Bioshock non-gameplay discussion

[econ21]

But a shooter - I don't care how good the graphics are, I just don't think I could face another one...

I don't really play shooters. I recently tried Call of Duty and while it is well done, I just can't get past the first few levels - the shooting is too frenetic, intense and repetitive, it does not appeal. But I never thought System Shock 2 was a "shooter" - I guess because I never shot anything until towards the end. I spent most of the time hiding behind round corners with a wrench, to hoard ammo.

I think of SS2 more as an "experience". It was the sounds of the enemies roaming around and the logs telling the backstory that stood out. If Bioshock is like that, as I expect, I'll be delighted. I was very pleased, for example, to learn that the intimidating looking "big daddies" and the little sisters are not hostile to the player by default - you have to provoke them before they attack.

[screwtype]

I think of SS2 more as an "experience". It was the sounds of the enemies roaming around and the logs telling the backstory that stood out. If Bioshock is like that, as I expect, I'll be delighted. I was very pleased, for example, to learn that the intimidating looking "big daddies" and the little sisters are not hostile to the player by default - you have to provoke them before they attack.

Yes, I've gathered that from what people have previously said about the game. But my reading of the interview with Irrational is that Bioshock will be more of a traditional shooter than the previous games. On the other hand, he did say there will be alternative strategies, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see what they come up with.

[Husar]

I just saw a completely new Bioshock video where a developer plays the game and comments on many things. It was a pretty interesting video which can be downloaded here.
I have to say the video was pretty interesting, the guy shows how one can interact with the world, some locations and the use of different ammunition types and genetic material.

[Fragony]

good find! So much awesome, this is going to be so scary!

[Spino]

Excellent video! I especially love how all the creatures in the game world operate according to dynamic AI and do not rely on scripting! Looks positively gorgeous in action too, I shudder to think what the system requirements will be.

I wouldn't worry too much about the developer's emphasis on the word 'fps' or 'shooter', I think they're simply trying very hard not to alienate the fps crowd by presenting Bioshock as being purely a sci-fi crpg game. Given Irrational's track record I seriously doubt Bioshock is going to be lacking in the depth department.

Speaking of System Shock, apparently there is some really bad blood between Irrational and EA over the fate of that series...

http://digitalbattle.com/2006/08/01/...-pissed-at-ea/

BioShock Dev Pissed At EA
August 1st, 2006 by Armin Siljkovic in Action, Adventure, Xbox360, PC, Rumor, Multiplayer
Irrational Games, developer of BioShock had a few things going on with EA in the past. Company boss Ken Levine says the reason there were no plans for System Shock 3 was because, as he puts it, “EA just didn’t give a **** about that game”.

Apparently Levine had it all worked out for System Shock 3, a story design, concept etc. He says:

“I think if EA were to do it, it would’ve been just a regular first-person shooter with a boss monster at the end.”

According to Levine, EA didn’t see System Shock as a big brand, and didn’t give it much attention. Their new publisher, 2K Games did see the potential in the series,

“We have a publisher who cares about this game, and they believe in this kind of game. 2K Games is the company that helped reinvigorate Elder Scrolls and Civilization. They believe in core games.”

Wow, EA letting a stellar property rot on the vine? What a shock!

[Fragony]

Well maybe it's all for the best then that there is no System Shock 3. But I thought nobody owned the rights to System Shock 2 and it was legal to download? God why out of all companies EA, should have dealt with Ubisoft or other much more sympathatic publishers.

[Ironside]

That video is really starting to get my hopes up.

Creepy environment? Check
Disturbing environment? Check
Creepy sounds? Check (sadly he did ramble a bit too much to hear what that splicer was mumbling about in the last scene).
Ammo being scarce? Check
Daul AP ammo ? Check
Mad AI... uh singer? Check (we'll see if he can rival SHODAN, although certainly not in the same way)

The splicers seemed nasty enough to make your fear for an encounter with them, wich is good (in this case ). Only gotten that feeling in AvP2 as a marine and SS2, although in both games that feeeling started to drop about halfway through.

We do need our trusty wrench though.

[TB666]

I will make another post so that people can see that it's updated
Anyway, finished the demo.
Pretty short but it gives you a tease of what's to come and I must say, fricking awesome.
First controls:

It's pretty simple controls, the standard Xbox controls for a fps.
Right triggers shots the weapons and left triggers uses your powers.
It's feels just like it should.

Graphics: This game is just stunning to look at.
The levels, the water, the fire etc looks great.
Also it very smooth, didn't notice any stuttering while playing.
The enemies looks cool as well. The big daddy is one of the coolest things I have seen in a game.
The light is very fitting considering your location and adds to the mood.

Sound:

The sound is top-notch not to mention creepy as hell.
It reminds me alot of SS2.
The sweet lullaby sung by the little sister is just pretty while at the same time creepy.

Gameplay:

You can only enjoy some of it but it already makes me hunger for more.
It works just like they said it would. If a enemy is standing in a pool of water then just sap it with a lightning bolt and watch him fry.
I can see great things in this.
You can pick up items lying around. Things like food, drinks(yes you can get drunk) and medpacks and other things useful.
You can also find money(which you didn't get a chance to use in the demo) and 2 soundtapes that features recordings of people living in the city that gives you a hint to what has happened.
One particular recording gave me goosebumps.
You never get the chance to fight a big daddy but you do see him in action and it put a nice smile on my face when I saw it because it was so cool.
As stated before, the game is creepy just like they promised it would be.

I was really sad when the demo ended. I really didn't want it to end.
But the game will come out the 24th and that day will be great.

[Fragony]

Owww god, why did the bloody thing had to die now

I should be playing demo in an hour. But xbox360 did what xbxox360 does

[Vuk]

Sorry Fragony, when it comes to Thief, I must agree with you that it is one of the greatest games ever, but System Shock I was not very impressed with. It seemed a little boring and repetitive. Also, too unrealistic. It was ok, just not my favorite. Bioshock on the other hand, I think looks downright pitifull. It looks to me like a cheap carnival horror game. Is it being made by the same team that made SS2 and Thief2? I think that is the only thing that would ever convince me to buy it. :P
Didn't mean to be too harse on it, the graphics look evolved. :)
The only horror game I have ever played that I really like and that actually scared me was Doom 3. I LOVED that game and was dying to see what happened and voting for "damage" and "control" through the whole game, then the ending came...
That really the game and all the plot that had built up so far.
So yeah, I guess that means that I have never played a horror game that I liked, so if you like horror games, I guess you can discount my opinion. :P
(Though I LOVED the Doom movie )

Vuk

[darkragnar]

If i may ,id like to Point you to Helios's Circus Maximus Article , ive written About Bioshock in it and it has the Trailer for you to watch..plus a bit on the Background of the world which i must say is absolutely Stunning.

finally they are releasing a Game that craves to your intellectual side as well.


Scroll Down to Circus Maximus to see it.
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showp...56&postcount=1

[Fragony]

Sorry Fragony, when it comes to Thief, I must agree with you that it is one of the greatest games ever, but System Shock I was not very impressed with. It seemed a little boring and repetitive. Also, too unrealistic. It was ok, just not my favorite.

How far did you get? No way you can like Thief and dislike System Shock. But it is what you said. Maybe you weren't in the mood, try again

[Don Corleone]

I'm confused. Is Bioshock coming out on PC at the same time as the Xbox?

[Lehesu]

It will be difficult for a game to beat FEAR in my mind as the best horror/shooter out there. Doom 3 was just a joke in terms of horror; a bunch of cheap "oh no, a monster popped out" tricks.

[Fragony]

It will be difficult for a game to beat FEAR in my mind as the best horror/shooter out there. Doom 3 was just a joke in terms of horror; a bunch of cheap "oh no, a monster popped out" tricks.

FEAR is pretty straightforward imho, bit of shooting and creepy story sequence, got a bit old towards the end. Still heaps of fun because of the insane ai and creepy atmosphere, couldn't stop playing. They should have dehumanised the enemies, an army of cloned supersoldiers with a psychic commander just should have been cooler then it is now. Should have implemented mind tricks, it's a bit like condemned. What is there is good but should have been much much better.

ps, The Suffering is an excellent horror-shooter, you might like it.

[Vuk]

May try System Shock again some time. It may just be that I really don't go for the whole space thing. :P (Doom 3 being the only exception...till the ending :P)

Lehesu, I don't know how you can say that. Fear is one of the only big horror shooters I haven't played, and Doom3 is the only one that ever frightened me (yes, Vuk is confessing to being frightened) or really drew me in. The Movie was one of the best I'd ever seen. :P

Fragony, please don't be offended by my comments, it is just my opinion. :P

lol,

Vuk