BioShock is a FPS/RPG hybrid that takes place in an underwater dystopia, formerly a utopia, called Rapture. The city was designed perfectly for the game, and feels like a living and breathing place with its own history around every corner. If you want more history on the game, go read it elsewhere. In my opinion, the story is best to experience for yourself. Don’t spoil it.

Graphics/Level Design - 9.5/10

It is important to note that the game runs on Unreal Engine 3 (the same engine as Gears of War). It is absolutely gorgeous. The elemental effects are all top-notch, and even small items are given a great attention to detail. Still, texture depth is very hit-miss with some textures appearing very flat, which looks horrible against well placed textures. Framerate is locked at 30 fps, and in my experiences was incredibly stable. I only ever felt a hitch in the action 2 times in 2 full playthroughs. For more hardcore gamers that want a faster frame-rate, there is an option to turn off V-Sync. I didn’t try it, though. The game played more than smoothly at 30fps.

The level design is the best I’ve ever seen in a video game. Every environment feels unique, and each corner is riddled with details that make it the most fleshed out environment in the history of video games.

Sound - 10/10

I decided to get my surround sound set back up just for this game. It was worth it. Every noise sounds very real and very natural. The entire time you can hear the creaks of the pipes and the overall sounds of being underwater all in perfect Dolby 5.1. Brilliant.

Story - 10/10

In my opinion, the greatest story ever told in a video game. It isn’t so much an in-your-face “here is the story” presentation, but the level of depth that was put into making understanding the plot an option, not a requirement. If you’re an completionist that wants to understand everything, you’ll search out all 122 Audio Diaries and piece them together to understand exactly what happened in this world. I felt I had no questions left. The biggest problem I had with the story was the incredibly short and somewhat cliche endings (yes, there are two endings based on one specific choice you make during the game).

Gameplay - 9.5/10

Everything from switching weapons, to using plasmids (genetic “magic” powers), to interacting with the environment is absolutely top-notch. Nothing is ever confusing and everything is intuitive. My one complaint about the gameplay is that the game is way too easy. Even on Hard, I rarely died. A little more time spent balancing risk/reward would have gone a long way in increasing the replayability (on my 3rd time, now). The adventure clocks in at a respectable 15-20 hours. Searching every nook and cranny can make it considerably more.

Overall - 9.6/10

BioShock is Game of the Year material, and more than likely will be touted as one of the greatest games of all time. It is truly a piece of video gaming history and is a must-buy.