I just had a really strange thought... - by catbarf
RocketMan on 20/9/2007 at 21:54
I haven't even played bioshock yet and I still don't believe that its medeocre. I think our fan-base is analogous to a spoiled brat who's been hearing about how awesome hagendaz is and then tasting it and whining that its not creamy enough. Of course, not having played the game, I could be wrong...but I hope not.
Zygoptera on 20/9/2007 at 22:09
It's not mediocre. It's not as good as it could have been, but it's certainly better than mediocre, and parts of it are genuinely excellent.
polytourist97 on 21/9/2007 at 09:13
I think it's mediocre at best, and that some parts of it are genuinely not terrible...
It does all depend on what you expect though... Personally I didn't think it was too much to expect a game that would have more to credit from SS2 other than "oh, there's more than just guns".
cosmicnut on 21/9/2007 at 10:56
The problem with Bioshock is that a lot of us here wanted SS3 just under a different name.
Yes the character development is almost non-existant and it is a little too FPS'ey.
The problem is, look at the kind of sales System Shock 2 managed. Both SS1 and SS2 were eclipsed by other games, Doom and Half Life respectively. Both were simpler that the SS's were. The complexity of the game is both its greatest critical success and it biggest finicial failure.
These days, games have to make MEGA bucks to break even, let alone MAKE money.
The days of lone wolf programmers, programming for pleasure and glory rather than cold hard cash is long gone!
The original previews on bioshock had the plasmid machines stop working after a single use! Imagine what kind of difference that simple change would make. Having to think hard about what plasmid to equip for each stage, choosing ones that meet your playstyle rather than the one that looks "interesting". Of course this didn't make the finished game. There is no real reason for limiting plasmid use, all you do is remember where the machines are and run over to them when you need them. Add the that the wide availability of the indestrucable vita chambers and "death is no longer the dent in your career the way it used to be!".
So what we have is a pretty dumbed down game. What does that mean...
It has the simplicity of doom with some of the storyline complexity and choice that the SS series had.
ITS SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES WITH SEQUALS ALREADY IN THE WORKS!
I did enjoy the game but like you I felt there was somthing missing.
I doubt we'll get the game we really want. 2K doesn't own the IP so no SS3 from the original makes. EA who do own the IP may make a SS3 to ride the popularity wave of Bioshock but it will probably just be a cookie cutter SS2 / Sci-Fi storyline, a revved up game engine but none of the features all of us on these boards love....
