Bioshock Remake
"Booker survives a plane crash, enters a lighthouse and finds himself beneath the sea in Rapture."
Remaking this intro was a big lesson in making a level that provides a lot of space for narrative pacing. As the player navigates the maze of fire in the ocean, they are able to take in the surroundings and feel a sense of urgency to reach somewhere safe.
Reaching the lighthouse feels like its a safe alternative to the ocean, further immersing the player into the setting and selling them the idea that reaching Rapture is a chance to reach somewhere safe.
Upon reaching Rapture, the level immediately provides the player with a clear path to follow with the narrow platforms.
Continuing on, the environmental storytelling informs the player that not all is right with the current state of Rapture. This idea is solidified when that player pulls their first melee weapon (a wrench) from under the broken door and leads to a classic introduction to melee combat by having enemies on the other side of the doorway.
