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. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    10
    One of the finest first person horror games I've ever played. The final 30 minutes of the game are bit disappointing, but everything else is just stellar.
  2. porkchoppal
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    Out of the dozens of games I have played, Bioshock would have to be my personal favourite. Its strategic, gruesome combat, wonderfully scripted characters and stories, stunning art direction and plenty of replay value. It is not the perfect game, nor the most fun, but it is a masterpiece of atmosphere, writing and mood.

    Positives: - Fantastic script - Layered FPS/RPG combat -    Out of the dozens of games I have played, Bioshock would have to be my personal favourite. Its strategic, gruesome combat, wonderfully scripted characters and stories, stunning art direction and plenty of replay value. It is not the perfect game, nor the most fun, but it is a masterpiece of atmosphere, writing and mood.

    Positives:
    - Fantastic script
    - Layered FPS/RPG combat
    - Excellent visual and sound design
    - Plenty of secret audio logs and upgrades

    Negatives:
    - Rushed ending
    - Half-baked morality system

    Rating: 10/10 (Must Own)    … Expand
  3. epistm87
    Nov 11, 2015
    10
    Absolutely amazing atmosphere and visual design It is a beautiful but strange world. Fascinating environment game play, storyline, sound, and graphics all top notch, loved the water effects.
  4. Corvus_Mellori
    Nov 29, 2015
    10
    BioShock deserves every accolade that has been bestowed upon it. The underground city of Rapture is one of the most immersive and fully-realized game worlds ever created, and the way the narrative unfolds is impressive and original. The level design also shines, allowing you to progress through the levels in a way that fits your own personal playstyle. While the gameplay is great, it isBioShock deserves every accolade that has been bestowed upon it. The underground city of Rapture is one of the most immersive and fully-realized game worlds ever created, and the way the narrative unfolds is impressive and original. The level design also shines, allowing you to progress through the levels in a way that fits your own personal playstyle. While the gameplay is great, it is the story and the setting that really make BioShock the masterpiece that it is; few games possess the same level of narrative strength, boldness, and originality.… Expand
  5. Jodle
    Dec 1, 2015
    10
    Masterpiece.............
    ................ . .
  6. Bladeofwar94
    Dec 1, 2015
    10
    Somewhere beyond the sea a fun as heck game is indeed waiting for me. This game will not be a game you play 50 times over, but those few play through's you get out of it will make you fall in love with Bioshock. The game's atmosphere is excellent and the gun play feels great when you learn the tricks. Game is great for someone who can't live without their dystopia fix.
  7. omer123
    Feb 16, 2021
    10
    this hands down my favourite fps game since half life 2 an absolute masterpiece
  8. MooseNine
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    It is a most amazing game ever created - in my opinion.
    Extremly addictive story with an amazing "plot twister", great, dark climate and feeling of claustrophobia caused by surrounding us Atlantic ocean and all of that topped with an amazing music that highlights brutality of underwater city - Rapture.
    And yet questionable matter is game mechanics - specialy shooting system what most    It is a most amazing game ever created - in my opinion.
    Extremly addictive story with an amazing "plot twister", great, dark climate and feeling of claustrophobia caused by surrounding us Atlantic ocean and all of that topped with an amazing music that highlights brutality of underwater city - Rapture.

    And yet questionable matter is game mechanics - specialy shooting system what most of the time feels very plastic and gives us conviction of bullets bouncing from enemies.
    But the thing that sustains the positive reception of combat mechanics are plasmids - some sort of "super powers". Thanks to them we can shoot with thunders, fireballs and do many more things.

    Summary:

    Ken Levine (creator of classic System Shock 2) delivered us an amazing piece of work. The world he created in Bioshock is breathtaking and deserved a recognition.
    There are some bugs and problems with shooting system but the story and the world of the game save the day.

    That's why i give this game 10/10. Not becouse it is a perfect game - becouse perfect games doesn't exist - but becouse this game is polished in most of the key aspects that let game recipient realy dip into the virtual world which feels so real and alive. So this is 9/10, but in my personal feeling 10/10.    … Expand
  9. l12345h
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    Where to start with Bioshock. The beautiful world of Rapture as you descend into it, only to discover what really lies in it about 5 minutes later, the creative plasmids, difficult enemy AI, hearing splicers screaming from several rooms away, accidentally activating an El Ammo Bandito and becoming terrified all the splicers will run after you, accidentally walking into the path of aWhere to start with Bioshock. The beautiful world of Rapture as you descend into it, only to discover what really lies in it about 5 minutes later, the creative plasmids, difficult enemy AI, hearing splicers screaming from several rooms away, accidentally activating an El Ammo Bandito and becoming terrified all the splicers will run after you, accidentally walking into the path of a machine gun turret. Overall Bioshock is one of e most unique fps games I've ever played and I highly recommend it.… Expand
  10. mitsosgk22
    May 4, 2017
    10
    For me, this game is the best game of all time. Despite some technical issues, that most of the games that released in 2007 were facing, this is a special experience that reached perfection in almost any aspect. Interesting and unique plot, fantastic environmental story telling, challenging gameplay with plenty choices on combat, crafting and upgrading items and abilities, and amazingFor me, this game is the best game of all time. Despite some technical issues, that most of the games that released in 2007 were facing, this is a special experience that reached perfection in almost any aspect. Interesting and unique plot, fantastic environmental story telling, challenging gameplay with plenty choices on combat, crafting and upgrading items and abilities, and amazing atmosphere and art direction. It has aged well and I recommend this version over the remaster, except if you buy it on the next gen consoles.… Expand
  11. TwistedCritic
    Mar 13, 2016
    10
    Bioshock is one of my all-time favorite games. It's atmosphere is as damp as the city of Rapture itself, and it's literally underwater! It's gameplay is captivating, having you scavenge for supplies and make use of the city's genetic experiments to combat the obstacles around you and use your environment to your advantage. It's world is quite unpleasant, but there's no place I'd rather be, really.
  12. iglive95
    Mar 21, 2016
    10
    One of the best games, if not THE best game, I've ever played. The atmosphere is great, the plot is great, the gameplay is great, everything about Bioshock is great. Rapture will pull you in with its deep background, and will never leave you, even years after you've beaten the game. Deep story with a lot of philosophy behind it. The disappointing last act is Bioshock's only weakness, andOne of the best games, if not THE best game, I've ever played. The atmosphere is great, the plot is great, the gameplay is great, everything about Bioshock is great. Rapture will pull you in with its deep background, and will never leave you, even years after you've beaten the game. Deep story with a lot of philosophy behind it. The disappointing last act is Bioshock's only weakness, and even so I couldn't recommend a game highly. Play it.… Expand
  13. Khyle
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    A masterpiece of audiovisual narrative, with the unbeatable atmosphere that only the most memorable video game scenarios can manage to achieve, BioShock remains as an enthralling, fun, intense and almost flawless FPS.
  14. tonz003
    Apr 10, 2016
    10
    One of the best game ever (for me, all Bioshock episodes). Art direction harmony is unbelievable and the feeling of the whole game is awesome. It is a cult game! Is somebody did not play with it, it is a must. All the Bioshock episodes have some unique feeling which games still can compete with now days games!!!
    Thank you for giving us this interactive story!
  15. villaverd
    May 31, 2016
    10
    Mi juego preferito de la séptima generación sin duda. Es cierto que mirando ahora la jugabilidad no es lo más puntero del mundo, pero cumple más que bien, pero donde más reside el encanto de este juego es en la historia, y qué historia! La manera en la que te la cuentan y como te das cuenta de todo es brillante, tanto como la ambientación de este juego. Un juego que se debe jugar sí o sí.
  16. DeyvsonCaliman
    Jul 25, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bioshock is a singular shooter. At the beginning it looks a little as a horror survival, the dark ambience and the fact that you can store health rations and “eve” syringes. Eve is like mana, that your character spend to use skills similar to magic, but that are in fact genetic improvements. Soon after the beginning you can see why this is a shooter, although an uncommon one.

    This game happens in a submerged city that you found seemly by accident after your plane crashes in the middle of the sea. The society in this city is some kind of libertarian utopia that went bad, resulting in its destruction. There we can find many places collapsing to the ocean around, and its inhabitants, the splicers, which are the result of genetic modifications by a substance called ADAM, designed to improve humankind with supernatural powers, but that in the end made its users lose their minds. The splicers are aggressive and attack you on sight.

    As you progress, you find the little sisters; little girls with super regenerative powers that you can kill to either get ADAM or take ADAM from their bodies in small quantities letting them alive. Depending of your decision about them the end game changes. These girls suck ADAM from dead bodies with syringes, while being protected by the bid daddies, a big mutant holding mechanical weapons. As you progress through the game, you learn that they both are educated and genetically designed to behave as they do.

    You are constantly receiving direction from both a woman that takes care of the girls and thank or reprimand you according to your actions towards them, and a man, which appears to be in distress and wants you to kill the man who idealized this city, Andrew Ryan. As you learn about the city it is very interesting the political views expressed by Ryan, he is some kind of a social Darwinist, which sees the modern government as the means to rob the best from their work to sustain the parasites.

    As your approach him is harder and harder to see him as an evil villain, he is more of a idealist. He built this city under the water because he knew the governments from the rest of the world would never let a free society exist like that. The great plot twist you learn is that you are an assassin specially trained to kill Ryan for his ideas, even though his failure already condemned the city. Our character is trained in such a way that is impossible for him to act in any other way, hence Ryan famous phrase “a man chooses, a slave obeys”.

    It’s a very interesting game, specially the way the plot develops, murking the validity of our efforts. The only negative point is about the character death in the game. There is no real consequence, we are just spawn back into the fight, this takes away a lot of the challenge the game could pose. In this case they should have had a more traditional approach, with death meaning the necessity to try again since the beginning.    … Expand
  17. alexaltair
    Mar 28, 2018
    10
    Beautiful world, unique. Graphics, music, all are the best what a good dev can make. A new classic.
  18. Miniapplefan
    Jan 26, 2017
    10
    Truly a masterpiece. Atmospheric is the best word to describe Bioshock. Its graphics are a little better than average although its sound design is on another level. The cackle of a splicer, the groans and stomps of the Big Daddies, the garbled 1950s music, all of it is just so well done and brings the otherwise desolate halls of Rapture to life. The retro-futuristic design of the machinesTruly a masterpiece. Atmospheric is the best word to describe Bioshock. Its graphics are a little better than average although its sound design is on another level. The cackle of a splicer, the groans and stomps of the Big Daddies, the garbled 1950s music, all of it is just so well done and brings the otherwise desolate halls of Rapture to life. The retro-futuristic design of the machines and Art Deco design scheme show how much the developers researched the time period and the style to get everything right. The plot was interesting enough for me and kept me avidly playing until the end although I can see why people thought that it got kinda drab after a certain point. As for the hacking - its isn't required to play the game although learning to master it will make the game noticeably easier (who doesn't want flying machine gun turret drones helping them out?). Overall a game that was way ahead of its time and still continues to be amazing today.… Expand
  19. DinoGeek65
    Apr 10, 2017
    10
    Bioshock has some of the best narrative and visual storytelling I have ever seen in a video game. It is a journey unlike anything I have played before, and shows that video games can be an art form!
  20. gautamkumar633
    Dec 9, 2022
    10
    One of my all-time favorite games. A great morality-based system, full of plot twists and political dimensions, brilliant gameplay, great characters as well as memorable villains. Andrew Ryan will go down in gaming history as one of the greatest villains. The graphics and depiction of Rapture is just a thing of pure beauty which is complemented by a suspenseful soundtrack that is eerilyOne of my all-time favorite games. A great morality-based system, full of plot twists and political dimensions, brilliant gameplay, great characters as well as memorable villains. Andrew Ryan will go down in gaming history as one of the greatest villains. The graphics and depiction of Rapture is just a thing of pure beauty which is complemented by a suspenseful soundtrack that is eerily haunting. A must play.… Expand
  21. kourtin
    Sep 17, 2017
    10
    Masterpiece of all times. Although its PC version is pretty buggy the story, environments, characters and all about Rapture makes this game one must play at all cost. I totally recommend it if you are into gloomy atmospheres, bizarre situations and you are into stuff like George Orwell's 1984
  22. madamateur
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    This game has been among my favourites for a decade, it's wonderful and original. The ideas, the concept and the execution have but few minor flaws. overrall it is an incredible experience.
  23. tudormink
    Jan 8, 2018
    10
    Bioshock is a first-person shooter that uses its masterfully crafted plot to guide you through a world of politics, violence and mystery. Its a must-play for any gamer.
  24. Paprda
    Jan 26, 2018
    10
    I've just started to play again after 10 years from release date and I have to say the game is just brilliant in every aspects ! Have to say I play REMASTERED version,with better resolution and textures,but otherwise it's still the good old Bioshock !
  25. JonsGone
    May 1, 2020
    10
    Perfect game, if such things exist.
    Story is amazing.
    Weapons actually change when you upgrade them, which may not seem like such a big deal but happens so rarely in games that it's worth to point out.
    Endings are relatively easy to figure out.
    Memorable characters.
    Everything is a personal offense to squeamish people.
    Must play.
  26. osdann
    May 2, 2018
    10
    bioshock 1 is the best game i ever played, with his great story and his epic end ^^
  27. killerloop
    May 22, 2018
    10
    While it might not have as many options or pathways as the intelligent deus ex - what it does do is create a world you have never seen before, tell a story you have never heard, and give you gameplay that is slightly more simple version of the masterpiece that is system shock 2. I just loved the game and the storyline. The only thing I didn't like was that you rarely meet anyone thatWhile it might not have as many options or pathways as the intelligent deus ex - what it does do is create a world you have never seen before, tell a story you have never heard, and give you gameplay that is slightly more simple version of the masterpiece that is system shock 2. I just loved the game and the storyline. The only thing I didn't like was that you rarely meet anyone that doesn't want to kill you, I would like the occasional person that says, "Hello," and doesn't try and stab you in the back.… Expand
  28. Hagal
    Apr 21, 2021
    10
    Playing through it for the fourth time now, 2021. Games this good is not made nowadays. Damn its good. Gameplay, Setting (Rapture) & World. Together with TW3, Bioshock 1 & 2 is still the best game purchases I´ve ever made.
  29. Jay_Pickens
    Jul 24, 2018
    10
    Simply a masterpiece. There's nothing wrong with this game. Pickens approves! So, I think there's only one more thing to say... would you kindly play this game?
  30. Grachechkovski
    Jan 26, 2020
    10
    Re-enacted this landmark game in the Remastered version many years after the first pass around 2008-2010. It's still great, dynamic, exciting. It's a pity that the Atlas was fast this time on the medium difficulty: the explosions, the shooting and the increase of enemies did not cause the Challenge in me - all the clip of all the ammo from the revolver, all the shotgun and pilaf cartridgesRe-enacted this landmark game in the Remastered version many years after the first pass around 2008-2010. It's still great, dynamic, exciting. It's a pity that the Atlas was fast this time on the medium difficulty: the explosions, the shooting and the increase of enemies did not cause the Challenge in me - all the clip of all the ammo from the revolver, all the shotgun and pilaf cartridges are ready.
    The game for all time.
    Huge thanks to Ken Levin and the whole 2K team at the time for this creation.    … Expand
  31. macibor
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    Bioshock is one of those games which hold up even to todays standards, and it was very impressive graphically and story wise for its time. The whole story was truly enjoyable and almost movie like, because a lot of the scenes were cinematic in nature. It was this unique gaming experience that I will never forget. Tremendous game.
  32. Faunymaroo
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    The best narrative in a game to date, an exquisitely-drawn dystopia, a good fps, a wonderful selection of special powers, Bioshock is an absolute joy. The style is second to none. I played Prey recently and enjoyed it, although it felt derivative of this, and I went back and replayed Bioshock. Prey is good. Bioshock is something else. MAGIC.
  33. greenbey
    Jul 9, 2020
    10
    S
    Art style and atmosphere is top tier.
    Gameplay is very diverse with all the weapons and plasmids.
    Story is great.
    A must play.
  34. Br_AgSs
    Apr 2, 2020
    10
    One of the most perfect games out there. The atmosphere is amazing, the graphics are very good and the story is amazing, the voice acting is perfect and THE PLOT TWIST is phenomenal.
  35. nnevill
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    A masterpiece. Even in 2023 feels and looks like a masterpiece. I played it on a release 16 years ago and replayed it now. It was like a new run, an awesome run.
  36. Thoresu
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    The best game ever created. All characters are interesting and the story is just perfect
  37. Cristiandj1100
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    Es de los mejores juegos que hay con una atmósfera bien creada, un cuadro narrativo impresionante y una jugabilidad excelente
  38. SilverOrlov
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    Great heaven, this game is just a masterpiece. Incredibly strong and deep history and atmosphere. Since I liked the book "Atlas Shrugged", I got additional pleasure in this game, meeting references to this book. To this idea. Excellent game-play and interesting and beautiful design and graphics at its time made this game for me one of the most beloved and unforgettable among all the gamesGreat heaven, this game is just a masterpiece. Incredibly strong and deep history and atmosphere. Since I liked the book "Atlas Shrugged", I got additional pleasure in this game, meeting references to this book. To this idea. Excellent game-play and interesting and beautiful design and graphics at its time made this game for me one of the most beloved and unforgettable among all the games that I played. The game of 2007, which I played in 2019.… Expand
  39. JuanCema
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    Pros:
    -Very good narrative
    -Immersive atmosphere -Gun play feels very good -Music is very good (although there isn't too much of it) -The concept is very original and innovative -Awesome graphics -Breathtaking views -Bioshock created one of the most memorable enemies in the history of gaming, the Big Daddy -The plasmids are unique and useful in their own way Cons: -Not too    Pros:
    -Very good narrative
    -Immersive atmosphere
    -Gun play feels very good
    -Music is very good (although there isn't too much of it)
    -The concept is very original and innovative
    -Awesome graphics
    -Breathtaking views
    -Bioshock created one of the most memorable enemies in the history of gaming, the Big Daddy
    -The plasmids are unique and useful in their own way

    Cons:
    -Not too much variety in enemies
    -Repetitive after a couple hours of gameplay, breaks are to be expected

    Bioshock is one of the greatest games ever made, and the single best FPS ever made. 100% recommended.    … Expand
  40. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    Simply a masterpiece. There's nothing wrong with this game. Pickens approves! So, I think there's only one more thing to say... would you kindly play this game?
  41. PeakZach
    Jul 16, 2020
    10
    Fantastic gun-play and combat. Riveting story to keep you engaged. Exploratory elements are a must with such limited ammo and constant combat to give you reason to look in every corridor and closet you can find.
  42. ArcanaThe4th
    May 25, 2019
    10
    BioShock is an amazing experience with stunning visuals and a lot of cool action. To be honest, I'm not a fan of FPS or horror before I played this game, and it changed my opinion about these two genres permanently.

    More importantly, BioShock is a reference to storytelling in any game of any genre.
  43. Wweald
    Jun 25, 2019
    10
    Absolute classic. Beautiful, scary, unique and interesting world. The story is amazing, the characters are amazing, the aesthetic is amazing. The only flaw of this game to me is the combat, but the rest of the game is so incredible that the average combat isn't an issue to me at all.
  44. sammcguire10
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    A true masterpiece of a game although it may be a tad outdated in today's standard of games the story holds it all together. the combat still has a great feeling to it and the whole setting is something that still gives me the freaks.
  45. MarshallCavalli
    Aug 15, 2019
    10
    For me, this is the "Citizen Kane" of video games. A masterpiece that encapsulates why games like these define a genre and a philosophical argument on the aspects of Andrew Ryan's beliefs and are they good for the people or for himself. Overall, this is one of the greatest games ever made.
  46. gamingconsumed
    Oct 23, 2019
    10
    If you haven't played this game, you aren't a gamer. You have to play this once.
    Why? The combat, the tactics [plasmids], the story, the weapons, everything is in the right place in this masterpiece.
  47. sugarcookie
    Oct 13, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best video games I have ever played in my life. The entire Bioshock series is replayable and beautiful the whole way through. I have beat this probably at least 8 times and I will likely play it many more times before I die. It's an absolute masterpiece and I am very thankful to have been able to play this game.
  48. mmg420
    Jun 17, 2020
    10
    I wish I could forget this game and get to experience it for the first time again
  49. Zway26
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    One of my favorite video games. The decorative arts and the shaping of Rapture really impress me.
  50. Genek13
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Outstanding game :) every aspect of the game is great !!
    The first one in the series has the best story :)
  51. Lazzakz
    Aug 21, 2023
    10
    Grimy brilliance. One of the greatest of its time and surely a classic in my book.

    10
  52. TylerPadilla
    Sep 6, 2022
    10
    Play this game and then come back to me and tell me it isn't perfect.

    Actually, I'll save you the time, you won't!
  53. LuanV
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    Bioshock é perfeito e facilmente um dos melhores jogos já feitos. Rapture, tanto em seu conceito quanto na história que há por trás dela, a torna sem dúvidas uma das mais icônicas e bem feitas cidades de ficção científica já criadas.

    A jogabilidade apesar de relativamente simples, entrega ideias muito boas e cumprem muito bem sua proposta; a arte e a ambientação construída é    Bioshock é perfeito e facilmente um dos melhores jogos já feitos. Rapture, tanto em seu conceito quanto na história que há por trás dela, a torna sem dúvidas uma das mais icônicas e bem feitas cidades de ficção científica já criadas.

    A jogabilidade apesar de relativamente simples, entrega ideias muito boas e cumprem muito bem sua proposta; a arte e a ambientação construída é extremamente charmosa e imersiva; a história é muito bem escrita, te prendendo do começo ao fim, com um dos melhores plot twist que já vi jogando em um jogo.

    Vale a pena jogar nos dias de hoje? Zerei ele em 2021 e afirmo que Bioshock é um dos FPS que mais envelheceu bem e está por um preço acessível em todas as plataformas - até iOS.    … Expand
  54. Warfen
    Oct 17, 2020
    10
    One of the best game in all time. Awesome story (ending is shocking), very good combat, specific and mysterious world. Beautiful.
  55. Erty-8
    Dec 9, 2020
    10
    This is one of the games that shows games can handle philosophy topics, in a really good way.
  56. Prometheus1241
    Jul 19, 2022
    10
    An al time classic with rich atmosphere, smart mechanics and intriguing plot, one of the best games of 2000-x.
  57. Persepolis
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    An all-tme classic shooter, and series. Still looks great today due to the fantastic art-style which captures the age perfectly. Great gun play, great story, great visuals and atmosphere.
  58. Taxel
    Nov 4, 2022
    10
    There is nothing more that can be said that hasn't already been said.
    Chances are this is the best game you will ever play in your life.
  59. AhmedJM
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece and a must play! Amazing gameplay with a fascinating story and world.
  60. DiMoura
    Apr 4, 2020
    10
    Bioshock provavelmente tem o melhor roteiro de um jogo, envolve drama, ficção cientifica e política de forma cirúrgica. A Jogabilidade é lenta, porém muito funcional.
  61. Khazar2
    Mar 15, 2021
    10
    Have you ever seen a movie that was so amazing, that it permanently affected your perception of society, the world, and life in general? Well, the upper echelons of high quality video games can deliver a similar experience and Bioshock is one of them.

    2007 was the biggest year in gaming and this was the biggest game of that year. Still the 5th highest rated PC game on Metacritic and a    Have you ever seen a movie that was so amazing, that it permanently affected your perception of society, the world, and life in general? Well, the upper echelons of high quality video games can deliver a similar experience and Bioshock is one of them.

    2007 was the biggest year in gaming and this was the biggest game of that year. Still the 5th highest rated PC game on Metacritic and a shoe in for top 5 FPS games ever along with Golden Eye 007 and Half-Life 2. The atmosphere, the theme, and the lore provided by the audio diaries scattered throughout Rapture are perfect. The story isn't perfect because it loses a lot of its uniqueness after playing through it more than once. Gameplay mechanics are not perfect either but doesn't really take away from the overall experience.

    When it comes to how the game has aged, I will say this: gameplay mechanics can and did age, but lore, atmosphere, the theme, and overall feel didn't. 97/100 rounded up to a 10 is my personal score for the game.    … Expand
  62. Kmi
    Nov 4, 2020
    10
    BioShock is a masterpiece and a monument in the FPS genre. It has an amazing and captivating story with one of the best plot twists in all of gaming history.

    BioShock has great gameplay & a brand new take on magic in the form of plasmids, injections that give you special powers. These special powers can do everything from electrocuting your enemies to sending out bees to distract them.    BioShock is a masterpiece and a monument in the FPS genre. It has an amazing and captivating story with one of the best plot twists in all of gaming history.

    BioShock has great gameplay & a brand new take on magic in the form of plasmids, injections that give you special powers. These special powers can do everything from electrocuting your enemies to sending out bees to distract them. They are powerful enough to the point where it's a good idea to use them the majority of the time, but they are just weak enough so that you still need to rely heavily on the combination of both plasmids and weaponry. The gameplay also consists of the collection of materials and ADAM, which can be used to create useful items or purchase useful quirks, respectively.

    The graphics of this game are very impressive considering when it was made, and the atmosphere is absolutely stunning. Rapture might very well be my favorite video game setting of all time. It takes an abandoned city and gives it a brand new steampunk-underwater vibe. I love it.

    Overall, this game is fun, captivating, tense, beautiful, and a defining game of the FPS genre.    … Expand
  63. Alexander_1996
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    Bioshock was the game I have never heard anyone telling something bad about. Whenever someone says "Bioshock" you can be sure word "masterpiece" is coming. So it is no wonder that the first game I decided to play on my first ever gaming PC was Bioshock (should I even specify that I played the remastered version since the original and the remastered edition look exactly the same and at thisBioshock was the game I have never heard anyone telling something bad about. Whenever someone says "Bioshock" you can be sure word "masterpiece" is coming. So it is no wonder that the first game I decided to play on my first ever gaming PC was Bioshock (should I even specify that I played the remastered version since the original and the remastered edition look exactly the same and at this point I am not even sure it is a bad thing because when I was playing the game I really loved the visuals but I thought to myself that's all because it is a remastered version. Can you imagine how surprised I was when I saw comparison with the original edition? Bioshock basically looks gorgeous even by today's standarts! I think that's because the designers didn't try to create something super-realistic but instead decided to create their own universe with their own style (something similiar was done in Mirror's Edge which still will look nice no matter how many years passed).

    Nonetheless I kind of regret choosing Bioshock as my first game. Now as I play more and more videogames I appreciate Bioshock's gameplay and approach more and more everyday. What makes this game standout among others is its subtle way of telling the story, the revolutionary gameplay, the unique and immersive setting, the philosophy the Rapture is based on - all that stuff is easy to miss for a new gamer.    … Expand
  64. waverfader
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Incredible graphics (at the time) combined with an incredible story. It's hard to find a game that builds a world as effectively as Bioshock does. Only slight miss is the combat, which gets incredibly easy halfway through.
  65. MasterArcher
    Sep 19, 2021
    10
    This game was one of the best things i played in a while. Interesting mechanics, great story and very good gameplay.
  66. Eratry
    Jun 13, 2020
    10
    The coolest and most atmospheric underwater world. An incredible piece of interactive fiction.
  67. ThereIsNoFuture
    Apr 29, 2023
    10
    This is one of those "once in a decade" type experiences although I have been lucky to have the opportunity to play many many amazing games since. Great gameplay (personally I think the shooting still holds up, but takes some time getting used to), brilliant story, heaps of foreshadowing, unbelievable atmosphere and world building, top notch art style and environments, music that elevatesThis is one of those "once in a decade" type experiences although I have been lucky to have the opportunity to play many many amazing games since. Great gameplay (personally I think the shooting still holds up, but takes some time getting used to), brilliant story, heaps of foreshadowing, unbelievable atmosphere and world building, top notch art style and environments, music that elevates the whole experience...It is just an all around fantastic package. Everyone should play it at least once.… Expand
  68. MiniatureBigMac
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    This game was, and frankly still is, a complete and utter masterpiece. Everything about this was near perfection. The gameplay is 10/10; nothing quite explains the satisfaction of blasting electricity at a splicer out of your hand, and then smacking em with a wrench for the big finish. Exploring this deep and rich fully realized world of Rapture is like no other experience. The atmosphereThis game was, and frankly still is, a complete and utter masterpiece. Everything about this was near perfection. The gameplay is 10/10; nothing quite explains the satisfaction of blasting electricity at a splicer out of your hand, and then smacking em with a wrench for the big finish. Exploring this deep and rich fully realized world of Rapture is like no other experience. The atmosphere of this underwater city is just so spot on; the developers had a vision and they let nothing change it. The lore of this city is absolutely incredible, everywhere you turn you find something else that really starts to piece together how Rapture was run and what went wrong. From hearing the splicers sing "Jesus Loves Me" to finding an audio diary from a prostitute telling of her time with Andrew Ryan, Rapture is so much deeper than meets the eye, and I would consider it one of the best settings in any game, so much so that it becomes a storytelling character of itself. The story of Bioshock is unforgettable, with twists that will leave you mindblown for days. The characters, regardless of being mainly only heard via a radio, are still charming and very well written. The morality aspect of the game, is.. well, it's pretty good, but I'm not giving that a 10/10. Far from perfection, but you definitely see what's right or wrong and there's a dilemma between picking them sometimes I suppose.

    Point here is, this game is so good, it's nearly impossible to find anything to complain about. I got this when I was about 14 and I played it over and over and over again across the course of a few months. I hadn't done that with any game since I was a wee child playing Spyro and Crash Bandicoot. If you seriously haven't played this yet, it's out on modern consoles. So would you kindly grab yourself a copy and see what all the fuss is about?    … Expand
  69. Blint31
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    Bioshock

    Positives
    -Amazing atmosphere
    -Great characters (both the protagonist and antagonist)
    -One of the best twist in video game history.
    -Stunning and unique visuals
    -Lore and story

    Negatives
    -The gameplay doesn't felt very good

    Besides the gameplay this a must play for everyone who is interested in story based video games and one of my all time favourite.
  70. garygreen
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    the first bioshock game i play and it was the best game i play in franchies
  71. ahrek
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    extraordinary beginning to an extraordinary series. beautiful and scary at the same time. lots of detail to enjoy. worth every single cent. after playing the first two bioshock games, art deco will forever be the art of Rapture to you, and every time you see it in a piece of art or in architecture the nostalgic reminiscence of the horrors and beauty of the fallen city will overtake yourextraordinary beginning to an extraordinary series. beautiful and scary at the same time. lots of detail to enjoy. worth every single cent. after playing the first two bioshock games, art deco will forever be the art of Rapture to you, and every time you see it in a piece of art or in architecture the nostalgic reminiscence of the horrors and beauty of the fallen city will overtake your mind, just as deserted foggy streets causes positive PTSD to hardcore silent hill fans. and don't forget to get minerva's den dlc for bioshock two.… Expand
  72. Fr4nco_174
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Graphics 10/10
    Atmosphere 100/10
    Gameplay 9/10 Controls 9/10 Story 10/10 Characters 10/10 Best setting in any video game to date. Nothing comes close. Also, best opening scene in video games as well, and nothing comes close. If any developer wants to make a good atmospheric game, this is the game to look at. One of the best games of all time and a masterpiece in nearly every way. One    Graphics 10/10
    Atmosphere 100/10
    Gameplay 9/10
    Controls 9/10
    Story 10/10
    Characters 10/10
    Best setting in any video game to date. Nothing comes close. Also, best opening scene in video games as well, and nothing comes close. If any developer wants to make a good atmospheric game, this is the game to look at. One of the best games of all time and a masterpiece in nearly every way. One of the only games I have ever played through twice. 2007 was one of the best years in gaming history and in my humble opinion this is the best game that came out of it. Let's hope bio 4 is this good    … Expand
  73. EdgarMttz
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    BIoshock es un juego increíble y uno que no querrás perderte, especialmente ahora que una versión remasterizada está disponible, te garantizo que no te arrepentirás de haberlo jugado. Al igual que Portal, BioShock es una experiencia extremadamente gratificante y satisfactoria.
  74. ewenr
    Jun 29, 2020
    10
    I had an absolute blast playing this game. The whole scenario and world setting is phenomenal and gripped my interest from the get-go. Amazing story and gameplay, with interesting horror-lite enemies and settings. Utterly brilliant!
  75. FER_8
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    One of the best games ever, great music, great graphics, grat weapons, great story all you could want in a great game!
  76. PatitoCosmico67
    Jul 29, 2020
    10
    Que se puede decir de esta maravilla,una historia espectacular, ambientacion que es una locura y mecánicas muy entretenidas
  77. storygamer
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    Bioshock is one of the best shooter games ever released. Its clever and thrilling story is a blockbuster in comparison to many of the primitive and unimaginative shooter games released around the same time. A wonderful steam-punk mix between FPS and RPG. Must have!
  78. adam_carl
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    My god! this game idea was in 2007? wooah this game created a world what nobody ever before this game is perfect in my opinion you need to play that's what I say to you
  79. Bobduke99
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    Bioshock is one of the best games ever made. The amazingly fun gameplay, the horrifying environments and enemies, and the best level design of all time come together to create a world so creative and real that you can't deny it as a foreboding and cynical view of the Objectevist utopia of Ayn Rand.
  80. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Jun 15, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece. The controls are a bit dated and unintuitive but i think combat is rather secondary in this lore rich world. It really reminds me of dark messiah of might and magic.
  81. Rafaurva
    Oct 15, 2020
    10
    The best game Ive ever played. If you like shooters and a good story I recomend this obe
  82. Viper-
    Oct 17, 2020
    10
    almost my favourite just beaten by Shadow of the Colossus it’s truly a game that changed the landscape forever
  83. pizzalover2788
    Nov 2, 2020
    10
    Dear Ken,

    Would you kindly make more video games like this one?

    Thank you,
    A fan.
  84. ImBored58
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Bioshock? More like BioshCOCK EHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE
  85. ylnylmn
    Feb 8, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite fps game. I'm finished for the 3rd time. I get the same fun every time. The atmosphere and music are very good. The story and the way it is told is amazing. The characters are very well written and voiced. A very revolutionary game for its year. The graphics are also nice. Combat is so much fun. As a bad part, I can say that only hitbox is a bit problematic. I couldn'tOne of my favorite fps game. I'm finished for the 3rd time. I get the same fun every time. The atmosphere and music are very good. The story and the way it is told is amazing. The characters are very well written and voiced. A very revolutionary game for its year. The graphics are also nice. Combat is so much fun. As a bad part, I can say that only hitbox is a bit problematic. I couldn't see any other bad side. It's a perfect game. LEGENDARY… Expand
  86. kh1tko
    Nov 11, 2020
    10
    Раз пять ее проходил
    Очень крутая игра. Будь любезен
  87. CerafM
    May 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To be honest, when i bought Bioshock my expectations weren't too high for it, i knew the game was good but i thought it was just good. After playing it to the end, Bioshock was ruling my mind, i was thinking all the time about this game, the meaning behind jack's journey, the atmosphere, the art deco art style and so on. Bioshock was too beautiful and meaningful to be forgotten about, it was a game that changed my perspective in many ways, fort frolic was enough for me to understand this game was something special. Ken Levin really innovated with this game and showed the world that even behind this bang bang and shooting in video games, there can be a meaning.… Expand
  88. FabuJono
    May 17, 2021
    10
    Just like Half-Life 2, BioShock is another experience that you should play before you die. The Expertly-written story and the perfect atmosphere of Bioshock makes it one of the best artistic works in the world.
  89. CactusChest
    May 21, 2021
    10
    10/10. Nothing else I can say. Story is great, and the most iconic plot twist just second to Star Wars’ “I am your father” twist.
  90. Richard_dias
    Aug 14, 2023
    10
    One of the best FPS games I ever played. Till today, the plot is one the most intriguing in the whole media and really made me appreciate immersive sims.
  91. JoelArpal
    Dec 16, 2020
    10
    My favourite of the trilogy. Bioshock was quite a "shock" for me. I think this was the game that made me feel that videogames could be so much more than just entertainment.
  92. Hormanee
    May 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A man chooses, a slave obeys. Bioshock is one of the best classics on PC alongside the original Half-Life, an iconic title that nails atmosphere and story perfectly, i have no single complaint against Bioshock, it's a magical experience, the first time we saw rapture was like the tram sequence in 1998. Bioshock's visuals are timeless and the story is so powerful that can still be affective 13 years later. After the big twist is revealed the game kind of loses its edge but the endings and the final areas are so deep and worthwhile, now the final boss can be a bit disappointing but the endings makes up for it. Bioshock is the ultimate first-person shooter experience of the 2000's and one of the best games ever made.… Expand
  93. Loozer
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    This game isn't just another first person shooter game. The story is so good. This game proves video games are art. The way Rapture looks shows the disaster that happened. The lore is so interesting. The story pulls you in and I begged for the story not to end. This game is a must play and is a masterpiece.
  94. TheLastOfRich
    May 23, 2021
    10
    A Masterpiece, 96/100, it is worth every cent and every second of your time.
  95. slat3r
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Picked this game up during a steam sale and have zero regrets. Still holds up in 2021 and truly marked itself as a classic. The athletics are amazing, followed by the voice acting and the music it is truly on my list of top 3 games. Worth it? YESYESYESYESYES!
  96. BOZOO
    May 7, 2021
    10
    An undisputed Masterpiece ... this game is just pure art and genius game design
  97. GogglesofCritic
    May 23, 2021
    10
    Bioshock is my favorite video game of all time, it may not have the best gameplay or the best graphics or 100% originality but it just feels the best. Everything works together in Bioshock to deliver a ture immersive journey into an underwater Dystopia called Rapture. The moment Andrew Ryan says he choosed Rapture you realize that you're in for an unforgettable experience. Ken LevinBioshock is my favorite video game of all time, it may not have the best gameplay or the best graphics or 100% originality but it just feels the best. Everything works together in Bioshock to deliver a ture immersive journey into an underwater Dystopia called Rapture. The moment Andrew Ryan says he choosed Rapture you realize that you're in for an unforgettable experience. Ken Levin innovated with many things in Bioshock and created a work of art that will forever haunt you.… Expand
  98. CheekyBeef
    May 24, 2021
    10
    Bioshock is for me, the benchmark for a 'perfect' single-player shooter.

    FPS action is placed at the forefront of the core gameplay and is filled with a variety of exciting options in weaponry and abilities - with a skill system that allows for a player to amplify their favourite aspects. The art deco style of Rapture is a one of the most unique across the genre and provides for an    Bioshock is for me, the benchmark for a 'perfect' single-player shooter.

    FPS action is placed at the forefront of the core gameplay and is filled with a variety of exciting options in weaponry and abilities - with a skill system that allows for a player to amplify their favourite aspects.

    The art deco style of Rapture is a one of the most unique across the genre and provides for an excellent atmosphere that is beautiful, mysterious and even occasionally frightening. This also allows for this game to stand the test of time graphically.

    The story and lore is not overbearing or complicated and allows for the player to dwell on their own experiences and feelings about the characters and scenarios. You will come away from this game with a lot of different feelings about the events that occur throughout the game.

    A must-play for FPS-fans and a true masterpiece in gaming.    … Expand
  99. YoRelaxYo
    Jun 25, 2021
    10
    Will always be one of my favorite titles of all time. The story... the environment... the gameplay... its all so enjoyable! This game makes me feel good while playing it. It does a really good job at putting the player into this crazy under the sea city full of horror and beauty. I don't think there's another game that I've played through so many times. 10/10 for me!
  100. Willos
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    Bioshock is one of those games that you can really only use as a benchmark in gaming history, Bioshock is when people outside the gaming scene began to see that games can be a form of art. And it just so happens to be Bioshock is one badass Mona Lisa.

    Bioshock is set in beautiful underwater city named rapture, where you are able to see life everywhere you look whether it be the neon    Bioshock is one of those games that you can really only use as a benchmark in gaming history, Bioshock is when people outside the gaming scene began to see that games can be a form of art. And it just so happens to be Bioshock is one badass Mona Lisa.

    Bioshock is set in beautiful underwater city named rapture, where you are able to see life everywhere you look whether it be the neon lights of raptures interior, or the lush reefs and ocean life of the exterior, Raptures beautiful yet dark and twisted aesthetic will be sure to blow you away every time you explore it. Somehow the developers managed to make one of the most terrifying yet beautiful environments I've seen in a video game ever. You get the feeling you are always being stalked and watched from every corner by the splicers of Rapture, who may I add have such a cool design with the mutilated bodies and red hot hooks attached to their hands, they twist and contort their bodies in an inhuman like fashion; it really gives you a sense of how ****** up the city under the sea really is, on a first playthrough it immediately sparks your interest on what had happened to the city everyone before you had described as a utopia. And that is one of the most important part of games making a great first impression to keep the player interested the whole time, and Bioshock does that in strides. From you constantly questioning who is really the bad guy here, and depending on your actions it could even be you. I don't want to say to much about the story of this game but it as the best in any game ever, and the first experience feels like a real playable movie and very great one at that. I could go on for hours but you simply have to play it to found out why this game is really held in such high regards, and for those who have you know what I'm talking about.    … 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

All reviews »
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]
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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