Gene tonics are essentially Bioshock's RPG-style character-improvement system. They are passive genetic modifications that add abilities and bonuses. Tonics are divided into three categories: engineering, physical, and combat. They can help with everything from hacking to defense to better item drops.
BioShock's invention system was also revealed in its full glory. As you rummage around in various boxes, desks, and the pockets of fresh corpses, you pick up an assortment of odds and ends that seem better suited to a junk drawer than your inventory. These random objects, however, can be turned into useful items in Rapture's many invention stations. For example, rubber hose plus shell casing plus steel screw equals antipersonnel rounds for the pistol. These inventions are invaluable, as ammo is expensive and money is scarce. You can "invent" stuff besides ammo too, like weapon mods and auto-hacking devices. Our fave invention was electric buckshot, which you can see in action (albeit briefly) in theInsect Swarm video.
