BioShock: The Franchise

The year is 2007, and gaming magazines are raving about a computer game released on the Xbox 360 and PC. The game features a big metal humanoid machine wearing a unique, old-fashioned, ghostly diving suit on the front covers. Besides the machine, a young girl is hiding in the background. Critics give it a 10 out of 10. Some label it the game of the year. This doesn’t come as a surprise after playing and seeing the game first hand.

Fast forward to the present day, and BioShock has won numerous awards, including the 2007 BAFTA award for “Best Game.” It has had 3 games under its belt and a wave of merchandise. Forgive the puns! The BioShock franchise has gained widespread popularity. In this review, I will discuss the origins of the franchise and its future direction.

If you are already a BioShock fan, test your knowledge with our BioShock quiz here.

BioShock Game

Story and Setting

BioShock (2007), set in the 1960s, BioShock immerses players in the underwater dystopian city of Rapture. Created by its founder, Andrew Ryan. It’s a utopia free from government, religion, and morality. However, the city has descended into chaos due to the overuse of ADAM. A substance that grants superhuman abilities at the cost of sanity. The city has been sealed off by Ryan, and the main character is guided to the underwater city by Ryan’s enemy, Atlas. Throughout the game, players uncover the mysteries of Rapture, including its strange characters and corruption.

Rapture features a unique Art Deco style beauty and haunting decay. The attention to detail in the world-building creates an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The game involves several twists and turns in the storyline regarding the identities of Ryan, Atlas, the big metal monsters, the young girls (Little Sisters), and the players themselves. The game also presents players with decisions that affect the ending, so players should be careful about their moral choices.

Gameplay

BioShock combines traditional first-person shooting mechanics with stealth and strategy elements, providing players with various ways to approach and avoid enemies. Key gameplay features include:

– Firstly, Plasmids (derived from ADAM), that grants players supernatural abilities such as shooting lightning, luring and controlling enemies, and weapon combinations.

– A research camera to gather data about enemies and gain an advantage in combat.

– Hacking into automated computer systems.

– EVE conservation and replenishing and when consuming plasmids.

– Managing money, health, weapons, and ammunition.

Narrative and Themes

The narrative of BioShock delves into deep philosophical themes such as objectivism, free will, and the nature of power. The Little Sisters are exploited to harvest more ADAM, and all inhabitants of Rapture are imprisoned and unable to leave. Power is derived from authoritarian rule and control, and the use of ADAM has detrimental effects on its users. The absence of societal restrictions has led to the downfall of Rapture. The game delivers the story through audio logs, environmental storytelling, and interactions with characters, culminating in one of the most memorable twists in gaming history. The famous line, “Would you kindly?”, alters the player’s understanding of choice and control, leaving a lasting impact.

Visuals and Sound

Despite being over a decade old, BioShock’s visuals hold up remarkably well. The art direction captures the opulence and decay of Rapture perfectly with its rich colour palette and intricate design. The Art Deco style aligns with the era it represents.

The sound design is equally impressive, blending pre-1960s music with an eerie, atmospheric score. The voice acting adds depth to the rich narrative, and the villain Andrew Ryan’s character, voiced by Armin Shimerman, has received awards for his voice work, including the 2007 award for “Best Use of Sound” from IGN.

A “BioShock Remastered” version has been released with improved graphics, director’s commentary, and game visuals.

Other BioShock Games

BioShock 2: A Return to the Depths

BioShock 2 (2010) had the challenging task of following up on its predecessor. Although it doesn’t quite reach the same heights, it still offers a compelling experience. Set 8 years after the original, players step into the boots of a Big Daddy. One of the series’ most iconic and fearsome creatures. The emotional core of the story revolves around the bond between the Big Daddy and the Little Sisters. Adding a layer of poignancy to the brutal world of Rapture.

In terms of gameplay, BioShock 2 refines the mechanics of the first game. Offering smoother combat and the ability to dual-wield weapons and plasmids, making for more dynamic encounters. Some of the weapons include the Big Daddies’ rivet gun and large drill.

The multiplayer mode, while not the main attraction, provided a decent addition. It offers a glimpse into the events that led to Rapture’s downfall. Some of the games include death matches, capture the Little Sister (similar to capture the flag), and “Turf War” where you capture locations on a map. Fun right?

I don’t feel a lot has been added to the story with this release. However it has been an interesting take on seeing the relationship between the iconic Little Sisters and Big Daddy character.

BioShock Infinite: A Journey to the Sky

With BioShock Infinite (2013), the series took a bold leap—both literally and figuratively—by moving from the depths of the ocean to the floating city of Columbia. This new setting is a breathtaking contrast to Rapture, filled with sunlight, vibrant colors, and the promise of a utopia in the clouds by its founder Zachary Hale Comstock. However, beneath the surface, Columbia is plagued by its own set of horrors: racism, religious zealotry, and a violent class struggle.

The narrative in Infinite is complex and thought-provoking, tackling themes of American exceptionalism and alternate realities. The city, now having broken away from America in 1912, has a civil war brewing. The upheaval is against the self-proclaimed prophet Comstock and the Vox Populi who are against his ideologies. The protagonist Booker DeWitt, a debt-ridden disgraced detective, and Elizabeth, his AI companion set out to help the militant group.

Gameplay in Infinite is fast-paced and exhilarating, with the introduction of the Sky-Hook allowing for dynamic combat on Columbia’s skylines. The game also introduces a new set of abilities, called Vigors, that echo the plasmids of previous games, providing players with various powers such as levitating enemies and throwing flaming projectiles at them.

I have found Infinite to be an excellent game, especially with its artistically detailed steampunk settings. Most of all, I love how BioShock still allows for multiple endings depending on your moral choices. It has stayed true to the franchise, however, somewhat in mirror alternate realities!

BioShock Merchandise

The BioShock franchise has captivated gamers with its rich narratives, atmospheric worlds, and unforgettable characters. From the underwater dystopia of Rapture to the floating city of Columbia, the series has inspired a wide array of merchandise that allows fans to bring a piece of these iconic settings into their daily lives. Some of these include:

Collectible Figures and Statues

The Big Daddy and Little Sister duo is arguably the most recognizable, and there are several high-quality statues that capture their eerie yet endearing relationship. These collectibles often feature intricate details, such as the rust and wear on Big Daddy’s suit or the haunting glow in Big Daddies’ helmet and Little Sister’s eyes, making them stand out as true pieces of art. The Funko Pop versions have fewer details.

For fans of BioShock Infinite, figures of Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth are also available, showcasing the characters in dynamic poses that reflect their personalities. Boys of Silence figure from Infinite is one of the stranger detailed characters, wearing its unique sense-enhancing metal helmet.

Art Prints and Posters

The art, prints and posters range from having a minimalist designs to elaborate, detailed depictions of iconic scenes from the games. For example, there are prints of Rapture’s skyline, with its Art Deco architecture bathed in the eerie glow of underwater lighting, or a propaganda poster from Columbia, evoking the idealistic yet oppressive atmosphere of the floating city. The limited edition prints are particularly prized, often featuring hand-numbered editions or artist signatures, adding a layer of exclusivity to the ownership experience.

Apparel

T-shirts are the most common, featuring iconic logos, quotes, and imagery from the games. Some T-shirts are emblazoned with the phrase “Would You Kindly?” or a design featuring the splicer masks from Rapture — these pieces allow you to express your love for the series in a subtle yet stylish way. Beyond T-shirts, there are hoodies, jackets, and even accessories like hats and socks that incorporate BioShock elements. Some of the more unique items include clothing inspired by the characters themselves, such as vests that mimic Booker DeWitt’s outfit or blue scarves that resemble Elizabeth’s iconic accessory.

Collectors’ Editions and Special Sets: Treasures for the Ultimate Fan

These editions are often released alongside new game launches and include a variety of exclusive items that can’t be found anywhere else. For example, the BioShock Infinite Songbird Edition box included a detailed statue of the Songbird, a limited edition art book, a key chain and various in-game bonuses, making it a must-have for dedicated fans. Another one was the BioShock Limited Columbia Concept Statue, which had a limited number of 1000 produced. The collectors’ items are usually made in limited quantities, which adds to their value and appeal.

Books

For fans who want to dive deeper into the lore and development of the BioShock series, there are several books available. Titles such as “The Art of BioShock Infinite” by Ken Levine. His book provides an in-depth look at the creation of Columbia. Complete with concept art, character designs, and commentary from the developers. In addition to artbooks, there are also novels that expand on the BioShock lore. Such as “BioShock Rapture” by John Shirley, giving fans the story of the rise and fall of Rapture. These items are perfect for those who can’t get enough of the series and want to explore every corner of its rich narrative.

What’s next for the BioShock franchise?

BioShock Movie

On 15th February 2022, Netflix declared a partnership with 2K and Take-Two Interactive (the parent company of 2K) to make a BioShock movie. The film will be produced by Vertigo Entertainment, known for titles such as “It,” “The Lego Movie,” and “The Departed.” The director has been announced as Francis Lawrence, who has directed “I Am Legend,” “Constantine,” and four of the “Hunger Games” films. Also announced is the writer Michael Green, known for movie scripts such as “Blade Runner 2049” and “Logan.” It hasn’t yet been announced when the film is to be released, however, with such a good team working on it, it’s bound to be epic!

Game

A new BioShock game has been announced to be in development on Cloud Chamber Studios’ website. They have said that they are “recruiting like mad for game developers,” with roles advertised such as a “Writer,” “Senior Lighting Technical Artist,” and a “Technical Art Director.” Not much is yet known about the details or the release date for the new game, however, it is bound to be true to the nature of the franchise because they have stated that they have the same developers working on it, as well as some additional ones from other mind-bending titles.

Conclusion

The BioShock franchise is a work of art; Firstly from the aesthetics of Art Deco with Rapture to Steam Punk with Columbia. Secondly, the thought-provoking narratives with mind-bending twists. Next the unique gameplay that hinges on how characters aid you and the use of Plasmids and Vigors. Then the classical period music and award-winning character voices. Finally, the intricately detailed merchandise that’s been created to celebrate its uniqueness.

The upcoming movie and game will surely include the same level of detail with the same team working on them. Furthermore the movie will possibly attract even more people to the franchise. Additionally if the movie is released the same time as the game, this could increase sales and the number of people playing it. Whether we return to Rapture, Columbia, or explore a new dystopia, the series continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us why we were drawn to its depths and heights in the first place.