BioShock Preview

The extensive coverage of Irrational Games’ BioShock continues, with another two-page hands-on preview of the game surfacing over at Shacknews.

Hacking is a free, easy way to increase your odds of survival in BioShock. Vending machines can be hacked for discount prices, and stationary turrets can be converted to save on ammunition. As the player will often traverse one section of the game many times over, having a turret on hand to defend from roaming Splicers comes in handy. Once in close proximity to a hackable object, the press of a button begins the hacking minigame. The game tasks you with completing a series of pipes by swapping out various pieces before the flow of water catches up to the end, like a timed game of Rivers, Roads, and Rails. Often challenging, but not frustratingly so, the minigames are a pleasantly puzzling diversion.