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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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.
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