BioShock Pulls Off 'Stepping Out' Moments Just as Well as Bethesda Does
A game's opening moments are just like a book's first few lines, if the player/reader isn't hooked immediately, then their interest in the product is going to drop significantly, very quickly. The best video game developers know this, and try to make opening levels or narrative sequences memorable, and engaging. Bethesda's way to hook the player is to give them a "stepping out" moment, where the player is first introduced to the world, usually in a flash of blinding light. While Bethesda's openings are iconic, the BioShock series gives them a run for their money.
The BioShock games are widely known for their compelling narratives, with deep, philosophical themes that are intertwined masterfully with sci-fi/fantasy elements. Introducing these complex themes is no easy task, but BioShock uses its grandiose settings to do much of the storytelling, and in turn, uses its "stepping out" moments to cement the games' themes, and tone immediately.
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The first BioShock will forever be remembered for its iconic "Would You Kindly" twist, its striking visual design, and for its opening level, which sets the stage for the rest of the game in such a perfect way, that even its direct sequel couldn't replicate it. Following a mysterious plane crash, the player-character swims to a lighthouse in the middle of the ocean. Once inside, the player is immediately met with a looming statue of a man, holding a large banner exclaiming "No Gods or Kings. Only Man."
Descending the lighthouse's stairs will take the player to the Bathysphere. Taking a seat inside, the Bathysphere descends, and the player is shown a short projected video, with a man named Andrew Ryan describing his
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