We previously reviewed Bioshock: The Collection on senses.se four years ago upon its release for Playstation 4 and Xbox One. This review will focus primarily on the experience of playing this steampunk classic on Nintendo Switch.
A welcome feature is that inserting the cartridge (or downloading the game digitally) provides direct access to all three games. You can choose to play Bioshock: Remastered, Bioshock 2: Remastered, or Bioshock: Infinite immediately from the home screen. I tested the physical edition, and a small update was downloaded for each title. Gameplay was available before the update, suggesting the patch addressed minor issues.
Starting in docked mode, connected to a large screen, the experience holds up remarkably well. The meticulously crafted environments and engaging narratives of all three games remain compelling. As these are the remastered versions, the visual fidelity surpasses that of the original Xbox 360 releases.
Transitioning to portable mode on the Nintendo Switch‘s smaller screen reveals some trade-offs. To optimize battery life, the console reduces processor power and resolution. Consequently, loading times become noticeably longer, and the console exhibits some performance strain. However, once loaded, gameplay generally maintains a smooth framerate.
A more significant drawback is the abundance of dark and poorly lit environments within Bioshock: The Collection. In portable mode, these areas can become difficult to navigate due to reduced visibility. In brightly lit environments or outdoors, the screen’s readability diminishes further. Additionally, the common issue of UI scaling on Switch ports persists; elements can appear excessively small and challenging to discern.
In conclusion, the Bioshock series remains highly compelling, and despite the aforementioned technical compromises, Bioshock: The Collection is a worthwhile addition to the Switch library. The ability to experience these titles on the go is a significant advantage. Consider immersing yourself in the underwater steampunk world with a good pair of headphones in a dimly lit environment, whether it be a summer cabin, a caravan, or any suitable location.
