The overseeing body responsible for classification and censorship of movies (and some videogames), the British Board of Film Classification let slip some details about the (possibly) upcoming BioShock: Ultimate Rapture Edition.
"During normal gameplay, the BioShock Ultimate Rapture compilation contains frequent strong bloody violence. The depiction of violence is similar throughout the original game and its sequel, with sight of spraying blood as enemies are attacked with a range of weapons, including a mechanised drill and a rivet gun."
"In spite of the fantastical nature of 'Rapture' and the heavy science fiction elements present in the narrative, such as the ability to use special destructive powers including freezing, immolation and telekinesis, the violence has a visceral feel during much of the combat. Enemies, including genetically mutated humans, twitch and scream as they are gunned down, and weapons such as a spear gun allow the player to pin characters to the wall in a cloud of blood. It is also possible to shoot enemies after death, with blood spurting from the corpses."
"At various points, the player is also given a moral choice to either kill or save 'Little Sisters' (possessed little girls who harvest the corpses scattered around the city). Such a scenario is clearly fantastical, although the player sees the girl reduced to a slimy writhing creature if he or she decides to harvest the girl rather than saving her. At '15', the BBFC's Guidelines state 'Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.' The frequency and visceral impact of the violence exceeds this limit, with a dwelling on the infliction of both pain and injury throughout."
"The game also includes some very strong language during gameplay, as well as numerous uses of strong language. The very strong language is most appropriately classified at '18'."
OK, so far, it's nothing we haven't seen before from BioShock, what with "immolation and telekenesis" and all the splicing goodness. The Rapture Edition is the first two BioShock games, complete with the Minerva's Den DLC. Again, nothing really remarkable here. So what's the big deal?
It's been rumored, though not yet confirmed, that the price was around $40. Not too bad 2K, not too bad at all...