Gamertell

Browsing around the gaming blogosphere recently, I’ve been gleaning what I can about 2K Games’ sequel to the epic, awesome BioShock. Since the game is due out this year, the slow, steady trickle of information has begun. There are a few mild spoilers ahead, but nothing story-based.

Kotaku has a lengthy hands-on with a fake “demo level” that demonstrates the core gameplay. Yes, you play as a big Daddy, yes, you have a drill arm, and yes, you are back in Rapture, albeit ten years after the events of the first game. This last detail surprised me - for some reason, I was under the impression that BioShock 2 would be a prequel - set long before the events of the first game.

According to an interview at MTV Multiplayer with the game’s senior producer, Melissa Miller, the team is well aware that the ending to the first game presented a few continuity challenges (since, after all, it went one way or the other, morally speaking). From the post:

Let’s start with the ending, as it does affect the idea that a sequel could even begin. although “BioShock” presented two distinct endings based on the moral behavior of the player in the game, “BioShock 2″ will work with both. Miller said the team worked hard “to not contradict either of the endings of the game.” The events of the new game will be set up to allow the possibility that, no matter how your first “BioShock” game ended, the right characters will have managed to survive to get the new game going.

The combat will be a bit different in the new game, though the team is reportedly committed to ramping up your ability to kick butt in the ways that you choose. As the first Big Daddy, you’ll have plasmids at your disposal, and you’ll be able to wield impressive firearms along with your drill arm. Also - new little sister interactions will be available (though it’s unclear what they are aside from harvesting or “adopting” them).

Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic for the sequel. Of course, it won’t be the revelation that the first title was… but it looks to be on the right track. As long as they do the story justice, and the combat is fun without relying on babysitting little sisters, I’ll be happy.

Read [MTV Multiplayer] Read [Kotaku]