Poll: Testing a Bioshock Theory

[Epic Fail 1977]

The Bioshock games have a DNA that is thoroughly "USA". Everything - from the art and visual design through to the characters and politics - has its roots in American history. So I'm curious to know whether being an American is an important factor in determining how much one enjoys these games.

Edit:

For clarity, I do not mean that the Bioshock games are patriotic or pro-American.

Bioshock Infinite deals with specifically American history. It has a very American setting. The themes are mostly relevant to Americans. None of this is the same as saying it's pro-American. Some people seemed to think that's what I was getting at, so I've added this paragraph to (hopefully) clarify things.

 

[Karoshi]

Well, America is everywhere these days. Besides, many people derive pleasure from seeing failure of American society or portrayal of their various short-comings. Just take a look at Fallout, for God's sake. Caters both to American and anti-America fans.

 

[Pink Gregory]

...I can't think why that would be the case, like at all.

 

[Redingold]

I wouldn't call myself a fan of the franchise as a whole - I didn't like the first game and I never played the second, but I loved Infinite. I'm also not American.

 

[Zhukov]

Besotted non-American here.

Don't see how it would make a difference. Yes, the games are rather American, but not the obnoxious kind. I'd say Infinite was nearly as far away from America-Fuck-Yeah as you can get.

Besides, it's not like one can't enjoy stuff that is steeped in the culture and/or history of other countries. Imagine if I had to get by only on quintessentially Australian stuff. The horror.

 

[zxvcasdfqwerzxcv]

Utterly besotted non-American reporting in. Don't imagine nationality would make much of a difference. The stylings and culture of the Bioshock series are out of living memory of any American players so it is an exploratory experience for both American and non-Americans alike.

 

[Adam Jensen_v1legacy]

Not necessary at all. Look at Assassin's Creed.

I think being a history buff is more important than being of any particular nationality.

captcha: bowties are cool

NO!

 

[Daystar Clarion]

You don't have to to be part of a culture to enjoy it.

Hell, Okami is quintessential Japanese culture.

Loved Infinite, such a pretty game.

 

[Tomaius]

I'm English and I'm currently enjoying it.

 

[x EvilErmine x]

No you don't have to be American to enjoy it, I'm not and I'm loving it. Saying that though it does help if you know a bit about American history.

 

[Epic Fail 1977]

The thought actually occurred to me some time ago, when Dishonored was released. I wondered if Europeans would like it more because of the European architecture and whatnot. Now BI is out and I find myself wondering essentially the same thing about that game. So far the poll results suggest my little theory is bollocks. But the poll has only been up a few hours so I'll wait and see what the other timezones bring.

 

[Moonlight Butterfly]

Spoiler: Well Columbia kind of looks like Blackpool back when it was nice and not full of chavs. So there is that I guess.

I'm not American and I love it.

Dishonoured is fun. Nice to see pubs and whatnot.

 

[Atrocious Joystick]

Much of american "art culture" has gone international a long time ago (often people confuse this for american culture in general). So I don't think it would be unusual for at least Europeans to be as used to american music and movies. Which makes even things that are obviously exaggerated americana in one way or the other (like Fallout or Bioshock infinite) comprehendable for us as well.

I don't really see anything particularly american in Bioshock infinite though besides the architecture and style. Jingoism, religious fanaticism and elitism has existed outside of the US.

 

[A_Parked_Car]

I'm a Canadian and the proper BioShocks (the first and third games) are among my favourite games of all time.

 

[Popadoo]

I'm not American, but I thoroughly enjoy the whole ''America, fuck yeah,'' feel in games. It's rather... quaint.

 

[Robot Number V]

Well, I am American, I do love the series, but I don't think those two facts are actually related...At all. The results of this thread seem to back up that assertion.

 

[Epic Fail 1977]

I'd say Infinite was nearly as far away from America-Fuck-Yeah as you can get.

I'm not American, but I thoroughly enjoy the whole ''America, fuck yeah,'' feel in games. It's rather... quaint.

Just to be clear: I wasn't talking about "America Fuck Yeah". I don't see Infinite as that sort of game at all. It's just very American in its setting, visuals, themes, historical references, etc.

 

[Extra-Ordinary]

Ha, I had to look up what 'besotted' means. I was thinking it meant something along the lines of soot.

I did to and I got synonymous with "strongly infatuated" or "intoxicated; drunk"
Anyway.
Besotted American here.
But not BECAUSE of all the American stuff (although I may be sub-consciously biased).

The first Bioshock was about getting AWAY from any established government and Infinite, while VERY patriotic in it's design, is choc-full of racism and bigotry; it's kind of an ugly mirror of our history. I'd be a fool to say we don't have at least some of that still around but we're not nearly as saturated with it as we used to be.
Besides your shooting a bunch of racist bigots in the face which is fun for everybody.

 

[Meatspinner]

I am a filthy non-American and I too had to look up what besotted means.

Honestly I don't think you'll get an accurate reading from the escapist alone since it's a very Bioware friendly forum/newsSite .