I’m not a big fan of first-person shooters (FPS). I played Doom and Goldeneye growing up but those were the only exceptions. However, Bioshock, created by Irrational Games, is one of few games that have given a wider look at the genre. For this review I will be covering the PS3 versions of Bioshock.

The story follows a plane crash survivor named Jack, who is stranded in a hidden underwater city called Rapture. This sprawling metropolis is no paradise, filled with deranged and genetically altered residents ready to kill at a moment’s notice. In order to survive the horrors of Rapture Jack will have to adapt to survive by any means necessary while discovering the history of the fallen city.

Bioshock plays around with a lot of interesting ideas. There are minimal cut scenes; most of the story is actually told through audio logs you find scattered about and radio conversations with the few sane people you encounter. This is good for people who want the action to keep going constantly.

The gun combat uses a variety of conventional firearms and scientific powers known as plasmids. Guns (pistol, machine gun, shotgun, etc) act as your main offensive, letting you mow down your foes with ease (a wrench is available for close quarters melee). Plasmids give you the power to control several elementals (electricity, fire, ice, etc.), each with their own attributes. For example, electricity stuns opponents making them more vulnerable to gunfire; and fire can slowly burn foes down, causing chaos and possibly setting off a combustible chain reaction.

To get the best out of the combat system you must be willing to experiment with different guns and plasmids combinations. Exploration and planning ahead is also vital to survival. Looting empty rooms and corpses yield steady rewards and planning your attack will give you the drop on your foes. There are vending machines of varying types scattered about which allow you stock up on supplies or upgrade certain abilities (provided you’ve got the cash). Hacking is another big game mechanic. You can hack hostile security bots, turrets and even security cameras. You’ll have to play a pipe matching mini game to successfully hack something; a nice little distraction from the main campaign.

You’ll need your abilities and your wits about you to face the dangers that walk the lonely halls of Rapture. The psychotic residents, “Splicers”, range from thuggish bullies and trigger happy fiends, to genetically altered freaks. They are the most common enemies found, along with hostile security bots and turrets. The most dangerous enemies in the game are the Big Daddies, juggernauts in armored diving suits outfitted with heavy weaponry. These beings serve as mini bosses and protect Little Sisters, genetically altered little girls who contain ADAM, a secondary currency. ADAM is the only currency that allows you to upgrade your plasmids or purchase new ones from a specific vending machine type; getting it is a must to level your plasmids up. Ironically, in a twist that deviates from a normal FPS, Big Daddies will not attack you unless provoked. This gives you time to prepare for the fight, but it’s the only freebie you’ll get.

I only have a few complaints. Though Bid Daddy’s are technically mini bosses, other types of boss fights with crazed residents are very few and far in-between. I wish there could have been more because their deranged personalities usually led to interesting story elements. There is also one particular escort mission late in the game that is very tedious and annoying. Luckily it’s one section of an entire level, so it won’t cause too much frustration.

As much as I like the combat and story, the game would be nothing without its unique setting. Rapture is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever had the pleasure of exploring in a game. The city itself is massive and expansive; filled with skyscrapers, atriums, high rises, stations and pavilions; all connected through tunnels and walkways. The game has a distinctive 1940s feel, from the art deco design of the buildings to the music you’ll find playing on an old abandoned turn table. Every detail of the city points to a true downfall of the metropolis, with decaying relics left over for evidence, and enough water to remind you that you’re trapped under the ocean. Uniquely enough the setting demands that you be faced with some morally questionable decisions in the game. I won’t spoil anything, but the twisted nature of Rapture’s society will ask you some hard questions from time to time. Rapture, for all its society’s flaws, would put Atlantis to shame.

Bioshock was a breath of fresh air in the FPS genre. With twisted and unconventional storytelling, a fresh combat system and even fresher setting, you have a great game on your hands. Though my description of the world of Bioshock might be vague at best I don’t want to ruin anything. If you’re curious and want answers would you kindly try the game out for yourself? You won’t be disappointed.