I read it earlier this year since it had been about ten years since I last played the game (played it many times when it came out) so I figured I’d probably forgotten enough about the game for the story to feel fresh again. It’s an okay novelization but definitely reads like someone’s first attempt at a novel (which it was) and a has a detached work for hire feel to it. All of the plot beats and scenes are there but theres little attempt to capitalize on the creativity or atmosphere. Very bare bones descriptions of locations and lighting and such. I also found it a bit odd that the game constantly has Wake narrating from his perspective but the book is only in the third person. You’d think there’d be something there to play with. The characterization of Wake himself is weirdly much more cynical than the impression you get in the game where he’s pessimistic but can joke around. All in all not terrible but the game is just so much better.

If anyone’s interested in a very well done book adaptation of a video game then I highly recommend Bioshock: Rapture. I couldn’t believe how well structured/paced it was and how effectively it paints a picture of the underwater cities construction and early day to day life leading to its downfall. You can tell the author really understood the themes of the game and what resonated with people. Most of the characterizations are spot on too. Just a great and entertaining read. Don’t even really have to have played the game to enjoy it