GamePro BioShock Roundtable
- August 22, 2007 11:03 AM PST
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Welcome to the GamePro BioShock roundtable, where we ask the GamePro staff some questions and gather their thoughts on BioShock, the dark horse of 2007.
**READ the BioShock Xbox 360 review!
Read the FIRST BIOSHOCK WALKTHROUGH!
Impressions from:
- Vicious Sid and Mr. Marbles (see below)
- Ahoy_and_Avast and Bro Buzz
- Long-Haired Offender and Tenacious Moses
- Dave May Cry and Octagon
Vicious Sid, news and features editor
"I beat the game twice."
How many hours of Bioshock have you played so far?
About 30; I beat the game twice (once on Hard!)
What has been your initial impression of the game?
It's phenomenal. One of the best games I've played in ages, and (for me) the first real reason to own an Xbox 360.
Name the one thing that stands out to you the most about the game's design.
The total sandbox gameplay style. Many games claim to have "sandbox" gameplay, but BioShock really does. The Plasmid combinations, the weapon mods and ammo types, the environmental hazards...this is one game you'll never play the same way twice.
What three adjectives would you use to describe the game to a fellow gamer?
Gorgeous. Addictive. Brutal.
What is your favorite weapon so far? Have you upgraded it in any way?
My favorite weapon ended up being the Chemical Thrower outfitted with the Electric Gel ammo. It's not the weapon you'd choose to play the entire game with, but against Big Daddies and other tough enemies, it's a life-saver.
Which plasmid power have you relied on the most?
Easily Electro Bolt 3, followed by Telekenisis. I'm also partial to Insect Swarm 3.
How have you been defeating the Big Daddies? Name your favorite strategy(s).
The key is to make sure you've got the equipment to do the job: that means plenty of grenades (rockets if you have 'em), Armor Piercing rounds for the Machine Gun, and Electric Buck and Explosive Buck for the Shotgun. Blast away at a distance with the Grenade Launcher, then switch to the Shotgun or Machine Gun in close range and let him have it!
Another effective strategy is to tag the Big Daddy with the Security Bullseye Plasmid, which makes cameras and turrets focus their firepower on him. This can be handy for wearing down his life before you deliver the coup de grace.
You can choose to Harvest a Little Sister (for maximum Adam, which kills her) or Rescue them (for less Adam). Which have you been doing, and why?
Well, I butchered almost all of 'em. Hey, I was playing on Hard mode and I needed the Adam! But I did feel guilty every time, and that says a lot about BioShock's quality and design.
If you had to vote right now (yes, we know the year isn't over), would you award BioShock as Game of the Year? Why or why not?
Definitely Game of the Year, though Halo 3 (and possibly Mass Effect) will put up a tough fight. As good as those games will likely be, it's hard to imagine they'll be able to match BioShock. It's gorgeous, it's innovative, and it's hugely addictive. I've played it twice and I'm ready for a third time! I tentatively say Game of the Year.
Mr. Marbles, previews editor
"I can't decide if I want to be good or evil."
How many hours of Bioshock have you played so far?
About 3
What has been your initial impression of the game?
Very good. The more I play, the more I like. It's like sitting down to a good book. It gets off to a bit of a slow start, but picks up pretty fast.
Name the one thing that stands out to you the most about the game's design.
Creepiness. It's got a great atmosphere and the way the story unfolds is what's primarily keeping me sucked in. Also, managing resources, including weapons and Plasmids, is approached very well where it's like a constant game of give and take, but in a fun way.
What three adjectives would you use to describe the game to a fellow gamer?
Intense, creepy and gorgeous.
What is your favorite weapon so far? Have you upgraded it in any way?
Shotgun with electric bucks.
Which plasmid power have you relied on the most?
Electro Bolt.
How have you been defeating the Big Daddies? Name your favorite strategy(s).
Shock and shoot! I usually shock them and wail on 'em as much as possible with shotgun shells, and dodge last minute when they charge, if possible.
You can choose to Harvest a Little Sister (for maximum Adam, which kills her) or Rescue them (for less Adam). Which have you been doing, and why?
I have done both because I can't decide if I want to be good or evil, just like in real life.
If you had to vote right now (yes, we know the year isn't over), would you award BioShock as Game of the Year? Why or why not?
Yes. It's the best complete package so far this year, but I think there are a couple others I'll enjoy more when the year's over, namely Rock Band and Crysis.
