The Pseudo-Beatles singing their hearts out about the better home waiting in the sky

The Pseudo Beatles - Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Bioshock Icarus was the first internal project name for the critically acclaimed Bioshock Infinite, released in 2013.
Bioshock Icarus was an ambitious project that envisioned a city in the sky named Columbia, created through technological marvels. Unlike the final game, Icarus was supposed to be deeply rooted in the exploration of American fascism and its rise to power through the discovery of ADAM.

https://linktr.ee/wasteofblood
discography: https://wasteofblood.bandcamp.com/
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wasteofblood
insta: https://www.instagram.com/wasteofbloodbb/

Theme and Storyline:

Bioshock Icarus: Focused on the themes of American fascism and the societal impact of technology. The story revolved around the creation of Columbia as a utopian society that quickly devolved into a dystopia, reflecting the dangers of unchecked technological advancements under authoritarian rule. A full on nazi sky city is certainly one of the most extreme directions the series could have taken. 
Bioshock Infinite: 
While still retaining elements of American exceptionalism and dystopian critique, the final version pivoted towards themes of American nationalism, racism, and the concept of multiple realities. The storyline centered on Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth, exploring their complex relationship and the mystery of Columbia. Which was still good I loved it, but I wish they kept the other stuff too.

Setting and Atmosphere:

Bioshock Icarus: Columbia was depicted as a city in the clouds, serving as a testament to human ingenuity but also as a cautionary tale of technological hubris and ruthless acceleration. The city’s architecture and design were heavily influenced by the early 20th century, showcasing a blend of futuristic and historical elements. In this video, I wanted to give the city a european edge to make the heritage of fascism more apparent.
Bioshock Infinite: The final game retained the floating city concept but shifted its aesthetic to a more vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere, juxtaposed with the underlying darkness of its societal issues. Design elements became more pronounced and coherent, creating a unique and visually stunning world.

Characters and Dynamics:

Bioshock Icarus: Early concepts included different characters and scenarios that highlighted the political and social struggles within Columbia. The player’s journey involved more direct confrontations with the ruling fascist leaders and their technological enforcers.
Bioshock Infinite: Introduced iconic characters like Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth, whose personal stories became central to the narrative. The game focused more on their interactions and the larger metaphysical questions surrounding Columbia’s existence.

Gameplay and Mechanics:

Bioshock Icarus: Early gameplay focused on survival and resistance against the technologically superior fascist regime. There was a stronger emphasis on resource management, hacking, map control and strategic combat.
Bioshock Infinite: Enhanced the gameplay with dynamic combat, incorporating the Sky-Hook for traversal and aerial combat. The Vigors (similar to plasmids from the previous Bioshock games) added some new layers of strategy, making combat very fluid and engaging. Mainly Undertow and Bucking Bronco. The other ones are pretty similar to what we got in the previous games.

Discover the intriguing 'what ifs' of this development journey and gain a deeper appreciation for the final product that captivated millions of players worldwide.

Bioshock Icarus - Title Screen Theme

Watch the video

Bioshock Icarus - Main Menu Theme

Freunde und Nachbarn,

ein Jochen hat mal zu viel getrunken und trinkt jetzt gar nichts mehr, der andere Jochen hat noch nie was getrunken und trinkt immer noch nichts – also die Idealbesetzung für einen Podcast rund um Alkohol in Videospielen. Mal erhöht eine Pulle Schnaps die HP, mal die Stärke, dann sinkt die Intelligenz, der Bildschirm wird verschwommen oder die Steuerung macht wilde Sachen, die dem besoffenen Herumtorkeln ähneln sollen … so richtig zu fassen kriegen Spiele den Alkohol meistens nicht, und das ist schade, weil die seltenen guten Beispiele zeigen, was man damit (und der Sucht danach) alles anstellen könnte.

Außerdem sprechen wir natürlich über bierbäuchige, saufende Zwerge (männlich! *Grunzlaute*) und – vermeintlich – weibische Elfen, die ihr Quellwasser dekantieren und sich überhaupt nicht blöd dabei vorkommen. Und wir stellen die Frage aller Fragen: Warum schließen Männer eigentlich nie beim Kuchenessen Freundschaft?

Freut euch!  

Timecodes:

00:00:00 - Einleitung
00:08:29 - Zwischen Statuswerten und Spielmechanik
00:37:01 - Bioshock Infinite, Fallout, Wasteland 2
01:08:42 - Ausdruck des sozialen Status und kulturelle Prägung
01:20:29 - Trinken als Ausdruck von Männlichkeit, Anno und das Bonden über Alkohol

Auf ein Bier

Runde #511: Alkohol in Videospielen

A mix based on the video game "Bioshock" by 2K (2007). I interpret Bioshock as a critical commentary on the novel "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand (1957).

Track list:
(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window, Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Patti Page
Blej (VIP) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Halogenix
Stigma (Eptic Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Noisia/Eptic
Attention to Suffering [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Workforce
Daddy Won't You Please Come Home (with the New Englanders), Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Annette Hanshaw
Astral Projection [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Phace
Dawn of a New Day (Song of the World's Fair), Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Horace Heidt & His Musical Knights
Beyond Reality [Zaba the Frog Edit] - The Upbeats
Technoid [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Halogenix
Ok [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Macca
Datafile [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Unglued
Omissions (Xtrah Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Noisia/Xtrah
The Tide (Former Tunnel Version) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Noisia/Former
Night and Day - Take 1, Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Billie Holiday
Reptilians (Topi Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Noisia/Topi/Mefjus/Hybris
Ain't She Sweet?, Bioshock Infinite: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Ben Bernie & His Orchestra/Jack Pettis/Bill Moore
Catalyst [Zaba the Frog Edit] - AKOV
Fleck The Risk [Zaba the Frog Edit] - TNTKLZ
Nightmare [Zaba the Frog Edit] - TR Tactics
Chrome Punch [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Task Horizon
Jitterbug Waltz, Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Fats Waller
One for the Team [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Eye-D
Dystopia [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Agressor Bunx
Cold Silence [Zaba the Frog Edit] -  Burr Oak
If I Didn't Care, Bioshock: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - The Ink Spots
Common Interests [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Workforce
Clembo [Zaba the Frog Edit] - ABLE
Cold Champagne [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Phace 
No Match [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Buunshin
Sterven [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Buunshin
It Had To Be You, Bioshock: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Django Reinhardt Trio
Dead Limit (Teddy Killerz Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Noisia/The Upbeats/Teddy Killerz
If I Could (Loadstar Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Mefjus/Loadstar
Distance (Buunshin RMX, Saintone Bootleg) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Apashe, Buunshin, Saintone
Chasing Shadows, Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Django Reinhardt/Stéphane Grappelli/Quinette du Hot
Dreams & Circuits (Corrupted Mind Remix, VIP) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Red Pill
Bullhead (Modefunk Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Neonlight
Chubrub (Buunshin Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Ed Rush & Optical
Warrior (The Prototypes Remix) [Zaba the Frog Edit] - BARELY ALIVE/Mad Hed City/The Prototypes
Empress [Zaba the Frog Edit] - IMANU
Farewell [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Buunshin
The Ocean On His Shoulders (Main Theme), Bioshock: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Geek Music
15 Ghosts II [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Nine Inch Nails
La Mer - Beyond the Sea, Bioshock: The Official Soundtrack [Zaba the Frog Edit] - Django Reinhardt/Stéphane Grappelli

Audio/sample footage used from Bioshock (2007), Bioshock 2 (2010) and Bioshock Infinite (2013). Samples also used from Splice.

A Tribute to Bioshock: A Critique of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand / DnB/Open Format Mix

A brief and honestly long-time-coming recording of the Bioshock Infinite version of "After You've Gone", originally written in 1918 by Turner Layton with lyrics by Henry Creamer. I recorded this on my phone but I think it sounds good. Maybe next time I can hire an audio engineer...

After You’ve Gone

Bioshock Infinite OST - Baptism

Head of Ops @Croakheads @croakheadsnorth
Narrative mixer and storyteller

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Uploading tracks that are not available on any music streaming sites that I like

Interesse an 100% unabhängigem Spielejournalismus - ohne Werbung, direkt finanziert von den Menschen, für die er gemacht wird? An einem Spielemagazin zum Hören? An Bier? Dann schauen Sie doch bitte mal hierher: “Auf ein Bier” ist zwar der zigtausendste Podcast über Computerspiele – aber der erste und einzige (und beste), in dem das Gespräch von einem Bier (oder sieben) unterstützt wird. Wem das nicht genügt, um Stammhörer zu werden, der kann seinen deutschen Pass beim Weg nach draußen an der Garderobe abgeben. Für die wird übrigens keine Haftung übernommen.

Die drei Menschen, die da über Spiele reden, sind Andre Peschke (ehemals Krawall.de, GameStar), Jochen Gebauer (ehemals GameStar-Chefredakteur Print) und Sebastian Stange (ebenfalls ehemals GameStar... man erkennt ein Muster). Zusammen haben sie circa 40 Jahre Branchenerfahrung als Journalisten in der Spielebranche. Jochen muss man sich als distinguierten, belesenen, gutaussehenden (Anm. d. Red.), aber desillusionierten zynischen Print-Journalisten vorstellen. Und Andre … Andre stellt man sich besser gar nicht vor. Wer es trotzdem nicht lassen kann (für unbeaufsichtige Selbstversuche wird übrigens noch weniger Haftung übernommen als für die Garderobe), denke sich einfach ein Glas, das gleichzeitig halb leer und halb voll ist, und haue sich anschließend einen stumpfen Gegenstand auf den Kopf.

New tracks tagged #Bioshock Infinite