Preview: BioShock (PS3)

Very much a glossy, high profile release, BioShock on the Xbox 360, almost seduced gamers with its high-end graphics and limited edition packaging. Set in an underwater world of Rapture, the unique environment was frozen in time since the Art Deco 1930's. Here citizens have shunned the outside world and engaged in their own genetic lifestyle, in the pursuit of paradise. Unfortunately their vision of nirvana was never fully realised and what you now enter as a plane crash survivor, is a mental asylum beneath the waves.

Normally the job of porting a title to a new format falls onto the shoulders of one development team. This PS3 edition of BioShock features several studios (2K Mann, 2K Boston, 2K Australia, Digital Extremes) all involved in making sure this version is a success. With the lack of worthwhile first person shooters on the system, it is important that BioShock succeeds where Haze failed. For all those involved, BioShock continues to be graphically striking, not only from a design point of view, but showing that Sony's console is really capable of. This does come at a high initial cost, with a substantial installation time evident, where you can comfortably go make a cuppa and have a biscuit. However the end result is actually a game that confirms the Xbox 360 is an equal despite being the older platform, and the PS3 textures are inferior in comparison.

While it's probably unlikely that the unsatisfying climax has been resolved, what can this PlayStation 3 edition offer instead? Well, frankly not too much, which is surprising given its well over a year since the original hit the shelves. It will certainly be the most complete version, featuring the downloadable content that really didn't bring too much new to the 360 ranks and trophy support.

The PS3 trophies have yet to be implemented successfully with many titles sello-taping the function on towards the end or adding it retrospectively. BioShock may be the first game to integrate trophies to some success by adopting an Olympian stance. The aim is to encourage players to pursue all avenues offered in Rapture such as hacking, plasmids and exploration in an effort to claim those prestigious gold awards. Just a quick run through the game may result in a few bronze or silver additions to your trophy cabinet, yet those who throw themselves into the experience will be rewarded.

A new difficulty setting (survivor) has been included for those that really want to test their genetic skills second time around. Placing the emphasis on effective weapon control, you'll have to utilise your resources (both ammunition and plasmids) efficiently to succeed, especially when confronted by the beefed up Big Daddies. No, that's not the UK wrestling phenomenon, rather a genetic boss character of similar bulk and clout. Thankfully if you find yourself struggling, it is possible to change the difficulty setting in game, thereby avoiding any unnecessary frustration. Apart from the Silent Hill focus on resources, the opponent AI has been improved, which given our criticism of the original comes as something of a relief. Clearly all those genetic supplements rotted the intelligence of Rapture residents, who consistently displayed religious zeal in their aggressive, yet predictable attacks.

New areas have also been created to enable a series of Challenge Rooms scattered throughout your trek through Rapture, these are being kept pretty much under wraps. One involves a little sister and a working Ferris wheel but other than that what new element they can bring is an unknown quantity. And disappointingly that's your lot for a title that is already available on the Xbox 360 for a bargain price.

BioShock is an interesting title, one full of missed opportunities in a wonderful setting. PlayStation 3 owners without another console may find venturing beneath the waves to be a memorable, yet short-lived experience. This modest port looks set to disappoint fans of the original who were hoping for a clearer vision of Rapture, complete with new experiences and the opportunity to explore its depths further.

Words by Jason Julier