Original BioShock Pitch Emerges From the Deep

[Logan Westbrook]

Original BioShock Pitch Emerges From the Deep

It's BioShock Jim, but not as we know it.

You've all played BioShock [http://www.gamefly.com/game/xbox-360/Bioshock/121645/], right? You know the game I mean, where you play as Carlos Cuello, a deprogrammer sent to rescue a wealthy heiress from a cult holed up on a tropical island? What's that you say, that's not BioShock? Well, no, it isn't, but it could have been.

Irrational Games has released its original pitch document for the game on its official blog [http://irrationalgames.com/insider/from-the-vault-may/#], from when the game was first envisioned in 2002. While many of the key elements where in place even at that early stage, it was a very different game than what was eventually released.

Aside from the completely different story, there's no mention of Rapture, Big Daddies or Little Sisters. Genetic modification is in there, but it follows a very specific theme - that of taking features from sea creatures like electric eels or jellyfish - and there's a heavy focus on customization of equipment and environment.

It's an interesting read, and there's more of it to come. What's most interesting though, is that the game actually sounds like a lot of fun. I must admit, I kind of hope that Irrational make it one day.

Source: Gamespot [http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/bioshock/news.html?sid=6263197]



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[Deofuta]

Interesting pitch, but it feels a little generic compared to the actual release, which seemed very original.

Not saying the generic is bad, but I think they went the right direction in the end.

Does anyone else think the idea smacks of the original Far Cry?

 

[Plinglebob]

Does anyone else think the idea smacks of the original Far Cry?

*Has happy thoughts of playing Far Cry with Plasmids*

 

[Jared]

Very different to say the least...heh, I am glad they went with that they had though.

Although could have been intresting

 

[Logan Westbrook]

Does anyone else think the idea smacks of the original Far Cry?

I thought that exact thing actually.

 

[Jaranja]

You said where instead of were, just a typo.

I don't know, I think they did better with the Rapture idea. A lot better.

 

[solidstatemind]

I dunno: I think one of the things that really made Bioshock what it was is the retro/art-deco/slightly noir atmosphere, and I think it's safe to say that probably wasn't what they had in mind in that original document.

...so, yeah: I'm glad they switched it up, but here's hoping Irrational explains why the metamorphosis occurred as well as revealing the original idea. Was it just too ambitious? Or did they themselves realize the whole 'Crysis with plasmids' problem?

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Flying Dagger]

It's sad how run of the mill a game has to be to get into the development stage...

 

[DeadlyYellow]

Interesting pitch, but it feels a little generic compared to the actual release, which seemed very original.

At their base the majority of games are generic. It's mostly the differing aesthetics that give a sense of originality.

 

[reg42]

I actually think I prefer the original idea to the Bioshock we got. It just seems a lot more interesting to me. Maybe if Rapture's story was told a bit better my opinion would sway.

 

[RvLeshrac]

People who are saying they preferred Rapture are, I think, basing that on the story, setting, and art-style of how Bioshock turned out, not the game systems described in the document.

I mean, come on, imagine Bioshock but with these new game systems added -- fully moddable/creatable weapons? Messing with the environment to give yourself an advantage? Splicing in powers that aren't just a "This pickup gives this ability" but rather "Mix a bit of this and a bit of that to get something cooler than both!"

I wonder if the tech was just too ambitious to realize?

The design document sounds a lot like System Shock 3, which I would've enjoyed. So far, I haven't much liked either of the Bioshock games. They feel generic as-is, with the only thing unique being the surroundings.

It seems like no one wants to make another System Shock or Deus Ex, because apparently most people are too stupid to play them (See: Deus Ex 2).

 

[De Ronneman]

I do feel the weaponcustomising could work. I like the artwork to. A lot better than the splicers...

It speaks to something deep inside... Shooting a crustacious seamutant with an automatic fourbarrel shotgun with blazing bullets....

 

[ThaBenMan]

Very cool. There are some really neat ideas in there - the weapon customization (not just the simple, static upgrades like in most games), the "environmental" hacking, freaky aquatic mutants. BioShock the way it turned out was great, but this game would be awesome as well.

 

[MarsProbe]

Was this before or after Bioshock was going to feature Nazis? Seem to recall back when I first heard about Bioshock, there were going to be Nazis, along with the usual genetic modification malarky.

I like some of the ideas in the "Mod the World" section. Sounds like something that could be fun, if pulled off well.

 

[Tireseas_v1legacy]

Lots of good stuff that got included in Bioshock 1 & 2, but it look like a lot got cut out in the process.

The "save the princess" plot had been overdone though, so it was nice to see the creative team strip that part out for more of a "let's the get f--k out of here vibe."