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. Jing2487
    Sep 26, 2010
    10
    While it was similar to its predecessor Bioshock 2 still came through with a new and interesting experience. While gameplay was more or less the same, the story that they came up with was as interesting as it was engaging. I felt very satisfied with the amount of gameplay (about 8-10 hours), where I was content with the story ending when it did but also at a point where I was not sick ofWhile it was similar to its predecessor Bioshock 2 still came through with a new and interesting experience. While gameplay was more or less the same, the story that they came up with was as interesting as it was engaging. I felt very satisfied with the amount of gameplay (about 8-10 hours), where I was content with the story ending when it did but also at a point where I was not sick of the game and just wanted it to end. I actually feel like playing through the game (taking different actions this time too). Now while the graphics where more like the first Bioshock that didnt bug me. I liked the look of rapture and this gave me more of the same. I didnt feel like I was playing a different game, I in fact liked the idea of being able to play Bioshock then start playing Bioshock 2 right away and feel like Im still in the same decaying city of Rapture. I dont see why a game series always has to up the graphics in each game to the point where there is a significant difference. Now I see it as a good thing if theres a significant difference between games but we see games from other companies (IE valve) where continiuing with the same graphics really give you sense of the environment. Now I also see it as a good idea to update when you change that environment such as with Bioshock Infinite. There was a few story elements that I didnt like but not to the point that it bothered me. But I really liked how you learn more about Rapture and they even tied in the main character from Bioshock. I went in expecting a game similar yet different from Bioshock, and I got that and more.… Expand
  2. keefbaker
    Oct 17, 2013
    8
    Play as a big daddy from the first game? Interesting idea, but did it work? Was the protagonist too far removed from you to really care? For me the game worked, not in the same ballpark as the first but it did indeed work. Just not as well as the original, not by a long chalk.
  3. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    This is on the same level as the previous game. I can't find anything bad about this mastepiece. Playing as Big Daddy was fun, hacking was so enjoyable, killing enemies too. Story, although it didn't live up to the story of Bioshock 1, it still was a hell of a ride. Pickens approves.
  4. temps
    Nov 17, 2011
    9
    Bioshock 2 is similar to the original in many respects, but perhaps not as good, admittedly. That said, I don't agree with a lot of the relatively negative reviews of this game, and would argue it is a decent addition to the series. Honestly, I think people just had unrealistically high expectations for this game due to their experiences with the essentially perfect original Bioshock. IBioshock 2 is similar to the original in many respects, but perhaps not as good, admittedly. That said, I don't agree with a lot of the relatively negative reviews of this game, and would argue it is a decent addition to the series. Honestly, I think people just had unrealistically high expectations for this game due to their experiences with the essentially perfect original Bioshock. I would suggest that if you liked the original Bioshock, you should definitely give Bioshock 2 a try - just don't expect it to be as unique and interesting (obviously) as the original was. Just think of it as a very well made FPS/RPG, and don't expect it to be so amazing like the original was, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.… Expand
  5. Darkmark
    Jan 23, 2014
    8
    BioShock 2 improves what was already a good game by adding a better story and more interesting gameplay. The Big Sisters are also a great addition as they help make the game a bit scary, an aspect that the first game lost after a few hours of gameplay, as soon as you got used to it. But the Big Sisters will give you creeps every time with their crazy screams.
    The only thing that this game    BioShock 2 improves what was already a good game by adding a better story and more interesting gameplay. The Big Sisters are also a great addition as they help make the game a bit scary, an aspect that the first game lost after a few hours of gameplay, as soon as you got used to it. But the Big Sisters will give you creeps every time with their crazy screams.
    The only thing that this game didn't live up to was the great ending that the first one had. Though the game did have a decent ending, it simply couldn't compare to the one in the first game. Not gonna go into detail though as that would be too much of a spoiler.
    Overall I would give this game 8,5/10 if I could, but since I can't i'll just leave it at an 8.    … Expand
  6. EmpireElite
    Sep 18, 2013
    8
    With the first Bioshock being a ground-breaking piece of art, Bioshock 2 falls short of it's predecessor. This time around, you play as Delta, the first successful Big Daddy. You want to find your original "Little Sister", but she has been put into custody of a corrupt politician who plans to create a woman made of all the great minds of Rapture.
    The game's single player campaign is    With the first Bioshock being a ground-breaking piece of art, Bioshock 2 falls short of it's predecessor. This time around, you play as Delta, the first successful Big Daddy. You want to find your original "Little Sister", but she has been put into custody of a corrupt politician who plans to create a woman made of all the great minds of Rapture.
    The game's single player campaign is slightly lacking. It has enough substance, such as new weapons, powers, and enemies to keep the player somewhat interested during the majority of it, but it was not varied enough from the original game's formula.
    One of the redeeming factors of the game as a whole is the multi-player. It takes place before the events of the original game, and retains the weapons and powers from the first. It gives the player something to come back to after the single player game.
    Overall, the game had some problems, but the game was still descent enough to keep the same charm of the original game.    … Expand
  7. 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
  8. slipknotz
    Dec 29, 2011
    8
    simply copy of Bioshock however still perfect to play, good story.... minus a point because of technical issues with GFW - solved after 2 hours findings on internet
  9. skeith
    May 11, 2012
    9
    I really love how they created a big city under the sea. It's like an whole new culture was created in the game. This game has very good voice acting, like the first Bioshock. The plasmids, weapons and hacking are better than the first game. The story is not that good, comparing to the first game, but still very enjoyable. Some people complained that the game is a little too short (AndI really love how they created a big city under the sea. It's like an whole new culture was created in the game. This game has very good voice acting, like the first Bioshock. The plasmids, weapons and hacking are better than the first game. The story is not that good, comparing to the first game, but still very enjoyable. Some people complained that the game is a little too short (And yes, it is in fact shorter than the first game), but I think it is the perfect length a game can have. You can finish the game before you got bored of it. BioShock Infinite is coming, and because of the fun brought to me by BioShock and BioShock 2, I am really looking forward to BioShock Infinite.… Expand
  10. Dazaras
    Aug 12, 2012
    8
    Despite a completely new storyline, new enemies and weapons, and updated graphics, this game felt a lot like more of the same. There really weren't many parts of this game that made me feel like I was playing a different game than Bioshock, not that I'm complaining.
  11. dionissos
    Jan 1, 2012
    8
    This is the second part of an amazing game but i think is not in the same high level of the first Bioshock. The graphics is a little worst, the gameplay the same but it has one more time a very nice story and an amazing cinematic ending.
  12. yoshi
    Feb 25, 2010
    9
    Firstly can people plz not give it a zero for things like "its glitchy" as it is probably your computers fault. becausethere are some reviews were people HAVE NOT PLAYED THE GAME. I mean how can you rate the game if you havnt played it... Awesome game though the combat is very fun and enjoyable with a excellent single player and multiplayer experience. Do not vote if you havnt played the game.
  13. whitespider999
    Feb 27, 2012
    8
    Bioshock 2 is more of the same, or perhaps less of the same. However since the original bioshock's world was so staggeringly inviting and original, more of the same in this context is not bad. I guess what I am saying is that it takes more than two games set in the same world for genre fatigue to set in. This game also makes some mild improvements to the gameplay and mechanics, it's storyBioshock 2 is more of the same, or perhaps less of the same. However since the original bioshock's world was so staggeringly inviting and original, more of the same in this context is not bad. I guess what I am saying is that it takes more than two games set in the same world for genre fatigue to set in. This game also makes some mild improvements to the gameplay and mechanics, it's story is solid - although not as masterful as the originals - and the game still maintains a sense of emotional weight. It's major downfall for me is it's length, and a more enclosed world that feels a little more like a rails-first-person-shooter than bioshock has any right to feel. I enjoyed the heck out of this game - although it's absolutely a step in the wrong direction.… Expand
  14. TedS
    Feb 10, 2010
    9
    Not as bad as all these reviews made it out to be, VERY nice having 2 weapons, doesn't get as boring as the first 1, still playing it. Always out of ammo, but this is ok since i like a good challenge, makes u scavenge A LOT! but this time around Everywhere i look i find treasure or a new modification spell. It feels like what the first 1 shoulda been, which is nice. Rating prob right Not as bad as all these reviews made it out to be, VERY nice having 2 weapons, doesn't get as boring as the first 1, still playing it. Always out of ammo, but this is ok since i like a good challenge, makes u scavenge A LOT! but this time around Everywhere i look i find treasure or a new modification spell. It feels like what the first 1 shoulda been, which is nice. Rating prob right at a 9. Not a whole lot of attractive people, but hey its bioshock. … Expand
  15. 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
  16. N.D
    Feb 10, 2010
    8
    Some of the graphics and game mechanics are better, but the storytelling of the first game is still more memorable and clever. Also, it took me a while to get used to using both Plasmids and weapons at the same time, and the game seems much harder than its predecessor. Overall, the singleplayer is pretty great and no BioShock fan should pass this game up. The multiplayer on the other Some of the graphics and game mechanics are better, but the storytelling of the first game is still more memorable and clever. Also, it took me a while to get used to using both Plasmids and weapons at the same time, and the game seems much harder than its predecessor. Overall, the singleplayer is pretty great and no BioShock fan should pass this game up. The multiplayer on the other hand, is a horrible joke, and a sick waste of time.… Expand
  17. JonathanL
    Feb 11, 2010
    9
    This game is awesome. It is just as amazing as the first one with a few faults. The story is pretty darn good but still a little weaker than the first. There is a lot of predictable story turns thanks to playing through the first one, and you see a lot of reused personalities, but without beating the game yet I still don't see a new fontaine in sight. Overall, definitely a buy no This game is awesome. It is just as amazing as the first one with a few faults. The story is pretty darn good but still a little weaker than the first. There is a lot of predictable story turns thanks to playing through the first one, and you see a lot of reused personalities, but without beating the game yet I still don't see a new fontaine in sight. Overall, definitely a buy no matter what people are saying about the securerom problems, I have had none whatsoever.… Expand
  18. MandyC
    Feb 11, 2010
    8
    To be honest I feel the game is way too short to receive a higher score. Its a revisit, with few surprises. The game play is immersive, the story well told as with #1, but , I cant stress enough, at 4-6 hours playtime its really not worthy of being a classic. Sure the multiplayer is fun, but it adds nothing new to the overcrowded multiplayer FPS genre. When you look at the likes of To be honest I feel the game is way too short to receive a higher score. Its a revisit, with few surprises. The game play is immersive, the story well told as with #1, but , I cant stress enough, at 4-6 hours playtime its really not worthy of being a classic. Sure the multiplayer is fun, but it adds nothing new to the overcrowded multiplayer FPS genre. When you look at the likes of Fallout 3 , DAorigins, Mass Effect etc with 80+ hours gameplay, this great looking game falls short.… Expand
  19. JasonR
    Feb 11, 2010
    10
    Man this game is epic. I liked how they fixed all the stuff I didn't like from the first (not much i didn't like though). The hacking is much better, the weapons, all the plasmids can be useful, and the controls aren't as clunky for the PC. Just finished it, can't wait to start multiplayer. Job well done 2K
  20. moloko
    Jul 29, 2011
    10
    It isn't often that a sequel surpasses the original, and BioShock 2 does just that. It carries over the extremely high production values. The sound, the voice acting, the ambience and forboding are all there in spades. The gameplay is just as compelling as before, with added layers and possibilities that broaden your options without saddling them. This was to be expected, as the originalIt isn't often that a sequel surpasses the original, and BioShock 2 does just that. It carries over the extremely high production values. The sound, the voice acting, the ambience and forboding are all there in spades. The gameplay is just as compelling as before, with added layers and possibilities that broaden your options without saddling them. This was to be expected, as the original recipe was ripe for exploitation. What I didn't expect was a truly immersive, heartwarming story that took my breath away at the end. Maybe being a parent helped with that, but I don't see how anyone with an ounce of compassion could not be moved by what unfolds.

    BioShock 2 is a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

    Maybe its because I played a patched version, but I encountered none of the technical issues many other reviewers alluded to. I ran the game at 1050x1680 widescreen with no trouble. Loading times were under 10 seconds, often just a couple of seconds. How people can say Bio 2 looks worse that Bio 1 is beyond me, it may not be better, but it most certainly is not worse. And looking the same as the first game was probably intentional, it is after all the same place is it not? It does take place ten years later, which is why Rapture now appears to be falling apart, so in that way it is different. It is also a measure of just how well thought out the game, as a sequel, is and I believe it was executed extemely well. The only real complaint I have is that it can be a hassle to manage all those weapons and plasmids in the midst of combat, and that ammo to be found is a bit too plentiful. Other than that the game absorbed me from the beginning and kept me engrossed for several days. Those of you finishing the game in 8 hours simply are not "experiencing the game", you are merely playing it at a superficial level, probably so you can brag about how fast you completed it and get to writing a cursory review that imparts nothing of substance.

    I really wish people would put more thought into thier reviews, if you say "it's buggy" then tell us how its buggy....if it's "a great game" tell us why its a great game. And this notion of "the game has no innovation" claim is crap. When you think about it honestly...what was the last FPS game that was truly innovative? Remember, you are doing a service by posting a review, make it worthwhile.    … Expand
  21. DrakkenPA
    Aug 14, 2011
    9
    Technically sound (though Games for Windows Live was a burden to make happy), I didn't experience any glitches or crashes during game-play. Story wise I was a bit leery of a sequel to the impressive work of the original Bioshock. For my thoughts on it, in many ways I enjoyed the story of the second one better. Don't get me wrong, the first one had impressive characters and some uniqueTechnically sound (though Games for Windows Live was a burden to make happy), I didn't experience any glitches or crashes during game-play. Story wise I was a bit leery of a sequel to the impressive work of the original Bioshock. For my thoughts on it, in many ways I enjoyed the story of the second one better. Don't get me wrong, the first one had impressive characters and some unique twists and turns. However the first one always seemed to keep the heart of the story at arm's length, never full investing the player in the plight of the protagonist. At the end it came together nicely. Bioshock 2 kept me going, eagerly devouring levels to complete the next step on the journey. As someone else posted, perhaps it's the difference of theme of what it is to be a parent. Playing as a dad, perhaps I could identify more with Delta and the drive that keeps him going. If you truly enjoyed Rapture from the original Bioshock, you would be remiss to skip playing the second. Take the critical reviews with a grain of sea salt and jump back into the depths with both feet.… Expand
  22. FlyYellowMoon
    Jul 27, 2011
    8
    I enjoyed it. Not as much as the first, but nonetheless a good game. The default controls were WAY easier as well. The atmosphere is just as creepy but in a different way than the first.
  23. GolovA
    Jan 13, 2012
    10
    As always - Bioshock kick arse! Perhaps not as pleasant as the original (but common - let's face it - it was awesome because it was so new, and unique) the second part still is a fun shooter-walker! :) enjoyed it a lot. Can't wait to play Dead Space 2!
  24. 07GustavoXD
    Mar 16, 2012
    10
    In my opinion, the GOTY 2010! The ending was the best I've ever seen in my life, and everything has been improved in the sequel, only bad in multiplayer with some problems.
  25. kitsoon
    Aug 25, 2011
    8
    Playing the first game is not essential at all to playing this game, it is very similar to the first game though in that the gameplay is basically the same and so is the setting. Gameplay has been improved, you can use both plasmids and weapons at the same time, there are mini turrets now and different types of big daddies and enemies. The story is not very much like predecessor, more ofPlaying the first game is not essential at all to playing this game, it is very similar to the first game though in that the gameplay is basically the same and so is the setting. Gameplay has been improved, you can use both plasmids and weapons at the same time, there are mini turrets now and different types of big daddies and enemies. The story is not very much like predecessor, more of an emotional tale of a father, still very good though. I didn't play the multiplayer much but it didn't seem very noteworthy. The diaries found around rapture are still as interesting.… Expand
  26. Mushe
    Jan 17, 2012
    10
    Excellent game, the story is its strongest point. With touches of role on the management of items / powers / enhancements, this first-person game one of the most engaging, although it is recommended to play the first one to understand and enjoy 2. The game very well optimized, has excellent graphics and an incredible atmosphere, addictive gameplay and duration of the campaign is quite longExcellent game, the story is its strongest point. With touches of role on the management of items / powers / enhancements, this first-person game one of the most engaging, although it is recommended to play the first one to understand and enjoy 2. The game very well optimized, has excellent graphics and an incredible atmosphere, addictive gameplay and duration of the campaign is quite long (about 20 hours and a bit more). The changes between the previous (That was one of the best games of 2007) are not very noticeable, and this does not mean it is bad, and that remains the highlight of the first delivery. The only criticism is the multiplayer, not because it is bad (although I miss a bit to at least be "addictive"), but that all servers are empty. But the singleplayer and is a gem, so it should not be a problem this.… Expand
  27. Frogy2kcritic
    Mar 10, 2012
    9
    Being the Encore to one of my favorite games of 2007 I had high expectations for this game, this is inevitably the downfall of ND 3RD Et Cetera of games. This expectation of a better game than the first brings down many games or at least for me it does. But Bio shock 2 managed to pull it off. The story telling was much more in depth and holes where few and far between almost unnoticeableBeing the Encore to one of my favorite games of 2007 I had high expectations for this game, this is inevitably the downfall of ND 3RD Et Cetera of games. This expectation of a better game than the first brings down many games or at least for me it does. But Bio shock 2 managed to pull it off. The story telling was much more in depth and holes where few and far between almost unnoticeable in some areas. It excels in this area that Bio shock struggled to get around. But the gameplay is not as good, the first game put story aside to bring you into this mysterious and powerful place where pretty much everything can kill you with ease if you don't use tactics. This changed in the second one where practically the only thing more powerful than you and you might struggle with is the big sister but any any gamer with OK hand eye co-ordination will not struggle at all. The plasmids are brought to mind whilst playing Bio shock being just one of the many defining features, in the first they had this method of one at a time where you would have to change from plasmid to weapon, this brought a new level of tactics to the game as you must think before you act, Bio shock 2 turned this feature into a button mash as you through as much at your enemy as possible with the knowledge that they will die.The weapons themselves however have been smartly updated and changed to fit a big lumbering monster. This brings me to the final point I wish to make the little sisters, they turned the most annoying part of Bio shock 1 into a common place event. But now for the rating 9/10 because even through all its flaws I still play it over and over because of it amazing scenery, epic story line and gameplay that just makes you feel like your the boss and everyone else has to work up to your level. Would i recommend it definitely. Should you think of going for infinite yes and if you have not played Bio shock 1 yet I think you should give it a go, but don't go in expecting to rampage through everything like your a tank it doesn't work on the original.… Expand
  28. ferinth
    Feb 18, 2013
    10
    There is no other game that I felt compassion and protective love against a character eventhough I am not a father myself. I'm not gonna talk about the gameplay its obvious and its not the winning side of this game. Its the FEEELINGS that this game made me taste that is worthwhile. (Maybe the walking dead came close to the same feelings)
  29. Jay_Pickens
    Jul 24, 2018
    10
    This is on the same level as the previous game. I can't find anything bad about this mastepiece. Playing as Big Daddy was fun, hacking was so enjoyable, killing enemies too. Story, although it didn't live up to the story of Bioshock 1, it still was a hell of a ride. Pickens approves.
  30. Jeremy
    Feb 12, 2010
    9
    Single Player experience was a much more thrilling one than the first overall, but the story though good doesn't match the original at all. The Mult-iplayer seems to be riding upon CoD's best parts but overall it's original elements keep it solid. This is probably the first game that I've had a great single player and multi-player experience with.
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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

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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.
    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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