Bioshockingly Objectivist Dystopia
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007
Bioshock is hands-down my pick for Game of the Year for 2007. It’s an Ayn Randian underwater dystopian city with a richly detailed environment.
It’s also one of the half-dozen games I’ve played where not only does the storyline not get in the way of the experience, but you’ll find yourself actively searching for clues to learn more about what has and is happening in the game world. The fact that you’re free to move and act while the mini-narratives are played makes a subtle but critical difference. It takes your finger off the skip button and lets you “stay productive” while taking in carefully written and well voice-acted info.
With that said, it’s still a slug-fest. I’m looking forward to a game like this where you can explore and experience the environment without necessarily having to worry about being attacked by freaking zombies every time you turn a corner.
The game isn’t shy about basing the society on Rand’s objectivist ideals. Just added to my Audible.com queue are both Rand’s The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Based on some other folks discussion about the game, it seems like you get an added layer of meaning if you’ve read these.
