Xbox 360
In 2007 a game came out that redefined storytelling within a FPS game. Bioshock with its complex story, inspired by objectivist philosophy and the writings of Rand (Atlas Shrugged) was a masterpiece, and rightly won more than 50 game of the year awards. It sold 2.5 Million copies, so if you haven’t played it yet, do so.
It is however Rapture's philosophy, is built on the premise of individualism and capitalism; a cloistered paradise full of creative minds, however without laws the dwellers of Rapture turn into paranoiacs, murderers and mutants, and subsequent civil war. As such, Rapture can be described politically as an anarcho-capitalist entity, which is fascinating to understand and play within.
It was not just plot that made Bioshock. The art work of a 1940s art deco underwater city, Rapture, was incredible, and the depth of the story they included within the city itself. To appreciate you have to be the kind of gamer who reads every piece of graffiti on the walls and collects every audio diary available, not to achievement or trophy whore but to understand the game. However the game engages you on all levels, it crosses a First Person Shooter, with a Survival Horror and an epic storyline, and whilst it is recommended to explore every inch of the city, the game can be enjoyed at a more superficial level.
Bioshock 2 (estimated release February 2009) is the next instalment of this epic story, set approximately ten years after the original, the halls of Rapture continue to echo the sins of the past (little sisters and Adam collecting). On top of this, little girls are being snatched by a “monster” along the Atlantic coast and bringing them into Rapture. Travelling through this beautiful but decrepit city as a big daddy (the iconic symbol in the first game) you try and uncover the truth of what is going on, and discover new and more powerful enemies.
Unlike the first game, Bioshock 2 has created an online multiplayer community, which expands game making the game more assessable to those who enjoy games like Modern Warfare 2. Multiplayer is a rich prequel experience, set during the civil war and fall of Rapture where players assume the role of a plasmid test subject. This is exciting as it transforms the Bioshock franchise into a unique multiplayer experience.
The game play has changed as well, with the ability to use plasmids and wield weapons, as opposed to having to drop, swap and attack, making Bioshock 2 an evolutionary game that explored the abilities of genetically enhanced shooter. This of course allows for many combinations of attacking.
These are all exciting changes to a franchise that already expanded the first person genre and Bioshock 2 looks set to create the perfect blend of explosive first person shooter combat, compelling storytelling, and intense multiplayer action.