BioShock

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6069 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5,075 out of 6069
  2. Mixed: 678 out of 6069
  3. Negative: 316 out of 6069
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  1. JamieA.
    Sep 15, 2007
    7
    Your going to get a good bit of solid gameplay from the first half of this game, especially Sander Cohens level, but the last third of this game really lets the rest down - the final "boss" is the most anti-climatic fight ever and your 10 second end movie will leave you feeling empty. As for the whole resurrection tubes debate I thought it was a nice idea (since it means it wont need to Your going to get a good bit of solid gameplay from the first half of this game, especially Sander Cohens level, but the last third of this game really lets the rest down - the final "boss" is the most anti-climatic fight ever and your 10 second end movie will leave you feeling empty. As for the whole resurrection tubes debate I thought it was a nice idea (since it means it wont need to load from quick loads) but in the end takes the fear away from death and makes this feel more like unreal tournament rather than a horror-hold-onto-your-life-as-hard-as-you-can-game.. Wonderful location and setting, big daddy fights can be funnest in the game unless you just lay out electric wire traps which just lead to easy kills.… Expand
  2. K-Oz
    Nov 6, 2007
    7
    The game is graphically amazing. the way they've created rapture is very believable. use of plasmids at times can be very rewarding. but the enemies themselves weren't interesting enough. all the splicers get boring and the big daddies weren't much of a challenge either. the hacking mini game gets very irritating towards the end. also the difficulty level is very The game is graphically amazing. the way they've created rapture is very believable. use of plasmids at times can be very rewarding. but the enemies themselves weren't interesting enough. all the splicers get boring and the big daddies weren't much of a challenge either. the hacking mini game gets very irritating towards the end. also the difficulty level is very inconsistent. it keeps switching from being challenging(in hard mode) to being downright easy every now and then. the story should've been developed more. the ending was disastrously horrible. The story lost tempo towards the end and then just plummeted to it's death. but all said, it's still loads better than most of the other junk available at the market and is definitely worth playing.… Expand
  3. MarkP.
    Sep 8, 2007
    7
    Bioshock is an undeniably good game, but definitely not a great game. I don't understand the incredible hype surrounding this title. It is a fairly polished shooter with mostly nice graphics and an interesting storyline. There is nothing particularly revolutionary or innovative in Bioshock. Gameplay is standard fps fair, with some minor control issues that will likely be ironed out Bioshock is an undeniably good game, but definitely not a great game. I don't understand the incredible hype surrounding this title. It is a fairly polished shooter with mostly nice graphics and an interesting storyline. There is nothing particularly revolutionary or innovative in Bioshock. Gameplay is standard fps fair, with some minor control issues that will likely be ironed out in a future patch. Combat is fun, though fighting the same enemies eventually becomes tedious. The normal difficulty setting is a bit too easy, and switching to hard doesn… Expand
  4. PeterK.
    Sep 8, 2007
    7
    It's a good game, but it's hard to see where all the rave reviews are coming from. In no way is this game better or even anywhere near Half-Life 2 - which is almost three years old by now. One particular problem I found is that, on a 2.2 GHz AMD64 with an 8800 GTS 320 MB card, the very first level (where you crash into the sea) is fast on 'high quality', but as soon as It's a good game, but it's hard to see where all the rave reviews are coming from. In no way is this game better or even anywhere near Half-Life 2 - which is almost three years old by now. One particular problem I found is that, on a 2.2 GHz AMD64 with an 8800 GTS 320 MB card, the very first level (where you crash into the sea) is fast on 'high quality', but as soon as the next level loads, it's one frame every few seconds. No explanation is given where this discrepancy comes from. And this continues when you try to change the settings: the entire game crawls to a halt, including the mouse pointer. Ever tried to change the screen resolution, and can't click on the 'yes' button within 15 seconds? The design is very pretty, though it is not enough to warrant such a high score. The story is basically that of Far Cry, with some dubious morality tale thrown in. There is very little variety in terms of opponents: four major types (humans, Big Daddies and turrets/bots) with eight sub-types between them. Also, they always attack in predictable patterns, jumping a little just before hitting you, etc. The hacking system gets tiresome very, very quickly, just like the fact you have to search pretty much everything if you want to finish the game. The weapon system is interesting, but a bit bewildering in its complexity. More is not necessarily better. Again, the graphics and the whole design are simply gorgeous, but a good game is more than that. It's a feast of colour and shape, compared to the sterile desolateness of Half-Life 2, but it fails to grip you as much. Hence, a 7/10 for a game that is severely over-hyped by the 'official' reviewers who really should know better.… Expand
  5. JonathanA.
    Nov 1, 2007
    7
    While I loved the first hour of the game, I quickly found myself losing interest for some reason. It was very well polished and well done, but it was lacking in terms of innovative gameplay. I think the primary reason I lost interest after getting about half way into the game was because I did not find myself compelled enough by the story, and the only goal I had was to help some stranger While I loved the first hour of the game, I quickly found myself losing interest for some reason. It was very well polished and well done, but it was lacking in terms of innovative gameplay. I think the primary reason I lost interest after getting about half way into the game was because I did not find myself compelled enough by the story, and the only goal I had was to help some stranger that I hardly knew.… Expand
  6. MikeL.
    Sep 5, 2007
    7
    Bio Shock Has very nice graphics on high setting medium settings look poor. The retro artdeco style is nice and it's reasonable atmospheric. BUT the gameplay is hardly uniqiue i don't understand how this game has got such high reviews when more innovative games of 07 have got lower scores! I bet if this was made on the source engine which is dated, it would get a crapier score Bio Shock Has very nice graphics on high setting medium settings look poor. The retro artdeco style is nice and it's reasonable atmospheric. BUT the gameplay is hardly uniqiue i don't understand how this game has got such high reviews when more innovative games of 07 have got lower scores! I bet if this was made on the source engine which is dated, it would get a crapier score at the most 75% overall. But anyway the point is this is I bet this game will end up having a higher scores than say a new and interesting game like L4D and that's another thing it bring nothing to the multiplayer plate! So in conclusion, nice Graphics and a interesting storyline. Un-unique gameplay, predictable and over-rated. Still despite all that it's worth ago! ooh ohh and the DRM thing is outrageous!… Expand
  7. OmbarK.
    Jun 4, 2008
    7
    I love FPS and I love RPGs so I should be loving Bioshock right? Well actually Bioshock turned out for me to be the most overrated game of probably all time, this game doesn't deserve a 96 overall rating. Where did all the perfect scores comes from? Did they actually play the game pass the point where things get utterly shallow and boring? Sure at first the ambiance is great and you I love FPS and I love RPGs so I should be loving Bioshock right? Well actually Bioshock turned out for me to be the most overrated game of probably all time, this game doesn't deserve a 96 overall rating. Where did all the perfect scores comes from? Did they actually play the game pass the point where things get utterly shallow and boring? Sure at first the ambiance is great and you really feel the dark atmosphere, but after a while this game gets as tedious as an MMO. Basically, the only thing you do is kill the bad guys, kill the big daddy, get money, buy weapons back, rinse and repeat, oh and if you're bored you can listen to the tapes you find which are probably the only thing making this game worthwhile because the story was somewhat interesting but that's the only good thing I see in Bioshock. It's an alright game but no way near a masterpiece the critics make it looks like, I'm very disappointed.… Expand
  8. DavidK.
    Feb 10, 2009
    7
    Probably one of the most overrated games of 2007-2008. It 'IS' the sequel to System Shock 2. I paid way too much money for it originally but the price it is now is very good. The scare mood that the game sets is why I would imagine is why it received the original rave reviews. I do not agree. I compare it with the SAW series and the old TV show "The Prisoner" as each of the 8 Probably one of the most overrated games of 2007-2008. It 'IS' the sequel to System Shock 2. I paid way too much money for it originally but the price it is now is very good. The scare mood that the game sets is why I would imagine is why it received the original rave reviews. I do not agree. I compare it with the SAW series and the old TV show "The Prisoner" as each of the 8 bosses is twisted and deranged. Very nice flair with the year 1959 and the mood it sets. If the interface was not so complicated I would give it a nine. After level six the game becomes very hard for the average user. And for me I lost interest as I did with System Shock 2. But if you like a challenge this game is for you.… Expand
  9. Aarond
    Feb 8, 2009
    7
    A unique shooter, very smooth game-play, the blend between almost magical abilities and weapons was highly enjoyable. Unfortunately, it did not place enough enphises on use of different weapons, it is possible to simply max out one weapon or one plasmid to complete. I do recomend playing this title, but its replayability limits itself to one or two times. 7/10.
  10. HelpU
    Jul 19, 2009
    7
    This game has everything every shooter has. And I mean everything. The horror is laughable. And the worst problem I had was the plasmids, either they were useless or they were too similar to every one of them. Typically, there was only one instance you actually used a specific element and even then it didn't feel like much was accomplished. It kept me entertained for a while but IThis game has everything every shooter has. And I mean everything. The horror is laughable. And the worst problem I had was the plasmids, either they were useless or they were too similar to every one of them. Typically, there was only one instance you actually used a specific element and even then it didn't feel like much was accomplished. It kept me entertained for a while but I quit as soon as I reached the final boss. Actually I thought it had a very good twist but the little girl crap was a useless gimmick… Expand
  11. Hoplite
    Aug 24, 2007
    7
    Bioshock really doesn't live up to the hype surrounding it, and its a shame that so many reputable game reviewers weren't able to see past the flash and give the game an unbiased review for what it is: an entertaining but derivative (and at times frustratingly average) first-person shooter that is at most Evolutionary, but never revolutionary, in its presentation. Despite the Bioshock really doesn't live up to the hype surrounding it, and its a shame that so many reputable game reviewers weren't able to see past the flash and give the game an unbiased review for what it is: an entertaining but derivative (and at times frustratingly average) first-person shooter that is at most Evolutionary, but never revolutionary, in its presentation. Despite the open environments the game is almost completely linear - it holds your hand and tells you where to go and when, and while you can choose to go off the beaten path and explore, there's really nothing to be gained by this except the occasional stash of ammo and money. More likely you'll be frustrated by the waves upon waves of splicers that greet you around every corner - getting into massive gunfights everywhere you go kind-of kills the wonder of exploring the environment, which, while impressive visually, falls apart when you attempt to dig below the surface. Everything about it screams "I'm a videogame", from the arrangement of the levels and lack of functional purpose and interaction in many of the environments you explore to the same old weapons selection, which includes all the basics for an fps (pistol, shotgun, SMG, etc.). It seems strange to me from a story perspective that pioneers came to the ocean floor to build a Utopian society and brought with them a massive arsenal, including grenade launchers and gun turrets around every corner (regardless of the excuses for them being there, they simply serve to remind me of every other fps I've ever played). I understand that society has apparently crumbled, but I was promised an FPS revolution, and what I got was braindead AI zombies who rush me en masse (like in Doom and every other FPS ever made), gun turrets around every corner (ditto), linear mission/level design, a pretty standard plot, and a somewhat innovative, if flawed, combat mechanic that involves shuffling between weapons with a handful of different ammunition types and Force Powers (er, plasmids) using the mouse wheel and keystrokes, which can become very annoying when you're fighting a handful of different enemy types in a battle, and lead you to feel like you're fighting the controls rather than the bad guys. I was told I was going to be immersed in this world and be able to make deep moral decisions, but instead of making alliances with the survivors and carefully scavenging for items as I explore a rich sci fi world, I'm blasting (almost) everything that moves and buying ammunition and plasmids from vending machines (why are there a bazillion vending machines that sell armor piercing ammunition and none that sell soda?) On top of this, I find the whole interweaving of the story and game design fundamentally flawed. Why in a world that has supposedly been destroyed by overindulgence in DNA altering drugs, does the gameplay so freely encourage you to shoot up with plasmids? It's the ultimate example of the designers dropping the ball on a chance to weave gameplay into the story in a meaningful way. As the characters in the game bemoan the toll that 'splicing' has taken on their society, the game itself encourages you to get your hands on as much ADAM as you can to boost your abilities (there's no way to get past many areas of the game without plasmids), going so far as to discourage you from leaving a level until you've collected from all the Little Sisters in the area (because, and I quote: "the game can get extremely difficult"). There's no apparent gameplay penalty for over-splicing or over-using your abilities (notwithstanding the obligatory mechinations of the plot), and its a real shame, because its one of many opportunities this game had to actually merge storytelling and gameplay in a revolutionary way Its decent as an FPS, but while it has some novel design concepts (all culled from other games), its not the revolution that I was expecting.… Expand
  12. MitchT
    Aug 25, 2007
    7
    Way too demanding on graphics. I had to replace a perfectly good graphics card with another newer card to run this game and even that new $200 card still runs the game choppy as hell (on low settings). This game is not ment for the casual gamer, thats for sure.
  13. Raya
    Aug 28, 2007
    7
    This game has been over hyped by a lot of the press. Just because the designers actually used an art deco style rather than say the typical cyperpunk/gieger look that too many games go for does not make the game more arty! It's very much like Doom 3 meets Metroid Prime. Very dark and recorded messages scattered around - corridor shooter like doom. Then the missions backtrack around -This game has been over hyped by a lot of the press. Just because the designers actually used an art deco style rather than say the typical cyperpunk/gieger look that too many games go for does not make the game more arty! It's very much like Doom 3 meets Metroid Prime. Very dark and recorded messages scattered around - corridor shooter like doom. Then the missions backtrack around - get this to open this, do this to obtain that. Photograph (scan) to find a weekness - total Metroid. I'm about half way through but I'm affraid it's all getting rather boring! Hope it picks up soon. Considering it's under water the water plays little part - the fish such as there are are arthritic and really poor. Such attention to detail inside whilst the out side just uses the same shaol of 12 'rubber' fish… Expand
  14. KenH.
    Sep 11, 2007
    7
    I have to 2nd others here. There is no death penalty so the game is easy even at hard difficulty. The atmosphere is great but the story falters quite a bit near the end. Its a must-play game but it carries lots of faults. System Shock 1 and 2 are still far superior games to Bioshock.
  15. DeadlyC
    Sep 13, 2007
    7
    Bioshock is in no way, a revolutionary game, Bioshock is a symptom of the dumbing down of games over the years. The Vita Chamber system was present in System Shock 2, but it was far more tactfully done. The player COULD die, if one ran out of money, which makes much more sense for a neo-super-capatilist society, the Vita Chambers amount to free health-care, parasitic anyone? The devolves Bioshock is in no way, a revolutionary game, Bioshock is a symptom of the dumbing down of games over the years. The Vita Chamber system was present in System Shock 2, but it was far more tactfully done. The player COULD die, if one ran out of money, which makes much more sense for a neo-super-capatilist society, the Vita Chambers amount to free health-care, parasitic anyone? The devolves into an exercise in grinding down big daddies even on hard mode, as opposed to thinking tactically about each situation. Moreover, there are essentially, 3 types of enemies in the game. Splicers, no matter how many types there are, they all amount to the same thing with different weapons. Security drones and bots, once the invisibility upgrade is obtained, become a non-factor. And Big Daddies, which provide the games only truly interesting enemy, but again, only two types, that all look the same. The story, could have been so much more, but was flitted away with cheesy plot twists and two dimensional villains. Everyone either is evil, or an inhuman monster, depth there aint. The game ends up becoming this, run into room, be told by an invisible voice what to do, kill splicers, play the same hacking game over and over again, kill all big daddies. The atmosphere, graphics, environments, and art direction are beautiful, absolutley beautiful. Too bad Bioshock is just another pretty face.… Expand
  16. OzzyT.
    Sep 16, 2007
    7
    Ok, it's a brilliant game. Nobody can say no to that. It is however dissapointingly short. It was rather easy and dull for most of the areas. I can't comlain about the graphics though. They were the best I've ever seen. The gunplay is suprisingly fun and the options and the plot are inventive and will stick in your mind. But like I said the length of the game is short. The Ok, it's a brilliant game. Nobody can say no to that. It is however dissapointingly short. It was rather easy and dull for most of the areas. I can't comlain about the graphics though. They were the best I've ever seen. The gunplay is suprisingly fun and the options and the plot are inventive and will stick in your mind. But like I said the length of the game is short. The only missions that last long enough are the boring ones that have boring objectives such as collect this and collect that.... I don't think Bioshock is revolutionary but it sure is fun if you're looking for something to do for a couple of hours.… Expand
  17. TinkulA.
    Sep 23, 2007
    7
    I think a lot of Bioshock's high popularity is due to hype. In the end it's not anything groundbreaking, just another shooter. The UT3 engine does allows some really cool looking stuff and the graphics are great, but there is very limited amount of monsters and all the splicers-types are pretty much the same: just shoot em in the head. There are no choices you can make in the I think a lot of Bioshock's high popularity is due to hype. In the end it's not anything groundbreaking, just another shooter. The UT3 engine does allows some really cool looking stuff and the graphics are great, but there is very limited amount of monsters and all the splicers-types are pretty much the same: just shoot em in the head. There are no choices you can make in the game except whether to kill or save the little girls, so it makes this game just another pipe-run. The plasmids are very ineffective or awkward to use, much easier to just shoot your target rather than try to lure it in a trap or throw stuff at it. The ammo conservation which is supposed to be a key feature of the game means that you try and wrench your targets all the time, after you get a few plasmids it's even better to wrench cause it's the most efficient way. The plot is thought through, but it doesn't really capture you in it. Like Steve W. said, this game is nowhere near classics like Deus Ex or Half-life, but it's better than average still.… Expand
  18. LuhissL.
    Sep 7, 2007
    7
    My initial impression was one of awe at the visuals, both in terms of design and execution. The water, the art deco architecture is really all very beautiful. However, as the game progressed, I found myself getting extremely tired of the same action sequences over and over again. Very little to do other than walk through and get attacked by a crazy person, or a lumbering Rosie. I found My initial impression was one of awe at the visuals, both in terms of design and execution. The water, the art deco architecture is really all very beautiful. However, as the game progressed, I found myself getting extremely tired of the same action sequences over and over again. Very little to do other than walk through and get attacked by a crazy person, or a lumbering Rosie. I found the carnival atmosphere and music especially grating to my nerves. Overall, I give the game a 9 for visuals and sound and a 5 for game play (boring). Averages out to a 7.… Expand
  19. MattB
    Jan 22, 2008
    7
    Pretty graphics, interesting sound effects and little else to bring me back to playing this game once I'd played through it once. Dismal lack of multiplayer and a UI that was obviously crafted for low resolution XBox360. A decent play through but certainly not worthy of all the praise lavished upon it. Not worth $50 bucks for sure. Maybe $30. The game play is hyper linear andPretty graphics, interesting sound effects and little else to bring me back to playing this game once I'd played through it once. Dismal lack of multiplayer and a UI that was obviously crafted for low resolution XBox360. A decent play through but certainly not worthy of all the praise lavished upon it. Not worth $50 bucks for sure. Maybe $30. The game play is hyper linear and it's impossible to game-over from what I've experienced. The plot line is predictable and boring and interactivity with the world is positively uninspired.… Expand
  20. GodN.
    Feb 24, 2008
    7
    Bioshock is somewhat fun, and has a lot of impressive visuals, themes and atmosphere, but it doesn't take long before it wears thin. The combat system isn't much fun once you get over the novelties, the gameplay is repetitive and there's no challenge. Alright game, but very much over rated.
  21. ClintG.
    Apr 16, 2008
    7
    it alright but the hype got way out of hand like waaay out of hand, a few of my friends including myself actually didn't bother playing through the entire game as we got sick of it first and the lack of any multiplayer in an fps these days is not really acceptable anymore. It's a good rent.
  22. SteeleC.
    Jun 29, 2008
    7
    It's a great game, don't get me wrong. The graphics are wonderful, the infinite amount of strategy that can be used to destroy your enemies is very fun, and I particularly enjoy that. Only problems that I have are that it demands a bit much from your system in the PC version, and the SECUR-ROM rootkit. My take on this? If you don't have a particularly good computer, and can It's a great game, don't get me wrong. The graphics are wonderful, the infinite amount of strategy that can be used to destroy your enemies is very fun, and I particularly enjoy that. Only problems that I have are that it demands a bit much from your system in the PC version, and the SECUR-ROM rootkit. My take on this? If you don't have a particularly good computer, and can only play a few games or just rely on integrated graphics, get the XBOX 360 version. Otherwise, go full on ahead with the PC version. Just watch out for SECUR-ROM though.… Expand
  23. AdamD
    Jul 12, 2008
    7
    Maybe worth one play through, borrow it from a friend if you can cause you wont want to replay it. Lots of bright cartoony colors and awful annoying sounds. Hacking is painfuly boring and slows game play. All the enemies drop like 1 bullet and Eve (mana or magic energy) gets used up faster than it should. You basically have to be super conservative and can never really just unload on some Maybe worth one play through, borrow it from a friend if you can cause you wont want to replay it. Lots of bright cartoony colors and awful annoying sounds. Hacking is painfuly boring and slows game play. All the enemies drop like 1 bullet and Eve (mana or magic energy) gets used up faster than it should. You basically have to be super conservative and can never really just unload on some enemies.… Expand
  24. SamP
    Apr 6, 2009
    7
    This is by far not a bad game, and at times is an incredibly good game, but for the most part it is barely above average. It has an excellent plot and incredible environment (Which get old), but the weapons are ultimately average, as is the most important factor, gameplay. This is perhaps one of the most over-rated games I've seen in a while, more so even than COD4.
  25. NickN.
    Dec 11, 2007
    7
    A powerful, innovative game with an excellent story and unique, entertaining gameplay. A creative story and memorable characters make for an immersive gaming experience. However, this game's rating suffers due to the massive number of crashes I had to sort through before I could play and the complete LACK of customer service to help fix my problem brings the game down a lot. Also, A powerful, innovative game with an excellent story and unique, entertaining gameplay. A creative story and memorable characters make for an immersive gaming experience. However, this game's rating suffers due to the massive number of crashes I had to sort through before I could play and the complete LACK of customer service to help fix my problem brings the game down a lot. Also, for those of us who like to modify our games for new, creative gaming will be gravely dissapointed in the non-existance of modding, mapping, and developer tools to accompany this game. Don't get me wrong, though. I still recommend this game to anyone seeking a unique first-person-shooter game. If you can get it to work on your computer without needing tech support, you won't be dissapointed.… Expand
  26. Sacrosanct
    Dec 10, 2007
    7
    I like to compare Bioshock to reading a really good, old novel. It presents an era that few games have traversed; and with it, it brings an anachronistic element that must be seen to be appreciated. I laud this game, not because of its graphical standing, or what reviews it may garner - be they good, or bad. I have found an appreciation for this game, because it aspires to bring an aspect I like to compare Bioshock to reading a really good, old novel. It presents an era that few games have traversed; and with it, it brings an anachronistic element that must be seen to be appreciated. I laud this game, not because of its graphical standing, or what reviews it may garner - be they good, or bad. I have found an appreciation for this game, because it aspires to bring an aspect that is far and few in modern gaming: immersion. It does not strive to have the best physics, the best AI, or to attain the prestige of being a difficult game - in fact, the game is relatively easy; but I believe this is by design, so that the player can continually progress without experincing frustration, or repetition that comes from trial and error of adhering to the "right" combination of buttons in order to progress to the next portion. The game simply wishes to tell a story, and do so as fluidly as possible. I find its ease to be more of a blessing; because anyone whom is not a gamer, can still pick it up and enjoy it - and prove that art, and eloquent portrayal can exist amidst the cabals of games that repeat themselves through recycle and reiteration. In finality, the game is a good jaunt in storytelling from the first person perspective, and is recommended for anyone that enjoys the concept of immersion, so long as they allow themselves to see beyond the game's technical shortcomings.… Expand
  27. SimonM.
    Dec 14, 2007
    7
    A beautiful game that manages to divert your attention from the fact you are playing an utterly average FPS. The story is borderline irrelevant, the action is nothing fancy, the puzzles are low key. The interaction with the environment is unimaginative compared to something like Half Life. It just goes to prove that pretty much every game reviewer in the Metascore list cannot see past A beautiful game that manages to divert your attention from the fact you are playing an utterly average FPS. The story is borderline irrelevant, the action is nothing fancy, the puzzles are low key. The interaction with the environment is unimaginative compared to something like Half Life. It just goes to prove that pretty much every game reviewer in the Metascore list cannot see past 'pretty pictures' Yeah it's ok, its pretty, but it's average.… Expand
  28. KEvinS.
    Aug 29, 2007
    7
    A beautiful game held back by its game play and weak moral choices. The weak game play elements include all of the guns sucking. At certain times, such as the menu screen and exasperatingly simple combat and crappy UI , it was easy to tell the game was basically a port from the 360 with no significant game play changes. The game kinda gets old after a few hours considering everyone looks A beautiful game held back by its game play and weak moral choices. The weak game play elements include all of the guns sucking. At certain times, such as the menu screen and exasperatingly simple combat and crappy UI , it was easy to tell the game was basically a port from the 360 with no significant game play changes. The game kinda gets old after a few hours considering everyone looks the same. I mean they are exactly the same too, just with different weapons and slightly different tactics. It is like a Final Fantasy game if you only fought goblins but they got more health as you played further through the game. The moral choice you are presented with in the game is stupid too. You can either kill Little sisters and get twice as much adam, or save them and get half the adam initially and then the other half as a gift, along with some useless ammo or something. There are two endings, but I don't really think its worth playing again to see the other one that I didn't see. I'm actually playing STALKER again instead. Stalker is a much better game, in its more optimized patched state. A very good shooter with many good aspects, unlike bioshock that was just pretty. Bioshock just goes to show you that a pretty game doesn't mean a good game.… Expand
  29. Avs
    Aug 31, 2007
    7
    Overall: 7, because its a decent FPS by today's standards. I also agree with those who gave it a 8 or lower as they actually point out the worst of the worst. The hype is what gives these reviews their scores, this game is over hyped, its graphics requirement was disappointing for its style of art. Worst off is the fact that wrench > all weapons, and respawn of monsters while Overall: 7, because its a decent FPS by today's standards. I also agree with those who gave it a 8 or lower as they actually point out the worst of the worst. The hype is what gives these reviews their scores, this game is over hyped, its graphics requirement was disappointing for its style of art. Worst off is the fact that wrench > all weapons, and respawn of monsters while interesting, is a bit unnecessary. However, the critics hype it up, and give it ratings it does not deserve, most likely due to the lack of major FPS games out recently. The biggest disappointing factor that shows the truth behind why us gamers rate it much lower than critics for this game is simply because this game was not the flexible, challenging, unique FPS that others like Halflife displayed long ago. The story is weak, especially as it is obvious what is going on before you even crash into Rapture. This kills any redemption value Bioshock has due to its easy and therefore non-thrilling gameplay even on hardest difficulty levels. Story was more audio driven than anything, unlike narrative or script based. Sound is great however, except for some areas with more sound than necessary such as movement when there is none. Art and graphics are great, except they are nothing new than games when the Xbox360 came out, and that their engine could have done much more than a pseudo cartoony rendition with fake blood sprites being the kicker. Choices, while more (in quantity not quality) than other FPS, doesn't create any impact at all. Flexibility in skills and upgrades are non-existent.… Expand
  30. KurtS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    This game is pretty much just a dumb down version of System Shock 2. Game play gets repetitive with only few types of enemies. Most of the plasmids are pretty useless or redundant as are the weapons and despite what the previews said, ammunitions is abundant in the world of Rapture. The actions in only one aspect of the game determine the final ending. Game felt short and the ending was This game is pretty much just a dumb down version of System Shock 2. Game play gets repetitive with only few types of enemies. Most of the plasmids are pretty useless or redundant as are the weapons and despite what the previews said, ammunitions is abundant in the world of Rapture. The actions in only one aspect of the game determine the final ending. Game felt short and the ending was anticlimactic. If you are a fan of the originals you will be disappointed. While the graphics are great, there is no backwards compatibility and are stuck with DX9c or better and then I couldn't get it to run in DX10 mode even after shelling out for a new fancy card. Besides graphics, neat AI behaviours and adept story telling are this game's other saving graces.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2007
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. PC Gamer UK
    95
    A dark and astonishing masterpiece...I spend my career, and my gaming life, waiting for a moment when a game just astonishes me, when I can't believe what I'm seeing, what I'm doing. BioShock has five. [Sept 2007, p.66]
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  2. Eurogamer
    100
    The hours spent playing this masterpiece were the perfect encapsulation of why videogaming is such a favourite waste of time for so many of us. Thrilling, terrifying, moving, confusing, amusing, compelling, and very very dark. BioShock isn't simply the sign of gaming realising its true cinematic potential, but one where a game straddles so many entertainment art forms so expertly that it's the best demonstration yet how flexible this medium can be. It's no longer just another shooter wrapped up in a pretty game engine, but a story that exists and unfolds inside the most convincing and elaborate and artistic game world ever conceived.
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  3. IGN
    97
    There is art here, despite what many would say isn't possible with games, from Roger Ebert to game designers like Hideo Kojima... BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience.
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