It is for good reason that Bioshock was on many critics and players' shortlist for 2007 game of the year. Even if you aren't a fan of dystopias and first person shooters, you can appreciate this game.

Many games claim to be cinematic but Bioshock truly is cinematic. You inhibit a finely-detailed, nuanced world that becomes a vital character in the overall plot. A plot that grapples with deep issues.

1. The nature of capitalism and the perils of a completely free market
2. The nature of civilization and the veneer atop our primal tendencies
3. The nature of free-will and choice versus destiny
   

Beyond the engrossing narrative that features notable twists and turns livened by unique characters is a solid first person shoot mechanic. Combat is exciting and player controls are tight. There is no formal cover system like Gears of War but an added dimension is added to combat by the addition of plasmids and gene tonics. Gene tonics grant the player passive abilities to enhance combat skills and the way the player interacts with the environment. Plasmids mostly give the player combat abilities to augment traditional weaponry like telekinesis, fire, and electricity.

Enemy interactions are interesting due to the ability to use the environment against enemies and to turn enemies against each other. Players can choose to employ stealth, indirect action, or direct action to kill enemies. There are no traditional boss fights but to "level-up" the players combat skills they need to kill big daddies to harvest ADAM from the little sisters to gain more plasmids and tonics (if this last sentence made no sense don't worry, all will be explained in-game)

Some players are disappointed with the lack of a death penalty. Whenever the player dies, he is resurrected nearby with any enemies he killed previously still dead. This allows the player to deal cumulative damage and eventually clear a level. I didn't find the lack of a death penalty something that reduced my enjoyment of the game. Some gamers might want more of a challenge and can increase the difficulty level to increase enemy's weapon damage and environmental hazards.

All gamers should give this game a try. It deserves a play through if not a spot on your video game shelf.