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. TobyB.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    The story alone makes this worth the purchase alone. The design is also exemplary, the "set peices" are outstanding, the pacing is just about right and it does, of course, look gorgeous. Also, if you're slightly feint of heart, don't play it at night with the lights off, few moments where I either jump or just felt downright spooked out. Fantastic.
  2. SpyderC.
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    The greatest game I've ever played. Multiple endings make replayability excellent as well. Graphics are best I've ever seen and I play a lot of PC games. It is a tad unstable at some settings, but can be avoided by using the default video settings. Hope this is fixed in the future.
  3. AnonymousMC
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    If you're going to give this game a 1 you should probably check to see you're actually meeting its system requirements. The guy who couldn't see his mouse cursor was using shader model 2.0 and the game requires a card with 3.0.
    This game is fantastic--the only game that's as immersive, and well-crafted as the Half-live games. While the combat is a little inferior    If you're going to give this game a 1 you should probably check to see you're actually meeting its system requirements. The guy who couldn't see his mouse cursor was using shader model 2.0 and the game requires a card with 3.0.
    This game is fantastic--the only game that's as immersive, and well-crafted as the Half-live games. While the combat is a little inferior to H-L, the superior art direction makes up for it. Bioshock deserves it's place in a three-way tie with VALVe's games..    … Expand
  4. Jeremy
    Oct 1, 2008
    10
    Excellent game, best atmosphere in a long time. Recommend playing it in the dark, makes it feel even better. Very original from the little sisters, to the setting and everything. Excellent sound and music, much better then Crysis, etc. I would give it about the same as COD 4 as one of the best games of 2007.
  5. darthmaulskywalker
    Jan 1, 2008
    10
    The haunting musical score, amazing graphics, and innovative gameplay sets a new bar for the FPS genre. The storytelling also immerses you in the game as you fight Big Daddies and collect EVE. There's also little chance you'll take it out before playing again to see the 2nd ending.
  6. SimonS.
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    In my opinion, it´s one of the most enthralling and exciting shooters ever made. The unique setting and the atmosphere makes you really feel like being in a living underwater city.
  7. CaseyY.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    This game is quite amazing. Though the combat of the game is about a B the story and style of the game are far greater than most of the stereotypical junk out in the market.
  8. MattW.
    Jan 4, 2008
    10
    One of the most facinating FPS I have ever played. For your second (or first for that matter) turn off the music and enjoy the unique and subtle enivornment that is Rapture. Listen to the denzions of the city share their stories. Lose yourself to the song of the whales as they swim near the glass. An experience you won't ever forget.
  9. JackV.
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    The game has such an amazing atmosphere and intense emotion. I have never played a game which brings makes you feel like reality.
  10. EdwinM.
    Mar 20, 2008
    10
    An amazing play. An experience like no other. I was utterly immersed in the world of Rapture. I've been playing games since the Atari on all systems, and have lots of PC experience as well, and I've never played a game that was able to capture so many diverse elements and still be steady, exciting, and FUN. There are so many options in your approach to this game as an FPS/rpg An amazing play. An experience like no other. I was utterly immersed in the world of Rapture. I've been playing games since the Atari on all systems, and have lots of PC experience as well, and I've never played a game that was able to capture so many diverse elements and still be steady, exciting, and FUN. There are so many options in your approach to this game as an FPS/rpg that you can play it over and over again, and do it differently each time! The world is beautiful and doesn't take away from performance either! A MUST PLAY!… Expand
  11. MarkR.
    Mar 7, 2008
    10
    Outstanding. I didn't want it to end. Can't really think of anything to say Bioshock at all. Incredible.
  12. JesseG.
    Mar 9, 2008
    10
    This game was absolutely stunning and so psychologically twisted that only a mature strong mind can handle. I enjoyed every bit of it. And for those guys giving it a bad rating probably only whip right through the game without capturing the feeling and emotions the game give (kind of like people who inhale their food without tasting it).
  13. JesseM.
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    It was an awesome game. I played it on a Wii. The graphics is sooooo great. i loved it. I liked everything about it.
  14. AndyM.
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    Breathtaking indeed, this game is amazing. I don't think there's even a point to reviewing this game, you really must play it for yourself to understand just how good this game is.
  15. AndrewF.
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    A true work of art. Easily the best game of 2007, and the best game in a very long time. Thankfully, the creators took their time on making a great singleplayer game instead of following the rest of the crowd and throwing in some garbage multiplayer. Great decision, can't wait for the sequel (hopefully).
  16. JoshuaP.
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    This Game Is Fantastic! Its Has a mix of Horror and Thrill. This Game Will Keep You On Your Toes Waiting For Mutants to Jump Out and Get You! And Randall M. Just Because u have a shitty computer and cant run the game doesn't mean the game is bad.
  17. AndyB
    Jul 27, 2008
    10
    Outstanding Game. System Shock 2 and Deus Ex finally got the spiritual successor they deserve.
  18. MatthewC
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    This is truly one of the greatest games i have ever played. the visuals are absolutely stunning, the sound effects and design are brilliant and the character design is downright amazing. I haven't played a game this immersive, intense and frightening in a long time. This game is, for lack of a better word, Perfect.
  19. ChristopherNa
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    I agree with Steven H because first of all system shock 2 and bioshock are made by different companies (yet looking glass failed). As far as I know in system shock 2 had a good story plot and scariness factor. But the game play still sucked and very easy to beat. It's also lacks upgrades, challenge, repetitive game play and treasure hunting for supplies. It also lacks the rpg game I agree with Steven H because first of all system shock 2 and bioshock are made by different companies (yet looking glass failed). As far as I know in system shock 2 had a good story plot and scariness factor. But the game play still sucked and very easy to beat. It's also lacks upgrades, challenge, repetitive game play and treasure hunting for supplies. It also lacks the rpg game play and first person shooter. Despite the fact that your character is a skinny looking dude with eyeglasses that are not funky enough. The upgrades are useless and expensive. I would say downloading it for free would be better than buying it. Bioshock had few flaws but unbelievable graphics. Such as the water flowing through your feet (feet needs work). The story line was great and the upgrades were cool as heck. It's hard to fight against big daddies and just a single enemy can bring the word trouble. The atmosphere may seem not scary at first but as you progress sometimes fear takes over. The water is just amazing because of the graphics it produces. The entire game is worth every penny and after you beat it you want to play it again to find the different endings.… Expand
  20. RandallH
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    The most epic game since half life 2 period. If you dont have this game your life is not complete. thats all i have to say
  21. JonTd
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    It's good. Amazing. The best, game, EVER. Once you play it theres no turning back. Because Rapture will slowly eat your soul! ;)
  22. OwenG
    Dec 5, 2009
    10
    Best game I have played in ages. Fantastic.
  23. oli
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    some aspects are a little simpler than ss2 but you cant say it is a bad game. even ben yahtzee crosshaw said it was the best game of 2007. the plasmid problem would be worse if we were weighed down with dozens of powers that we don't use. if you dont like it go back to your pussy fucking halo 3!
  24. PeterL.
    Mar 28, 2009
    10
    Bioshock is an engaging piece of work. The twisted retro atmosphere and storyline kept me engaged from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed the Doom-esque feature of filling in story gaps via audio logs. The Little Sisters are downright eerie and I found myself stopping often to inspect the disturbing visuals displayed throughout the game. As it's been stated by many others, truly Bioshock is an engaging piece of work. The twisted retro atmosphere and storyline kept me engaged from start to finish. I particularly enjoyed the Doom-esque feature of filling in story gaps via audio logs. The Little Sisters are downright eerie and I found myself stopping often to inspect the disturbing visuals displayed throughout the game. As it's been stated by many others, truly a masterpiece!… Expand
  25. SpencerH
    Jun 10, 2009
    10
    Everyone who voted this game as anything under an 8 is a complete idiot. The complaints were "its too buggy" "pipe connecting puzzles suck" Well naive reviewers: YOU DON'T HAVE TO HACK THE MACHINES. Jeez, it is only there to make ammo and other do-hickys cheaper and turn bots on your side, which you can just as easily kill. Unless you are on the hardest difficulty, then you need to Everyone who voted this game as anything under an 8 is a complete idiot. The complaints were "its too buggy" "pipe connecting puzzles suck" Well naive reviewers: YOU DON'T HAVE TO HACK THE MACHINES. Jeez, it is only there to make ammo and other do-hickys cheaper and turn bots on your side, which you can just as easily kill. Unless you are on the hardest difficulty, then you need to hack them, but hey, if you don't want to hack the machines, get ur nubby ass to an easier difficulty and leave the harder stuff to the experienced players with half a brain and some patience. and TOO BUGGY, wow, that is a personal computer issue, I don't get any bugs at all when i play and my computer is a royal piece of s***. But hey, if you didn't like the incredible graphics, amazing and mind warping story line, or the amazing options you have when it comes to taking down all kinds of enemies, you can go F*** yourself, cuz you my friend, are a moron. It takes a brain to appreciate the incredible aspects of this game, so if you don't enjoy Bioshock, go work at McDonalds.… Expand
  26. Dalek
    Jul 10, 2009
    10
    BEST GAME EVER. When I tried out the demo it was amazing graphics and I thought hey! this is pretty good except my drivers didn't get past the 2nd map. It crashed when it was loading or my pc restarts itself aka crash. But the story line is good it was fun loads of stuff to do, good and evil. Old music which is nice. Gave me a lovely feeling that game. CANT WAIT TILL BIOSHOCK 2!
  27. DanielF.
    Sep 21, 2009
    10
    Calling Bioshock, any specific genre, is an insult to this magnificent piece of art. I won't lie, when I bought this game off of Steam for $20, I wanted to hate it. I thought that it was over-hyped, and nothing but a run and gun shooter game. As soon as I hit the New Game button, I realized I was in for something unique. Of the aspects of Bioshock, by far the most awesome, was the Calling Bioshock, any specific genre, is an insult to this magnificent piece of art. I won't lie, when I bought this game off of Steam for $20, I wanted to hate it. I thought that it was over-hyped, and nothing but a run and gun shooter game. As soon as I hit the New Game button, I realized I was in for something unique. Of the aspects of Bioshock, by far the most awesome, was the story, intricately woven into the fabric of the continuity of the lore. Without giving away any spoilers, I would have to say that Bioshock is without a doubt, the strongest narrative I have ever heard/seen in a video game. The gameplay is equally incredible. Granted, as some of the reviewers have noted, the plasmids are a bit unbalanced.Two of the plasmids, Incinerate and Electric bolt, are almost undefeatable, and one could when the game with nothing but them, however the real enjoyable portion of Bioshock, is freezing an enemy and shattering them to bits, or throwing hives of bees at them, and watching them writhe in pain. The weapons, however are perfectly balanced. An combined the weapons/plasmids system is one of the most efficent combat systems I have seen in an FPS. One thing that annoyed me was the Karma system, which many called an RPG system. The whole conflict with the Little Sisters, while unique just doesn't have the moral implications that it does the first time you do it. By the time that you're harvesting/saving three per level, it becomes routine. Another problem I had with the game was the hacking system. I seemed like a good idea gone terribly wrong. Eventually you do get Auto-hack for some items, but even so, hacking vending machines and safes can be frustrating. Finally I must comment on the graphics. The water effects are incredible, some of the finest yet to grace the platform. Overall, with a pricetag of 20, I wouldn't hesitate to get this game.… Expand
  28. TonyW.
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    By far the most engrossing way of storytelling in a game to date. The audio diaries are a stroke of genius. They not only deliver the story but they also make you think about the story - try to piece together all the snippets and fragments you find. Hands down the best FPS of 2007.
  29. PadaG.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    One of the few games that has held me to the end! No difficulties on my PC with sound, setup, video cards or lockups -and I played at highest settings. Controls are user set to your own specs. I guess it was a FPS with "dumb" enemies, but the setting was gorgeous and atmospheric, the puzzles reasonable and the play frantic. My one criticism was the "instant rebirth" with no penalties One of the few games that has held me to the end! No difficulties on my PC with sound, setup, video cards or lockups -and I played at highest settings. Controls are user set to your own specs. I guess it was a FPS with "dumb" enemies, but the setting was gorgeous and atmospheric, the puzzles reasonable and the play frantic. My one criticism was the "instant rebirth" with no penalties after each "death". This tended to make the game a little too easy. Unfortunately it has little replay value.Still I wish all games were as good as this!… Expand
  30. JimD.
    Aug 17, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. The art design in it makes the game seem surreal yet real at the same time. It makes you feel as though you are actually part of a story. For me it is the perfect balance of story and action!
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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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