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. PaulT/
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Simply brilliant, a true successor to System Shock 2 at last. One of the best gaming experiences I have ever had. The future of games is alive & it is Bioshock......
  2. YermakirumY.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Very good game.
  3. BenM.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    I'm not one to blindly follow the hype of a game, but I admittedly could not wait until Bioshock was released. I am happy to report that it is everything I could have hoped for and more! Outstanding graphics, awe-inspiring sounds and atmospheric effects, solid story telling in the style of Half-Life 2 (with the addition of audio tapes acting as a narrative), and one of the most I'm not one to blindly follow the hype of a game, but I admittedly could not wait until Bioshock was released. I am happy to report that it is everything I could have hoped for and more! Outstanding graphics, awe-inspiring sounds and atmospheric effects, solid story telling in the style of Half-Life 2 (with the addition of audio tapes acting as a narrative), and one of the most visceral and heart-pounding gaming experienced I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The only minor gripes I currently have are the lack of a speed modified when playing with the keyboard and mouse (you can't walk without a 360 controller!), and the fact that the game utilizes the SecuROM DRM system to authenticate the game to a limited (5 currently) number of PCs, even on the Steam version. Beware of this fact. That being said, if you like games, then there's something to like about Bioshock and you really should check it out.… Expand
  4. DJ
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    What can I say that hasn't already be said. I just completed the game, but will definately play it again now, trying new things as I go. The game ran great and had no glitches, bugs, or other problems for me (high-end system, though). Definately worth the money.
    I only wish it could have had slightly more content, but then maybe I'm just greedy.
  5. neilspeck
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    i am a fifty year old gamer and this year looks like it will be a bumper year if crysis or indeed any other game can match up to bioshock.i am running it usinng a xt1900xtx and it looks awsome.the game play is addictive and fun also at the same time pulls you in and sucks you out wanting more.and guess what you get more cos it gets better each time you play it.i have had it one day and ii am a fifty year old gamer and this year looks like it will be a bumper year if crysis or indeed any other game can match up to bioshock.i am running it usinng a xt1900xtx and it looks awsome.the game play is addictive and fun also at the same time pulls you in and sucks you out wanting more.and guess what you get more cos it gets better each time you play it.i have had it one day and i have been on and off it about 6 times in between meals and sleep etc.amazing the trouble is i am going to greece on holiday monday and i will have to wait a week then before i can play it again.what else can i say except if anyone knocks it i would like to know what they have been playing.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. JohnV.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Not sure how the FOV really ruins the game or effects gameplay. I also haven't encountered any of these "tons of graphical glitches" and I can always see my mouse cursor. Anyways, this is one of the most amazing games I have every played and even more so goes on to show that a great single player storyline will beat out a rich multiplayer mode any day of the week. It has all the Not sure how the FOV really ruins the game or effects gameplay. I also haven't encountered any of these "tons of graphical glitches" and I can always see my mouse cursor. Anyways, this is one of the most amazing games I have every played and even more so goes on to show that a great single player storyline will beat out a rich multiplayer mode any day of the week. It has all the elements of great gameplay and storline inclusion that in the end, make this one of the greatest video games I have EVER played.… Expand
  8. CollinC.
    Aug 25, 2007
    10
    One of the few games that can truly be considered art. Bioshock offers the gamer a glimpse of what lies ahead for this rapidly evolving medium.
  9. dd
    Aug 25, 2007
    9
    It is simply the best FPS game I've ever played. The graphics are stunning and varied. There are lots of puzzles but they never feel like puzzles, they feel like actual problems to be solved. The only reason I don't give it a 10 is that while it's the best in the genre, it's not an entirely new concept, even if it is the best execution of the concept
  10. RJT.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    Bioshock is an experience no one should miss! A exciting and interesting story is here, surrounded by a finely detailed world that is quite unique. Many times I would just stop and marvel, at how well crafted each piece of Rapture really is. The only fault I can find here, is the lack of penalties after your character dies. the challenge is really negated by the Vital chambers. But this Bioshock is an experience no one should miss! A exciting and interesting story is here, surrounded by a finely detailed world that is quite unique. Many times I would just stop and marvel, at how well crafted each piece of Rapture really is. The only fault I can find here, is the lack of penalties after your character dies. the challenge is really negated by the Vital chambers. But this is a minor thing, when compared to the overall creation. Wonderful! Thank you for once again raising the standards for all future games. This is a quality experience, with great voice acting, engaging storyline, amazing graphics, and most of all... exciting. I have enjoyed every second I have spent in Rapture!… Expand
  11. GarrettM.
    Aug 26, 2007
    8
    Bioshock stretches the unreal engine to its limit. That being said, it stretches quite nicely. The game delivers superior art design, sound, story, acting, scope, and pretty much everything it attempts to do (excluding basic combat). Those who enjoyed Doom3, but wished for a deeper feeling of imersion, Bioshock is for you.
  12. BigJim49
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    I have deliberately made a point of not looking at other comments while playing this game. I'm about halfway through and from the first I have had the distinct impression of deja vu. System Shock 2 sprang immediately to mind. Still a very good game, good story and gameplay. The mark of a good game is that it forces you to sit on the PC for hours just to see what happens next. II have deliberately made a point of not looking at other comments while playing this game. I'm about halfway through and from the first I have had the distinct impression of deja vu. System Shock 2 sprang immediately to mind. Still a very good game, good story and gameplay. The mark of a good game is that it forces you to sit on the PC for hours just to see what happens next. I should be out gardening but I've managed to lose a full day playing this thing... very addictive.… Expand
  13. KN
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    this is a great game, the idea of having diffrent ammo types, upgradable guns (the chemical thrower is REAL FUN) plasmids all adds to variety although there are 2 things which i think would make the game better.
    1. some more character variety because killing splicers over and over then hacking security cameras becomes very repetetive (at least half life 2 had zombies/people/combine ect)    this is a great game, the idea of having diffrent ammo types, upgradable guns (the chemical thrower is REAL FUN) plasmids all adds to variety although there are 2 things which i think would make the game better.
    1. some more character variety because killing splicers over and over then hacking security cameras becomes very repetetive (at least half life 2 had zombies/people/combine ect)
    2. its always action and i dont think there is enough breaks in gameplay, what i liked were games like HL2/dark messiah/dues ex all had camps where you could stock up on ammo and were out of the action for 5 minutes... with this its constant

    but all in all great storyline, good combat, innotive ideas such as hacking and a great way to show off the new unreal engine before MOH AB and UT3    … Expand
  14. KT
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    If ever there was a game to rival HL and HL2, this would be it. From the characters, to the atmosphere, to the music, this game is the mona lisa of the gaming age. The dystopian feel, the 1984 ambiance, the ayn rand story architechture (especially in Ryan) are all top notch. If you own a functional modern pc (meaning graphics card of 7950 gtx and up) you owe it to yourself to get this If ever there was a game to rival HL and HL2, this would be it. From the characters, to the atmosphere, to the music, this game is the mona lisa of the gaming age. The dystopian feel, the 1984 ambiance, the ayn rand story architechture (especially in Ryan) are all top notch. If you own a functional modern pc (meaning graphics card of 7950 gtx and up) you owe it to yourself to get this game. It's that good.… Expand
  15. ChrisG.
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    Amazing! The graphics are not the best ever seen (ex. Crysis), but the overall atmosphere is amazing. I'm running on a DX9 system, so I haven't experienced the DX10 "extras", but from the side by side comparisons I've seen on the web, there isn't too much difference. The standout of the game is that the sound design is some of the best I've ever experienced. The Amazing! The graphics are not the best ever seen (ex. Crysis), but the overall atmosphere is amazing. I'm running on a DX9 system, so I haven't experienced the DX10 "extras", but from the side by side comparisons I've seen on the web, there isn't too much difference. The standout of the game is that the sound design is some of the best I've ever experienced. The voice acting is top notch. The pacing is perfect. Characters have a personality and go about their daily routines, mumbling strange things to themselves or arguing amongst themselves. This is a living world. There are some minor flaws, but they do not detract from the experience. I have not fallen victim to widescreen issues or any of the registration issues, so I can't talk on those. One of the flaws that I have noticed is that the weapons don't feel right, sometimes. The shotgun, my personal favorite, doesn't have a realistic feel when up close to an enemy. The sound of the shotgun blast is off occasionally. The pistol sounds and feels more powerful than the shotgun. The other thing that seemed strange was that the enemies get tougher as you progress, but without any visual difference. Why does it now take 3 headshots to take down a common enemy that only took 1 earlier? Did they upgrade their health? Are they wearing invisible armor? Why? My advice to anyone that wants to get the most out of this game: 1) Turn up the volume, 2) Use 5.1 speakers or headphones, 3) Sit close to the monitor, 4) Adjust the Brightness through the game options to the optimal setting, 5) Play in a dark room. 6) Turn off subtitles, quest arrow, shiny usable objects ( This adds to the realism and forces you to explore more of the world, unlocking more of Raptures secrets, 7) The game gets better the further you progress, so keep playing This game will pull you in and not let go.… Expand
  16. 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
  17. JosephS.
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    The most minor of flaw is the lack of online play. Otherwise it is easily one of the most amazing games I've ever played. There are games you play once, and there are games you lay awake in your bed thinking about, contemplating strategies, and ultimately returning to your computer to waste away your sleeping hours with your eyes wide and unblinking, staring at that glowing box that The most minor of flaw is the lack of online play. Otherwise it is easily one of the most amazing games I've ever played. There are games you play once, and there are games you lay awake in your bed thinking about, contemplating strategies, and ultimately returning to your computer to waste away your sleeping hours with your eyes wide and unblinking, staring at that glowing box that sends you into this amazing world. There's simply nothing else like it. This is the sort of game people will be talking about nostalgically in fifteen years, exclaiming how it changed the video game industry for the better. In a world of games that rely on graphics and throw story development down the crapper, this game shines blindingly, and shows us just how flawed other games are, and these games bow before Bioshock.… Expand
  18. JudsonV.
    Aug 31, 2007
    10
    This masterpiece combines first-rate gameplay, storytelling, visuals, and even sound into the best game I have played in a long time. Truly, video game art.
  19. AndrewB.
    Aug 31, 2007
    10
    Wow I had 3 hours of the best gamepley ever last night have a radeon x1900 gt and it looks superb the best graphics I have ever seen! I was thinking of upgrading my Graphics card but I don't think I really need too. Not at all samey samey like oblivion (once you have seen one grey castle you have seen them all!. I cannot wait to get back and play some more . Intelligent Ai even on Wow I had 3 hours of the best gamepley ever last night have a radeon x1900 gt and it looks superb the best graphics I have ever seen! I was thinking of upgrading my Graphics card but I don't think I really need too. Not at all samey samey like oblivion (once you have seen one grey castle you have seen them all!. I cannot wait to get back and play some more . Intelligent Ai even on medium settings.… Expand
  20. TimL.
    Aug 30, 2007
    10
    Graphics - Outstanding Gameplay - Outstanding Story - Brilliant Simply breathtaking atmosphere. AI rather smart. Multiple ways to kill enemies. All the environment can be manipulated to your advantage. 10/10 100%
  21. JohnM.
    Aug 30, 2007
    9
    Like most rpgs this game has repetetive gameplay. And I love to keep doing it over and over again! A great and compelling storyline moral decisions? I loved it. The only flaw is multiplayer. And everyone. The game isn't bad just because you have a bad computer.
  22. RobertL.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Great game, A little choppy with sound but awesome none the less.
  23. 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.
  24. JohnC.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    This game has such a dark and twisting story through scenery that screams plastic and fake. The mid-1900s theme is very spooky. It is reminiscent of a happier time gone horribly wrong. This is one of the most visceral experiences you'll find in a game. In terms of graphics, it is on par with gears of war, but blows gears of war out of the water in terms of it's design. The way This game has such a dark and twisting story through scenery that screams plastic and fake. The mid-1900s theme is very spooky. It is reminiscent of a happier time gone horribly wrong. This is one of the most visceral experiences you'll find in a game. In terms of graphics, it is on par with gears of war, but blows gears of war out of the water in terms of it's design. The way the levels are designed is amazingly beautiful. Having enemies that aren't always your enemy is amazing. What I refer to is the Big Daddy. Not since gears' Berzerker has a game character made me tense up at the mere sight of it. It's always interesting when you are fighting a splicer and accidently shoot a Big Daddy. Especially on the harder difficlty settings. The first thought to cross your mind is "Oh SH&*" ...... "RUN!!!!" . The detail and the amount you can explore is also amazing. People may complain that it is too short. I have a theory on this. In fact a lot of great games are accused of being too short. If at the end of a game you still want to continue. If you want more of the story. If you think.... let's do it again! Than the game creates have done good and you are just complaining because you didn't want the experience to end.… Expand
  25. 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
  26. SmokeW.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    This game, is not just a game, its a work of art.
  27. GuyS.
    Sep 15, 2007
    9
    No game is perfect, but this comes very close. I don't often play FPS as I don't find them extremely interesting. When I heard of Bioshock I was thinking "Oh great, another FPS to unfairly dominate the gaming world", but when I played it, I was surprised. I was HAVING FUN. I loved the graphics, not only were they good, but they had a very good atmosphere, and of course the water No game is perfect, but this comes very close. I don't often play FPS as I don't find them extremely interesting. When I heard of Bioshock I was thinking "Oh great, another FPS to unfairly dominate the gaming world", but when I played it, I was surprised. I was HAVING FUN. I loved the graphics, not only were they good, but they had a very good atmosphere, and of course the water looked great. The Splicers were grotesque and horrifying, the Big Daddies were almost admirable, considering the lengths they probably have to go to to protect the Horrific Little Sisters from the chaos of Rapture. It was linear, but I have yet to find a FPS that really isn't, as far as the game goes, you can randomly explore the areas for loot and come across the random splicer. So all in all, a very good game, although perhaps not deserving of the "revolutionary" title it was given, but definitely not deserving of the flak it was given by some players.… Expand
  28. WilSt.C.
    Sep 16, 2007
    10
    A brilliant game, and a compelling story mesh to become something larger then just a video game, but an entire world. Do yourself a favor and pick up the damn thing already.
  29. 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
  30. SteveW.
    Sep 20, 2007
    5
    So BioShock is not a revolutionary game, or even a particularly innovative one; by the time I reached the end, I felt as though I had played a rather standard and predictable first-person shooter - GameCritics. This sums the game up perfectly, in fact my son plays "Rise of the Underminder" on the xbox which got a poor 63%, when looking at this game and Bioshock, you realise they are the So BioShock is not a revolutionary game, or even a particularly innovative one; by the time I reached the end, I felt as though I had played a rather standard and predictable first-person shooter - GameCritics. This sums the game up perfectly, in fact my son plays "Rise of the Underminder" on the xbox which got a poor 63%, when looking at this game and Bioshock, you realise they are the same pattern - Basically move through levels, kill the same mobs, upgrade skills rinse and repeat. Had more fun playing with the kid, as its co'op two player. On the while overrated. Deus-ex released almost 10 years ago is far better - this game even inspired me to re-install and play Deus-ex again.. thanks BioShock.… 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.
    Read full review
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