Bioshock

I recently finished Bioshock and this game is one of the few games I have ever played that truly show how much more advanced/immersive video games can be compared to the movies.

I love a good movie but it does not compare to a game in which you get to make decisions. Neo in 'The Matrix' probably did what I would like to have done but actually having that control and decision making is what is driving the video games industry. The fusion of well-paced story telling and decision making are the key ingredients developers are working on. It is a huge task but like the saying goes: the view is worth it from the top of the mountain.

The much hyped and talked about 'little sister' & 'big daddy' dilemma is such a well balanced measure in the game, hence all the praise. For those who do not know, in the game, there are these few girls (between two or three in each stage) who have 'adam' in them. Now, adam is like steriods in that it can boost your strength, give you supernatural powers etc. Basically, everyone wants 'adam' but to get it, you have to take it out of these girls (referred to ingame as 'little sisters'). Each girl has a protector called 'big daddy' who is this hulking brute who will not bother anyone and only wants to protect the little sisters.

Once you have managed to kill the 'big daddy', only then can you get hold of the 'little sister'. And that is where you get to make a decision, rescue the 'little sister', which means, she gets to live but you get a small quantity of 'adam'. On the other hand, you can kill her & get a lot more 'adam', which makes you more powerful. The image on the right is of the 'little sister' who we have just captured. And here is a 'big daddy'.

I have to admit, at first I did not like the game much. The atmosphere is brilliant but there were far too many things going on at the start and it did get a bit confusing. But the second half of the game picked up the pace and from then on, I was hooked. Bioshock also happens to have one of the best/most satisfying endings recently. If you have not had a chance to check it out, please do. Its an experience.