"Bioshock 1 Remastered" A Lesson in Atmosphere
I think I have just played one of the most wonderful games I have ever encountered in quite some time. Despite being released in 2007, Bioshock 1 has aged incredibly well, and should be a case study to any future developers on how to properly craft atmosphere when creating a game.
What really makes the environment in this world come to life are the sound effects. Whoever the music director was on this game was needs a raise, because even from the very start players are constantly unsettled. From the way the entire game takes place underwater to the dark lighting with creepy splicers strewn about one does never feel safe playing this game. For example, the save sound even is loud and imposing, which juxtaposes perfectly with the quieter disconcerting background noise all to create this environment that is devoid of any peace.
In addition, this atmosphere blends in wonderfully with a story that leaves players constantly gnawing at the bit for more information. From this mysterious Fontaine, to all the audio clips left scattered throughout the map the player feels like they are uncovering the mystery of Rapture and its downfall.
In combination with an expansive map that has characters craving to explore every inch and this game really nails how to make a good story game. Its almost as if every piece fell in line to create a game that is almost perfect, especially the combat system, which I love for its plethora of its abilities and styles of fighting. From seeing ones weapons be built out with weapon upgrades, or being able to catch 5 splicers on fire, there's a playstyle for everyone in this game.
However, when it comes to long races how you finish is the most important part, and sadly Bioshock starts to fall apart by that point. While the environment and the story are top notch, showcasing Big Daddy facilities and daycares that really uncover the hideous backside of Rapture, its best features don't show up. By the time the player is 75% through the game the sound becomes basically non-existent, with no sort of music to provide a backdrop. Although, in their defense once the player becomes much stronger the game becomes much less scary, but even then a different kind of triumphant music could have been played to empower the player.
Not to mention, basically all enemies become bullet sponges near the end, and spamming first aid kit refills basically becomes mandatory to survive without going at a snails pace. Other than the chemical spray and the grenade launcher nothing really touches the crossbow by the endgame and it made quick work of the final boss making the (good) ending cute but a little anticlimactic. On a side note the same thing can be applied to hacking, by the time you get to the hardest hacks you basically want to use autohacks constantly because of how repetitive the process becomes.
Final Score: 90/100
Overall, despite all its flaws, its strengths shine through like a beacon of hope. As someone who has held off playing this series for quite some time I am thoroughly impressed by how well put together this game is. It really is a work of love and even though it may not be as large or as open world as more modern games it can still go toe to toe with them easily just because of the complete package it provides. I cannot stress enough how well put this game is and would recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toes into a single player shooter.
In addition, this atmosphere blends in wonderfully with a story that leaves players constantly gnawing at the bit for more information. From this mysterious Fontaine, to all the audio clips left scattered throughout the map the player feels like they are uncovering the mystery of Rapture and its downfall.
In combination with an expansive map that has characters craving to explore every inch and this game really nails how to make a good story game. Its almost as if every piece fell in line to create a game that is almost perfect, especially the combat system, which I love for its plethora of its abilities and styles of fighting. From seeing ones weapons be built out with weapon upgrades, or being able to catch 5 splicers on fire, there's a playstyle for everyone in this game.
However, when it comes to long races how you finish is the most important part, and sadly Bioshock starts to fall apart by that point. While the environment and the story are top notch, showcasing Big Daddy facilities and daycares that really uncover the hideous backside of Rapture, its best features don't show up. By the time the player is 75% through the game the sound becomes basically non-existent, with no sort of music to provide a backdrop. Although, in their defense once the player becomes much stronger the game becomes much less scary, but even then a different kind of triumphant music could have been played to empower the player.
Not to mention, basically all enemies become bullet sponges near the end, and spamming first aid kit refills basically becomes mandatory to survive without going at a snails pace. Other than the chemical spray and the grenade launcher nothing really touches the crossbow by the endgame and it made quick work of the final boss making the (good) ending cute but a little anticlimactic. On a side note the same thing can be applied to hacking, by the time you get to the hardest hacks you basically want to use autohacks constantly because of how repetitive the process becomes.
Final Score: 90/100
Overall, despite all its flaws, its strengths shine through like a beacon of hope. As someone who has held off playing this series for quite some time I am thoroughly impressed by how well put together this game is. It really is a work of love and even though it may not be as large or as open world as more modern games it can still go toe to toe with them easily just because of the complete package it provides. I cannot stress enough how well put this game is and would recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toes into a single player shooter.
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