The bathysphere plunges deeper into the inky blackness, the only light coming from the dim glow of the control panel and the occasional flash of bioluminescent sea life darting past. The walls of the bathysphere creak and groan under the immense pressure, a constant reminder of the vast ocean surrounding it. As it descends, the darkness begins to lift, revealing the first glimpses of Rapture. "I am Andrew Ryan, and I'm here to ask you a question."

Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow? 'No!' says the man in Washington, 'It belongs to the poor.' 'No!' says the man in the Vatican, 'It belongs to God.' 'No!' says the man in Moscow, 'It belongs to everyone.'

I rejected those answers; instead, I chose something different. I chose the impossible. I chose... Rapture. A city where the artist would not fear the censor. Where the scientist would not be bound by petty morality. Where the great would not be constrained by the small!

"And with the sweat of your brow, Rapture can become your city as well."

Era 1: The Golden Age (1946-1958)

Description: Step into the height of Rapture's prosperity. The city thrives with innovation, art, and progress. Witness the dreams of Andrew Ryan come to life as citizens revel in their newfound freedoms and push the boundaries of science and society. Key Elements: Lively social scene, flourishing businesses, groundbreaking scientific research, and a sense of utopian optimism. Era 2: The Fall (1959-1968)

Description: Enter the turbulent times as Rapture begins to fracture. The discovery of ADAM and the rise of plasmids create power struggles and class divisions. The ideals that built the city are put to the test as civil unrest grows and the first signs of decay appear. Key Elements: Political tension, class warfare, the emergence of Splicers, and the beginning of societal decline. Era 3: The Aftermath (1969-1980s) Description: Navigate the ruins of a once-great city. Rapture is now a dark, dangerous place where survival is the only law.