BioShock 2: Minerva's Den

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 115
  3. Negative: 3 out of 115

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  1. xZippy
    Sep 5, 2011
    8
    The story packed into this small expansion was very well done. The newly added gameplay elements bypass the original game in some aspects. I would give this expansion a higher rating if the company bothered to fix some of the issues on the PC version, but it's still enjoyable nonetheless. If you asked me personally, "Is this expansion worth the money?" I'd say yes.
  2. Jay_Pickens
    Jul 24, 2018
    10
    This DLC took me by surprise. I didn't expect it to be so good. The story was probably the most heartbreaking of all the Bioshock games and yet so good. Nothing is wrong with this game, if you're a fan of Bioshock, it's a must-have. Pickens approves!
  3. Kovaelin
    Feb 9, 2015
    9
    I bought the retail version of BioShock 2, and when they decided to let owners redeem their copies on Steam - Minerva's Den, along with the other DLC (e.g. The Protector Trials, which is a fun romp that can get you a plasmid to gain bonus ADAM in Minerva's Den), was given for free.

    I really liked both BioShock 1 and 2. The first game introduced an atmospheric world that was both    I bought the retail version of BioShock 2, and when they decided to let owners redeem their copies on Steam - Minerva's Den, along with the other DLC (e.g. The Protector Trials, which is a fun romp that can get you a plasmid to gain bonus ADAM in Minerva's Den), was given for free.

    I really liked both BioShock 1 and 2. The first game introduced an atmospheric world that was both unsettling and mesmerizing. It's a treat when a game is able to immerse a player in a different place and time. The storytelling was great and I just couldn't get enough of it, so I immediately went on to play the sequel (the perks of being a patient gamer). BioShock 2 tells a different story from a different perspective, and despite what other people might say, I really enjoyed the game.

    The first game's plot was surrounded by mystery, which included great twists and reveals throughout the journey, and there was a good sense of closure when you finished piecing together how the main character fit into Rapture. BioShock 2 refines the gameplay of BioShock 1, and also introduces new weapons and plasmids to freshen things up. The mysterious storytelling is just as grand, and in my opinion, it's taken to another level by the cinematography of some scenes, like in the ballroom at the beginning of the game. The follow-up is definitely worth playing if you're still interested in Rapture with another narrative. It can also get pretty emotional at times!

    Minerva's Den tells yet another self-contained tale, taking place parallel to BioShock 2. I did not expect there to be such a complete experience from Minerva's Den. It definitely does not feel like an afterthought from the developers. There are a couple new weapons, plasmids, and enemies, but it's the full and satisfying story that took me by surprise.

    Rapture is basically kept running by The Thinker, and you play as another prototype Big Daddy (Sigma) trying to get to it, which seems a little random at first. You progress through the game and learn about the power-struggle revolving around this piece of technology and the reason it's so important now.

    The only shortcoming in this DLC is that there are no consequences this time for rescuing versus harvesting Little Sisters, and therefore no alternate endings based on moral decision making. It's not really a big deal though, in my opinion, considering the quality of this release. I can definitely recommend Minerva's Den if you're a fan of BioShock.    … Expand
  4. sft
    Jan 24, 2016
    9
    More Rapture

    If you love the Bioshock games, which I do, then playing this DLC is a no-brainer. Everything that made Bioshock 2 so good is still here including a strong storyline and all the creativity and inventiveness that makes the franchise so great. There are new splicers and a new class of Big Daddy to deal with, and there’s a new weapon and changes to the weapons upgrade system.    More Rapture

    If you love the Bioshock games, which I do, then playing this DLC is a no-brainer. Everything that made Bioshock 2 so good is still here including a strong storyline and all the creativity and inventiveness that makes the franchise so great. There are new splicers and a new class of Big Daddy to deal with, and there’s a new weapon and changes to the weapons upgrade system. It’s also a pretty good length, for a DLC. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  5. jelikey
    Jul 8, 2020
    8
    Minerva's Den was a solid DLC. It provided a few extra hours of entertainment with its own map and story that does the BioShock series justice. Although I only needed three hours to complete it, I felt like it lasted twice as long as that, and that's in a positive way.

    The main reason why I can't give this DLC any more than an 8 has to do with the overall impression it gives off. The    Minerva's Den was a solid DLC. It provided a few extra hours of entertainment with its own map and story that does the BioShock series justice. Although I only needed three hours to complete it, I felt like it lasted twice as long as that, and that's in a positive way.

    The main reason why I can't give this DLC any more than an 8 has to do with the overall impression it gives off. The story isn't very compelling or engaging as it tries but somewhat fails to deliver the same essence as the original BioShock's story while mixing in the gameplay of BioShock 2. The game also turns slightly repetitive after you get halfway in, and the map doesn't offer much room for exploration.

    My rating of 8 therefore boils down to content, since you certainly do get the bang for your buck out of the DLC. 2K Games clearly put their efforts into making a DLC that isn't just some cash grab. It is a good experience that is worth those few extra hours of your time.    … Expand
  6. nitorita
    May 4, 2020
    8
    Minerva's Den was a solid DLC. It provided a few extra hours of entertainment with its own map and story that does the BioShock series justice. Although I only needed three hours to complete it, I felt like it lasted twice as long as that, and that's in a positive way.

    The main reason why I can't give this DLC any more than an 8 has to do with the overall impression it gives off. The    Minerva's Den was a solid DLC. It provided a few extra hours of entertainment with its own map and story that does the BioShock series justice. Although I only needed three hours to complete it, I felt like it lasted twice as long as that, and that's in a positive way.

    The main reason why I can't give this DLC any more than an 8 has to do with the overall impression it gives off. The story isn't very compelling or engaging as it tries but somewhat fails to deliver the same essence as the original BioShock's story while mixing in the gameplay of BioShock 2. The game also turns slightly repetitive after you get halfway in, and the map doesn't offer much room for exploration.

    My rating of 8 therefore boils down to content, since you certainly do get the bang for your buck out of the DLC. 2K Games clearly put their efforts into making a DLC that isn't just some cash grab. It is a good experience that is worth those few extra hours of your time.    … Expand
  7. handheldfever
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    While it still falls short of Bioshock 1, this DLC definitely does more to play to Bioshock 2's strengths. A shorter game that's focused on quality over quantity. The little sister defence missions occur less (Even if that is just a side effect of the shorter length).

    The new weapons and abilities like the gravity well and ion laser are a nice inclusion. They also account for some plot    While it still falls short of Bioshock 1, this DLC definitely does more to play to Bioshock 2's strengths. A shorter game that's focused on quality over quantity. The little sister defence missions occur less (Even if that is just a side effect of the shorter length).

    The new weapons and abilities like the gravity well and ion laser are a nice inclusion. They also account for some plot holes in the first game. Though unfortunately there were still more plot holes unaccounted for. It has some nice worldbuilding.

    It actually does tell a pretty compelling story and the plot twist at the end is pretty great. On par with the plot twist in the first game.

    In general, it's a pretty good game and is basically the best Bioshock game outside of the first one.    … Expand
  8. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    This DLC took me by surprise. I didn't expect it to be so good. The story was probably the most heartbreaking of all the Bioshock games and yet so good. Nothing is wrong with this game, if you're a fan of Bioshock, it's a must-have. Pickens approves!
  9. jacob4
    Jul 8, 2017
    10
    This small little DLC packed so much of a heart wrenching story and action that's equal to a full length game. The adventure is a thrill ride and an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes less is more and fantastic things come in small packages.
  10. KolesAdlerov
    Apr 9, 2023
    8
    is MINERVA's DEN better than B2? Yes! The best Bioshock? NO, definitely not. B1 had a minimum of these stupid arena-battles.

    Gameplay: combat mechanics 7/10 stealth (with powers) 5/10 atmosphere [goddamn radio!] 8/10 Gameplay as RPG & im.sim [goddamn radio!]: 7/10 Story 6/10 Graphics 8/10 Sounds & music [goddamn radio, a lot of bugs] 7/10 . Radio and audio diaries,    is MINERVA's DEN better than B2? Yes! The best Bioshock? NO, definitely not. B1 had a minimum of these stupid arena-battles.

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics 7/10
    stealth (with powers) 5/10
    atmosphere [goddamn radio!] 8/10
    Gameplay as RPG & im.sim [goddamn radio!]: 7/10

    Story 6/10

    Graphics 8/10

    Sounds & music [goddamn radio, a lot of bugs] 7/10

    .
    Radio and audio diaries, which muted all the sounds, ruined the immersion. Again. Cloud Chamber, please, hire a writer and designer instead of sjw-clowns.    … Expand
  11. LT_Gruber
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    Good addition with lots of fun.

    The DLC Minerva’s Den for BioShock 2 is a nice one. It has its own mini story in which you play as another Alpha Series, subject Sigma. It also has the Protector Trials which you can complete for some achievements. The story is good and connects well with the original story of BioShock 2. On graphics and sound, I have nothing to comment, those are    Good addition with lots of fun.

    The DLC Minerva’s Den for BioShock 2 is a nice one. It has its own mini story in which you play as another Alpha Series, subject Sigma. It also has the Protector Trials which you can complete for some achievements.

    The story is good and connects well with the original story of BioShock 2.

    On graphics and sound, I have nothing to comment, those are the same as the original game.

    The game features new weapons and a new Big Daddy type. It also gives you a reward if you complete the Protector Trials first, which are also included in the Minerva’s Den DLC.

    There are a few minor complaints about this add-on like the bots and security that block your movement (just like the original game) and the sometimes poor parts of the story script when you are told things you already did, found or completed. It sometimes did not match with your progression. Also, the normal version of the DLC (so not the remastered) does have way more bugs like Splicers getting stuck in the walls.

    Overall, BioShock 2: Minerva’s Den gives you a nice extra three hours of story and fun with new weapons and enemies.

    I say it is worth the ten bucks you pay for it.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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No score yet - based on 2 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. PC Gamer UK
    Jul 9, 2011
    81
    A satisfying self-contained chapter, driven by an engrossing story, with exploration encouraged. Plus flying laser robots.
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  2. GamerNode
    Jul 9, 2011
    60
    Some refreshing of the game's major mechanics or pacing could have spliced this DLC to the next level, but unfortunately its repetitive nature holds it back. If you are a sucker for Rapture lore, then Minerva's Den may yet be worth the $10.
    Read full review