The Representation Of Nihilism Within "Bioshock"

The first of a twelve part series. This essay will explore the conflicting viewpoints of both Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger in regards to nihilism. 

Since its launch in 2007, BioShock has bought a rather aesthetic feel to the gaming world that is near impossible to miss. Philosophical themes are evidently placed on a destructive path throughout the underwater city of 'Rapture' as the gamer has little choice but to become immersed in the abstract longing for a postmodern world. Players are free to alter their characters own biological structure with so called 'Plasmids' or 'Vigors' controlled by their own 'will to power' and are further encouraged to existentially determine their own good or bad ending. Amidst it all breathes the death of an Idealistic society, erupted in chaos due to its severely nihilistic outlook. 

According to the Collins Pocket English Dictionary, 'Nihilism' is the rejection of an established authority or institution. Friedrich Nietzsche, born in 1844 and a strong atheist, believed that Christianity was the root of all illustrious values that should be overcome by humankind being 'born again' Biblical references have been constructed throughout the video game, for example in "Eve's Garden" with its apple logo derivative of the forbidden fruit. But according to Nietzsche, Christianity isn't based on reason and therefore shouldn't reflect these kinds of values. 

*WRITTEN AS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER'S PHILOSOPHY MAGAZINE. READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE HERE.

Bioshock: A Philosophical Review.

With the highly anticipated release of Bioshock Infinite (the third installment of the 2K game series), you will find below a review/analysis of the first game, complete with philosophical 

jargon and pictures and whatnot.

[All Screenshots From Personal Gameplay. Image Rights Owned by Irrational Games]

Released in 2007 by Irrational Games, Bioshock is seen as one of the Highest Rated First Person Shooters of All Time* The Gamer is immersed in the world of Rapture; an underwater city that is drowned in history. With what appears to be a longing for the past, the game design mirrors that of 1950’s/60’s America.

Amidst a plane crash, we are plunged into the depths of a Utopia; a sort of broken Atlantis. It is the end of an Idealistic Society said to have been dominated by “hand-picked” Scientists, Artists and Industrialists; a society which is now on the brink of war. You can alter your own biological structure with so called “Plasmids” (controlled by your own “will to power” – Nietzsche’s “Ubermensch”/Superman) and determine your own ending based on the choices you make throughout the game (Existentialism).

With awards such as Best Game of the Year (British Academy Video Game Awards), Best Original Game (Yahoo! Games Best of 2007) and Best Artistic Design (IGN E3 2007 Awards), Bioshock is a game like no other.