izigame.me

BioShock™ Remastered is an excellent game. A game that was well known, well respected and rivalled many games back in the day (talking mainly about the original since this is the remastered version). I love Bioshock with all my heart. Rapture. Big Daddy's. Little Sisters. Plasmids. The Lore. It is all... amazing.
I have waited about 7 years to return to BioShock™ Remastered because of 2Ks neglect. What do I mean by this? Well, below I will explain but first, a quick disclaimer!
This review is MY opinion, MY own personal experience and MY thoughts. I am brutally honest when it comes to reviewing games. If you do not like my opinion, my time or respect my personal experience, please move on.

Why It took me 7 years

So, to get straight to the point - 2K's neglect. On the 25th of November 2K has finally removed their, extremely bad, stupidly un-optimised and NOT NEEDED launcher from some games. Bioshock 2 Remastered is one of these games. Here is a link to the thread for you to see: https://steamcommunity.com/app/409710/eventcomments/4634862385195199455
Now, you may have noticed they locked the thread. Why? you might ask. Well, they were aware of issues that plagued their games for years. These issues were caused BY the 2K launcher, and nothing else but yet 2K did not care. If you want proof of this here is a Steam thread posted 3rd September 2022:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/409710/eventcomments/3425571923627175031
It took them 2 years to actually do ANYTHING. A disgusting show from a company that was once worshipped by many in terms of game quality and excellence in video-game story's. Now 2K has been reduced to nothing. Dust. A lingering remnant at the back of your head. Nothing but a fading memory. All you will remember when you hear "2K" is how they treated us for years. How they released "NEW" games in states that would cripple their own company.
Well, that is why it took me so long to return to, probably my favourite video-game of all time. Now, to tell you why it's my favourite video-game of all time below!

"We all make choices. But in the end, our choices make us"


Pros

⚫Bioshock (or BioShock™ Remastered) came with improved graphics. Better, crisper, SHARPER textures which was sorely needed. The entire lighting effect system was improved and this is reflected on all the lights in Rapture and the stunning monuments below the sea. Reflections got improved, as shown via the water (we are undersea after all) and glass reflections are also improved.
⚫The Audio is done to perfection. Don't move, turn your volume up (or not) and you can hear every footstep, every single drop of water (well, don't be daft about this), the creaking broken doors, electricity sparking off of broken panels, the crackling of fire and don't forget about the slow T H U M P I N G of a big Daddy about to show you why you don't touch his Little Sister.
⚫The Atmosphere of Bioshock is astounding. The gloom, the shadows, the creepy noises and sense of unease of "what's going on" "where am I"... all add's to the Immersion.
⚫BioShock™ Remastered also comes with all DLC and extra bonus content like the developer commentary and concept art. Who doesn't love a nice bit of concept art! Not only is this amazing for new players as it shows lore and explains a lot about Rapture and its citizens.
⚫The combat has been greatly "revamped" for the modern player. (well, it's 2024 now so again, it's slightly dated once more). They made it easier to access your Plasmids and weapons. The controls are much better. Everything is smoother compared to the original.
⚫Rapture. Do I need to say anything else? Well, If I do here - It's under the sea. An entire civilisation. Full of gorgeous locations with big bright neon lights. Glass windows the size of a building overlooking the sea where you can watch whales swim by, or a Big Daddy do his work below on the pipes. The mesmerising lore... so much could be said... experience it yourself!!!
⚫The Enemies. We all know that one Pesky little Splicer, yeah, that one. Just how expertly designed these "enemies" are blew me away. I know they are just "humans" or, better yet, "Plasmid Junkies" but the design was so good. Then you have the Big Daddy, which was Foe to be reckoned with. Standing there, in his big suit with a drill the size of his own suit on his hand and the noise he makes... how eerily atmospheric it was coming across him. Then you have the Little Sisters, who, at first glance look all innocent and sweet until you see one with a needle harvesting Adam, but for some reason... you still want to protect them.
⚫Andrew Ryan. Who is this? Let me give you a one liner - "Would - You - Kindly". Words that will forever stick with me.
⚫The Plasmids. Incinerate!, which sets people on fire, sets oil ablaze and melts ice. Winter Blast, which freezes enemies solid with a cool effect and it puts out fires. Electro bolt, which electrocutes your enemies, opens up doors that need power and shocks water. These are the basic plasmids... but if you want more OOMF - HYPNOTIZE BIG DADDY. Yes, you read that right.
⚫As of 25th November 2024 onward - there seems to be no more suttering, FPS drops, crashing e.t.c since they removed the 2K launcher. (for me anyway)

Cons

⚫Game still has some bugs. Hey, its old ok.
⚫AI a bit predictable.
⚫Sometimes the gameplay loop gets a tad - repetitive. Run around, loot. Repeat.

My Verdict

Sorry, I got lost in the world of Rapture and Bioshock writing this review. BioShock™ Remastered is one of the greatest video-games of all time. A masterpiece. The Remaster only brings that "masterpiece" back to life for new and returning players. For me, I felt so nostalgic returning to this gorgeous, expertly written story!
What will you do? Explore Rapture? Save as many Little Sisters as you can? or will you crumble under the weight of the sea and be controlled by Andrew Ryan forever? The choice is yours.

"A man chooses. A Slave obeys"


10/10. A world brimming with potential to be had!