Bioshock Series Ranked From Worst To Best

Quick Links :

The Bioshock series has been a staple of the gaming industry for over a decade, with its unique blend of philosophical and sociological commentary, coupled with intense action and immersive storytelling. With four games in the series, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, ranking them from worst to best can be a daunting task. However, after careful consideration, here's a comprehensive ranking of the Bioshock series.

The Worst: Bioshock 2

Bioshock 2, released in 2010, is often considered the weakest link in the series. Set in 1958, ten years after the events of the first game, Bioshock 2 follows the story of Subject Delta, a Big Daddy, as he tries to uncover the truth behind his past. While the game's narrative is engaging, it lacks the depth and complexity of the first game. The gameplay, too, feels repetitive, with a focus on hack-and-slash combat that detracts from the series' trademark exploration and discovery.

Moreover, the game's themes of family and belonging, while interesting, are not as thought-provoking as those in the first game. The game's attempt to humanize Big Daddies falls flat, and the lack of a compelling antagonist makes the game feel incomplete.

Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea

Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea is a two-part DLC expansion for Bioshock Infinite, released in 2013 and 2014, respectively. While it's not a full-fledged game, it's worth mentioning in this ranking due to its unique narrative and gameplay mechanics.

Burial at Sea takes place in Rapture, the underwater city from the first two games, but this time, it's set in 1958, during the city's heyday. The story follows Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth as they try to find a way to save the city from its impending doom. The DLC's narrative is engaging, and the gameplay is a departure from the main game, with a focus on stealth and exploration.

However, the DLC's short length and lack of a compelling antagonist make it feel like a minor addition to the series.

The Middle Ground: Bioshock Infinite

Bioshock Infinite, released in 2013, is a game that divided the gaming community. Set in 1912, the game follows the story of Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton agent, as he tries to rescue Elizabeth, a woman with the ability to create tears in the fabric of reality.

The game's narrative is complex and thought-provoking, exploring themes of racism, oppression, and the consequences of unchecked power. The gameplay, too, is engaging, with a focus on exploration and discovery.

However, the game's combat can feel repetitive, and the lack of a compelling antagonist makes the game feel incomplete. The game's attempt to incorporate magical realism and science fiction elements also feels forced at times.

The Best: Bioshock

Bioshock, released in 2007, is a game that still holds up today as one of the best in the series. Set in 1960, the game follows the story of Jack, a plane crash survivor who finds himself in the underwater city of Rapture.

The game's narrative is a masterclass in storytelling, exploring themes of objectivism, individualism, and the dangers of unchecked power. The gameplay, too, is engaging, with a focus on exploration, discovery, and plasmid-based combat.

The game's atmosphere is also noteworthy, with a sense of unease and tension that permeates every aspect of the game. The game's antagonist, Andrew Ryan, is a compelling and complex character who serves as a perfect foil to Jack's journey.

What Makes Bioshock Stand Out?

So, what makes Bioshock stand out from the rest of the series? Here are a few key factors:

• Atmosphere and Setting: Rapture is a unique and fascinating setting that's both beautiful and terrifying. The game's atmosphere is tense and foreboding, making the player feel like they're always on edge.
• Narrative and Themes: The game's narrative is a masterclass in storytelling, exploring complex themes and ideas that are still relevant today.
• Gameplay and Mechanics: The game's plasmid-based combat and exploration mechanics are engaging and fun, making the player feel like they're always discovering something new.
• Characters and Antagonist: The game's characters are well-developed and complex, with Andrew Ryan serving as a compelling and nuanced antagonist.

In conclusion, the Bioshock series is a complex and thought-provoking collection of games that explore a wide range of themes and ideas. While each game has its strengths and weaknesses, Bioshock stands out as the best in the series due to its unique atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and complex narrative.

We'd love to hear from you! Which Bioshock game is your favorite, and why? Let us know in the comments below!