BioShock is known and respected for significantly advancing gaming in numerous ways. From BioShock's philosophical explorations of human nature and related moral dilemmas, to its meta story twists commenting upon the medium itself, the series has indelibly left its mark on the industry. The original title was a spiritual successor to System Shock, itself a landmark series, and which combined emerging immersive sim design and RPG elements in an innovative way that many modern games still aim to replicate. BioShock's gameplay channeled this in the form of its iconic Plasmids, endowing players with powers like shooting lighting and mind-controlling enemies. They were also integral in dealing with specific environmental obstacles.