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Characters of the BioShock series#Augustus Sinclair

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+#REDIRECT [[Characters of the BioShock series#Augustus Sinclair]]
-{{notability|date=July 2023}}
-{{ infobox character
+{{RCS|
-| series     = [[BioShock (series)|BioShock]]
+{{R to section}}
-| image      =  Augustus Sinclair BioShock 2.png
+{{R with history}}
-| caption    = Augustus Sinclair from ''BioShock 2''
-| first      = ''[[BioShock 2]]'' (2010) <br /> (mentioned in ''[[BioShock]]'')<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=21 August 2007|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Yi Suchong''': Initial Deployment, Vita-Chamber/Client Ryan Industries. Stage one is complete. '''Sinclair''' and Alexander tried to explain the science to me, but Suchong does not believe them.}}</ref>
-| last       = ''[[BioShock: Rapture]]'' (2011)
-| voice      = Doug Boyd
-| creator    = Jordan Thomas
 }}
-'''Augustus Sinclair''' is a fictional character in the [[2K Games|2K]] 2010 video game ''[[BioShock 2]]''. Within the game, he was one of the leading figures in [[Rapture (BioShock)|Rapture's]] genetics industry and an important businessman. Described as an example of [[moral relativism]], Sinclair plays a significant role in ''BioShock 2'', guiding the player to [[Eleanor Lamb]]. He speaks with a characteristic [[Older Southern American English#Piedmont and Tidewater Virginia|Tidewater accent]], voiced by [[Doug Boyd]].
-== Development ==
-{{Expand section|date=June 2010}}
-=== Concept and creation ===
-The last name "Sinclair" was inspired by ''[[BioShock]]'''s art director Scott Sinclair. The surname 'Sinclair' can be seen/heard multiple times in ''BioShock''. These subtle homages to Scott Sinclair were later used in ''BioShock 2'' as a basis to create a much broader character which ultimately became Augustus Sinclair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2011-09-04-irrational-s-get-your-name-in-bioshock-infinite-contest |title=Irrational's 'Get Your Name in Bioshock Infinite' contest |publisher=Gamewatcher |date=2011-04-09 |accessdate=2019-08-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vectorpoem.com/arcadia/notes.html |title=Arcadia Demade - designer commentary |publisher=Vectorpoem.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vg247.com/2019/12/13/whos-making-new-bioshock/|title=Who's Making the New BioShock? |publisher=Vg247 |date=2019-12-13 |accessdate=2020-01-22}}</ref>
-Jordan Thomas, ''BioShock 2''s creative director outlines what Sinclair was conceived as; "he is [[self-interest]] incarnate. He is the kind of guy who will play absolutely any side against the middle." Sinclair's [[selfishness]] was intented to contrast with the selflessness motivating the philosophy behind main antagonist [[Sofia Lamb]], whom Thomas describes as "a staunch [[altruist]]," adding that Sinclair's "[[capitalism|capitalistic]] tendencies put him at odds with Lamb."<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6980675/BioShock-2-developer-interview.html|title=BioShock 2 developer interview |publisher=Telegraph |date=2011-01-13 |accessdate=2019-08-08}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2k-marins-jordan-thomas-interview |title=2K Marin's Jordan Thomas: BioShock's new Big Daddy suits up. |publisher=Eurogamer |date=2009-11-01 |accessdate=2019-07-30}}</ref> ''Bioshock 2'''s lead level-designer, J.P. LeBreton, further outlines Sinclair's personality and ethics "Sinclair is this guy who contacts you early on because he realizes that you and he have a common interest. […] Friendly but sort of shady, he's part of this organization that gets stuff done no matter the costs ethically. He's a pragmatist who sits in contrast with the other characters of the world, who are ideologues."<ref name="auto8">{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2009/10/bioshock-2-2/ |title=Hands-On: Big Sisters Are Watching in BioShock 2 |publisher=Wired |date=2009-10-29 |accessdate=2019-11-14}}</ref>
-''BioShock'''s director [[Ken Levine (game developer)|Ken Levine]] states that his original incarnation of [[Atlas (Bioshock character)|Atlas]], like Sinclair, had an accent from the [[American South]]. This version of Atlas was later dropped as it proved unpopular at [[playtest]]s. Levine comments that "they didn't trust him, and if they didn't trust him, we were screwed." Atlas was later given a [[Dublin English|Dublin accent]], perceived as more trustworthy. Sinclair, a character conceived as 'shady' (in the words of LeBreton), who took on Atlas' role as the players' guide in ''BioShock 2'', would go on to possess the accent originally intended for Atlas.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw8j5Kb32W8 | title=BioShock: The Collection - Director's Commentary #5 - Imagining Bioshock Community Theatre | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-southern-drawls-in-film-20130505-story.html|title=The lure of a Southern drawl at the movies|first=Betsy |last=Sharkey|date=May 5, 2013|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
-=== Design and appearance ===
-Animation supervisor Jeff Weir states that "Sinclair was actually one of the hardest characters for us to get down for some reason. He started as a kind of [[Desi Arnaz]] type, but I don't know if that seed idea ended up being a perfect fit because in the end the character was someone who was decidedly self-serving and I don't know if the design informed that as well as it could have".<ref name="auto4">{{cite book |author=2K Games |title=Deco Devolution: The art of BioShock 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PZHFjwEACAAJ |publisher=Dark Horse Books |page=7 |year=2011 |isbn=978-1595829948}}</ref> Brendan George, [[2K Australia]]'s character modeler adds that "my main inspiration for Sinclair was from working on ''BioShock'' and the concepts that Colin [Fix] did. I came onto the project halfway through production so most of the artistic goals were already put in place. […] As for Sinclair, I tried to make sure the [[fidelity]] was quite high. I think we've done a great job; making sure their faces are constructed correctly."<ref name="auto4"/>
-Sinclair ultimately appears in-game with his hair slicked back, wearing a white shirt and a red and orange striped tie, with [[suspenders]], [[cuff links]] and a [[tie clip]] as accessories. He has a [[revolver]] in a shoulder [[Handgun holster|holster]], along with a military style [[waist pack]]. In the later stages of ''BioShock 2'', when the character is transformed into an Alpha Series (a type of [[Big Daddy (BioShock)|Big Daddy]]), known as Subject Omega, Sinclair's design differs subtly from previous Alpha Series the player encounters. He is painted black and silver, along with visible [[Omega]] (Ω) symbols on both hands.<ref name="auto3">[https://www.upcitemdb.com/upc/634482447338 UPC 634482447338] upcitemdb.com Retrieved 26 March 2023</ref> Omega being the last letter of the Greek alphabet, reflecting Sinclair's status in-game as last of the Alpha Series.{{Original research inline|date=January 2020}}
-== Characteristics ==
-Jordan Thomas, ''[[BioShock 2]]'''s creative director describes Sinclair:
-<blockquote>"Augustus Sinclair, who founded Sinclair Solutions, and unlike Fontaine and Ryan he never had aspirations to control the city. He was a very low key guy who liked to walk between worlds, and for him, there was never too dirty a job."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/10/29/BioShock-2-Jordan-Thomas-Interview.aspx |title=BioShock 2 Interview With Creative Director Jordan Thomas |publisher=Gamesinformer |date=2009-08-29 |accessdate=2019-07-30}}</ref></blockquote>
-Sinclair is portrayed as a self-serving, [[amorality|amoral]] businessman, motivated solely by profit.<ref name="auto8"/><ref name="auto"/> He is not an [[ideologue]] like [[Andrew Ryan (BioShock)|Andrew Ryan]] or [[Sofia Lamb]]—holding no strong political convictions—although equally he's not a "pure" [[nihilist]], like [[Frank Fontaine (BioShock)|Frank Fontaine]].<ref name="auto5"/> Like Ryan, he rejects [[altruism]], and, as a self-made businessman, embraces [[capitalism]], but mocks Ryan's deep infatuation with the [[free market]], describing it as "a big fat hooker too dim to spot a wooden nickel."<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''': Andrew Ryan. He reckoned the free market was some kinda holy spirit gonna lead us all over the rainbow -- and I reckon it's a big fat hooker too dim to spot a wooden nickel. So old Andy went an' became his own ghost, and I whittled nickels 'till I made a mint}}</ref> Sinclair's rejection of the free market, combined with his "spineless [[moral relativism]]" as Ryan terms it,<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Andrew Ryan''': Augustus Sinclair is what happens when spineless moral relativism is spun into a business ethic. The man has a dirty finger in each and every pie}}</ref> manifests itself in the form of devious business practices, such as [[pyramid schemes]]<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/2K-Marin-Details-The-Hidden-Man-Behind-Bioshock-2-World-of-Rapture-133794.shtml|title= 2K Marin Details the Hidden Man Behind Bioshock 2's World of Rapture|publisher=Softpedia |date=2010-02-02 |accessdate=2012-01-15}}</ref> and [[fraud]], showing little to no remorse for the people he swindles in the process.<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''': Now, I'm a modest man. But my piecemeal needle scam's an outright masterpiece: some slob shacked up here buys a box of syringe parts from me for twice what it's worth. He assembles 'em in his rathole, and I buy back the finished product... for a dime against the dollar that I'll get from Ryan. Profit comin', profit goin'. Ol' Andy rambles on about the Great Chain... I got people shellin' out to pull it for me!}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''':If a smart fella wanted to talk some bankrupt fat-cat into moving to a slum, he'd call the place a Hotel on the nightly. The tenant dries his eyes an' tells himself it's only temporary -- and the smart fella shaves a dime a day off his drinkin' wage. Now, a smarter fella might also bankroll the local gin joints... and take him for the rest." - From audio diary "Sinclair Deluxe & Sinclair Spirits" found on Cult of Rapture website https://web.archive.org/web/20170102035945/http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/article/bioshock2corexclusiveaudiodiaries}}</ref> He wasn't driven by a lust for power, or by ideology, simply out of [[self-interest]] and a desire to "strike it rich".<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''':I came to Georgia to strike it rich, and Rapture all the moreso. You won't catch me blowin' my last bubble for any other personage... plural or singular. - From audio diary "Private Interests" found on Cult of Rapture website https://web.archive.org/web/20170102035945/http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/article/bioshock2corexclusiveaudiodiaries}}</ref>
-Sinclair is [[charismatic]] and affable, something touched upon by reviewers, and addresses the player with a friendly disposition. His motive in helping the player initially is pragmatic rather than altruistic, as the two share similar goals. He respects the player as a capable partner and appears to show genuine concern for their well-being, especially after the player saves his life. Throughout ''BioShock 2'', he makes no attempt to hide his moral biases. His advice to the player characteristically lacks any sense of [[morality]], usually recommending the player make choices for their greatest personal benefit. If the player kills specific unarmed [[Non-player character|NPC]]s (when the player is not required to do so), Sinclair will make no serious qualm about it—even justifying the players' action as necessary for survival in [[Rapture (BioShock)|Rapture]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''': "Well, I back your survival instinct, chief. In Rapture, a bleeding heart tends to bring in the sharks". - After killing Grace Holloway}}</ref>
-== Role in ''BioShock'' ==
-=== Character history ===
-Augustus Sinclair was born in [[Panama]], some time before the opening of the [[Panama Canal]] in 1914. His grandfather, an [[altruist]], worked on the construction of the canal, believing he was doing a service for his fellow man. He was killed by [[drowning]] (presumably in an accident) during the canal's construction, which became the impetus of Sinclair's [[selfish]] outlook. Sinclair eventually immigrated to the United States, to [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], with the hopes of becoming a successful businessman. When [[Andrew Ryan (Bioshock)|Andrew Ryan]] created [[Rapture (BioShock)|Rapture]] in 1946, Sinclair saw it as an invitation to better himself financially.<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''': I hear often, "Mr. Sinclair, you just gotta heart o' stone... don't you wanna share with your fellow man?" An' I tell 'em, listen... I hail from sunny Panama... and my grand-daddy got himself drowned buildin' the Big Ditch. Went on an' on about doin' it for the "People." For the world entire! Well, not for me, thank you. I came to Georgia to strike it rich, and Rapture all the moreso. You won't catch me blowin' my last bubble for any other personage... plural or singular. - From audio diary "Private Interests" found on Cult of Rapture website.}}</ref> Prior to the Rapture civil war in 1959, between [[Atlas (Bioshock character)|Atlas]] and Andrew Ryan, Sinclair spearheaded Sinclair Solutions, a leading business in the genetics industry and was one of the richest, most influential people in the city.
-Andrew Ryan was never particularly fond of Sinclair, describing him as "what happens when spineless [[moral relativism]] is spun into a business ethic. The man has a dirty finger in each and every pie", but nonetheless the two businessmen remained close associates. It is implied Ryan only contracted Sinclair Solutions to carry out activities considered too damaging for his own firm to be linked with.<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Andrew Ryan''': "Augustus Sinclair is what happens when spineless moral relativism is spun into a business ethic. The man has a dirty finger in each and every pie. But I admit, his little firm has its uses. I'm having him use the Sinclair Solutions brand to conduct clinical trials in the field. If there are any incidents with side effects of newer, less stable Plasmids, no one will associate Ryan Industries with the death." - From the audio diary 'Sinclair Solutions" found on Cult of Rapture website}}</ref> Sinclair even established a private prison, the [[Persephone]] detention facility, knowing that Ryan would pay him to remove anyone who "wasn't workin' out." Persephone also doubled as the secret headquarters of Sinclair Solutions, who were contracted by Ryan to provide subjects from amongst the prison population to be forcibly converted into [[Big Daddy (BioShock)|Big Daddies]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Augustus Sinclair''': Persephone... secret home o' Sinclair Solutions. I bet against Andy Ryan's vision o' harmony in Rapture -- offered him a quiet place to send anybody who wasn't workin' out. And now I'm sittin' on my own private think tank. Technically, Utopia shouldn't have much use for a detention facility... but if you do business as long as I have... well, you learn to pick a brand name from the writin' on the wall.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Andrew Ryan''': Ryan Industries is your client... and we require test candidates from among your charges. The Protectors are... short-lived. Lamb would be a messiah, correct? Well. Sell her a sacrifice to save the flock..}}</ref> At Ryan's request, ''BioShock 2'''s main antagonist [[Sofia Lamb]] was imprisoned at Persephone and left under Sinclair's jurisdiction.<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Andrew Ryan''': "Lamb is becoming a problem. The woman is a damned collectivist -- here in Rapture -- how could the Council fail to see it? Worse, to hide her intent, she gulls these "patients" of hers into religious frenzy. A new Kremlin will rise and swallow the council house before they realized they've been had! I will not have my city swindled by the parasite, whatever its guise. It is time, I think, to call Sinclair.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Andrew Ryan''': Need I remind you, Sinclair, that Lamb is your problem now? She is no longer a citizen of Rapture. That was the proviso -- you wanted her expertise, and now you have it.}}</ref> Ultimately, however, Lamb rallied the prisoners against him, ousting Sinclair and assumed control of Persephone herself.<ref>{{cite video game|title=BioShock 2|developer=Irrational Games|publisher=2K Games|date=9 February 2010|platform=Xbox 360/Microsoft Windows|version=|level=|isolang=|quote='''Nigel Weir''': Looks like Sinclair's been ousted. He wasn't slick enough to avoid the boot this time, but at least it wasn't a firing squad. Lamb proved she's got the ear of the general population down here, so it would probably be prudent to play along for a while, see where this goes. She says she'll let me keep my little fiefdom here in holding, as long as I agree to supply her "therapy sessions." No qualms there. These sorry buggers could use some rehabilitation.}}</ref>
-=== ''BioShock'' ===
-Sinclair does not appear directly in the original ''[[BioShock]]'' game. However, the surname 'Sinclair' is seen several times, as well as heard in the audio diaries of other characters. The most prominent example would be the business 'Sinclair [[Liquor|Spirits]]' encountered within the 'Fort Frolic' level. Promotional content released on [[2K Games|2K]]'s website shortly before ''BioShock's 2'''s release confirmed that Sinclair Spirits belonged to Augustus Sinclair.<ref name="auto7">{{cite web |url=http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/article/bioshock2corexclusiveaudiodiaries |title=The Cult of Rapture - Cult of Rapture Exclusive: Voices from BioShock 2 |website=www.2kgames.com |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102035945/http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/article/bioshock2corexclusiveaudiodiaries |archive-date=2 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
-=== ''BioShock 2'' ===
-Sinclair stayed in hiding after Ryan's downfall and Sofia Lamb's ascent to power, unable to reach his [[submersible]] in Persephone (which has since become Sofia Lamb's base of operations) to escape from the city. Taking place in 1968, he has by this point become an associate of [[Brigid Tenenbaum]], who introduces the player to Sinclair over the radio. Sinclair features as [[Subject Delta]]'s (the player's character in ''BioShock 2'') guide, showing Delta points of interest and providing personal interjections throughout the vast majority of the game. Like Ryan and Atlas/Fontaine in the previous installment, Sinclair is seen in person very little but still plays a prominent and vital role in the plot; usually via radio and audio diaries that the player finds throughout Rapture.
-Initially, Sinclair's motive in helping Delta is purely selfish, wishing to exploit the advanced technology of Rapture for his own personal gain on the surface and cannot escape the city without Delta's help. He never hides this from Delta, however, and is open with him in regards to his immoral plans, knowing that Delta also needs his assistance if he is to reach [[Eleanor Lamb]]—who is also located in Persephone.
-Sinclair and Delta plan to reach Persephone mainly via train, but various obstacles force them to stop repeatedly. Delta ventures into the city to deal with these problems, whilst Sinclair stays behind in the train and guides Delta via radio. In one instance, the train is attacked, and Sinclair and Delta are separated. The train, with Sinclair inside, is trapped within a submerged section of the city with limited air left. Delta is able to drain the flooding not long before Sinclair dies of [[asphyxiation]].
-Throughout their journey, it is gradually revealed to the player that Sinclair was the one ultimately responsible for Delta becoming an Alpha Series (an early type of [[Big Daddy (BioShock)|Big Daddy]]). Delta was once known as 'Johnny Topside', a deep-sea diver who discovered Rapture by accident many years ago, and accused of being a government spy by [[Andrew Ryan (BioShock)|Andrew Ryan]]. As a consequence, he was imprisoned at Persephone by Sinclair, after Ryan paid him to do so. He was eventually supplied as an unwilling candidate to the 'protector programme', and subsequently converted into one of the earliest Big Daddies as a result. Sinclair, however, didn't specifically request for Delta to be chosen.
-When Delta and Sinclair eventually reach Persephone, during the final stages of the game, Sinclair vanishes for some time. It is revealed that Sinclair was captured by Sofia Lamb and transformed against his will, like Subject Delta, into an Alpha Series. Sinclair, now referred to as 'Subject Omega' by Lamb, is compelled to obey Lamb's every command as a result of mental conditioning forced upon him during the procedure. Sinclair, however, can still speak and think for himself. Sinclair continues to give Delta help over the radio, but is unable to hand Delta the key necessary to escape. He apologises to Delta for what he did to him in the past, and surmises that he probably deserves what's happened to him. Knowing what he has become, he tells Delta he no longer wishes to live, and asks Delta to end his life. Due to Sofia Lamb's brainwashing, Sinclair is forced to fight Delta, but Delta manages to kill him and retrieve the key. He thanks Delta with his dying breath. Delta and Eleanor then escape to the surface in Sinclair's submersible.
-==== Multiplayer ====
-In regards to Sinclair's role in the multiplayer aspect of ''BioShock 2'', which is set before the events of ''[[BioShock]]'', Senior Producer Melissa Miller explains "While Sinclair is the chief character in the multiplayer game, he doesn't actually physically show up, but his presence is very much felt because the citizens of Rapture have enrolled in his 'Sinclair Solutions Home Consumers Rewards Club' - this [[pyramid scheme]] he has started up in order to promise these people new cutting-edge plasmid weapon technology."<ref name="auto1"/>
-=== ''BioShock: Rapture'' ===
-{{Expand section|date=August 2019}}
-Sinclair features in the [[John Shirley]] [[prequel]] novel ''[[BioShock: Rapture]]''.
-== Promotion and merchandise ==
-{{Expand section|date=July 2019}}
-Sinclair was frequently mentioned by creative director Jordan Thomas in promotional interviews given prior to the release of ''BioShock 2.''<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/10/29/bioshock-2-jordan-thomas-interview.aspx|title= BioShock 2 Interview With Creative Director Jordan Thomas |publisher=Gameinformer |date=2009-10-29 |accessdate=2019-10-01}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto5"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2010/02/09/bioshock-2-interview/|title=BioShock 2 Q&A: the trick to creating a critically acclaimed sequel |publisher=Venturebeat |date=2010-02-09 |accessdate=2019-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=233284 |title=News: Bioshock 2 - new character detailed |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=2010-02-01 |accessdate=2011-03-28}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto8"/>
-On January 14, 2010, shortly prior to the release of ''BioShock 2'', 3 listenable audio diaries of Augustus Sinclair were released on [[2K Games|2K]]'s website to promote the game. These were non-game content that contained "real story info". The recordings gave an insight into Sinclair's business practices, as well as his life before arriving in Rapture. They are no longer available on 2K's website, however.<ref name="auto7"/>
-[[National Entertainment Collectibles Association|NECA]] produced a 7" figurine of Sinclair in his '[[Big Daddy (BioShock)|Big Daddy]]' form as Subject Omega to tie-in with the release of the game.<ref name="auto3"/>
-== Reception ==
-Sinclair has overall been well received by critics who note the character's likeability, despite his questionable morals. Jordan Thomas states "he is not a pure [[nihilist]] like [[Atlas (BioShock)|Fontaine]], but he is continually redefining the rules on the fly. He is closer to one of us; the difference is that he does not scruple at much – he's affably monstrous from time to time. He's a useful ally to you, sure, but he wants to sell off Rapture block by block." He also says "Sinclair - who appears prominently in both the single-player and multiplayer versions of the game - is a good example of [[moral relativism]]."<ref name="auto5"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=233284 |title=News: Bioshock 2 - new character detailed |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=2010-02-01 |accessdate=2011-03-28}} {{dead link|date=November 2019}}</ref> [[Softpedia]] add "the moral relativism [Thomas] mentioned is mostly derived from [Sinclair's] binary nature, the character being neither good, nor bad, as he can't be labelled as neither a hero nor a villain."<ref name="auto1"/> Jennifer Culp agrees with Thomas' assessment of Sinclair as "affably monstrous," saying "I find that description quite apt." She goes on to positively describe the moral relativism of the character, noting "Sinclair’s forthright declarations about his own motives and transparent moral adjustments as his goals shift, however, are disarming and occasionally downright endearing."<ref name="auto6">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehairpin.com/2012/06/girl-talk-sinclair/ |title=Girl Talk: Sinclair |publisher=The Hairpin |date=2012-06-29 |accessdate=2019-07-30}}</ref>
-Eurogamer note the "prevailing sense of time and nostalgia apparent in Rapture. […] A time when every man wore a hat and suit and the language was full of quirky phrases." Highlighting Sinclair's penchant for addressing the player as 'sport' as a prime example of this.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-08-21-the-genius-of-rapture|title=The genius of Rapture |publisher=Eurogamer |date=2017-08-21 |accessdate=2020-01-12}}</ref> Samuel Nunn also acknowledges this, adding "In particular I personally love Augustus Sinclair’s snappy city-slick chatter, and his phrases and lines feel like they’ve come right out of the [[roaring twenties|20’s]]. All in all, the audio does its job extremely well."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesreviews.com/ps3/ps3-reviews/02/bioshock-2-review/|title=Bioshock 2 Review |publisher=Gamesreviews |date=2013-02-28 |accessdate=2020-01-19}}</ref> [[The Hairpin]] take a similar view, adding "Sinclair’s voice acting doesn’t hurt. He sounds so skeevy, and yet somehow so charismatic." Further adding "Voice actor [[Doug Boyd]] performed a miracle in this case, though; Sinclair sounds like my 96-year-old grandmother filtered through a middle-aged guy who really loves [[capitalism]], and it is somehow bizarrely attractive. Maybe it’s because of the game’s sense of loneliness in fabulous environs populated only with scary enemies?"<ref name="auto6"/> [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] also share these sentiments, writing "Sinclair’s Southern drawl and charismatic pragmatism play wonderfully as he serves as both angel and devil on your shoulder, making his more redeeming moments all the more impactful.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/bioshock-2-best-2k-marin/|title= BioShock 2 Is the Best BioShock|publisher=The Escapist |date=2010-02-19 |accessdate=2020-01-12}}</ref> Conversely, Peter Chapman writes that "Sinclair does not have the charm of our Irish friend, Atlas."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/02/19/review-bioshock-2/|title=Review: Bioshock 2 |publisher=TheSixthAxis |date=2020-04-23 |accessdate=2022-10-12}}</ref>
-Journalist Jennifer Culp in an article for ''The Hairpin'' writes that of ''BioShock 2'''s characters "one of the most entertaining is Augustus Sinclair, who you don’t hear from in the first game. You do, however, see evidence of his influence. You hear about him in other people’s audio diaries, you see his name on storefronts, the name 'Sinclair' (spelled out in a gloriously Art Deco font, of course) seeps into your brain. And then shortly after beginning ''BioShock 2'', he starts talking to you! He is, of course, a terrible person. He’s a slumlord in Pauper’s Drop and uses his residents as cheap labor sources to assemble products he later upsells, while offering them a slight discount at his liquor chain in order to lure their business and regain his meagre investment in their efforts. He built a private prison, Persephone, to house political dissidents for profit, and was directly involved in spying operations that placed certain people under arrest. He further profited from political unrest in Rapture by running a 'consumer rewards testing program' which basically allowed citizens to murder one another in the streets in the service of 'testing' his 'home defence' products. He’s a pretty bad dude. Somehow, though, he’s just so damn charming about all of it."<ref name="auto6"/> Simon Smith takes a similar view, adding "I was initially weary of this character, by his nature he is a businessman looking to get whatever he can although he did grow on me as the story continued."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gameluster.com/bioshock-2-review/ |title=Bioshock 2 review |publisher=gameluster |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2020-01-19}}</ref>
-[[Eurogamer]] retrospectively views Sinclair positively. They write "''BioShock 2'' offers a more nuanced take. Take Augustus Sinclair, its Fontaine equivalent - a ruthless businessman who makes no secret of his plan to pick Rapture clean for profit. By audiologs and his own free admission, he's a career bastard and proud of it. Even so, when you go up against an elderly rival called Grace Holloway who's both actively trying to kill you and previously gave him a bloody nose by kicking him out of his own hotel, he makes a point of reminding you that her beef with you at least is based on a misunderstanding rather than malice, and goes so far as to non-sarcastically call you a bigger man than him if you spare her."<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-07-bioshock-2-retrospective |title=BioShock 2 is the underrated human heart of the BioShock trilogy |publisher=Eurogamer |date=2016-06-30 |accessdate=2019-05-28}}</ref> Andrew Carroll writes that although Sinclair may be a weaker character when compared to others from the previous game, such as Fontaine or [[Sander Cohen]]— he is still among the best characters of ''[[BioShock 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://headstuff.org/entertainment/gaming/bioshock-2-at-10/|title="The Rapture Dream Is Over…"|publisher=Headstuff |date=2020-02-19 |accessdate=2022-10-12}}</ref> Richard Cobbett goes on to highlight that in some ways Sinclair is one of the more relatable characters. He adds "ruthless as he is, he's not a cardboard cutout. He's also one of the few ''BioShock'' characters with the self-awareness to know when it's time to drop the philosophy textbooks and have a human response to what fate has in store. None of this makes him a 'good' guy, but they do make him more than just another ideology given flesh."<ref name="auto2"/> Zoe Delahunty-Light compares Sinclair with ''[[The Evil Within 2]]'''s Liam O'Neal, stating "with both Augustus and Liam, you knew them before they were brainwashed, when they were helpful buddies who guided you through the equally distorted worlds of Rapture and Union. They were humans first, monsters second."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/i-still-havent-come-to-terms-with-the-baker-familys-fate-one-whole-year-later-so-thanks-resident-evil-7/ |title=I still haven't come to terms with the Baker family's fate one whole year later, so thanks, Resident Evil 7 |publisher=Gameradar |date=2018-04-06 |accessdate=2019-07-23}}</ref>
-[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] praises the "joyful, [[B-movie]] excess" of ''BioShock 2'', writing "play the scene where Sinclair, your comrade, is transformed into a [[Big Daddy (BioShock)|Big Daddy]] and try not to smile."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/nn9jpz/why-bioshock-2-is-the-best-bioshock-154 |title=BioShock's Jordan Thomas Discusses the Acclaimed Trilogy |publisher=Vice |date=2016-10-21 |accessdate=2019-10-01}}</ref>
-== See also ==
-* [[List of characters in the BioShock series]]
-* [[Andrew Ryan (BioShock)|Andrew Ryan]]
-== References ==
-{{Reflist}}
-{{BioShock series}}
-{{DEFAULTSORT:Sinclair, Augustus}}
-[[Category:Fictional businesspeople in video games]]
-[[Category:BioShock (series) characters]]
-[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 2010]]
-[[Category:Fictional Caribbean people]]
-[[Category:Male characters in video games]]