Classic BioShock games arrive on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
The BioShock franchise is one of my favourite first-person shooter games, bar none. BioShock: The Collection is a compilation that packs the original award winning BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite, all in one complete package. Not only that, all games have been fully remastered in glorious 1080p resolution and up to 60 frames-per-second.
BioShock: The Collection allows you to revisit the underwater world of Rapture and the flying city of Columbia (two of the most detailed, imaginative game worlds ever) in a beautiful fresh coat of paint. You also get all the single-player add-on content, such as the Columbia’s Finest pack, and Director’s Commentary!
Game Details
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Developer: Blind Squirrel Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: First-person shooter
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature, 17+)
Welcome back to Rapture
With the recent rise in popularity of HD remasters such as The Last of US, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, and God of War III, it was inevitable that we would see the BioShock franchise remastered on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. If you have played the previous BioShock games contained in this collection, then you will not find anything new when it comes to the story of these games. However, for those playing this fantastic franchise for the first time, I will give you a brief overview of each game.
Originally released in 2007, BioShock is a narrative-driven experience that allows you to do the impossible as you journey through immersive and terrifying world of Rapture. Loaded with a complete arsenal of deadly weapons, you are caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens. You quickly realize that the inhabitants of this underwater paradise have gone mad, and now you must adapt to survive.
Set almost a decade after BioShock, evil is once again reverberating from the magnificent city of Rapture. BioShock 2 is host to an unspeakable series of kidnappings from local seaside communities by an unseen monster. You play as one of my favourite gaming characters, the Big Daddy, as you look for a way to escape the city, fending off attacks from genetically modified Splicers.
In BioShock Infinite, you take the role of an American Cavalry veteran, Booker DeWitt. Set in the flying city of Columbia, Booker has the chance to start over by rescuing a mysterious girl named Elizabeth, who has been imprisoned since childhood. Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond during their escape, and learn to harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities.
Traditional gameplay with oodles of content
Gameplay and controls in BioShock: The Collection are left virtually untouched from each games original release—as usual, gunplay is central to gameplay. Although, BioShock: The Collection doesn’t contain any new game modes, and BioShock 2’s multiplayer mode has been removed—it doesn’t really affect your overall experience with the collection and I didn’t really miss it at all.
On the other hand, all the great single-player add-on content is here such as Minerva’s Den from BioShock 2, and both Burial at Sea episodes from BioShock Infinite. The first BioShock gets a brand new director’s commentary from Ken Levine and animation lead Shawn Robertson via Golden Reels hidden throughout the game. It was fun to watch the breakdown of the first BioShock from its early conception to the final game.
Take a look at the full list of content that comes include with BioShock: The Collection:
BioShock
• Museum of Orphaned Concepts;
• Challenge Rooms.
BioShock 2
• Minerva’s Den;
• Protector Trials.
BioShock Infinite
All Episodic Add-On Content:
• Clash in the Clouds Add-On Pack;
• Burial at Sea – Episode 1 Add-On Pack;
• Burial At Sea – Episode 2 Add-On Pack.
All Additional Content:
• Industrial Revolution Rewards Pack;
• BioShock Infinite Upgrade Pack;
• Columbia’s Finest Pack;
• Comstock’s China Broom Shotgun;
• Comstock’s Bird’s Eye Sniper Rifle.
So as far as content, BioShock: The Collection has quite a bit; it is just a bit disappointing that neither BioShock 2 nor BioShock Infinite have any new content whatsoever.
Beautifully remastered graphics
Like all HD remastered games, BioShock: The Collection features better graphics and frame rates. With each of the three games running at a stunning 1080p resolution and up to 60 frames-per-second, each game is enhanced with improved textures and new art assets.
BioShock shows the most improvement, while it may not hold up to the games being produced today; it certainly does not look like a game that game out over nine years ago. Though not as obvious as in BioShock, BioShock 2 features lighting and texture upgrades that make this game look more appealing and up to date. Finally, BioShock Infinite, the newest game in the franchise, now closely resembles the high-res PC version of the game.
Final Thoughts
As a fan of the BioShock franchise, I had an absolute blast replaying each of the three BioShock games in BioShock: The Collection. The story telling, unique environments, gameplay, and amount of content included makes Bioshock: The Collection a truly riveting experience.
I was just as excited, thrilled, and impressed playing each game in this collection as I was the first time. Each game provides a unique experience and is so gratifying that it is easily worth repeat plays. There has never been a better time to play and immerse yourself in the rich worlds of Rapture and Columbia.
+ Great narrative
+ Fantastic visuals
+ All single-player DLC is included from each game
+ Ultimate collection of BioShock games in one place
– Veterans of the series will find little new in this collection
– Lack of new content
OVERALL
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall Rating 4.1/5 (82%)
