This review contains spoilers
Graphics: 4.5/5, Visually stunning even today, outside of the awkward bodies of many npcs. Elizabeth is the only Bioshock human who can emote.
Soundtrack: 4/5, sound design is solid as always
Combat: 3.5/5, I’m being biased and comparing the combat to Bioshock 2 which I found far more entertaining. The combat is still generally fun.
Storyline: 1/5, Frustratingly convoluted. It is simultaneously over complicated and lacks any statement whatsoever. There are two factions: one of deeply racist white nationalists, and one of freedom fighters. Somehow the game wants me to believe that both of them…are bad? The story feels like a long fetch quest that opens up worlds of possibility and never lets you explore them, instead resolving itself to baseless centrist idealism. There are obvious ways to vie for peace with the Vox Populi (gee whiz, I wonder if the head of Comstock would calm them down?) that Booker never puts effort into, instead opting to slaughter them all. The previous games also offer freedom of choice, while this one literally invites you to view INFINITE DOORS and never lets you pick a single one.
Fun: 4/5, I enjoyed fully exploring every room, combat, upgrading abilities, seeing the insane scenery, and learning about Elizabeth. I completed it after all, even if I found the storyline to be agonizingly dull and ignorant.
Soundtrack: 4/5, sound design is solid as always
Combat: 3.5/5, I’m being biased and comparing the combat to Bioshock 2 which I found far more entertaining. The combat is still generally fun.
Storyline: 1/5, Frustratingly convoluted. It is simultaneously over complicated and lacks any statement whatsoever. There are two factions: one of deeply racist white nationalists, and one of freedom fighters. Somehow the game wants me to believe that both of them…are bad? The story feels like a long fetch quest that opens up worlds of possibility and never lets you explore them, instead resolving itself to baseless centrist idealism. There are obvious ways to vie for peace with the Vox Populi (gee whiz, I wonder if the head of Comstock would calm them down?) that Booker never puts effort into, instead opting to slaughter them all. The previous games also offer freedom of choice, while this one literally invites you to view INFINITE DOORS and never lets you pick a single one.
Fun: 4/5, I enjoyed fully exploring every room, combat, upgrading abilities, seeing the insane scenery, and learning about Elizabeth. I completed it after all, even if I found the storyline to be agonizingly dull and ignorant.