For those unfamiliar with the Bioshock series, its impact on the gaming landscape is undeniable. However, even if you haven’t experienced it firsthand, this collection offers an excellent opportunity to delve into its unique world.
Who’s your (Big) Daddy?
The Bioshock trilogy, a spiritual successor to the 90s classic System Shock, presents a compelling blend of sci-fi and FPS gameplay. Ken Levine, the creative force behind the games at 2K Games, draws inspiration from literary figures such as Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged), a key proponent of objectivism, and George Orwell, whose works 1984 and Animal Farm offer enduringly relevant perspectives on surveillance societies and communism.
To preserve the narrative impact of the Bioshock games, it’s best to approach them with minimal prior knowledge. In essence: Bioshock (2007) is set in the 1960s, within Rapture (a deliberate biblical allusion), a dystopian underwater city plagued by failed ambitions, vulnerable Little Sisters, protective Big Daddies, and intricate megalomania. Bioshock 2 (2010) unfolds eight years after the original, again in Rapture. This time, players assume the role of a Big Daddy, exploring areas both within the city and in the surrounding ocean. They can interact with Little Sisters in new ways – harvesting them for ADAM (a unique energy source) or utilizing them as helpers to gather ADAM from corpses, which necessitates defending them from Splicer enemies. Finally, Bioshock Infinite (2013) transports players to 1912 and the airborne city of Columbia, where they must rescue Elizabeth and contend with unpredictable space-time anomalies.
Columbia (Bioshock Infinite) is a beautiful and dangerous place.
Experienced FPS players will find the gameplay mechanics of the Bioshock series immediately familiar. The games emphasize exploration and stealth, while also providing ample opportunities for direct combat. Intriguing plot twists further incentivize continued play, driving players to uncover more of the story. For those with an interest in philosophical themes, the literary references mentioned earlier enhance the experience, providing approximately 30 hours of engaging gameplay. This collection includes remastered versions of all three original games, as well as all previously released DLC packages, making for a comprehensive and worthwhile experience.
The Bioshock games feature generally strong and aesthetically driven graphics. However, the enhanced Unreal 2.5 engine, while an industry standard until roughly 2014 (and used as early as the PS2/Xbox era), does show its age. While lighting effects and color palettes remain appealing, textures and details on materials and water appear somewhat rudimentary. The 3D environments can sometimes exhibit a cardboard-like quality, even in the visually refined Bioshock Infinite (2013). The games’ origins on earlier console generations are apparent. On the positive side, the PS4’s processing power facilitates a consistently smooth 60 fps frame rate at 1080p resolution (generally maintained, with occasional V-sync activation during graphically intensive scenes). The inability to fully maximize a nearly 15-year-old engine may raise questions. Some editorial staff noted that the Xbox One version exhibited superior visual fidelity in certain lighting and details, suggesting a potential rendering anomaly that could be addressed with future updates on the PS4. The available resources should certainly allow for it.
The lift in graphics is significant on next-gen, even though you’ve actually polished the same old engine.
In contrast, the audio design feels contemporary and well-balanced on consoles. This is in contrast to the PC version, which at the time of this review, appears to be downmixed to stereo. The soundscape is immersive and rich, particularly when experienced with a 5.1 surround sound system or headphones. Dialogue is clear and well-acted, while the meticulously crafted sound effects effectively draw players into the game’s unsettling yet captivating world. Radios and audio logs (“voxophones”) accurately replicate the characteristics of vintage analog recordings, lending Bioshock a sonic atmosphere reminiscent of Fallout‘s compelling dystopian setting. A subtle increase in LFE (bass) would have further enhanced the overall impact. A noteworthy addition for returning players is the inclusion of Ken Levine’s commentary track, offering insights and reflections (available only during the original Bioshock).
The controls are straightforward and intuitive, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience. Instances of frustration are rare and typically not attributable to poor game design. The difficulty level strikes a balance between action sequences and puzzles, with adjustable settings to accommodate individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Bioshock games have achieved modern classic status and represent essential gaming experiences. As an FPS, it shares more in common with Dishonored than titles such as Call of Duty, offering intellectual depth, emotional resonance, and engaging gameplay. For those who enjoyed the original releases, this collection provides a significant upgrade with its improved frame rate and Full HD graphics (Bioshock Infinite arguably strained the PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware in 2013 during the transition to the next generation). The collection’s price is reasonable, considering the inclusion of three high-quality games, all DLC, and enhanced visuals. While the presentation reveals the passage of time since the original game’s release, the Bioshock Collection remains a compelling experience. Although it may not be the most visually advanced FPS available today, its overall quality places it among the best. One can only speculate if a VR adaptation will be possible in the future. The gameplay and atmospheric settings of Bioshock would be perfect.
Footnote: For PC users: If you own the original Bioshock releases, you are eligible for a free HD remaster. Consult the 2K Games website for further details.
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