BioShock Remastered

Rapture has enough things trying to hit you that I’d keep this for an easy workout, not the run where you’re trying to push the pace. BioShock Remastered is a good fit for playing in chunks, but aiming while your hands bounce around sounds like work.

Gameplay

The combination of guns and plasmids is what keeps the fights from feeling like the same shooting gallery over and over. You can use a revolver or shotgun when you want to aim directly, then switch to powers that let you throw things or set enemies on fire, and I like that you’re making little decisions in the middle of a fight instead of just holding the trigger. It’s a good way to stay engaged. Sometimes maybe a little too engaged.

Rapture has a lot of rooms to poke around in, and I think that helps the game fit an exercise session because there’s usually something to do between the bigger fights. You’re looking for supplies, deciding whether to spend time on a locked door, or listening to audio diaries that fill in the world. I’d pay attention to those when I wanted a slower stretch, but I wouldn’t feel bad about moving on when I just wanted the next fight. Not every recording needs to be heard right then.

Hacking is where the pace changes. It asks you to stop shooting and think through a small puzzle, which is interesting when you’re settled in, but it could get annoying when you’re trying to keep a steady rhythm and also watch a moving screen. I’d probably skip the optional hacks that didn’t seem worth the stop. A locked door can stay locked for a while.

The Big Daddies are the moments I’d expect to pull my attention away from the workout. They’re tough enough that I’d want to pick when to fight and make a plan, rather than wander into one while looking at something else. Splicers are more manageable, but a group coming at you from different directions can still turn a relaxed bit of exploring into a lot of aiming. I don’t know why I always expect myself to stay calm when several enemies show up at once. I probably wouldn’t.

There’s a story here, but it’s not mostly long stretches of watching a screen while the game waits for you. You can get distracted by the recordings and exploration if you want every detail, and the story can make you want to slow down and listen, but the combat keeps coming back around. I’d give the game time when I was up for paying attention, rather than treating it like background noise.

Category Score: 2 out of 3

Treadmill and Bike Compatibility

Full controller support gives you the option to keep your hands where they need to be, which matters when a mouse would be one more thing to manage. Still, the controller doesn’t make the aiming disappear, and I think moving targets will feel less forgiving when your hands are bouncing with your steps. On a bike, I’d expect a steadier view of the action. That’s probably where I’d start.

The easiest adjustment is to choose a lower difficulty, especially if you’re running. I’d rather get through a fight without turning it into a tense little aiming contest, and BioShock gives you enough weapons and powers that you can try different approaches. I wouldn’t try to prove anything to a Big Daddy while running hard. I have no particular reason to make that harder.

Exploring is the part I’d expect to work best at a comfortable pace, since you can move around, pick up supplies, and decide when to get into trouble. The fights need more attention, and hacking asks you to pause the forward motion of the game while you solve something. I don’t know how much I’d want to do those puzzles while trying to keep my steps even, so I’d save them for an easier part of the workout or take a break from moving.

I’d avoid cranking up the pace and then expecting to follow every audio diary and react cleanly to every enemy. That sounds like trying to read a menu while carrying groceries, which is possible, but not a great use of either hand. If you’re on a treadmill, lower the difficulty and keep the workout easy enough that you can aim. If you’re on a bike, the steadier position should make combat more comfortable, though I’d still slow down for the tougher encounters.

Category Score: 2 out of 3

Computer Requirements

The minimum requirements point to an older dedicated graphics card, not integrated graphics, so I’d check the graphics hardware before assuming a basic laptop will run it well. A mid range card from the last several years should be plenty, and you’ll need room for the 25 GB install.

Category Score: 2 out of 3

Conclusion and Score

BioShock Remastered is worth playing if you want a story driven shooter that still gives you plenty to do between fights. I’d suggest it for an easy treadmill session or a bike ride, but skip it when you need a game that lets you play on autopilot.

Overall Score: 2 out of 3