Top 15 action games on PC that you can’t tear yourself away from

The game series emerged in 2007 and immediately became a symbol of conceptual depth in the industry. Instead of the usual post-apocalypses, Irrational Games offered a new world – anarchy of the mind and retro-futuristic aesthetics.

In all parts of the BioShock game series, one idea resonates: absolute freedom gives birth to a monster – a civilization that destroys itself. The first project transported players to Rapture – an underwater utopia decaying beneath the Atlantic.

The BioShock Series: The Beginning of the Story

The story began with Ken Levine’s idea to create a world where philosophical concepts turn into a threat. Thus, Rapture was born, an underwater city based on Ayn Rand’s objectivism, adorned with art deco and hiding the madness of science.
Players walked through glass corridors, listened to the hum of the ocean, and encountered victims of plasmids – genetic modifiers that granted lightning, fire, and insects at the cost of sanity.
The BioShock game series set a new standard for shooters. Instead of mindless shooting, players had to choose – to save or destroy, to explore or succumb to fear.

BioShock 2 and Immersion in Personal Tragedies

In 2010, 2K Marin continued the series of projects. The second part offered a glimpse into Rapture through the eyes of the Big Daddy – a giant guardian in a diving suit. The plot of all BioShock parts always revolved around morality and freedom, but the second part deepened the theme: what does it mean to protect when the world has lost the concept of value?

The second part introduced a cooperative element between Big Daddies and Little Sisters. The gameplay featured new possibilities: dual use of weapons and plasmids, improved combat mechanics with other Daddies, a struggle for territory in Rapture. At the same time, the philosophical depth retained its fundamental value: the struggle of personal will against the dictatorship of collectivism.

Columbia and BioShock Infinite

In 2013, the shooter game series reached a new level – literally and figuratively. Infinite shifted the action to Columbia – a flying city, a symbol of American exceptionalism. It exploded against the backdrop of brutal nationalism and racial segregation.

The main hero fought for the freedom of Elizabeth – a girl with the ability to tear the fabric of reality. The gameplay actively introduced mechanics of opening portals to other versions of the world for the first time. Combined with the dizzying design of Columbia and powerful philosophical undertones, Infinite proved that the series of projects is capable of reimagining itself while remaining true to its roots.

The continuation of the project was not a direct sequel to the first parts, but it raised the same questions sharply: where does personal freedom end and destruction begin?

Burial at Sea and The Collection: Coming Home

The Burial at Sea add-on returned players back to Rapture. This remaster was enthusiastically welcomed by fans who awaited the closure of symbolic gestalts. The first part of the add-on showed the flourishing of the city before its fall. The second part – the final destruction of the illusion of a great utopia.

The Collection, released in 2016, compiled all parts of the project into one set. The remaster added improved graphics, expanded textures, and reworked models while preserving the original atmosphere. The BioShock game series shone with new quality, allowing new generations to experience this dark odyssey.

Gameplay and Mechanics that Changed the Industry

The gameplay became a synthesis of immersive sim and shooter. Plasmids and weapons provided endless variations of combat. Smart enemies adapted, forcing players to use the environment – drowning, exploding, igniting. Immersive sim elements allowed for a change in approach: lockpicking, setting traps, manipulating enemies through genetic modifiers.

The projects built the world around the player, hiding details in audio recordings, posters, and architecture. In BioShock Infinite, dynamic sky rails added speed to movement and spectacle to battles, enhancing the visual atmosphere.

Key mechanics of the project series:

1. Using plasmids to gain tactical advantage.
   
2. Combining weapons and abilities in combat.
   
3. Free exploration of the underwater and flying city.
   
4. Impact of moral decisions on the plot.
   
5. Collecting audio diaries and text fragments to understand the backstory.
   

These mechanics set a new standard in the genre and proved that a shooter can be deep and multi-layered. The game series showed how gameplay and story can intertwine into a unified living universe.

Looking to the Future: BioShock 4

Today, the game series is preparing for a new stage of development. BioShock 4, developed under the guidance of Cloud Chamber Studios, promises to transport players into an even more ambitious world. Details remain under wraps. It is known that the new part will retain its philosophical foundation, expand the mechanics of interaction with the environment, and deepen the nonlinearity of the plot.

Considering the experience of Irrational Games and 2K Marin, the new iteration promises to be not just a continuation but a quintessence of ideas.

The BioShock Series as a Cultural Phenomenon

Over the years of its existence, the game series has changed the perception of interactive stories and formed its own philosophical niche in the industry. The plot of all parts raised complex questions that went far beyond action: freedom of choice, power, utopia, and dystopia.

By 2023, the series had sold over 38 million copies. The first part remains one of the most highly acclaimed games of all time with a rating of 96/100 on Metacritic. Infinite won over 85 “Game of the Year” awards. It proved that the series of projects can combine commercial success with intellectual depth.

The Thin Line Between Reality and Fantasy

The BioShock game series skillfully blurred the boundaries between the possible and the impossible. The underwater city of Rapture became a living symbol of unfulfilled dreams. Every rusty pipe and drop of water reminded of the fragility of ideals. The flying city of Columbia in Infinite metaphorically exploded the American dream, turning it into a nightmare come true.

The Collection remaster allowed new players to relive the evolution of the series: from the dim glow of Rapture’s neon signs to the dazzling skies of Columbia. Even after years, the BioShock game series retains the ability to amaze, shock, and inspire.

Expectations and Predictions

BioShock 4 promises to go beyond familiar scenarios. Development of a multiverse concept, a more complex moral system, and interaction with a dynamically changing world are expected.

Rumors suggest that the new project will shift events to the icy wastelands of Antarctica, creating a contrast with underwater Rapture and sunny Columbia. Procedural level generation and expanded player decision-making influence across the entire game universe are expected.

Conclusion

The BioShock game series has proven that a good story never ages. Each part, including The Collection remaster and the anticipated BioShock 4, continues the tradition: shocking, mesmerizing, reimagining simple truths. The series of projects will remain a beacon for those seeking entertainment and food for thought in virtual worlds.

At the beginning of June 2025, the long-awaited release of MindsEye took place, a project that attracted attention long before its release due to the involvement of Leslie Benzies, a former producer of GTA. The novelty is positioned as a large-scale action-adventure with elements of science fiction, developed by the studio Build A Rocket Boy.

The game’s release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S was perceived as a significant event. However, the initial reviews turned out to be mixed – some players expressed serious concerns about the quality of execution.

### Release of MindsEye: Ambitious World from the Creator of GTA

The project itself initially sparked interest due to its connections with Rockstar Games and the legacy of the Grand Theft Auto series. The action game MindsEye was announced as part of the Everywhere metaverse, but upon launch, it received its own distinct positioning – a separate narrative module focusing on a single-player campaign and cinematic experience.

In the game, players take on the role of a mercenary caught in the whirlwind of corporate conspiracies and biotechnological terror. MindsEye actively utilizes mechanics such as perspective shifting, vehicular sections, close combat, and shootouts. All accompanied by dramatic storytelling and an attempt to build a cyberpunk-inspired world.

### Significance for Build A Rocket Boy

The release of MindsEye was not just the launch of a new project but a crucial moment for the entire Build A Rocket Boy team. This is the studio’s first full-fledged independent development under the leadership of Leslie Benzies – a figure who had a significant impact on the industry during the GTA V era.

The launch was a challenge: to prove that the team is capable of offering the audience something more than just a nostalgic brand. Against the backdrop of expectations and marketing statements, the release took on a strategic character – it had to show what the new studio is capable of without relying on old franchises. The level of buzz confirms high interest, but the initial reactions demonstrated that ideas alone are not enough – excellence in execution is required.

### Technical Features and Platforms

The release took place simultaneously on all target systems. On PC, the game showcases support for ray tracing, DLSS 3.5, and scalable graphics settings. On the new generation consoles, it consistently maintains 60 frames per second in performance mode and 4K resolution in quality mode.

Localization is presented in an expanded version – MindsEye is available in Russian, including full voiceover and subtitles. This fact was positively received by the audience in the CIS countries, where the game received marketing support.

### Key Mechanics and Features

The fantastic action game MindsEye is built on a combination of narrative tension and diverse gameplay scenarios. Among the main components are missions with chases, combat encounters, exploration of futuristic locations, and interactive dialogues. The world’s architecture resembles a hybrid between linear levels and open spaces with optional tasks. Key features as stated by the developers:

– Mechanic of shifting between realities and digital spaces;
– Cinematic shootouts with cover and special effects;
– Interactive inserts with moral choice reactions;
– Open areas with the ability to move around in vehicles;
– Weapon and implant upgrade system;
– Character appearance customization.

The combination of mechanics demonstrates an attempt to merge RPG ideas, action gameplay, and science fiction in one project. However, the release of MindsEye elicited different reactions from players and the press.

### Visual Style and Artistic Concept

From a visual standpoint, the game MindsEye is executed in the style of post-neon futurism. Urban areas, laboratories, wastelands, and in-game cyberspaces are designed with an emphasis on lighting effects and contrast. The camera work in cutscenes demonstrates a strive for a cinematic approach, largely inherited from the GTA series.

The physical animation at the start does not always demonstrate stable performance, but the surrounding detail and vehicle design turned out expressive. The in-game interface, designed as a tactical holographic assistant, deserves special attention.

### Comparison with Grand Theft Auto and Positioning

After the release of MindsEye, comparisons with GTA became inevitable. However, the developers themselves insisted on a different concept. While Grand Theft Auto revolves around an open world, criminal satire, and a wide gameplay sandbox, MindsEye focuses on the story, cutscenes, linear missions, and atmospheric setting.

The level design and storytelling approach are closer to action films than traditional open-world games. Nevertheless, visual and design decisions familiar from GTA make their presence known – especially in the transport animation style, city street layouts, and scene tempo.

### MindsEye Pricing: Pricing Policy

At launch, MindsEye is accompanied by the standard cost for AAA projects. Prices vary depending on the region and platform. Current prices are as follows: PC: starting from $49.99 / 3499 rubles, PlayStation 5: starting from 5499 rubles, Xbox Series X/S: starting from 5499 rubles.

There is also a digital deluxe edition available with bonus materials, additional clothing, and a soundtrack. Players can purchase it for $69.99 / 4999 rubles.

### Player Reviews: Ambitions Did Not Meet Expectations

Immediately after the release of MindsEye, the first reviews and user reviews began to appear online. On major platforms like Metacritic and OpenCritic, scores range from 5.5 to 6.8. Players praise the visual style, music, and the idea, but sharply criticize the performance, rough mechanics, and weak physics.

The main reasons for negative reviews are:

– Unstable PC optimization and FPS drops even on powerful setups;
– Artificial intelligence of enemies demonstrating primitive behavior;
– Numerous bugs in the story campaign;
– Lack of a well-developed melee combat system;
– Overly prolonged cutscenes not always logically connected to gameplay;
– Issues with the interface when using Russian voiceover.

Positive reviews focus on the artistic direction, ambitious concept, and the idea of building a multi-layered world. Users acknowledge that MindsEye has potential but needs refinement.

### Release of MindsEye: Main Points

The release of MindsEye turned out to be both a bright and problematic start for Build A Rocket Boy. Against the backdrop of loud statements and the involvement of a former GTA producer, the game failed to fully meet the audience’s expectations.

Nevertheless, the underlying concept, original style, and multimedia storytelling approach allow considering the project as potentially evolving. Addressing technical shortcomings and releasing patches will determine whether MindsEye can find its place in the realm of sci-fi action games.