PGC NEWS

BioShock Infinite took players to the soaring city of Columbia, a stark contrast to the underwater dystopia of Rapture. For many fans, the sun-drenched atmosphere of Columbia couldn’t replace the claustrophobic dread of Rapture. Burial at Sea, a two-part DLC, answered the call for a return to the depths. Episode 2, in particular, offers a compelling new perspective.

Elizabeth in Rapture

A Dark Descent into Familiar Territory

Burial at Sea – Episode 2 shifts the player’s perspective from Booker DeWitt to Elizabeth, exploring a new corner of Rapture. This return to the underwater city isn’t a simple rehash of previous BioShock games. Instead, it delves into the downfall of Rapture, offering crucial backstory and context for the events of BioShock Infinite. The narrative unfolds through scattered audio logs and environmental storytelling, a familiar mechanic for series veterans. These fragments weave together a compelling, albeit fragmented, tale of Rapture’s descent into chaos.

Rapture environment

Classic Horror Revitalized

Episode 2 successfully captures the original BioShock games’ sense of dread and isolation. The dilapidated grandeur of Rapture, the lurking threats, and the oppressive atmosphere combine to create a genuinely unsettling experience. The narrative, focused on the city’s tragic decline, further enhances this feeling of decay and despair. This return to classic survival horror elements caters to longtime fans who missed the darker tone of the original games. The characters you encounter are truly “mad” in the classic BioShock sense, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

Elizabeth gameplay

Light and Shadow: Enhanced Gameplay

While the game utilizes the same Unreal Engine 3 as its predecessors, the lighting design in Burial at Sea – Episode 2 is noticeably more effective. The interplay of light and shadow creates a powerful sense of vulnerability. The stark contrast between brightly lit areas and oppressive darkness heightens the tension and reinforces the feeling of being trapped in a decaying world. This masterful use of lighting elevates the horror elements beyond what was achieved in the original BioShock titles.

Rapture environment detail

Furthermore, the gameplay encourages a stealthier approach, rewarding players for navigating levels undetected. The inclusion of “1998 Mode”, which restricts the use of conventional weapons, pushes this stealth focus even further. This slower, more deliberate pace enhances the sense of dread, making the player’s journey through Rapture’s darkened corridors all the more terrifying.

Elizabeth with crossbow

A Haunting Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Burial at Sea – Episode 2 is a standout feature, effectively utilizing period music from the 1950s and 60s. Juxtaposing upbeat tunes with the desolate environment creates a chilling effect, amplifying the sense of unease and highlighting the city’s tragic fall from grace. The music also serves to heighten the intensity during action sequences, further immersing the player in the experience.

Splicer encounter

Showing Its Age

Despite the artistic merits of Burial at Sea – Episode 2, the game’s age is apparent. The graphics, largely unchanged since BioShock’s 2007 release, feel dated compared to modern titles. Character models and animations appear stiff, which can detract from the overall immersion.

Rapture city view

A Narrative Puzzle

While the fragmented storytelling is a hallmark of the BioShock series, Episode 2’s reliance on scattered narrative pieces can be overwhelming. The need to piece together the story through environmental details and audio logs can make the plot difficult to follow for players primarily interested in action.

Conclusion

Burial at Sea – Episode 2 is a compelling return to Rapture, offering a chilling atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and a haunting soundtrack. While the dated graphics and fragmented narrative may be drawbacks for some, the DLC ultimately delivers a worthwhile experience for BioShock fans, particularly those who yearned for the darker tones of the original games. The shift in perspective to Elizabeth provides a fresh take on the familiar world of Rapture, exploring its tragic downfall and offering a poignant conclusion to the BioShock Infinite saga.