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(圭敏)

@omnireaper

Northwest // Alchemical Experimentalist // Countercultural Novelist // Pornographic Æsetician // Observer to Obscurification //
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"
- 1971.
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Bioshock was released eight years ago today! (August 21, 2007) Rapture is a city like no other. Built on the seafloor of the North Atlantic ocean, it was a place to escape the growing threat of nuclear war, as well as government and religious interference, while at the same time championing things like personal freedom, science and industry. Construction began in 1945 and it was officially opened up to its carefully chosen guests on Nov 5, 1946. With its grand Art Deco architecture, glowing neon signs and glass tunnels connecting the towering buildings, it was a spectacle that could take your breath away, time and time again. Bioshock as a whole hits so many right notes and i feel its one of gaming’s crowning achievements especially when it comes to its visuals. Something thats quickly apparent is that youve never played a game that looks quite like this. Its well researched art direction is flawless and coupled with creepy atmosphere and the huge glass windows looking out into the depths, it has a way of mesmerizing you from the second you start playing. Since this sunken metropolis is crumbling around you, letting the ocean leak in at any structural weak point, Irrational devoted an entire team to just the water effects. And its something you can see and feel at every turn, with each flooded room and cascading waterfall reminding you that the ocean is relentlessly beating down on Rapture. The fire and particle effects were cutting edge at the time back in 2007 and still look fantastic to this day. Tons of little touches help to immerse you in this dystopian world, like the eerie patches of thick fog and the always entertaining advertisements plastered around the city. The contrasted lighting fits the game perfectly, bringing tension and uncertainty to every room you explore. Level design is also top notch, with unique and well laid out areas full of visual storytelling. The amazing detail in every level truly helps to drive the narrative just as much as any character. From the the beautifully overgrown Arcadia to the glamorous and extravagant Fort Frolic, Rapture is an unforgettable place to visit. In addition to the wonderful setting, the rich gameplay, time period music, interesting characters and engaging story, all help to make Bioshock a classic. If you havent played it yet, its definitely worth your time to try it out! And even if you have, its never a bad time to take one more bathysphere ride under the waves.