Being a new initiate into the world of Biopunk, I ran out and bought a copy of Bioshock for my Xbox 360 to see what all the hype was about. Having “Bio” in the title peaked my curiosity as to the possible Biopunk in the game and I was intrigued by the inclusion of genetic modification so decided to give it a go. I hear it takes about 20 some hours to play, and just started playing a few nights back and  I am enjoying every couple of hours I can squeeze in here and there when my toddler falls asleep. Yes, I’m a Mom and I'm a Video Gamer.

                                                                  

Bioshock was one of the most anticipated and award winning games to date. It’s a dark, disturbingly creepy world that’s fascinating and morally challenging.  It's set in “Rapture”, an underwater dystopian city amidst a genetically fueled economic civil war.  Without giving away any spoilers I thought I'd just present some of the Biopunk bits I can see so far. Once I actually finish the game (toddler willing) I'll add a review.


I thought the ethical decisions you are faced parallel the questions faced by current genetic research, of course taken to an extreme level. This isn’t a game you’d play if you were easily offended or frightened of blood, gore and language. It carries a Mature (over 17) rating. However, since I love First Person Shooters and Roleplaying Games (and this has some elements of an RPG) I really got into the game and 'am loving it'.  I'm lured by the interesting storyline and what's around the next corner. One can clearly see the metaphor in relation to genomic research and genetic experimentation inherent in the real world.

Biopunk Background:

Adam consists of genetically engineered stem cells and is a mutagen that allows instant genetic changes. It's harvested from genetically altered little girls called Little Sisters, each of which is protected by a “Big Daddy”. This is a formidable, groovy looking mutant wearing a huge metal diving suit equipped with a suitably intimidating large drill. The Little Sisters were created by science and are each walking incubator hosts to a rare sea slug that produces Adam stem cells. The sisters also extract Adam from the dead. Eve is a serum that allows you to use Adam.

Andrew Ryan, the scientist that created Rapture created Ryan Industries which is the main corporation responsible for doling out Plasmids and Tonics.  Plasmids introduce Adam which allows instant genetic change such as electrobolts and telekineses essentially making you a human weapon. You can change your plasmid powers at several Gene Banks throughout Rapture. Tonics are passive genetic upgrades to improve combat, engineering and physical prowess. Adam is the addictive currency of Rapture that powers plasmids and tonics. Splicers (demented Adam addicted citizens controlled by pheremones) wander Rapture and are the genetically modified crazies that will do anything to get their hands on another hit of Adam.

As in the Biopunk genre definition, the general population seems to have been set aside at the expense of the Elite and an underground, (or underwater) black market and civil war emerged as Dr. Ryan banned contact with the surface world.



"Would you kindly...?

As far as fitting into the Biopunk genre, the only real variance I see is that its not set in the near future, but rather in 1960. It has an art-deco dystopian element in which time seemed to be stuck in the 1940's-1950's when Rapture was created. As a result, the music is pretty cool with circa 1946 music. 

I'd definitely recommend this game for the Genomically inclined Gamer. So far, I'm enjoying it immensley and think it deserves the attention and fandom it's received. Though it may not have the typical futuristic feel of what we'd expect from the more popular Biopunk definition, it does have a biological, genetic focused plot and packs enough story and adrenalin to propel you along. Even if you're not a fan of Video Games, its worth seeing the Art and feel of the game. I hear they're even making a Bioshock movie. I'm so excited I ran out and bought the Limited Edition set with the Big Daddy figure. It sits menacingly overlooking my PC.

Here's some interesting links:

Genetics Gone Haywire and Predatory Children in an Undersea Metropolis
Choice and Freedom in Bioshock
Creepy Moral Dilemmas Make Bioshock a Sophisticated Shooter
Bioshock Explained (spoilers)

If anyone out there has played Bioshock, I'd love to hear your comments. Please feel free to add any other cool Biopunkish games. Now, if you'd kindly excuse me while I dim the lights...I have to get me a Big Daddy!