Poll: Testing a Bioshock Theory
- Thread starter Epic Fail 1977
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Besotted American reporting in.
Even though the issues discussed in the proper Bioshocks (the original and Infinite) are rather universal.
In addition,
I'd argue that Fallout has more USA in it's DNA than any of the Bioshock games combined.
Even though the issues discussed in the proper Bioshocks (the original and Infinite) are rather universal.
In addition,
And I still enjoyed the hell out of it.Daystar Clarion said:
I'd argue that Fallout has more USA in it's DNA than any of the Bioshock games combined.
Your usage of the word 'besotted' discombobulates me.
The being interesting, entertaining and enjoyable to an international audience is, first and foremost due to its form of delivery - it is a game, after all. Then again, bear in mind that the human population of the world privileged enough to be able to throw money at games has been exposed to American movies for a good hundred years now.
I absolutely loved the first Bioshock, even though my views on politics, religion and everything might differ; it was a refreshing, original, rather special interactive experience. The second title was a bit too much of the same; done by people that were neither enlightened nor very inspire. It was a wage slave effort, at best, so it was not quite as original. I still enjoyed the playing it part, even though it didn't tingle my taste buds as much or impress me with proper writing as the first one did.
Bioshock Infinite - I agree that the aesthetics on display look like a history book on the good ole US of A came to life during a hefty LSD binge, but it only seemed to influence large portions of character/enemy design and, to some extent, the pseudo historical setting of the castle in the sky that is to be our virtual playground during the course of the walkabout and shooty shooty ride that is Bioshock Infinite.
The 'mechanized Patriots' still rub me all sorts of wrong ways, but my comrades readily chuckle just at the mention of them.
The being interesting, entertaining and enjoyable to an international audience is, first and foremost due to its form of delivery - it is a game, after all. Then again, bear in mind that the human population of the world privileged enough to be able to throw money at games has been exposed to American movies for a good hundred years now.
I absolutely loved the first Bioshock, even though my views on politics, religion and everything might differ; it was a refreshing, original, rather special interactive experience. The second title was a bit too much of the same; done by people that were neither enlightened nor very inspire. It was a wage slave effort, at best, so it was not quite as original. I still enjoyed the playing it part, even though it didn't tingle my taste buds as much or impress me with proper writing as the first one did.
Bioshock Infinite - I agree that the aesthetics on display look like a history book on the good ole US of A came to life during a hefty LSD binge, but it only seemed to influence large portions of character/enemy design and, to some extent, the pseudo historical setting of the castle in the sky that is to be our virtual playground during the course of the walkabout and shooty shooty ride that is Bioshock Infinite.
The 'mechanized Patriots' still rub me all sorts of wrong ways, but my comrades readily chuckle just at the mention of them.
Umm.... For this game, not entirely. You need to know things like the Boxer Rebellion (which isn't really American history), and the Massacre at Wounded Knee.
It's pretty basic. It's less to do with American History, and more to do with themes closely related to American... ideals, I guess? Anyways, history wise, you don't need anything besides a thoroughly basic logic.
Where Bioshock 1 was dealing with the concept of a Utopian society turned upside down due to extremist idealism rooted in somewhat libertarian beliefs, this game deals with a Utopian society forced through extremist religious beliefs. It's definitely a very American-focused game, but it really shouldn't be too hard to follow.
It's pretty basic. It's less to do with American History, and more to do with themes closely related to American... ideals, I guess? Anyways, history wise, you don't need anything besides a thoroughly basic logic.
Where Bioshock 1 was dealing with the concept of a Utopian society turned upside down due to extremist idealism rooted in somewhat libertarian beliefs, this game deals with a Utopian society forced through extremist religious beliefs. It's definitely a very American-focused game, but it really shouldn't be too hard to follow.
It's just an art style, I think the only game that I think should stay in America is the Fallout series, as that sorta thing leaves a great mystery out there to how the rest of the world is and it adds to the solitude and loniness that comes with it. Makes the world feel more desolate and barren, if they did Fallout: London well...that sorta answers things that we don't need answers too, but we want.
Easier explanation: The force, you want to know what it's about but then someone says it's bacteria, it ruins it. Maybe I'm not exactly hitting the topic here..hmm...oh well, POST.
Easier explanation: The force, you want to know what it's about but then someone says it's bacteria, it ruins it. Maybe I'm not exactly hitting the topic here..hmm...oh well, POST.
I didn't think/realise that 'besotted' was an unusual word. Maybe I'm getting old and it's gone out of fashion.
I'm also surprised at the number of people claiming that Infinite is not particularly American. Enslaved blacks? Massacred Native Americans? The founding fathers? Yeah, every country has those I guess.
The results of the poll so far suggest I'm not as barmy as some seem to think.
I'm also surprised at the number of people claiming that Infinite is not particularly American. Enslaved blacks? Massacred Native Americans? The founding fathers? Yeah, every country has those I guess.
The results of the poll so far suggest I'm not as barmy as some seem to think.
If we are pretending Bioshock 2 doesn't exist (we are doing that right?) than I am a "besotted" non-American.
PS. If your using words like besotted and barmy, your probably a bit barmy.
PS. If your using words like besotted and barmy, your probably a bit barmy.
I suppose if I actually had lived in the 1910s and '50s-'60s, then I would be much more nostalgic about it.
But no, I don't think it helps at all to be American. The culture and imagery of early-20th Century America is really iconic, not unlike Feudal Japan settings, or Medieval Europe.
But no, I don't think it helps at all to be American. The culture and imagery of early-20th Century America is really iconic, not unlike Feudal Japan settings, or Medieval Europe.
Not an American and never got what all the fuss was about with these games - only ever bothered to play halfway through the first game. For me the fact that all the games are undeniably very pretty has never been able to outweigh the fact that at their core, they're still just FPS games and FPS games don't really do much for me. I don't think their "American-ness" has any effect on my judgement one way or the other.
Let me just say, as an American citizen, that Bioshock Infinite and Spec Ops: The Line reflect my views of America more than, let's say, Battlefield 3.
Just sayin'
Just sayin'
Do you think western medieval games only appeal to native Europeans? Or maybe that westerns are also only appealing to people in the US western states? I think Bioshock's point of view pretty cosmopolitan in fact. US history, English or French history are subjects that can be enjoyed and appreciated by people of all kinds.
Nationalism is a dying concept amen.
Nationalism is a dying concept amen.
First two elements are all around the Americas not only in the United States.
I don't believe anything is required to enjoy the Bioshock series. If you like it you like it. However, to truly understand the narrative(s) you must have an understanding of all political theologies, sociological views, economic theories,
So um... I'm American and I like the Bioshock series because they are deep thought provoking games.
Quantum mechanics.
So um... I'm American and I like the Bioshock series because they are deep thought provoking games.
Well the poll has gone around the world once (24 hours) and so far 76% of Americans are 'besotted' vs 70% of non-Americans. Close enough to call it even, and put my theory to bed. Thanks to all who voted.
uhm... have you ever seen the German movie metropolis? the design has a lot in common with bioshock.Epic Fail 1977 said:
OT: no you dont need to be american to enjoy it. Unlike american schools, european schools teach history from all over the world, that includes america.
I didn't feel this way about Bioshock and I haven't played Dishonored, but for the first 2 hours of Bioshock Infinite, and some particular moments later in the game, I did have this thought that I'd be enjoying it more if I knew anything at all about american history. Yes, I suppose it has themes that I'm able to understand. Slavery, poverty, social inequality, racism, the killing of natives, we have all that in brazilian history. Some of these are present in our daily lives and a mere look to the side can be quite jarring.
But who are these founding fathers they talk about in the beginning of the game? Was "Wounded Knee" a real event? How important was it? What's a pinkerton exactly? Separate bathrooms for blacks and whites, what? and so on.
Thankfully, this is a game and for the most part, it speaks in the language of pew pew pew, and I imagine every gamer understands pew pew pew just fine.
But who are these founding fathers they talk about in the beginning of the game? Was "Wounded Knee" a real event? How important was it? What's a pinkerton exactly? Separate bathrooms for blacks and whites, what? and so on.
Thankfully, this is a game and for the most part, it speaks in the language of pew pew pew, and I imagine every gamer understands pew pew pew just fine.