BioShock 2

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2165 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,638 out of 2165
  2. Mixed: 406 out of 2165
  3. Negative: 121 out of 2165
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  1. dandalis
    Oct 10, 2017
    7
    Bioshock 2 is quite an imprvoment gameplay wise over the original, story and narrative is also pretty good if not on same level with first one, its only fault is having number 2 on the box which for many people means returning to an already explored setting, but for me who never completed original Bioshock, the sequel felt like a pretty fresh experience.

    Where it falls short for me    Bioshock 2 is quite an imprvoment gameplay wise over the original, story and narrative is also pretty good if not on same level with first one, its only fault is having number 2 on the box which for many people means returning to an already explored setting, but for me who never completed original Bioshock, the sequel felt like a pretty fresh experience.

    Where it falls short for me personally and why i cant score it higher than i'd like to is down to its PC port with constant crashes if you run the game in DX 10 mode, even then in DX 9 game can crash, it even crashed right when i was saving which corrupted and deleted my save file. If you dont manually save every 5 - 10 minutes you risk losing progress and waste the time of your life by doing it again.    … Expand
  2. TaylorM
    Feb 12, 2010
    7
    I am rating this game as if both components of the game get their own 0-10 score rating and then I am averaging it. That being said, the singleplayer gets a 10, and the multiplayer gets a 3. It's not because the multiplayer is bad. It is actually a really well implemented idea in terms of gameplay. It's because MATCHMAKING is bad, no dedicated is bad, which is the same problem I am rating this game as if both components of the game get their own 0-10 score rating and then I am averaging it. That being said, the singleplayer gets a 10, and the multiplayer gets a 3. It's not because the multiplayer is bad. It is actually a really well implemented idea in terms of gameplay. It's because MATCHMAKING is bad, no dedicated is bad, which is the same problem with MW2. So far most of the matches I've played have been lag city for everyone but the host who could "see all of US lag." I'm tired of sacrificing "ease-of-use" for a crappy multi-player experience. Matchmaking itself isn't my major complaint here, its the lack of dedicated servers. L4D and L4D2 have matchmaking and dedicated servers, so why is it so difficult for other developers to implement this system? The most disappointing part is the fact that based on the GAMEPLAY of multiplayer alone I could see myself playing it as much or more than TF2.… Expand
  3. KarlL
    Feb 10, 2010
    7
    Not much has changed from the first game, almost feels more like a quick expansion pack then a real sequel. All the wonder of the first game has been lost however since this is your second time through. All the fear is missing aswell since your character is basically an armoured tank, making you feel impervious to most of the dangers.
  4. TheMitherer
    Nov 2, 2011
    7
    Took me over two hours to get it to run properly. Eight different weapons, each with 3 types of ammo, and six or more plasmids. What am I? A concert pianist? I didn't find the hacking change to be an improvement at all and the story didn't hold my attention in the slightest. As far as I was concerned the story was just trying to get through a level whilst making yourself more powerful.Took me over two hours to get it to run properly. Eight different weapons, each with 3 types of ammo, and six or more plasmids. What am I? A concert pianist? I didn't find the hacking change to be an improvement at all and the story didn't hold my attention in the slightest. As far as I was concerned the story was just trying to get through a level whilst making yourself more powerful. Voiceovers and fighting got very tedious towards the end. Having said all that it was enjoyable to jaunt through Rapture again even though it was with a sense of post mortem deja vu. New weapons and enemies are decent enough, but the trips along the sea-bed seemed very pointless. And where the hell were the soundsets for the vending machines? Anyway, a reasonable buy at current prices and a good buy if you are a Bioshock maniac.… Expand
  5. eyoung20
    Feb 5, 2011
    6
    This game was a big disappointment. Even though Irrational Games will never best the first Bioshock game, this game did not even come close to it. The gameplay was basically the same as the first, besides the adding of a few new weapons, and a few new enemies. The graphics were the same as the first game, if not worse. Also, i wondered why if you were in a big daddy suit, wouldn't thatThis game was a big disappointment. Even though Irrational Games will never best the first Bioshock game, this game did not even come close to it. The gameplay was basically the same as the first, besides the adding of a few new weapons, and a few new enemies. The graphics were the same as the first game, if not worse. Also, i wondered why if you were in a big daddy suit, wouldn't that make you stronger? Apparently not because you had the same amount of health as you did in the first game when you were in regular human form. Hopefully Bioshock Infinite can bring back the great, original feeling that the first gave us as we played it.… Expand
  6. AmberH
    Feb 21, 2010
    6
    While I don't think anyone expected Bioshock 2 to surpass it's first title, we all expected it to not suck. Not entirely the case sadly. Pros: Combat flow has improved greatly, the simple addition of using both hands freely was a great start, and the evolution of staged plasmids was a good choice. Additionally the Insect Swarm and Cyclone Trap plasmids are actually viable tools While I don't think anyone expected Bioshock 2 to surpass it's first title, we all expected it to not suck. Not entirely the case sadly. Pros: Combat flow has improved greatly, the simple addition of using both hands freely was a great start, and the evolution of staged plasmids was a good choice. Additionally the Insect Swarm and Cyclone Trap plasmids are actually viable tools this go around, in particular the swarm. Cons: Most everything else. The story is toned down, with much least of a impact or moral debate to be had over who was right and wrong this time. Additionally not many surprises to really be had, barring one near the end that does show you another side of Rapture that is nice to see. Overall however the biggest part of Bioshock is lost in the second one, the atmosphere. It looks like Rapture, it sounds like Rapture, but it never FEELS like Rapture. It doesn't help that they tried to make the Big Sister look 'sexy' or the Little Sisters look 'cutier.' Oh, and the multiplayer is an utter mess. Unbalanced as possible, horrible netcode, terrible peer hosting system without host migration; about as bad as it could of been. Swarm + Grenade Launcher = easy free kills. Unless you're the host, then it's Electro Bolt + Elephant Gun = easier free kills.… Expand
  7. Elimination
    Feb 9, 2010
    6
    Incredibly short game at 8 hours. Multiplayer is bugged on the PC version, i dont know how the devs didnt notice it, it was obvious right away. It seems they rushed this one out the door bugged and unfinished. The game is worth maybe $20 for its good single player. But its length is too short and with the broken multi, dont expect your monies worth.
  8. PaxW
    Feb 14, 2010
    6
    Has spoilers! Nothing special, some interesting moments. Highlight of the games was seeing rapture through the eyes of a little sister. Also would have liked to played some tutorial level in the original rapture before the fall. But overall indifferent to game and story. Quite a buggy game! 4 issues 2 serious. 1 serious could be fixed by editing the ini, hack button getting magically Has spoilers! Nothing special, some interesting moments. Highlight of the games was seeing rapture through the eyes of a little sister. Also would have liked to played some tutorial level in the original rapture before the fall. But overall indifferent to game and story. Quite a buggy game! 4 issues 2 serious. 1 serious could be fixed by editing the ini, hack button getting magically unassigned the other natural camouflage broke! Not fixable and since I mostly just use quick save lost it for about the last 15% of the game. Version 1.00 of this game got the bugs!… Expand
  9. Sasori261
    Jan 21, 2012
    7
    To me, the original Bioshock was better than this one. It seemed by trying to make a multiplayer, they just forgot about the singleplayer. The game was good, but it seemed that they should've focused on the singleplayer a bit more because I found the multiplayer terrible and that the multiplayer downgraded the singleplayer expierence. I also didn't like the idea of the game and should'veTo me, the original Bioshock was better than this one. It seemed by trying to make a multiplayer, they just forgot about the singleplayer. The game was good, but it seemed that they should've focused on the singleplayer a bit more because I found the multiplayer terrible and that the multiplayer downgraded the singleplayer expierence. I also didn't like the idea of the game and should've gone with another idea. Overall, I would suggest if you're a Bioshock fan, to not buy the game unless you want to play a sequel that is disappointing compared to the original.… Expand
  10. PrincessRose
    Sep 8, 2015
    7
    Even though I disliked Bioshock, I thought I'd at least try this game though it's sort of more of the same, I liked playing as a Big Daddy at the end of the first game so I thought it may make me enjoy this game more.

    I enjoy this game more, overall the game is much more fun. I don't feel bored playing it like I did with the first Bioshock. I like the story of being a Big Daddy, the    Even though I disliked Bioshock, I thought I'd at least try this game though it's sort of more of the same, I liked playing as a Big Daddy at the end of the first game so I thought it may make me enjoy this game more.

    I enjoy this game more, overall the game is much more fun. I don't feel bored playing it like I did with the first Bioshock. I like the story of being a Big Daddy, the story is very interesting and gameplay has improved you can now use both a plasmid and weapon at once, it makes things quicker instead of feeling so sluggish like the first Bioshock was so slow having to switch between a plasmid and a weapon.

    And I like that hacking seems better and you can now hack cameras as well instead of just destroy them.

    I reccomend having several saves as saving can be glitchy. I saved my game and it crashed in the process deleting the save that I was saving over, I previously had 4 saves and now had 3, so it must of deleted the save which caused it to crash or the crashing caused it to delete?? Iam not sure.
    It's a joy to be able to alt tab out of game without getting a black screen of death.

    When you open a map, you can't close it again by pressing the map key, but by clicking on a button at the bottom of the screen that says close or by pressing B on a XBox controller with no way to remap the key for PC controls. Controller exclusive controls on a PC game is annoying.

    I like this game much more than the first Bioshock.    … Expand
  11. alanmacd
    Nov 19, 2014
    7
    After the joy of the original I was ready to like this game. A lot. Back to Rapture! And, to its credit, game-play is smooth, the enemies are more varied and, in many cases, tougher and the weapons are inventive. However, it seems like the game lost its soul somewhere. The haunting, beautiful visuals of the first were lacking. The story was simply less compelling, absent the wonderfullyAfter the joy of the original I was ready to like this game. A lot. Back to Rapture! And, to its credit, game-play is smooth, the enemies are more varied and, in many cases, tougher and the weapons are inventive. However, it seems like the game lost its soul somewhere. The haunting, beautiful visuals of the first were lacking. The story was simply less compelling, absent the wonderfully crafted Ryan. I cared about the characters less. I felt like I was playing a competent, first person shooter. The first time around, I felt like I was taking part in a masterpiece. This...was just a video game. A good one, but just a game.… Expand
  12. sscott0829tw
    Feb 19, 2020
    7
    + Combat is better than the first
    + Interesting story with memorable characters
    + Better ending than the first + Great Graphics + Big Sisters are so fun to fight - Feels a bit like a DLC for the first game, a lot of UI and Items are exactly the same. - Too short to beat - No new powers to use, weapons feels like a reskin of the first game - Fighting with your daughter is amazing    + Combat is better than the first
    + Interesting story with memorable characters
    + Better ending than the first
    + Great Graphics
    + Big Sisters are so fun to fight

    - Feels a bit like a DLC for the first game, a lot of UI and Items are exactly the same.
    - Too short to beat
    - No new powers to use, weapons feels like a reskin of the first game
    - Fighting with your daughter is amazing but you can only do that for like 30 minutes.
    - though the NPC's are interesting, you don't see them or interect with them very much.
    - no final boss fight, and reuse boss fights too many times.    … Expand
  13. GordonF
    Feb 19, 2010
    7
    There are way too many flaws in this release to qualify it to be universally acclaimed. Firstly, the graphics are actually a downgrade from the first Bioshock, textures are markedly lower in resolution, absolutely no support for Anti-Aliasing and Anisotropic Filtering, those cannot even be effected upon the game from outside the game with ATI Catalyst. This is 2010, Win7 is on DX11 and There are way too many flaws in this release to qualify it to be universally acclaimed. Firstly, the graphics are actually a downgrade from the first Bioshock, textures are markedly lower in resolution, absolutely no support for Anti-Aliasing and Anisotropic Filtering, those cannot even be effected upon the game from outside the game with ATI Catalyst. This is 2010, Win7 is on DX11 and this game runs natively on DX 9 - What the hell is this nonsense? why the hell graphics menu offers "run DX10 textures" option is beyond me, because as far as the progress of technology is involved, shouldn't option be a " Enable DX 11 Tessellation" instead? I was, and am deeply let down by this release, part of the reason why I upped by rig was because of the anticipation of experiencing the great Bioshock on awesome DX11 rendering, and I cannot possibly feel more cheated at this point in my life. Tech aside, nothing in this game breaks new ground, everything else is pretty similar as before with the exception of one new splicer, the big sister, and new big daddies. The playthrough is noticeably shorter, and the storyline wasn't as creative this time round, but it was still all good and decent fun. I didn't bother with the multiplayer because my main appeal was to the bioshock universe. This should've been an expansion release instead. I am disappointed, I really am.… Expand
  14. RsinX
    Apr 23, 2011
    6
    Well, not much good I can say about BioShock 2, other than it's just "BS". Just a 'half-ass' Re-made game where the cheap-designers did not incorporate enough 'new-ness' nor enough time and quality into it. However, the story was a bit different and it was a bit more emotional in a daddy-to-daughter relation (since I have a daughter of my own). The weapons/plasmids weren't all that better.Well, not much good I can say about BioShock 2, other than it's just "BS". Just a 'half-ass' Re-made game where the cheap-designers did not incorporate enough 'new-ness' nor enough time and quality into it. However, the story was a bit different and it was a bit more emotional in a daddy-to-daughter relation (since I have a daughter of my own). The weapons/plasmids weren't all that better. Most of the levels(environments) didn't get any more interesting, though some actually did. The 'flat' graphics didn't improve, which they should have, since it is the 2nd game in it's series. The biggest issue I had (and many other users, from what I heard) was the screwed up mouse control/sensitivity! (I mean come on 2K, there are serious PC gamers out there still!! Why create/sell a game if you're not going to make it work right for every user ?!) ...and the 'jittery' light reflection usually seen on floors (with slight mouse movement) has not been fixed (also seen in the first game.. anyone know what I'm talking about?.. it's not a big issue but it's still just 'ugly'). ...And to top it all off: The Windows Live integration is Total bull-$hit!.. Seriously, it should only be an Option NOT a requirement, since most people probably don't have any use for it... not all users have an Xbox or internet access to do those sorts of things, especially in order to SAVE their own game progress! WTF!?.. The Windows Live crap is just another pain in the a$$!... (Newer games are suppose to simply get better with NO hassles!).. BS2 was a let-down :( .....IMO the original BioShock is still better.… Expand
  15. davenbettridge
    Jul 11, 2011
    5
    The original Bioshock is one of the best shooters of its generation, it had substance. The gameplay, atmosphere and story were connected and intertwined well and the game makers clearly had something to say. Bioshock 2 unfortunately does not have the substance of its predecessor but comes across as a some what cash in. The original makers had nothing to do with bio 2 creation. The gameplayThe original Bioshock is one of the best shooters of its generation, it had substance. The gameplay, atmosphere and story were connected and intertwined well and the game makers clearly had something to say. Bioshock 2 unfortunately does not have the substance of its predecessor but comes across as a some what cash in. The original makers had nothing to do with bio 2 creation. The gameplay had its improvements but Bio 2s story was pretty lame, the main villain pretty empty and a missed opportunity, and the ending meh. I had some hopes for Bios 2 and wanted to give it a chance but in the end feels lame and falls into the towering heap of video games with mediocre stories.The 5 points I give to the technical improvements of the game play but not for the forgettable story and design. I do not recommend bioshock 2, with all the other great games out there I almost wished I had not played it at all.… Expand
  16. spydercanopus
    Feb 18, 2010
    6
    Don't waste your time with it. It's annoying as hell. I want to run around and shoot some shit, but this makes your click F to pick up dollar bills and 6 rounds of ammo laying around in order to prepare for each fight. Is there something wrong with just walking over petty items to pick them up? I had to edit the User.ini off the bat to even play the game using Windows 7. But Don't waste your time with it. It's annoying as hell. I want to run around and shoot some shit, but this makes your click F to pick up dollar bills and 6 rounds of ammo laying around in order to prepare for each fight. Is there something wrong with just walking over petty items to pick them up? I had to edit the User.ini off the bat to even play the game using Windows 7. But it's not all bad, I quite enjoyed the FMV parts, as the controls weren't an issue.… Expand
  17. SamuelD
    Feb 16, 2010
    6
    Woo Finally get to be a big daddy! Well the Big Daddy that got his lunch money stolen by all the other big daddy's that is. Game is to much of the same. Story is a big eh... This is why when the creator of a game says the story is over you should listen to him.
  18. Kirase
    Jan 1, 2012
    6
    Bioshock 1 instantly impressed with its unique design and kept the player hooked with its uncommon gameplay and story through the game. Now with bioshock 2 it is somehow like hearing the same joke twice in a row. It fails to deliver enough new elements to be interesting. While i would really love to tell positive things about this game since i generally really like the combination of 3dBioshock 1 instantly impressed with its unique design and kept the player hooked with its uncommon gameplay and story through the game. Now with bioshock 2 it is somehow like hearing the same joke twice in a row. It fails to deliver enough new elements to be interesting. While i would really love to tell positive things about this game since i generally really like the combination of 3d shooter with slight rpg elements i just honestly can not do so. I did not even manage to finish the game, just got bored after a while and stopped playing it. Sure will give it a second chance some time and maybe even enjoy finishing it than, but at its release it just disappointed me. 6/10… Expand
  19. signcontrast
    Jul 7, 2012
    5
    Doesn't match the hype. I hate not finishing games, but this one really just feels like a waste of time. I played the first one and found it not to be ground-breaking, but it had an original storyline and world, with some interesting gameplay. ----Now, this one, while it doesn't ruin anything from the first one, it doesn't do a single thing to improve it, and it seems just that muchDoesn't match the hype. I hate not finishing games, but this one really just feels like a waste of time. I played the first one and found it not to be ground-breaking, but it had an original storyline and world, with some interesting gameplay. ----Now, this one, while it doesn't ruin anything from the first one, it doesn't do a single thing to improve it, and it seems just that much less original since it comes after the Bioshock 1 and does so little to improve the world, the gameplay, or the story. I daresay the story is a little more simple and less inspired, hence the reviewers who trash this title. Still, it's a little inaccurate to give this an atrocious score. It still has its assortment of interesting little baddies and nostalgic tapes. You can still catch yourself laughing while cringing at the snatches of conversation you hear between the other inmates of your little slice of hell. You still scan the walls for bits of nostalgic flavor - you just find yourself less surprised and less effected because it all feels like you've been here before. And you have...both your character and you... in Bioshock 1. And there the story was just a little more gripping.… Expand
  20. Dethstar
    May 17, 2011
    6
    Its Bioshock only without the atmosphere, nostalga and quirky dialogue that made Bioshock such a compelling game. Should be called bioshock light. Or bioshock megablast. (bigger guns). Personally I was extremely disappointed with this version. If your thinking of buying this I would recommend you get Bioshock 1 instead.
  21. grandpajoe6191
    Dec 10, 2011
    6
    I don't believe in Bioshock's dystopian hype anymore. "Bioshock 2" has the same gameplay as "Bioshock", only that you get to control a big humping Big Daddy as your character. However, that wasn't my problem; the story was. WTF happened to all the philosophical **** The story's too messy, disorganized, and has NO morale. Moreoverall, the game doesn't really know where to spread out to.I don't believe in Bioshock's dystopian hype anymore. "Bioshock 2" has the same gameplay as "Bioshock", only that you get to control a big humping Big Daddy as your character. However, that wasn't my problem; the story was. WTF happened to all the philosophical **** The story's too messy, disorganized, and has NO morale. Moreoverall, the game doesn't really know where to spread out to. *Sigh* What can you expect from a sequel....… Expand
  22. AutumnEffect
    Dec 15, 2011
    6
    Bioshock 2 is a game that improves on the gameplay and the mechanics of its successor, yet fails to deliver on any of the important aspects of what made the first installment great. Namely, the story, of which there is almost none. Perspective takes a turn as you now play, 10 years after the initial Bioshock, as a Big Daddy. Early on, the Little Sister that you are bonded to is taken away,Bioshock 2 is a game that improves on the gameplay and the mechanics of its successor, yet fails to deliver on any of the important aspects of what made the first installment great. Namely, the story, of which there is almost none. Perspective takes a turn as you now play, 10 years after the initial Bioshock, as a Big Daddy. Early on, the Little Sister that you are bonded to is taken away, and the entire game involves your efforts of trying to rescue her. Whereas in the original, 2K provoked thought and the formation of opinions on matters of ethical issues, they failed to deliver anything akin to that in the sequel. I know that a game as good as Bioshock is incredibly hard to live up to, but I can't help but feel that the effort put into the second one was minimal at best. Graphics have improved, thankfully, as has the combat system, but that doesn't make up for the fact that I had to sit through an uninteresting story with characters (specifically Eleanor) whose voices weren't emotional enough to get me to care about them. This game was a letdown from the first, but it wasn't a complete waste. It's still worth getting, so long as you don't pay too much for it. On the plus side, the multiplayer is strangely addicting, and very underrated.… Expand
  23. TheWeasel
    Feb 18, 2010
    7
    Nothing that hasnt already been done before in numerous Dungeon and Dragons styled FPS'ers not to mention a slight improvement upon the original Bioshock game. Plasmids are more interesting to 'level up' but really donot present the level of character development that is hyped up to. Graphics while nice donot have the same feel as nor direct iconography that Bioshock Nothing that hasnt already been done before in numerous Dungeon and Dragons styled FPS'ers not to mention a slight improvement upon the original Bioshock game. Plasmids are more interesting to 'level up' but really donot present the level of character development that is hyped up to. Graphics while nice donot have the same feel as nor direct iconography that Bioshock represented. More of an underware Tomb Raider with Art Deco, instead of the vibrant and stylised Bioshock original. The sound is superb but what else is to be expected in this era of gaming and digital audio files. 7/10 Fluff but tasty fluff.… Expand
  24. justinscustoms
    Aug 27, 2010
    7
    Being an avid fan of the original, I have to admit that I entered this game with fairly high expectations. Off the bat there seems to be no real changes to the major game mechanics or graphics which came as a small disappointment as the game could had used at least a few improvements on the overall physics system I however can assume this was an attempt to keep game play level for the PCBeing an avid fan of the original, I have to admit that I entered this game with fairly high expectations. Off the bat there seems to be no real changes to the major game mechanics or graphics which came as a small disappointment as the game could had used at least a few improvements on the overall physics system I however can assume this was an attempt to keep game play level for the PC and Console versions of the title. The game environment offers a lot of fresh areas while still keeping the same overall feeling as the original and even makes a few open improvements by offering some more open, less claustrophobic areas. the story is where I felt I was a little let down on here. The ending of the original presented a very real challenge for a sequel so I understood this but the real shortfall was the lack of painting detailed portraits of the new characters. Moments in the original gave you a true feeling of how unhinged the characters were and gave you unsettling thought process to digest while trying to unravel your own and that was slightly lacking in this title.… Expand
  25. SwiftBrutalDeth
    Jan 19, 2012
    5
    Won't run. Huge crazy mess in forums to fix it. In 2012 it shouldn't take over 30 minutes max to setup a game and have it function. 5 hours later I'm at square one. If it worked it would probably be around 8 if it's close to the first game.
  26. mrJerp
    Feb 21, 2010
    6
    I am sad that I had to rate this game a 6. I loved the first game; it was the game that made me finally like the fps genre. I was very excited to play the second one and I knew that I wouldn't feel the same about it because Rapture is no longer a mystery. However, this is not why I rated the game so low. The rating comes from 2K's complete lack of product testing. After I beat I am sad that I had to rate this game a 6. I loved the first game; it was the game that made me finally like the fps genre. I was very excited to play the second one and I knew that I wouldn't feel the same about it because Rapture is no longer a mystery. However, this is not why I rated the game so low. The rating comes from 2K's complete lack of product testing. After I beat the game, I tried out the multiplayer, and I thought it was enjoyable. Then, the next day 2K came out with a patch to "fix" problems they forgot about in the 3 MONTHS they delayed the game. And, what does it do? Bugs the multiplayer to hell and now after nine days they still have done nothing to fix these problems. How do you do that? Did no one at 2K have a copy of the game to test this patch on? Did they just ignore some aspects of the game when testing just to save time? I don't know but I am very disappointed.… Expand
  27. Tritonio
    Nov 2, 2011
    6
    Great single player, terrible multiplayer. Randomly spawns you with an enemy targeting you back half of the times... Also the whole Games Live platform destroys the game. It's buggy, with cumbersome registration and at some point my account was deleted and I lost my savegames with it. I dropped the game and still regret paying for it.
  28. dan2600
    Aug 25, 2014
    5
    As a "game" 4 as an interactive experience 7

    I got this game on a steam sale after pasing it up 4 years ago. I played System Shock as a kid and loved bioshock as well. Game-play is boring, simple shooter style. Trick the dumb AI, played it on hard wasn't challenged at all. No penalty for dying. Lots of ammo, even though it's all nerfed, finding enough medkits is another story.    As a "game" 4 as an interactive experience 7

    I got this game on a steam sale after pasing it up 4 years ago. I played System Shock as a kid and loved bioshock as well.

    Game-play is boring, simple shooter style. Trick the dumb AI, played it on hard wasn't challenged at all. No penalty for dying. Lots of ammo, even though it's all nerfed, finding enough medkits is another story.

    The story is nice, made-for-tv movie level good, but still very "video-game". Voice acting, is great, music is wonderful.

    Overall a snorefest through mudsville, watch the cut scenes on youtube and buy the soundtrack and save your time.

    about to give bioshock 3 a go...lets see if it is any better.    … Expand
  29. AlienSpaceBats
    Oct 9, 2013
    7
    Even though it's a complete rehash of the first game, and suffers from an extremely malignant case of consolitis (with low-quality textures and 360 button graphics all over the place) I prefer this one. Taking on the role of a Big Daddy and interacting with the little sisters plays a large part in this, but endlessly shooting up splicers eventually gets too boring after a while. As ever,Even though it's a complete rehash of the first game, and suffers from an extremely malignant case of consolitis (with low-quality textures and 360 button graphics all over the place) I prefer this one. Taking on the role of a Big Daddy and interacting with the little sisters plays a large part in this, but endlessly shooting up splicers eventually gets too boring after a while. As ever, an average FPS with above average narrative.… Expand
  30. jerod
    Dec 22, 2012
    5
    Honestly, I would have rated this game a 7-8 if it wasn't for windows live. I couldn't get windows live to work once and I seriously can't see why I needed it to play single player through steam. It's a cheap, lazy means of DRM and I was annoyed as hell by it. As for the game, I played about 2 hours and just got bored. It was the same stuff as in bioshock 1 and it just didn't really gripHonestly, I would have rated this game a 7-8 if it wasn't for windows live. I couldn't get windows live to work once and I seriously can't see why I needed it to play single player through steam. It's a cheap, lazy means of DRM and I was annoyed as hell by it. As for the game, I played about 2 hours and just got bored. It was the same stuff as in bioshock 1 and it just didn't really grip me. I can see why some people might love that type of game, which is why I rated it as high as I did. I'm just tired of ubiquitous shooters with simplistic mechanics. But, if you loved Bioshock 1 and you're starving for more, you'll probably like this game because it gives you lots of almost exactly that.… Expand
  31. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    7
    A sequel that ends up feeling too much of the same. Still has that amazing atmosphere and world. But its story and characters failed to fully grip me.
  32. Kemp
    Mar 1, 2021
    6
    My reviews for Bioshock 1 and Infinite capture my views on the series. I'd say the first one is the only one really worth playing. Bioshock 2 is still better than Infinite (because of Infinite's garbage story), but it does not really have many new ideas and the story is lackluster. Also, what happened to Tenenbaum?

    When I was playing this game, I was enjoying it at first, but I quickly    My reviews for Bioshock 1 and Infinite capture my views on the series. I'd say the first one is the only one really worth playing. Bioshock 2 is still better than Infinite (because of Infinite's garbage story), but it does not really have many new ideas and the story is lackluster. Also, what happened to Tenenbaum?

    When I was playing this game, I was enjoying it at first, but I quickly found myself just trying to steamroll through to get to the end. I'd give it a miss.    … Expand
  33. Izoeros
    Jun 6, 2022
    7
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  34. MaxieZeus
    Sep 20, 2022
    7
    If the first Bioshock was the brain this is heart of the Bioshock universe sadly there aren't much improvements on the first game but still you may like this more depending on your preferences.
  35. Akadrud
    Jun 2, 2014
    7
    First Bioshock was a masterpiece and, if i didn't play it, i would give the second chapter a higher score. But.. there's some new things but not so many and though we have another really good story behind the game.. i don't think it is involving as the first. Graphic is the same, looks like recycled. And it's short, but if you can buy it ina bundle for cheap (like i did) it's a good experience.
  36. Nataraja
    Mar 5, 2013
    5
    This is just a reboot of BioShock and where the original had a lot of interest for me it was not a very engaging story. Furthermore in an attempt to make the controls "better" for the PC they made them far worse. If I had paid full price I would have been very disappointed. I may eventually play it all the way through but for now I have more than enough interesting games to explore.This is just a reboot of BioShock and where the original had a lot of interest for me it was not a very engaging story. Furthermore in an attempt to make the controls "better" for the PC they made them far worse. If I had paid full price I would have been very disappointed. I may eventually play it all the way through but for now I have more than enough interesting games to explore. This might have made an interesting DLC but is not worthy as a sequel to its far superior predecessor. Thank god I got it for free with my BioShock Infinite preorder.… Expand
  37. GeoKureli
    Nov 11, 2012
    5
    One of the worst games I've played. how does a game with almost no new functionality over the first have 4 times the bugs. The first Bioshock was amazing, the only game with a story I cared about. It was compelling, this just had melodrama. i hated all the characters the missions were forced, and so far I've seen nothing that adds anything to the story of rapture. the levels are 3 teiredOne of the worst games I've played. how does a game with almost no new functionality over the first have 4 times the bugs. The first Bioshock was amazing, the only game with a story I cared about. It was compelling, this just had melodrama. i hated all the characters the missions were forced, and so far I've seen nothing that adds anything to the story of rapture. the levels are 3 teired mazes and i spend the whole game getting shot and having no clue who is shooting me. the audio is **** where the original was masterful. being a big daddy is cool, but it was better in the first one. this is just escort missions. did the same team even make this?… Expand
  38. Sweededcentral
    May 21, 2013
    5
    Bioshock 2: The long awaited sequel to Bioshock. While In no means a bad game, its in no means a GOOD game, let me explain:
    1. The graphics are to cartoonish! While this works in games like TF2, here it's just out of place. In the first level, I'm greeted with a dark environment, wich is expected, because its Bioshock. But I look up, AND THERES FREAKIN PINK CORAL!
    2. The voice acting is    Bioshock 2: The long awaited sequel to Bioshock. While In no means a bad game, its in no means a GOOD game, let me explain:
    1. The graphics are to cartoonish! While this works in games like TF2, here it's just out of place. In the first level, I'm greeted with a dark environment, wich is expected, because its Bioshock. But I look up, AND THERES FREAKIN PINK CORAL!
    2. The voice acting is So-so. Some of the parts, like Alexander the Great, and Dr.Suchong are amazing performances, all the others seem like the actor didn't want to be there.
    3. The Big Sisters, while nicely designed, are just a boss that shows up when the game slows down.
    4. I enjoyed playing as the Big Daddy, I really did, but making you go on escort missions CONSTANTLY just to get adam is stupid! Each time you get adam, its a all out war, and should be planned out.
    5. The endings....oh god those endings. While longer than the first ones, there just boring to watch and leaves you feeling unsatisfied.

    Its still a good game, but certainly not as good as the first installment. If you want a simple shooter, this might be for you. But If you loved the first one, maybe just watch a lets play, because hardcore fans (like myself) will not enjoy this game.    … Expand
  39. NP-complete
    Oct 25, 2016
    6
    Similar to the game: a great story, but the environment is too dark and repetitive for my taste. In terms of gameplay, it doesn't add too much to the previous installment (and, personally, I don't like FPS too much).
  40. NikoLinni
    Feb 21, 2014
    5
    I really. Really wanted to like this game.

    Techincal side of things: What the hell? Is it because I'm running a lower end computer? Suddenly BS2 didn't like my computer, forcing me to put BS2 into DX9 and making everything look poorly. Then there was *No Manual Plasmid Reload* which meant that you'd either have to edit a config file or fire off what little EVE you had left so Delta    I really. Really wanted to like this game.

    Techincal side of things: What the hell? Is it because I'm running a lower end computer? Suddenly BS2 didn't like my computer, forcing me to put BS2 into DX9 and making everything look poorly. Then there was *No Manual Plasmid Reload* which meant that you'd either have to edit a config file or fire off what little EVE you had left so Delta would reload. There's NO Weapon/Plasmid wheel, and coming back from Bioshock Infinite, that was ridiculous. What genius decided to have it in console releases, but not on PC? And multiplayer, don't make me laugh. Obvious console port is obvious (especially when the prompts for what buttons to push >>Are Xbox 360, not PC, buttons    … Expand
  41. zimmer600
    Nov 20, 2017
    7
    Comparing the first and second parts of BioShock, I definitely give the palm of the championship to the original game. From the continuation, after all, I wanted to get much more vivid emotions and rich impressions. But it is important to understand that it is with unreasonable expectations that most of the claims to BioShock 2 are connected. If we consider it in isolation from itsComparing the first and second parts of BioShock, I definitely give the palm of the championship to the original game. From the continuation, after all, I wanted to get much more vivid emotions and rich impressions. But it is important to understand that it is with unreasonable expectations that most of the claims to BioShock 2 are connected. If we consider it in isolation from its predecessor, we get a very atmospheric, deeply worked shooter with complex non-ordinary mechanics and a tolerable script. It all depends on which side to look at.… Expand
  42. KingJailson
    Apr 10, 2019
    7
    Excelente jogo, não o melhor de todo o BioShock, mas um bom jogo, apesar de ainda rolar crashes durante a jogatina.
  43. Vanco
    Jun 4, 2019
    7
    Not as fun as the first Bioshock but still a good game. Improved combat mechanics.
  44. Relkad
    Apr 18, 2020
    7
    Not a must-play but explains the game's environment in a beautiful way.
    Also,kinda story-driven
  45. Lorack
    Apr 29, 2020
    6
    Pro
    +Improved hacking mechanic
    +Decent story
    +New weapons are fun

    Con
    -Too similar to the first BioShock
    -Some characters don't feel fleshed out enough
    -Too short
  46. MrOldModern
    Apr 10, 2023
    5
    По суті все теж саме, що у першій частині, але якість сюжету менше. Ну й сетінг під водою вже набрид.
  47. Rassane
    Sep 11, 2023
    7
    Está opacado por Bioshock infinite y Bioshock 1, por ello se "cree" que es muy mal juego la gente pero realmente es un juego que está bien, obviamente es el más flojo pero tiene una historia entretenida y la jugabilidad para mi es mejor que los otros juegos.
  48. BenzoSt
    Jul 12, 2022
    6
    Although I found the action of Bioshock 2 to be a bit better than Bioshock 1, this game was slightly disappointing because the plot and characters weren't nearly as interesting as those in the first Bioshock game. And since it also took place in the same location - the ruins of the undersea city of Rapture - it felt sort of recycled, more like a Bioshock 1.5 than a true sequel. So,Although I found the action of Bioshock 2 to be a bit better than Bioshock 1, this game was slightly disappointing because the plot and characters weren't nearly as interesting as those in the first Bioshock game. And since it also took place in the same location - the ruins of the undersea city of Rapture - it felt sort of recycled, more like a Bioshock 1.5 than a true sequel. So, although Bioshock 2 wasn't necessarily bad or sloppy, it felt ... unnecessary.… Expand
  49. handheldfever
    Jan 15, 2022
    7
    Though this game was an unfortunate step down from the first, it still holds up alright in it's own regard and was a lot better than even Bioshock infinite.

    The new gun system was an improvement. Now each weapon gets 3 upgrades at power to the people stations, which adds a little more variety. I really like the ability to combine cyclone traps with other plasmids. Though the method of    Though this game was an unfortunate step down from the first, it still holds up alright in it's own regard and was a lot better than even Bioshock infinite.

    The new gun system was an improvement. Now each weapon gets 3 upgrades at power to the people stations, which adds a little more variety. I really like the ability to combine cyclone traps with other plasmids. Though the method of doing so is a little clunky unfortunately.

    The new plasmid system is also good. Plasmid upgrades are more interesting and contribute more than the first game. The down side is that there might be times where plasmid upgrades get in the way of others. And the need to charge plasmids is annoying sometimes. Like electro bolt for example. I think it would have worked better if the chain lightning was passive without the need to charge, and the big storm move was more like the way Infamous did arc lightning. Especially if you have to charge for both the level 2 and 3 conditions to be met. I'm also not a fan of the scout plasmid and would take a returning sonic boom over that one any day. Either way, the new plasmids are a great new addition.

    The new hacking tool is a good addition. It helps to avoid the repetitive pipe minigame from the first Bioshock. However, after a while, I kind of started to miss the old system. I think it would have been cool is if hacking the normal way would have used the original method while doing it with the hacking tool would have used the new one

    Some of the mechanics carried over from the first game also unfortunately don't work as well here. While I like the idea of the new research camera, I feel like it created more problems than it solved. Not only is it disorienting to switch between the camera and other weapons, but it's always so hard to try to remember which methods I used to beat an enemy before so I can use a new method. And because you have to use it in a fight, you can't take pictures of little sisters or stand back and take pictures. You also can't take pictures of multiple subjects. I feel like the research camera should have been dropped. It was cool in the first game, but by the second, it was overstaying it's welcome.

    The new story is cool, but unfortunately it creates problems and plot holes.

    The med kits and eve hypos also could have been improved. Unlike the first game there's no way to manually use an eve hypo. So I have had many times where I was over capacity and I just fired plasmids in order to drain my eve and force a hypo to be used.

    Unfortunately, there have been a lot of technical issues. This game has crashed on me a lot. Apparently it has something to do with DirectX10 or draw distances or something. I don't know. But it's bad. Sometimes it will crash as soon as it opens. Even after I lower the graphical settings and shut down every background task on my computer. Because, I guess the PS1 graphics were just too much for my RTX 3070.

    In it's defence, this game was designed for Windows 7, which no one uses anymore. So, a little leniency is fair. Plus, I'm sure that if I made the game emulate windows 7 in launch, that might also help.

    In general, this is still a solid follow up to the original Bioshock.    … Expand
  50. Nick7000
    May 29, 2023
    7
    Заметно проигрывает предыдущей части, но тем не менее остается крайне приятной игрой.
  51. Grizvill08
    Jun 20, 2022
    5
    Very good game but it keeps crashing and it only autosaves every hour so i often lose a lot of progress because of that.
  52. KolesAdlerov
    Apr 9, 2023
    7
    Better action, worse story, revolting radio. Thanks to Arkane's level-design, it's not a bad game.

    Gameplay: combat mechanics 7/10 stealth (with powers) 5/10 atmosphere [goddamn radio!] 7/10 Gameplay as RPG & im.sim [goddamn radio!]: 7/10 Story 4/10 Graphics 9/10 Sounds & music [goddamn radio!] 8/10 [good RU localization] . Radio and audio diaries, which muted all the    Better action, worse story, revolting radio. Thanks to Arkane's level-design, it's not a bad game.

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

    Story 4/10

    Graphics 9/10

    Sounds & music [goddamn radio!] 8/10
    [good RU localization]

    .
    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
  53. Jackie_Jackson
    May 26, 2022
    5
    Нет ну вы конечно большие молодцы что сделали вторую часть но лучше бы не делали кто сейм
  54. EVIL_UJIN
    Oct 15, 2022
    7
    More of the same. Но повторение не значит плохо, если оригинал был качественный.

    +Визуальный стиль как всегда на высоте - локации разнообразные, яркие и наполненные деталями. +Оружия стало больше +Вместо фотоаппарата у теперь нас видеокамера:) +Появилась возможность "удочерять" Маленьких Сестричек, чтобы с их помощью добывать АДАМ. Правда этот процесс привлекает толпы сплайсеров, так    More of the same. Но повторение не значит плохо, если оригинал был качественный.

    +Визуальный стиль как всегда на высоте - локации разнообразные, яркие и наполненные деталями.
    +Оружия стало больше
    +Вместо фотоаппарата у теперь нас видеокамера:)
    +Появилась возможность "удочерять" Маленьких Сестричек, чтобы с их помощью добывать АДАМ. Правда этот процесс привлекает толпы сплайсеров, так что ваша задача - защищать девочку в процессе добычи.
    +Появились Big Sisters - прыгучий аналог Big Daddies, владеющий плазмидами, с которыми также предстоит сражаться.

    Из минусов:
    -графика, визуальный стиль и игровой процесс абсолютно идентичны первой части.

    Я бы дал 7,5 из 10 за вторичность
    В общем, фанатам первого Bioshock точно зайдет:)    … Expand
  55. klaaz
    Jan 26, 2023
    7
    A setting as beautiful and perfect as its previous installment. Despite being considerably inferior to its predecessor, it is still a highly recommended game.
  56. co3676
    Jul 1, 2023
    7
    Yedi. .
  57. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    5
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  58. Quazder
    Jun 27, 2023
    5
    (+) When you start the game the feeling of that game and atmosphere really amazes you but soon you will find the gameplay very very repetitive and boring

    (-) Graphic is trash (-) Story is boring. (-) Repetitive gameplay. And very big (-) is that you need to constatly loot literally everything otherwise you will find yourself dying many times. SO looting is extremely boring and    (+) When you start the game the feeling of that game and atmosphere really amazes you but soon you will find the gameplay very very repetitive and boring

    (-) Graphic is trash

    (-) Story is boring.

    (-) Repetitive gameplay.

    And very big (-) is that you need to constatly loot literally everything otherwise you will find yourself dying many times. SO looting is extremely boring and repetitive    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 2010
12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
13
#13 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. PC Gamer
    90
    Similar and slightly improved mechanics make this a worthy sequel, despite a sadly less-memorable story. [Mar 2010, p.70]
  2. Vandal
    86
    A conservative return to Rapture, but full of quality.
    Read full review
  3. VideoGamer
    90
    If 2K had managed to tell a story that equalled or bettered that found in the original, we'd have been left with an unquestionably better experience, rather than just a more exciting, smarter shooter.
    Read full review
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