bit-tech Shopping: Take 2 Interactive Bioshock (PC)

• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows XP

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Great story, graphics & play

Weaknesses: Among the nVidia cards, only the best will do

Summary: Overall I find it to be the very best video game I have ever played, going back for 24 years now. It is, however, very demanding in terms of hardware (if you want to run at high resolutions) - much moreso than what's recommended on the box. I had a system with two 8800GTXs in SLI, and that simply wouldn't cut it beyond about 1280x720 or so. But now, with dual 9800GX2s in Quad SLI, it runs as smooth as oil at 2560x1600, and I must tell you - something no one wants to hear - you DO get what you pay for, in terms of these expensive graphics cards. This game appears SO much better at the max resolution, that it's like experiencing it for the first time.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Great graphics, fun, low system requirements, engaging original story line, new concepts: different ammo for same weapon and cash to buy supplies.

Weaknesses: Nothing major. It just seemed to lock up on me when loading or saving games, and sometimes it doesnt save my 'options' settings

Summary: Wonderful game. It has great graphics, but yet is low on system demand. I use this on Vista, which rates computers from a level 1 to a level 5 as far as performance. This game requires level 1, with level 2 recommended. As such, most computers should be able to handle it, even basic ones. Of course, the newer and faster your CPU and graphics card are, the higher you can set the game settings to, and thus the better your game experience. The DirectX10 effects are great, but you have to have a newer card that supports it. The story line is fun, engaging, and most important of all, original. The same story about shooting aliens and monsters gets old after a while. This is a breath of fresh air. This game also introduced something I have not seen in other shooters: different ammo for the same weapon. Eg the pistol can fire normal bullets or armor-piercing bullets. This certainly adds another dimension to the game which is absent with others in this genre. Another new unique feature is 'money', where you collect cash which allows you to buy equipment and supplies from vending machines spread around the map. I do have a couple of minor issues with it though. It seems to lock up on me sometimes when either saving or loading a game. I don't know if this is game related, or system related (hardware, virus checker, etc). It's not a big deal , but something i wanted to point out. Also, Sometimes it seems to 'forget' my settings/preferences, such as resolution, key mappings, etc. Not sure what is doing this. Note there is a v1.1 patch out there, so make sure you download it after you install the game. Overall this is a great game, and I would categorize it with the Half-Life series as a genre changer, rather than just another Quake clone/remake of existing games. It is an interesting cross between Half-Life and F.E.A.R., and has a lot of RPG features that sets it appart from other plain shooters.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Very unique story and gameplay features (Plasmids, tonics). Extremely free-form gameplay (in the ways you can kill enemies).

Weaknesses: Big Daddy's are sometimes a bit too tough, too little money and ADAM at times.

Summary: I picked up this game for $20 from Best Buy on Black Friday. I finally got around to installing it a few weeks ago. At first, the game was unimpressive to me, then I quickly got into the story and the location. Rapture looks just as you would expect it to for a leaky underground city that's been overrun. I was surprised at the depth and variety of the gameplay, as well. I could simply shoot enemies, hit them with the shock/weapon 1-2 punch, electrocute them after luring them to water... The list goes on and on! Having to switch between different plasmids makes for a pick-2-of-3 experience, so choose wisely! I knew about the "moral dilemma" about how to harvest ADAM from the Little Sisters, but after being shot up trying to take down a Big Daddy, you may not care what happens to them... Overall, I recommend this game! The story still has me very involved and I'm looking forward to what happens next!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Graphics, Gameplay

Weaknesses: none

Summary: Love this game! Running it with all settings maxed using 2GB RAM, C2D e6750 & 256MB X1950XT @ 1600x1200 resolution. Smooth as silk gameplay. The graphics are awesome, the environment is fantastic, and the storyline brings it all together. You owe it to yourself to play this game.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Story line. Graphics are great.adding much more depth to the shooter arena with a 2nd layer of genetic weapons to fight the enemies.

Weaknesses: Environment does not vary enough --i.e. underwater city, yet you never go in to the water.The tactical implementation of weapons can get a touch complicated.

Summary: This game has one of the most memorable opening scenes. And, by adding a new layer of genetic weapons, the action level is just as impressive. One minor drawback, is the lack of change in the environment. It does not vary enough with the term of the game. It is set in a an underwater city; yet, you never go in to the water. Also, the tactical implementation of weapons can get a touch complicated, yet it can be more fun. Having to use a camera to take a picture, then load your genetic weapon of choice along with a standard weapon is an advancement from the days of "push button and fire". The storyline, however, is quite intriguing. The overall story arc is solid and it offers moral choices with different story end outcomes.