BioShock’s Greatest Quote Shook Gaming History to Its Core

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Spoiler Warning: This article contains major spoilers for BioShock

Released 18 years ago, BioShock profoundly impacted the gaming world, and is still remembered for its powerful line: “A man chooses, a slave obeys.” This quote has become iconic not just because it’s memorable, but because it’s central to the game’s shocking plot twist. That twist fundamentally changed video game storytelling and continues to resonate with players almost two decades later.

Even after more than 18 years and several console updates, the big plot twist in BioShock is still considered one of the most surprising moments ever in a video game. While gaming has changed a lot since 2007, and many other games have delivered their own shocking twists and iconic lines, BioShock‘s ending continues to resonate with players. It’s not just nostalgia for those who first played the game; the “would you kindly” reveal is a brilliantly written moment that fundamentally questions the nature of choice and destiny within video games themselves.

Andrew Ryan’s Final Monologue in BioShock Turned Video Game History Upside Down

Image via 2K Games

Near the climax of the game BioShock, players come face-to-face with the main antagonist, Andrew Ryan, and he delivers a truly unsettling speech.

What truly defines a person, separating them from someone controlled? It’s not wealth or authority. It’s choice! A free person decides for themselves, while a slave simply follows orders. Do you believe your memories are real? A home, loved ones, flying a plane… and then ending up here. Were those memories genuine? Was that plane crash an accident, or was it taken over? Forced down by something… less than human, creatures programmed to exist in a daze until a specific command awakens them, given by their controller. Were you sent here as a person making choices, or as a slave? Remember this: a man chooses, a slave obeys. Come in. Stop, if you would. “If you would” – it’s a powerful phrase, isn’t it? Does it sound familiar? Sit, if you would. Stand, if you would. Run! Stop! Turn! A man chooses, a slave obeys. Kill! A man chooses! A slave obeys! Obey!

The beginning of the game is cleverly rewritten as Ryan gives instructions, and Jack instantly obeys each time with the phrase “would you kindly.” This makes it obvious that Jack isn’t a hero who stumbled upon Rapture to save it, but a tool used by Atlas, who is actually Frank Fontaine. Even when Jack brutally kills Ryan, it doesn’t feel like a typical victory. Instead, it’s a shocking realization that Jack—and even the player—is simply being controlled by someone else. This twist is what makes BioShock‘s reveal so powerful; it completely changes how you view the entire game. Playing through it a second time feels dramatically different, as Jack becomes a sympathetic, tragic figure, and players begin to question every decision they made, realizing those choices weren’t really their own.

The BioShock games are known for their difficult moral choices, but the phrase “a man chooses, a slave obeys” constantly reminds players that their freedom might be an illusion. Even when making decisions, players are still limited to options the game provides, and often find themselves simply following orders given by Atlas, subtly prompted by the phrase “would you kindly.” Andrew Ryan’s famous speech cleverly connects the game’s mechanics to the story, highlighting that progress depends on obeying the game’s commands. While many games offer choices that impact the story, BioShock uniquely involves players by directly addressing the question of whether those choices are truly their own.

Image via 2K Games

Like many classic postmodern works, BioShock doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it poses questions and leaves them open to interpretation. The famous speech by Andrew Ryan – “a man chooses, a slave obeys” – challenges the player’s sense of control and even questions whether free will truly exists. Yet, the game also centers around Jack discovering his own agency and ultimately freeing himself from manipulation by defeating Atlas, and potentially saving the Little Sisters, depending on player choices. However, even this ending can be seen as predetermined, as the game still limits the options available. It’s this ongoing debate – are our choices truly free, or are we simply following a set path? – that continues to make BioShock so compelling, even after nearly two decades.

Image via 2K Games

Even though Ryan’s famous speech remains a highlight of gaming, the impact of BioShock extends beyond that single moment. Recent leaks suggest BioShock 4 might be set in Antarctica and feature golden statues reminiscent of the iconic golden bust from the original game. While development of the new BioShock is reportedly facing challenges, and a release date is uncertain, the ending of the first game still offers plenty to analyze and discuss.

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2025-12-31 05:04