Despite only having three games released, the BioShock franchise is one of gaming’s best.
A spiritual successor to the System Shock series, director Ken Levine delivered an innovative experience, introducing the world to the underwater city of Rapture.
The BioShock series is known for its first-person shooter gameplay and strong narrative focus. While the narrative and branching choices aren’t as deep as some RPGs, they still make for an enjoyable experience.
Let’s rank the BioShock games from worst to best, though, honestly, none of these games are bad.
BioShock 2
After the success of the original BioShock, a sequel seemed like a no-brainer.
Publisher 2K would create a new studio, 2K Marin, to develop the sequel, which was made without director Ken Levine.
While BioShock 2 failed to surpass the strength of its predecessor, it’s still an enjoyable game that allows players to explore more of the underwater city of Rapture.
While its story is arguably superior, many, myself included, argue that the gameplay didn’t do enough to differentiate itself. Still, many say that BioShock 2 is the best in the series, a testament to how good these games are.
BioShock Infinite
Six years after we were introduced to Rapture, BioShock Infinite takes us to Columbia, the city in the clouds.
Gameplay remains more of the same, with an added emphasis on the game’s action and shooting. One key improvement is your AI partner, Elizabeth, one of the best non-playable characters in any video game. Rather than hinder your experience, Elizabeth is extremely helpful throughout the entire game.
As for its story, BioShock Infinite explores some heavy-hitting themes concerning racism and plays into the Occupy Wall Street movement that dominated the early 2010s.
It may not always stick the landing, but BioShock Infinite remains an incredible gaming experience worth playing, and I’m not ashamed to admit that its ending blew me away.
BioShock
Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow?
‘No!’ says the man in Washington, ‘It belongs to the poor.’
‘No!’ says the man in the Vatican, ‘It belongs to God.’
‘No!’ says the man in Moscow, ‘It belongs to everyone.’
I rejected those answers; instead, I chose something different.
I chose the impossible. I chose… Rapture.
One of the greatest games of all time, BioShock opens with Andrew Ryan’s iconic monologue describing why he created a city under the sea.
From its beautiful design, the intimidating Big Daddys, and its messaging, BioShock wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions few games dared to touch.
Yes, Andrew Ryan’s utopia idea, free from the struggles of the real world, makes sense, but BioShock‘s story reminds us that, ultimately, our choices define who we are as people. This message perfectly intertwines with the gameplay, which is why it’s one of the most beloved video games of all time.
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