is a wild ride, albeit somewhat of a short one. since i don't have a Gold Xbox Live subscription, i was unable to review the new multiplayer aspect but i imagine it's similar to most FPS's but with Plasmids. RATING: 4/5
Bioshock Infinite
i don't know very much about this game yet, but i do know that it takes place in the early 1900's in the city of Colombia, which floats above the United States. Infinite seems to be taking the franchise in a completely new direction, as well as adding a steampunk element to the games. i'm still skeptical on whether or not i'll be picking this one up when it comes out.
A fairly good first post, but I must point out that you don't actually describe very much. I know, you said no spoilers, but you fail to make the games sound very interesting, give much of the background (why to the players have these genetic abilities? why do they need ADAM? What the heck is ADAM anyways?), or really describe the mechanics.
ReplyDeleteYes I'm picky, deal :P
i suppose i'm not too good at reviewing things yet. :p i just need some practice is all. as to your question of why do the players have the abilities, i suppose (spare for the occasional frozen doorway that you have to thaw to advance in the game at all) one could just get by with their shotgun or whatever. as for the mechanics, i thought when i said it was a FPS, that was explanation enough because FPS's are everywhere nowadays.
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