Bioshock: The Collection – System Shock 2
Even though the practice might be frustrating gamers, collections and remasters are here to stay, and we’re just going to have to accept that publishers will capitalize on any opportunity that garners revenue. Certainly, having developers focus their energy on rehashing old games is somewhat irritating, but if there is one franchise that deserves a second birth, it’s Bioshock. Lauded as one of the best FPS/RPG games to ever grace consoles, Bioshock has been praised for innovation in its design and story.
Yet, for PC gamers, Bioshock is so heavily based on System Shock 2 that its elevation to notoriety has become a rather sensitive issue for those that would cite both System Shock and its sequel as superior games. Particularly, Bioshock is criticized for its ease of difficulty and more accessible gameplay in comparison to System Shock 2’s much more stripped down, and arguably more hardcore survival horror gameplay.
Of course, having worked as a lead designer on System Shock, and then later as director on Bioshock, Ken Levine’s creative style is apparent across both series. Yet, even though the IPs share a lineage that is profoundly evident, both games have their own flair and unique ambiance.
