BioShock & BioShock 2
All of the games in the BioShock series are first-person shooters with role-playing elements.
In the first two games, the player controls a character as they explore Rapture, learning of the city's past and the fate of its citizens, whilst at the same time defending themselves from the attacks of ADAM-addicted Splicers, other crazed survivors, and Big Daddies.
Weapons & Plasmids
The two main damage dealing sources are typical hand-held weapons, such as the Pistol or Shotgun, and abilities called plasmids, which allow the player to, for example, set Splicers on fire, or manipulate objects with telekinesis.
Plasmids cost Eve to use (which functions much like Mana in games which allow players to utilise magic against their foes, although it does not automatically re-generate) and can often be combined with objects in the environment to create traps (for example enemies baited into standing in water can be electrocuted, or explosives can be manipulated with telekinesis to create traps for Splicers).
Over the course of the game the weapons can be upgraded and equipped with different ammunition types, such as armour-piercing rounds.
Tonics
Passive abilities (called gene tonics) also come into play, and allow for things such as increased speed or better damage resistance. They can be switched out and replaced at a specific type of vending machine called a Gene Bank.
As you continue to explore Rapture you'll come across items that expand upon Rapture's history and the stories of its citizens, thanks to recording devices which scatter the levels.
Currency
You'll also acquire money, which can be used at vending machines to acquire more ammunition, as well as health and Eve. Plasmids, on the other hand, are purchased with ADAM, rather than money. ADAM can be collected from Little Sisters after defeating the heavily armored Big Daddy that protects them. Each Little Sister can be harvested (i.e. killed) for a large amount of ADAM, or freed, in which case the player only receives a small amount of ADAM.
BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite is also a first-person shooter with role-playing elements, much like the previous two games. Players take on the role of Booker DeWitt, who has been hired to search for and return Elizabeth in return for his debts being wiped clean.
Weapons, Vigors & Gear
Much like in the previous two games combat utilises both traditional weapons (such as Pistols and Rifles) as well as Plasmid-like abilities called Vigors, and gear that provides for additional bonuses.
Vigors include abilities such as telekinesis, or the control of animals, whilst selected gear offers passive abilities such as damage resistance, but both offer the player various upgrade paths.
One of the key differences between Infinite and its predecessors is that you cannot alter your 'plasmid' and 'gene tonic' loadout; if you imbibe a vigor in Infinite it is permanent and cannot be changed.
