Do you think Bioshock deserved all the critical acclaim it received?

[McGee]

Bioshock 1 has a 96 on metacritic. I believe that makes it the 5th Best Videogame ever (according to there ratings). As you know many reviewers gave it 10/10, and thought it was GOTY worthy.

Now I want to ask you? Do you agree? Forget about Rapture, and your love for it. Think, long and hard about the issues, and think of the score it TRULY deserved?

For example I can name a few...

-Splicer Skins being receycled for characters like Tannenbaum, Atlas, Steinman, etc...
-Not a great amount of splicers (not enough classes basically)
-Some glitches, and texture issues
-The 2nd Half of the game is not even COMPARABLE to the 1st half
-The final boss fight was generic, as generic can be
-Both endings felt really lackluster
-Rescuing, or Harvesting Little Sisters didn't really feel to have that MUCH of a effect on the story.

So, basically in a way do you think Bioshock 1 deserved alot of those perfect scores? Personally, I would rate it a 8/10. It's a great game, but I felt the 2nd half really weighed the overall game down.

Please vote on the poll

Thanks

[Adam Addict L]

1.Of course splicer skins were recycled,it was a new game and they were just trying things out,they probably didn't want to go out of the way to give EVERYONE in Bioshock their own unique skin in case Bioshock 1 failed

2. I thought there was plenty of splicer

4 and 5(I'm ignorning 3 cause it seems like a small issue to me): I liked the 2nd half of the game and I liked the final boss fight

6 and 7: I thought Bioshock 1 had pretty good endings,I thought your actions affected things alot...if you're evil and harvest the sisters,you get more ADAM per sister,but Tenenbaum makes you feel like a heel,you don't get the extra ADAM from Tenenbaum and you don't get the Hypnotize BD plasmid,and you end up attacking the surface. Or if you're good,Tenenbaum praises you and gives you gifts and you end up taking the sisters tp the surface so they can have real lives

So yes,I DO think Bioshock 1 is worthy of any and all praise that it gets

Also...I LOVE Rapture so forgetting it is NOT an option

[Gin Ichimaru]

Hell yes it was perfect exept for the splicer skin (why Dr Stimin why couldnt you have been buitaful)

[Brass Balls]

Ending being worse than the rest of the game aside, all of its flaws only really stuck out after repeated play throughs. There's a lot of criticisms I could give this game now. But it probably changed me as a gamer more than anything else. It single handedly, for better worse, for me back into the medium. I still say it's one of the best games ever created, and probably takes the cake for me in terms of atmosphere/story/characters. But it can definitely be improved upon. I'd say a 10/10 isn't unjust, but I'd say more 9.5.

[Invader]

I thought it was an amazing game. None other like it... except for, well... BioShock 2.


The endings could have been better, though. Ken said that 2K forced him into those endings.

[Archvile78]

Bioshock was and is still amazing, it did immersed me a LOT. I cannot say the same for Bioshock 2, don't get me wrong its a great sequel but it doesn't quite surpass the first Bioshock in my opinion.

[mrgrimmykins]

i think it did it made me fall in love again with ps3 and also made my faith reinstated that game developers can actually make great games still. The atmosphere the first time playing is just wonderful makes you feel scared and like your actually there. The plasmid and tonic stuff was pretty smart idea if you ask me. This is a game that will age well

[Mlle_Blanche]

Hell Yes, I can honestly say a video game has never evoked such strong emotions from me.

[Adam Addict L]

*Wonders who some of the 6 middle option voters are* you people do realize this is about Bioshock ONE and not 2,right? *looks around*

[Big Bad Sister]

*Wonders who some of the 6 middle option voters are* you people do realize this is about Bioshock ONE and not 2,right? *looks around*

Um ... yeah, so what about it? Your point being ...?

[ManicSheep]

No, it’s not a game I would give 10 /10 but I don’t think there is any game I would give that score.

Don’t get me wrong bioshock is a great game but it’s hardly perfect. I encountered a number of glitches, (tho I have never got thru a game without hitting a glitch, Its just one of those things) then there’s the physics issues and while the first half of the game was awesome the second half...not so much.
In my personal opinion the combat was clunky and thuggish (which is a huge issue for me, it’s why I don’t replay the 1st game very often) the boss fight was horrible, it could have used a higher difficulty setting and the endings weren’t really all that satisfactory.
It makes up for this tho in its story, characters, atmosphere and aesthetics and thats why I love the game but it's not 10/10 worthy.

I would give bioshock an 8.5/10 rating but I’m not exactly an expert.

[JerrodDRagon]

Bio Shocks World its self is amazing, it feels much different than most games I have played. The first one is has some problems (like its being not long enough) but for 20 bucks the game is worth every penny and more. The first games has story the second gas MUCH more content.

[Big Bad Sister]

I give the first BioShock 9/10 as a rating, not 10/10.

[Kyburz]

Bioshock 1 has a 96 on metacritic. I believe that makes it the 5th Best Videogame ever (according to there ratings). As you know many reviewers gave it 10/10, and thought it was GOTY worthy.

Now I want to ask you? Do you agree? Forget about Rapture, and your love for it. Think, long and hard about the issues, and think of the score it TRULY deserved?

For example I can name a few...

-Splicer Skins being receycled for characters like Tannenbaum, Atlas, Steinman, etc...
-Not a great amount of splicers (not enough classes basically)
-Some glitches, and texture issues
-The 2nd Half of the game is not even COMPARABLE to the 1st half
-The final boss fight was generic, as generic can be
-Both endings felt really lackluster
-Rescuing, or Harvesting Little Sisters didn't really feel to have that MUCH of a effect on the story.

So, basically in a way do you think Bioshock 1 deserved alot of those perfect scores? Personally, I would rate it a 8/10. It's a great game, but I felt the 2nd half really weighed the overall game down.

Please vote on the poll

Thanks

Those are all legitimate beefs (though technically it was the final 1/3rd of the game rather than the final half that was lackluster). I would add my biggest beef to the list too: WAY too much ammo. Medical Pavillion is I think the perfect level in terms of gameplay because you feel somewhat limited in your gameplay options, it makes things way more tense and exciting. If only the rest of the game could have been like that. Bioshock 2 is a bit better in this regard.

But all of that said, it totally deserved a 10/10, if not higher.

[envoyofnature]

Hell yes bioshock deserves a 10/10.

Before bioshock there was no game other than zelda that i was obsessed with but when i played bioshock the storyline almost brought me tears thats how good it was. There is nothing in bioshock 1 that i have any beef with. To me bioshock is the perfect game, and will always be the perfect game. Honestly bioshock has the BEST dialogue out of any game i have played

The mechanics aren't bad in the game ether, i loved the fighting in the game and the original ideas of plasmids and tonics still fascinate.

And honestly the graphics for bioshock are pretty da*n good. made in 2007 and the graphics are that good!!!!!

There is no character in any game ever that invokes as much emotion as half the characters in rapture.

You may be able to pick out little things but i say none of those flaws distracted me

10/10

[Trie215]

Of course it wasn't perfect, and scores are not everything. Its a good indicator, but not the end all of the "greatness" of a videogame.

For me, it's a game that has left a huge impact on me, and one of the first games to really show me that games could transcend the limits of the medium and become a work of art. In 30 years, Bioshock will still have that same warm feeling its always given me. I'll never forget my first experience playing the game and for that, it deserves all praise it gets.

[I Would Kindly]

Yall realize that it first came out in 2007 right? Back then the graphics would've blown your mind. It was also the first next-generation console game to have multiple endings. At least, that's what I read in Guinness. XD But seriously, I felt they put enough splicers in the game. Every level had different mixtures. Like how medical was the only level to have nurses. And how Fort Frolic had zero leadhead splicers. So yes, it's a 10/10. Especially the PS3 version, Survivor mode was awesome!

[temporaryplaceholder]

I personally disagree with the idea that the final half of the game was some complete quality drop. I think it could have been a bit less linear, but it was none the less something I cannot agree was poor by any reasonable standard. Beware, I'll try and justify this properly so it might be a bit too artsy and most definitely lengthy.

The final half was merely a different style that gamers not used to, and of course in turn resentful to. Less action and boss fights, more emotional weight and storytelling.

However, conceptually, I think this perfectly moulds to the manner in which our our expectations are shot down with the WYK plot twist. Our understanding of the story, the world, right and wrong, our enemies, and to some extent our compassion for the people (now that we are forced to view Atlas as not so ambiguous, but evil) must change, and in turn, so must the game.

In a sense it is a role-reversal. We're not the good guys swooping in to Kill off Ryan's men. We're someone who has realized these men are the victims and it is now a mission of deeper understanding into the failure of the society, and investing our time to save them. In part it answered some of our most burning questions about the Big Daddy and Little Sister program, and even allowed us to undergo that and immerse ourselves into the injustices and tragedy of these people.

But of course, that's not crazy bosses and immense fights is it? So it gets the instant "boring!" from all of you.

As for the more literal "end" rather than what people have been referencing- the "second half" or "end third"... Fontaine himself as a boss I think was perfect. A metallic, muscled, deco-style manifestation of the perfection Rapture strived for blended with the brutality it actually got and we get to destroy that! It was a perfect conclusion.

Ok, yes, the cut-scenes were short, fine, I'll give you that... but in the grand scheme of things they were really just icing on the cake. They weren't meant to be a long wrap up, just a neat goodbye. I thought they worked nicely and the "good" cutscene always pulls at my heart strings.

[Big Bad Sister]

temporaryplaceholder, excellent points!

[Shades]

Certainly! Both games are worthy of their praise.

[gary smith]

game was to easy

[gary smith]

game was to easy [/QUOTE]

[Shades]

game was to easy

That's why there's a Hard mode.

[Angel Mr B]

Absolutely. For me, (and i think i speak for most people here) The Bioshock universe is the best and deepest game universe out there! The first game was the best game experience i have ever had! Period!!! Before and after! I think everything ranging from The buildings, the story and people of Rapture, to the gameplay in both games but epecially the first game are top notch! Besides, the BS2 multiplayer is the best MP i ever played, in spite it´s flaws! That says a lot about Bioshock!!!

This is how much i love Bioshock!: I really want to move down to Rapture, marrying Barbara Jonsson and buy a nice flat! Take a job in a plasmid developing company and listen to 50th jazz music front of a fire in a nice sofa with a jolly good pipe all eavnings! /Johan

[Camaleos]

Well, since it is the best game I played, the best movie I watched in the best setting I've seen, all in one, Yes.

The only universe that can surpass the Bioshock universe, in my opinion, is the one from Star Wars. But come on, for how long does it exist, how many non-canon literature has been produced around it? It is a mature universe that is roughly 33 years old. Bioshock is 3 years old. In this case, it is impossible to compare, since there are SO many details around the whole BS universe already, despite it being so young.

[Angel Mr B]

Exactly my feelings. Wait a minute. Movie!!!!!!!!!!!! you mean the movie has already been released???

i live in Sweden, and only knew that their was supposed to be a Bioshock movie coming, but never heard that the movie had been released!! /Johan

[Shades]

Exactly my feelings. Wait a minute. Movie!!!!!!!!!!!! you mean the movie has already been released???

i live in Sweden, and only knew that their was supposed to be a Bioshock movie coming, but never heard that the movie had been released!! /Johan

Yes, a movie is supposed to be in the works.

[Camaleos]

Exactly my feelings. Wait a minute. Movie!!!!!!!!!!!! you mean the movie has already been released???

i live in Sweden, and only knew that their was supposed to be a Bioshock movie coming, but never heard that the movie had been released!! /Johan

Aw, sorry to break your expectations >.< I'm really sorry, but no, no movie has been released :b It is a manner of speaking, since there is so much story around it and it is better told than in the majority of the pictures we watch...

About the movie, I'm not sure if it's still in the works... I read somewhere they had stopped producing it because of budget issues, then I read they've taken it again... I dunno if it will be released, in fact :T

[Joshkbai]

About the movie, I'm not sure if it's still in the works... I read somewhere they had stopped producing it because of budget issues, then I read they've taken it again... I dunno if it will be released, in fact :T

There is hope yet my boy!
As of July 6th 2010 The movie is still in active development and planned for a 2013 release date. It is being directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Don't give up hope!

Back on topic. Yes, I think bioshock definitely deserved the praise it got. It's one of my favorite stories of all time. Despite its flaws I still think that the game was a visual and intellectual masterpiece that deserved every bit of recognition it got.

[Camaleos]

There is hope yet my boy!
As of July 6th 2010 The movie is still in active development and planned for a 2013 release date. It is being directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Don't give up hope!

Back on topic. Yes, I think bioshock definitely deserved the praise it got. It's one of my favorite stories of all time. Despite its flaws I still think that the game was a visual and intellectual masterpiece that deserved every bit of recognition it got.

True! I just went after the information \o/
Still, I liked the idea of Verbinski directing this movie, since he had some experience by having directed the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, which have some similarities with the Bioshock universe.
I really hope all these issues (budget issues, non-undersea filming, change of directors...) don't compromise the final result .-.

[goodgirlsgather01]

The one "beef" I do have about Bioshock was the character design. I was so amazed by the incredible level designs and how they really made the world of Rapture seem real. But once I saw the splicers, I was very disappointed with the quality of their design. I wish they could have at least smoothed things out a bit. The splicers appeared lumpy and grotesque. (I realize that sounds bad, considering they're supposed to be that way ) But The resolution of their features was HORRIBLE. They didn't fit into the well detailed world. I also wish they would have had more of a variety of splicers. And age varieties. Did you ever see an elderly person? Or an adolescent? All Rapture consisted of was twenty somethings and repulsive housewives going through mid-life crisis? I highly doubt it.

[Adam Addict L]

All Rapture consisted of was twenty somethings and repulsive housewives going through mid-life crisis? I highly doubt it.

you forgot about middle-aged doctors and gangsters,and young star/starlet wannabes

[ADAMJUNKIE]

I also wish they would have had more of a variety of splicers. And age varieties. Did you ever see an elderly person? Or an adolescent? All Rapture consisted of was twenty somethings and repulsive housewives going through mid-life crisis? I highly doubt it.

i think by the time jack arrived only the fittest were still kicking after the civil war. that would explain why there were so little age varieties. mid 20s are considered to be the prime of life by many

anyway for the OP, yes there were flaws like the ones you listed but the suspense, atmosphere and story drew me in so much that those problems seemed little more than insignificant thoughts in the back of my head.

immersion > flaws

[Vaughan]

pretty much the only one i really agree with is the boss fight. I personally didn't like it. BS2's ending sequence was better, just was more cinematic and less 20th century videogamey.

[Seasick]

I think the 2nd half wasn't as good as the first.....



Damn Code Yellow....

[TheEternalOne]

Truly an incredible game. Who knew one city could be so fascinating?

[magicman4443]

Honestly, you probably couldn't have picked a more completely biased population to survey.

That being said though, I would definitely give Bioshock a 10. Of course there are the problems. Retooling splicer skins, minor glitches, massive amounts of ammo, but I feel it's made up for by the story and the atmosphere. Besides, there hasn't been a game made ever that's absolutely perfect in every way imaginable.

[BeatlesGeorge]

I think it deserved more than it received

[Roygbiv666]

I think it deserves the praise.

What I find interesting is that most people are talking about the technical stuff (textures, plasmids, etc.) or the story (Rapture, Civil War, etc.). What was so awesome about the game (to me) was how it messed with all your expectations. Yeah, there was the big plot twist with the unreliable narrator (which was a zinger), but there was more.

The experience of Jack is the experience of people who play first-person-shooters (FPS). Generally when you play an FPS, you act like you are choosing your own actions ("I'll go left and then up those stairs instead of right"), but you're really just a slave to the game-makers - your mission is defined by others, you have to go from here to there, you won't really pass up the opportunity to collect nifty weapons and ammo, you can explore a bit but ultimately must get back on the rails and do what you're told, and you have to kill who you're told to. Hmm, sounds like Jack.

It was a great combination of elements. Even if it were 2nd best in each element, it stills adds up to a first rate game experience.

Also - cyclone trap!

[TAK The Voyager]

What kind of question is this? Of couse it did.

TAK