Review aggregator Metacritic reports “universal acclaim” for BioShock, a video game that received an average review score of 96/100 for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows, and 94/100 for PlayStation 3. Some consider BioShock to be one of the greatest video games ever made and a demonstration of video games as an art form. The game is set in the fictional underwater city of Rapture with nightmarish inhabitants that you must battle to survive. For a more in-depth story, view the video below.
Is it video game horror?
BioShock is one of the world’s most popular video games, but whether it qualifies as horror is a controversial topic.
The website This is Horror that reviewed (and raved about) the game is among those who deem it horror. In particular, consider the series’ initial two games. BioShock 1 has several elements of a survival horror game such as a creepy atmosphere, a dark story, and a few jump-scares. And BioShock 2 has Little Sister, who is absolutely horrific.
Many believe the third installment, BioShock Infinite, shifted somewhat from its more horrific roots — diluting the horror of the entire franchise. But most of my researched gleaned a common answer: BioShock is horror that’s mixed with other genres like thriller and action/adventure.
LexLex Cosplay, a skilled cosplayer whose characters have included Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite (photo below), shared her thoughts. “The content you experience during the game is unsettling, which is what horror is about,” she said. “It’s a dark story with some characters who have seen suffering and violence while others, the Little Sisters and Big Daddy, who have been experimented on. And the content and vibe are eerie enough to fit the horror genre. But to me, it’s a softer horror game that also includes action and adventure.”
And a gamer website agrees. “The game is certainly not without its scares, however, it also has a lot of elements that make it more of a thriller or action-adventure game,” said website Game Specifications in its blog “Is BioShock A Horror Game: The Best In-Depth Analysis.”
Sunshine City Scare to feature BioShock 2 voice actor
Upcoming horror con Sunshine City Scare, which is May 13-14 at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, features Jodelle Ferland, who is the voice of Little Sister in BioShock 2. She also is a live-action actor who has appeared in many horror movies like Cabin in the Woods and Silent Hill (not to mention Twilight and ParaNorman).
Be part of Video Game Horror at Sunshine City Scare
Sunshine City Scare is a new breed of horror convention that features video game horror and anime horror as well as horror in movies and a very special guest. The event’s celebrity guests include voice actors and live-action actors who have voiced, portrayed, or created wonderful horror characters in the various horror subgenres.
In addition, the horror con will offer various contests, including two cosplay contests (one each day), a lip sync competition, a Tiktok Film Festival, and a fan art contest. Applications for contests are available.
Event tickets are $25 for a single day, and $40 for a weekend pass (prices increase $5 at door).
Need help finding cons in Florida?
Florida Comic Cons has the Con Calendar, a curated calendar of comic, anime, horror, and other pop-culture conventions to keep you, the fandom, informed and apprised (you’re welcome). Quit wasting time with internet searches that take too long and still leave you asking questions. The Con Calendar’s event listings include all the con info like ticket prices and links, vendor registration, and lots more!
