33. Bioshock
PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (2007)
Bioshock is as much an experience as it is a game. And I need to take some time to give this game as much credit as I can for not sacrificing one for the other. So many times we'll see a game take control away from the player to say what it wants to say (ala Metal Gear Solid), but in Bioshock, you're in control the entire time... or are you? Despite the player's control over Jack (the main protagonist), the game takes a rather revolutionary look at something as simple as gaming objectives, and works them around in a way that really impacts the story in a huge way (I complete a gaming objective without question because the game - or in this case Atlas - tells me to). The game gives you complete control... all while giving you none at all. Quite brilliant in its own little way. Not only that, but Rapture and its citizens are oozing with atmosphere and personality. Sander Cohen remains one my favorite delightfully disturbing characters in all of gaming. And despite the game's lacklsuter ending (the game really hits a wall when it reaches the climax), the rest of the game is so astonishing and captivating that it's really been an unforgettable experience traveling around the utopia gone to hell.
