Summary

• Release Year: 2016
• Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Developers: Irrational Games
• Publishers: 2K Games, Take-Two Interactive

BioShock: The Collection – A Return to Rapture and Columbia

Introduction

BioShock: The Collection is a remastered compilation of the critically acclaimed BioShock trilogy, offering a definitive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Released in 2016, the collection includes BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite, along with all their downloadable content (DLC).

BioShock (2007)

The original BioShock is a first-person shooter set in the underwater city of Rapture. Built by the eccentric industrialist Andrew Ryan as a utopia free from government and societal constraints, Rapture has descended into chaos after a civil war fueled by the discovery of ADAM, a genetic material that grants superhuman abilities.

Players take on the role of Jack, a man who has crash-landed in Rapture and must fight his way through hordes of mutated citizens, known as Splicers, to uncover the dark secrets of the city. Along the way, he is aided by Atlas, a mysterious figure who guides him through Rapture’s treacherous depths.

BioShock is renowned for its immersive world-building, gripping story, and challenging gameplay. It presents a haunting and unforgettable vision of a society gone awry, exploring themes of objectivism, free will, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

BioShock 2 (2010)

BioShock 2 is a prequel to the original game, set ten years after the events of Rapture’s fall. Players take control of Subject Delta, a Big Daddy, the hulking protectors of the Little Sisters, who harvest ADAM from corpses.

Delta must navigate the ruined cityscape of Rapture, fighting off Splicers and other threats while searching for his missing Little Sister, Eleanor. Along the way, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy what remains of Rapture.

BioShock 2 expands on the gameplay of the original, introducing new weapons, plasmids (genetic enhancements), and a more robust melee combat system. It also delves deeper into the lore of Rapture, providing a fresh perspective on the events that led to its downfall.

BioShock Infinite (2013)

BioShock Infinite is a standalone sequel that takes the series in a bold new direction. Set in the floating city of Columbia, a utopia built upon American exceptionalism, the game follows Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton agent tasked with finding and rescuing Elizabeth, a young woman imprisoned in the city.

Infinite introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the Sky-Hook, which allows Booker to traverse Columbia’s floating islands with ease. It also features a more character-driven narrative, exploring themes of racism, religion, and the American Dream.

The Collection

BioShock: The Collection brings all three games together in one definitive package. The remastered versions feature improved graphics, including 1080p resolution and enhanced textures. They also include all the DLC released for each game, adding hours of additional content.

The DLC includes:

• BioShock
  • Challenge Rooms
  • Museum of Orphaned Concepts
  • Survivor Mode
• BioShock 2
  • Minerva’s Den
  • Protector Trials
• BioShock Infinite
  • Clash in the Clouds
  • Burial at Sea – Episode 1 & 2

Critical Reception and Legacy

BioShock: The Collection was met with critical acclaim upon release. Reviewers praised the remastered graphics, the inclusion of all the DLC, and the overall value for money. Many considered it the definitive way to experience the BioShock trilogy.

The collection has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling remastered game collections of all time. It has also received numerous awards and nominations, including Game of the Year awards from several publications.

Conclusion

BioShock: The Collection is a must-have for fans of the series and a great entry point for newcomers. It offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that showcases the best of the BioShock franchise. With its stunning visuals, gripping stories, and challenging gameplay, BioShock: The Collection is a masterpiece of gaming that will continue to captivate players for years to come.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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