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Review: Bioshock (PS3)

Any time a game is released on one platform, and then ported to another a year later, the game often ends up seeming a bit dated and behind the curve. Unless, of course, that game is markedly ahead of the curve to begin with; such is the case with Bioshock.

A year ago, Bioshock was an action-thriller game that took the Xbox 360 by storm and wowed even us jaded DigNews.com folks enough that we named it a game of the year. Now, 2K Games has released its groundbreaking game to the PS3 and the result is, well… it’s still a stunning game that measures up well next to anything else currently on the market.

2K Games took a risk introducing a new IP like Bioshock and in this case, it paid off big time. Stuffed full of atmosphere, a creepy mix of nostalgia from the art deco 1920s and thereabouts, alongside Jules Verne-esque underwater cities and such, Bioshock delivers a specific feel and tone that stick with you long after you turn the console off following a gaming session.

The graphics, which already wowed folks on the 360, fare equally well on the PS3, with plenty of sharp, high-def textures and a great overall look and feel. The control scheme feels natural and is easy to pick up and play. And the storyline?

Well, that’s where Bioshock excels. While many games put together storylines that range from passable to decent, few at this point would be considered to be inspired by great works of fiction, let alone be such themselves. Bioshock, however, at least opens the topic up for debate.

Drawing a strong influence from the work of Ayn Rand, especially Atlas Shrugged, Bioshock is a game that has not only strong, but impressive literary influences, and the world in which it creates actually challenges the mind as much as one’s twitch-reflex and hand-eye coordination. While part action-shooter and part survival horror, and a game that drew early interest largely on the appeal of a trailer that had its protagonist wielding a chainsaw, the real appeal here is toward those who want a bit more out of their gaming session than pure visceral thrills, but perhaps a bit of an intellectual challenge as well.

Of course, don’t be intimidated; Bioshock still offers plenty of action, thrills, luggage deals, gore and excitement; it’s just a game that will give you reason to think about it afterward. Still impressive on a technical level one year after its initial release, PS3 fans should be overjoyed to have a chance to play Bioshock on their system of choice, no matter when it arrived.

The G.D. problem with Bioshock

What’s with all the profanity problems with otherwise terrific videogames like Bioshock? I’m not usually that offended by most profanity, but I do take exception to the use of the name of God when uttering profanity and I was at least shocked, if not BioShocked, at how often that is done in BioShock.

Now, most of the game is a wonder to play. Graphically, it’s beautiful on the PS3 and the tone and theme of the game make for some of the most compelling gameplay I’ve encountered in quite a while. But do we really need to hear background characters invoking divinity and damnation in the same breath?

Personally, I think the same emotion is communicated with a robust “Damn it!” without bringing the Almighty into the picture. Now, BioShock isn’t the only game to do this by any means; sadly, it is the game I’m most disappointed in for doing so. Yet I’d rather spend three hours searching for the best diet pills than playing a game with this particular kind of potty-mouth.

From a gameplay standpoint, I really wanted to keep the game. Due to the coarse language factor, though, it’s trade-in-bound. Too bad.

Top PlayStation 3 games for October 2008

Let me be as direct as a Dansko-clad kick to the keister: I’m not going to recommend the same four games here for PS3 that I did for the Xbox 360. That’d be boring and whichever platform you want to buy Dead Space, Fallout 3 or Rock Band 2 on is up to you. This’ll be more a more PS3-centric list, so deal with it.

BioShock

Sure, this was an Xbox 360 exclusive last fall, but who cares? There’s plenty of PS3-specific upgrades to be found here, and it’s still an awesome game. If you haven’t played the 360 version, get it this year on the PS3. Available October 21.

LittleBigPlanet

Supposedly launching at the same time as PS3′s new online community, Home, LittleBigPlanet is that unique kind of game that’s impossible to describe but highly addictive to play. Think along the lines of other fad games like Katamari Demacy and you’ll get an idea. Anyway, after about a year and a half of delays, it’s here on October 21.

Guitar Hero World Tour

Music game fans will be pleased with this upgrade that not only expands the game to catch up with Rock Band, but moves beyond it by adding in the ability to compose your own songs! Whether you prefer guitar, drums, or vocals, you’ll still want to be called a Guitar Hero! Available October 26.

Yes, we considered the NBA titles coming out this month, as well as the PS3 release of Eternal Sonata… but we’re out to help you spend wisely, not widely.