An engrosing walk through a story based in an alternate history
The biggest is the 'hack' play mechanism. What exactly does a plumbing game have to do with hacking an electrical system? Nothing. However, the mini-puzzle games are fun for a while, but get old fast. Fortunately, you can find, purchased and create auto hack devices. I recommend you hack a system that sellls them and go back there often to have a large cache of them at all times. Later in the game, the hacks get so ridiculously fast, you would have to prep yourself with 2 cans of Red Bull just to have a chance. Not my thing.
I enjoyed the mini quests, but the story arc twists are a little awkward in places and some are telegraphed. I didn't care for the way things are resolved with Ryan. Yes, he is true to his beliefs, but it is more than weird to experience all that and have no choices in it at all. The strength of this game is choices. You have to choose to rescue or harvest Little Sisters. You have to choose how to best outfit limited slots with various plasmids and tonics. You have to choose which weapons to upgrade first and which ammunition to load. Choices are a great thing in a game like this and some have very real result outcomes. If you like FPS, this is a good game to get immersed in. If you like choices, this is a good game for thinking through meaningful tactical and resourse strategies. If you like a deep story, with good plot development and twists, you will love the storybook style. The bad is repetition. More of the same, just larger and harder. The hacks get old too and the jingle for "Circus of Values" needs to be an option to shutoff. Graphics in this game are better than average, but nothing cutting edge 'next gen'. Disagree all you like, but this is just a good last gen level. The sound is the strength of this game, you need to hear things to feel them and you do. There is an ambient noise of something at all times, be is dripping water, steam, music, etc. Story is the other big, big strength in this game. The weapons are your usual fair in alternate history type weapons. I really like how useful the wrench is throughout the game. With physical and combat tonics, this is a weapon of choice even late in the game.
The sad piece of this game, the story is so tied to game play, it is like reading a book. It is rich enough, that you may want to play it through one more time, but not immediately. This is a one off game and offers little replay. My other concern would be the quicker 'been there don that' feel, now that I know the story and the track I am on. Rent this one for five days and finish it, but take time to explore the nooks and crannies. You will usually find something useful there, or a bit more of the story as it unfolds.