Returning to Rapture: BioShock: The Collection Nintendo Switch 2 In-depth Review and Guide

Hello everyone, Switch players! This is your old friend, veteran game reviewer Awei. Today, we're going to talk about a work that has left a profound mark on gaming history – BioShock: The Collection. This classic first-person shooter collection includes the BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite trilogies, as well as all single-player DLC. Not only has it landed on the Nintendo Switch, but it also makes me look forward to its performance on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Without further ado, let's dive into Rapture and Columbia to see how this collection performs on the handheld platform.

1. Introduction to BioShock: The Collection

The BioShock series is known for its captivating story, unique art style, and profound themes. The story is set in an alternate history, taking players to two distinctly different utopias: the underwater city of Rapture and the sky city of Columbia. Both cities have collapsed due to the extreme ideals of their founders, and players need to explore the ruins of these cities, uncover hidden secrets, and make key choices that affect the direction of the story.

The collection includes:

• BioShock: The series' inaugural work, telling the story of Jack, who accidentally enters the underwater city of Rapture after a plane crash and becomes involved in the struggle between Andrew Ryan's ideals and Atlas's rebellion.
• BioShock 2: Players take on the role of the "Big Daddy" from the original game, delving deep into Rapture to confront Sofia Lamb's "Family" and protect their "Little Sister."
• BioShock Infinite: The story is set in the sky city of Columbia in 1912, where players play as private investigator Booker DeWitt, who is hired to go to Columbia to rescue Elizabeth and uncover the truth hidden behind the city.

2. BioShock: The Collection on Nintendo Switch

2.1 Gameplay

The core of the BioShock series' gameplay lies in its unique combat system that combines first-person shooting and abilities (Plasmid/Vigor). Players can use various firearms for ranged attacks, and they can also use abilities to unleash superpowers such as fire, lightning, and telekinesis to engage in diverse combat with enemies.

On the Nintendo Switch, the gameplay experience of BioShock: The Collection basically restores the original. However, due to the limitations of the Switch's capabilities, the frame rate may drop in some scenes, especially in BioShock Infinite, where frame drops during large-scale battles are more obvious. In addition, the feel of the Switch's joystick is not as good as other platforms, which may affect shooting accuracy.

2.2 Graphics and Sound

In terms of graphics, BioShock: The Collection has been optimized on the Switch, but the graphic details are reduced compared to the PC and console versions. Texture quality, lighting effects, and shadow details have all been discounted. However, considering the Switch's portability, sacrificing some picture quality is acceptable.

In terms of sound effects, the Switch version of BioShock: The Collection performs well. The game's music, ambient sounds, and character voices have been well restored, creating an immersive gaming atmosphere. In particular, the sound of water droplets and mechanical roars in Rapture in the original BioShock, as well as the classic lines of the villains, can bring back memories for old players.

2.3 Plot and Themes

The most attractive part of the BioShock series is its profound plot and themes. The game explores profound topics such as the demise of utopia, free will and destiny, and the dangers of extremist ideas, triggering players' thinking.

The three works each have independent story lines, but they are interconnected, jointly constructing a grand worldview. Each character has their own distinct personality and complex motivations, and the player's choices will affect the direction and ending of the story.

2.4 Handling Feel

The Switch version of BioShock: The Collection supports motion aiming, which to some extent compensates for the shortcomings of the joystick feel. However, motion aiming requires a certain period of adaptation, and it may affect the stability of operation in intense battles.

In addition, the game's button configuration can be customized, and players can adjust it according to their own habits.

2.5 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Includes the trilogy and all DLC, rich in content.
• Deep and engaging plot.
• Unique combat system with high playability.
• Supports motion aiming.
• Good portability, play anytime, anywhere.

Cons:

• The picture is somewhat reduced.
• Unstable frame rate, severe frame drops in some scenes.
• Joystick feel is average.
• Long loading times.

3. BioShock: The Collection Tips and Tricks

3.1 Beginner's Guide

• Familiarize yourself with the controls: First familiarize yourself with the game's button configuration and operation methods, especially the switching and use of abilities.
• Make good use of abilities: Abilities are an important part of combat. Using abilities wisely can easily defeat enemies. For example, in the original BioShock, use "Electro Bolt" to paralyze enemies and then attack with a wrench.
• Collect resources: There are a lot of resources to collect in the game, including ammunition, first aid kits, supplies, etc. Using these resources wisely can improve survivability.
• Explore the environment: A lot of secrets and clues are hidden in the environment of the BioShock series. Exploring carefully can help you learn more about the plot and background story.

3.2 Advanced Skills and Strategies

• Ability combination: Different abilities can be combined to produce more powerful effects. For example, in BioShock Infinite, combining "Devil's Kiss" with "Bucking Bronco" can create a fire trap.
• Environmental use: The environment in the game can be used by players. For example, you can use puddles to conduct electricity and use the "Electro Bolt" ability to attack enemies.
• Weakness attack: Different enemies have different weaknesses. Attacking the enemy's weakness can cause higher damage.
• Upgrade skills: You can improve your character's attributes and abilities by upgrading skills. Prioritize upgrading frequently used abilities and weapons.

3.3 Walkthrough Methods for Specific Levels or Challenges

Since BioShock: The Collection includes three works, each work has a large number of levels and challenges. It is impossible to list them all here, but some general walkthrough tips can be provided:

• Original BioShock: When fighting "Big Daddies", you can use the "Electro Bolt" ability to paralyze them and then attack their weak points.
• BioShock 2: When protecting "Little Sisters", you can use the "Engineer" ability to build turrets to resist enemy attacks.
• BioShock Infinite: When fighting "Motorized Patriots", you can use "Devil's Kiss" and "Bucking Bronco" to create fire traps to burn them to death.

3.4 Best Equipment and Skill Combinations

• Original BioShock: It is recommended to use a wrench, shotgun, and "Electro Bolt" and "Incinerate!" abilities. In terms of skills, prioritize upgrading the damage and range of "Electro Bolt" and "Incinerate!".
• BioShock 2: It is recommended to use a drill, machine gun, and "Electro Bolt" and "Winter Blast" abilities. In terms of skills, prioritize upgrading the drill's attack power and the paralysis time of "Electro Bolt".
• BioShock Infinite: It is recommended to use a revolver, carbine, and "Devil's Kiss" and "Bucking Bronco" abilities. In terms of skills, prioritize upgrading the damage and range of "Devil's Kiss".

3.5 Speedrun Tips and Hidden Element Guides

Speedrun tips and hidden element guides are more complicated and require players to explore and research on their own. You can refer to some speedrun videos and strategy websites for more information.

4. BioShock: The Collection Score

Overall, the performance of BioShock: The Collection on the Nintendo Switch is remarkable. Although the picture has been reduced and the frame rate is unstable, its profound plot, unique gameplay, and portability are still worth experiencing.

Overall score: 8.0/10

• Gameplay: 8.5/10
• Graphics: 7.0/10
• Sound effects: 9.0/10
• Plot: 10/10
• Handling feel: 7.5/10

Authoritative score reference:

• IGN: 8.5/10 (Link: https://www.ign.com/articles/bioshock-the-collection-switch-review)
• Metacritic: 80/100 (Link: https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/bioshock-the-collection)

Reasons for scoring: BioShock: The Collection is an excellent collection that includes three classic works and all DLC. The game has a profound plot, unique gameplay, and excellent sound effects. Although the picture is reduced and the frame rate is unstable on the Switch, it is still worth experiencing. Authoritative media such as IGN and Metacritic have also given high evaluations.

5. BioShock: The Collection's Potential and Prospects on the Nintendo Switch 2

With the upcoming arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, I personally have high expectations for the performance of BioShock: The Collection on this new console. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to have more powerful performance, providing a smoother gaming experience and better picture quality.

• Performance improvement: The performance improvement of the Nintendo Switch 2 will effectively solve the frame rate problem of the current version of BioShock: The Collection, allowing players to experience the game more smoothly.
• Picture optimization: The Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to support higher resolutions and finer textures, restoring the original picture effects and bringing a more immersive gaming experience.
• Ray tracing technology: If the Nintendo Switch 2 supports ray tracing technology, the lighting and shadow effects of the BioShock series will be significantly improved, creating a more realistic game world.
• Better handling feel: The joystick feel of the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be improved, improving shooting accuracy and operational comfort.

In addition, the backward compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 is also a point worth paying attention to. nintendo switch2 compatibility If the Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with Switch game cards and digital games, players can directly play BioShock: The Collection on the Nintendo Switch 2 without having to buy it again.

Considering the price positioning of the Nintendo Switch 2 nintendo switch2 price, if BioShock: The Collection can be optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 and provide free upgrade or discounted upgrade options, I believe it will attract more players to buy it.

I am full of confidence in the performance of BioShock: The Collection on the Nintendo Switch 2. It will be a classic game that can shine on the Nintendo Switch 2. This review of BioShock: The Collection on the Nintendo Switch also makes me look forward to getting started with the Nintendo Switch 2 nintendo switch2 first look

6. Summary and Recommendation

All in all, BioShock: The Collection is a game collection that is very worth buying. It includes three classic works and all DLC. The content is rich, the plot is profound, and the gameplay is strong. Although its performance on the Nintendo Switch is somewhat lacking, it is still an excellent handheld game.

If you are a fan of the BioShock series, or you like first-person shooter games, then this collection should not be missed. Even if you have never been exposed to the BioShock series before, you can give it a try. I believe you will be attracted by its unique charm.

I strongly recommend that you experience this classic work on the Nintendo Switch, and I also look forward to it bringing even better performance on the future Nintendo Switch 2. I hope this review has been helpful to you. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next issue!