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. Czar
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    This game has it all. Intense game play, amazing visuals, and a simply awesome settings. The art-deco underwater city is just great. I love hearing the latest tape recordings and slowly finding out what is going on. The plasmids are simply cool. Bioshock is a real breath of fresh air. Bioshock has revived the FPS genre for me. Recommend playing on decent specced computer.
  2. ROBO_LEADER
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Amazing. Irrational does an amazing job of sucking you in and not letting you out. The controls are well laid out, the graphics are great, even on DX9 with low settings, mainly because the style is held up so well, and the story is extremly well integrated into the game, but you could ignore it alltogether and still have a blast. This game actually had me playing untill my hands cramped, Amazing. Irrational does an amazing job of sucking you in and not letting you out. The controls are well laid out, the graphics are great, even on DX9 with low settings, mainly because the style is held up so well, and the story is extremly well integrated into the game, but you could ignore it alltogether and still have a blast. This game actually had me playing untill my hands cramped, I wanted to delve even further into Rapture, I wanted to complete it all in one sittng, like watching a great movie or reading your favorite book, you just don't want to stop playing. Kiss your schedule goodbye, this is by far, the best new game for two years.… Expand
  3. JosephP.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    A fantastic, original story, captivating gameplay mechanics and a wonderfully crafted world. A superb game for FPS and RPG fans alike.
  4. CurlM
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Talk about perfection... There hasn't been a game release that has drawn me in like this in a very long time. I challenge other developers to do the same.

    And to all the naysayers and complainers, just play the game and enjoy it. Stop acting like whiny little kids!
  5. AM
    Aug 24, 2007
    9
    an amazingly inventive and original game, i was not aware of it until release, so avoided all the hype. for the 2 people who have complained so far, i understand somewhat the overly complexity of the game but thats why they included the shift menu with all weapons and plasmids, giving you paused time to select the best weapon for the next scenario. second person there are bugs becausean amazingly inventive and original game, i was not aware of it until release, so avoided all the hype. for the 2 people who have complained so far, i understand somewhat the overly complexity of the game but thats why they included the shift menu with all weapons and plasmids, giving you paused time to select the best weapon for the next scenario. second person there are bugs because your computer is a piece of shit, thus far it has been a extremely stable release with only some minor physics/gameplay issues, and btw dave a this isn't ea, which you shouldn't be expecting quality from. as with any form of high art it goes over the heads of the lesser dabblers, the cannot properly appreciated the wonderful blend of so many different genres to help refresh the tired old fps format.… Expand
  6. GMcG
    Aug 24, 2007
    9
    An excellent game, though a little difficult for those without the proper equipment.

    If you have a fast, up-to-date, killer gaming PC then this is the perfect game for you. However, if your PC is a little behind on the updates, it can bring the experience down a bit.

    Either way, an engrossing and beautiful game. Good work, Irrational and 2K!
  7. DaveW
    Aug 25, 2007
    9
    There isn't much to say about this game that hasn't already been said. However it is not a perfect 10... not because of anything in the game, but instead the use of DRM in the PC version. It's enough of an issue to atleast lose a point... Nothing in this game is at fault, it is expertly crafted. My only niggle is that the little sisters don't back away and try to hideThere isn't much to say about this game that hasn't already been said. However it is not a perfect 10... not because of anything in the game, but instead the use of DRM in the PC version. It's enough of an issue to atleast lose a point... Nothing in this game is at fault, it is expertly crafted. My only niggle is that the little sisters don't back away and try to hide after your initial encounter with one, but it hardly matters.… Expand
  8. Dr.G.
    Aug 25, 2007
    8
    A well built game but has it's share of flaws that over hyped games typically have. While the environment was intricately constructed there was a definite sense of being enclosed. There was no feeling of "openness" as one may expect from a next-gen FPS. Of course this is because of the underwater environment seems to be limiting as to what surroundings can produce. While the game had A well built game but has it's share of flaws that over hyped games typically have. While the environment was intricately constructed there was a definite sense of being enclosed. There was no feeling of "openness" as one may expect from a next-gen FPS. Of course this is because of the underwater environment seems to be limiting as to what surroundings can produce. While the game had an excellent plot I still felt a sort of cookie cutter resemblance to many other games. If I were to measure this game against HL2 I believe Bioshock would leave me wanting more. In the end this game had a very intriguing concept but I believe that it was victim to the typical over hype that most big name games are in our present time.… Expand
  9. TheCaptain
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    I like this score. It really says how I felt about this: pretty good. Kind of short. I expected more replay value too. I liked the moral dilemma and the twist was decent if corny. One person said the graphics were terrible. That's like saying watermelon is terrible because your knife isn't sharp enough to cut it. What?! Get a new fucking knife! There's juicy delicious I like this score. It really says how I felt about this: pretty good. Kind of short. I expected more replay value too. I liked the moral dilemma and the twist was decent if corny. One person said the graphics were terrible. That's like saying watermelon is terrible because your knife isn't sharp enough to cut it. What?! Get a new fucking knife! There's juicy delicious inside. My computer's only decent and the game doesn't run that choppy at all on high settings. Clearly it's very well optimized. As for the AI... it really does try not to die which is all you can really expect and it gets better later on with them more likely to run off to healing stations when necessary. Someone else said "overly complex." There's some complexity in it, but it's actually fairly simple. In fact, it's very much like any other FPS. It's more linear than expected, which aids the narrative any way. You get guns, hope you have ammo and shoot things. There are some decisions to make along the way. Otherwise if your head hurts while playing this I'd seek medical attention because there's not even that much to think about. Unless you're listening intently to the intricate story through the audio diaries strewn about the game. I'll agree that it was over hyped, but this is still a must have game.… Expand
  10. KoshG.
    Aug 27, 2007
    6
    Nice art direction and high production values, but not very difficult. Double endings and "moral choices" definitely overrated unless you're an ethical simpleton. 7/10. Then -1 for $ value: ridiculous SM3.0 requirement forcing me to upgrade my otherwise perfectly viable X850XT graphics card.
  11. Adrian
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    An amazing rollercoaster of a ride that oozes atmosphere. The attention to detail is phenomenal and the graphics are incredible. You really get involved in the story behind Rapture and the mystery surrounding this underwater "Utopia". This game provides plenty of thrills and tension that's sure to keep you on your toes at all times and see it through to the end. Sure, this game An amazing rollercoaster of a ride that oozes atmosphere. The attention to detail is phenomenal and the graphics are incredible. You really get involved in the story behind Rapture and the mystery surrounding this underwater "Utopia". This game provides plenty of thrills and tension that's sure to keep you on your toes at all times and see it through to the end. Sure, this game isn't perfect (no game is), but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a 10. Easily one of the best games on XBOX 360 and probably one of the best games overall that I have played in the last 6 or 7 years.… Expand
  12. KEvinS.
    Aug 29, 2007
    7
    A beautiful game held back by its game play and weak moral choices. The weak game play elements include all of the guns sucking. At certain times, such as the menu screen and exasperatingly simple combat and crappy UI , it was easy to tell the game was basically a port from the 360 with no significant game play changes. The game kinda gets old after a few hours considering everyone looks A beautiful game held back by its game play and weak moral choices. The weak game play elements include all of the guns sucking. At certain times, such as the menu screen and exasperatingly simple combat and crappy UI , it was easy to tell the game was basically a port from the 360 with no significant game play changes. The game kinda gets old after a few hours considering everyone looks the same. I mean they are exactly the same too, just with different weapons and slightly different tactics. It is like a Final Fantasy game if you only fought goblins but they got more health as you played further through the game. The moral choice you are presented with in the game is stupid too. You can either kill Little sisters and get twice as much adam, or save them and get half the adam initially and then the other half as a gift, along with some useless ammo or something. There are two endings, but I don't really think its worth playing again to see the other one that I didn't see. I'm actually playing STALKER again instead. Stalker is a much better game, in its more optimized patched state. A very good shooter with many good aspects, unlike bioshock that was just pretty. Bioshock just goes to show you that a pretty game doesn't mean a good game.… Expand
  13. Avs
    Aug 31, 2007
    7
    Overall: 7, because its a decent FPS by today's standards. I also agree with those who gave it a 8 or lower as they actually point out the worst of the worst. The hype is what gives these reviews their scores, this game is over hyped, its graphics requirement was disappointing for its style of art. Worst off is the fact that wrench > all weapons, and respawn of monsters while Overall: 7, because its a decent FPS by today's standards. I also agree with those who gave it a 8 or lower as they actually point out the worst of the worst. The hype is what gives these reviews their scores, this game is over hyped, its graphics requirement was disappointing for its style of art. Worst off is the fact that wrench > all weapons, and respawn of monsters while interesting, is a bit unnecessary. However, the critics hype it up, and give it ratings it does not deserve, most likely due to the lack of major FPS games out recently. The biggest disappointing factor that shows the truth behind why us gamers rate it much lower than critics for this game is simply because this game was not the flexible, challenging, unique FPS that others like Halflife displayed long ago. The story is weak, especially as it is obvious what is going on before you even crash into Rapture. This kills any redemption value Bioshock has due to its easy and therefore non-thrilling gameplay even on hardest difficulty levels. Story was more audio driven than anything, unlike narrative or script based. Sound is great however, except for some areas with more sound than necessary such as movement when there is none. Art and graphics are great, except they are nothing new than games when the Xbox360 came out, and that their engine could have done much more than a pseudo cartoony rendition with fake blood sprites being the kicker. Choices, while more (in quantity not quality) than other FPS, doesn't create any impact at all. Flexibility in skills and upgrades are non-existent.… Expand
  14. CurtisT.
    Aug 31, 2007
    5
    Linear, Repetitive, Underwater Fallout-esqe themed shooter. Pretty graphics. Short length, ten hours solve time. Player choices have little impact on game outcome.
  15. ElliottS.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    An excellent update to a perfect game (System Shock 2). It is far scarier than Doom3 'promised' to be, but this title lives up to its claims and makes you carry on actually wanting to be scared. There is I feel a little something lacking in the plasmid selection, far more choice would have been good and areas where one plasmid would be needed over another to make swapping and An excellent update to a perfect game (System Shock 2). It is far scarier than Doom3 'promised' to be, but this title lives up to its claims and makes you carry on actually wanting to be scared. There is I feel a little something lacking in the plasmid selection, far more choice would have been good and areas where one plasmid would be needed over another to make swapping and managing them all the more integrated but that's a minor complaint. All in all, graphics, sound, gameplay, story a 100% classic and definite contender to Game Of The Decade never mind the year.… Expand
  16. GeraldS.
    Sep 13, 2007
    8
    First off, I'll explain I knew nothing about this being the "spiritual successor" to System Shock 2 (one of my favorite games), so imaging my surprise when I realized that's exactly what it was trying to be. I say "try" because, although at first my jaw dropped with the visuals and tense set pieces, I soon realized it paled slightly to SS2. Still fun to play (for a shooter), but First off, I'll explain I knew nothing about this being the "spiritual successor" to System Shock 2 (one of my favorite games), so imaging my surprise when I realized that's exactly what it was trying to be. I say "try" because, although at first my jaw dropped with the visuals and tense set pieces, I soon realized it paled slightly to SS2. Still fun to play (for a shooter), but not as in-depth as its predecessor.… Expand
  17. IanN.
    Sep 16, 2007
    10
    The kind of experience that makes me proud of my hobby.
  18. DonW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    9
    A unigue game style that's easy to learn and fun to play. It has an engrossing story that keeps you wondering untill the end. All in all one of the most original games I've played in a long time.
  19. ArielO.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    Its fun has nice graphics and not only action but its also horror or some type of edge of the seat game. ill say it deserves a 9.5 but 10s good enuf it really does deserve a nice round of applause.
  20. NickA.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    Now it is my favourite game: gameplay, storyline, graphics,music - everything is perfect. Some say that it isn't revolutional and just a bubble.Yes, most of technologies not so fresh and taken from other games, but in our case it will like comparing hunting and darts. AI-ecology, brilliant water, plasmids("magic"), security system - yeap, they aren't so fresh, but realisation Now it is my favourite game: gameplay, storyline, graphics,music - everything is perfect. Some say that it isn't revolutional and just a bubble.Yes, most of technologies not so fresh and taken from other games, but in our case it will like comparing hunting and darts. AI-ecology, brilliant water, plasmids("magic"), security system - yeap, they aren't so fresh, but realisation and integration is the best. And of course storyline is perfect. Want more!… Expand
  21. KurtS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    7
    This game is pretty much just a dumb down version of System Shock 2. Game play gets repetitive with only few types of enemies. Most of the plasmids are pretty useless or redundant as are the weapons and despite what the previews said, ammunitions is abundant in the world of Rapture. The actions in only one aspect of the game determine the final ending. Game felt short and the ending was This game is pretty much just a dumb down version of System Shock 2. Game play gets repetitive with only few types of enemies. Most of the plasmids are pretty useless or redundant as are the weapons and despite what the previews said, ammunitions is abundant in the world of Rapture. The actions in only one aspect of the game determine the final ending. Game felt short and the ending was anticlimactic. If you are a fan of the originals you will be disappointed. While the graphics are great, there is no backwards compatibility and are stuck with DX9c or better and then I couldn't get it to run in DX10 mode even after shelling out for a new fancy card. Besides graphics, neat AI behaviours and adept story telling are this game's other saving graces.… Expand
  22. DavidR.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    Such an amazing game. Creative storyline, unique weapons/abilities, awesome environment. One-of-a-kind unique FPS that is a must play.
  23. CharlieH.
    Sep 27, 2007
    10
    This game is amazing. I had read about the story and it was still intriguing. I played it for 5-8 hours per session and loved every bit of it. To those who seem to complain about this game that's the beauty of it. If you don't like a certain part of the gameplay you can play some other way. Don't like hacking? Try the security target plasmid. Don't like plasmids? Use This game is amazing. I had read about the story and it was still intriguing. I played it for 5-8 hours per session and loved every bit of it. To those who seem to complain about this game that's the beauty of it. If you don't like a certain part of the gameplay you can play some other way. Don't like hacking? Try the security target plasmid. Don't like plasmids? Use the weapon arsenal and different ammo types to kill everything in your path. As for bugs I didn't experience a single issue on my computer. BioShock rocks. Buy it today.… Expand
  24. RussG.
    Nov 12, 2008
    6
    The game really wasn't that great. I played it through to the end, but found it to be relatively boring. The theme of the game was new, but there really wasn't anything groundbreaking or "awesome". The plot was somewhat predictable, but original. The game just wasn't fun enough to deserve a 96 on metacritic. It isn't up to par with HL2 or half of the top 20 games. I The game really wasn't that great. I played it through to the end, but found it to be relatively boring. The theme of the game was new, but there really wasn't anything groundbreaking or "awesome". The plot was somewhat predictable, but original. The game just wasn't fun enough to deserve a 96 on metacritic. It isn't up to par with HL2 or half of the top 20 games. I never said the game was bad, it just is no where close to great.… Expand
  25. EndlessWaves
    Nov 27, 2008
    8
    Bioshock is the typical fps game, the plot is just there to move you along, you get the standard complement of weapons (pistol, machine gun, shotgun, grenade launcher etc.) and you get whisked through various different scenery with the odd boss along the way. Where it falls down is that it's done well enough that you start thinking it's something more and are disappointed when Bioshock is the typical fps game, the plot is just there to move you along, you get the standard complement of weapons (pistol, machine gun, shotgun, grenade launcher etc.) and you get whisked through various different scenery with the odd boss along the way. Where it falls down is that it's done well enough that you start thinking it's something more and are disappointed when you realise it isn't. You start getting attatched to the city and wonder what it's fate will be, concerned over what these plasmids are doing to your health and wanting to meet the people who's diaries you keep finding. But you just shoot your way to the final boss, get a token ending cutscene and then wonder whether Bioshock 2 will be the much more ambituous game that this one could have been.… Expand
  26. NeilC.
    Nov 27, 2008
    10
    Wonderful atmospheric game. Sander Cohen is one all the all time great game characters. Unlike the telephone messages in FEAR and the audio logs in Doom 3, the audio messages in this game add to the atmosphere and are worthy of pausing and listening to. The 50s music is used to great effect and the level design and story are interesting enough to make you want to plough through to the Wonderful atmospheric game. Sander Cohen is one all the all time great game characters. Unlike the telephone messages in FEAR and the audio logs in Doom 3, the audio messages in this game add to the atmosphere and are worthy of pausing and listening to. The 50s music is used to great effect and the level design and story are interesting enough to make you want to plough through to the end. The gameplay and combat isn't as satisfying as System Shock 2 but the storyline and atmosphere do it justice.… Expand
  27. JohnP.
    Jan 13, 2008
    10
    Very well, made hard to predict
  28. DavidF.
    Oct 16, 2008
    10
    This is a great game it is the closest thing to real life I don't mean there were bodyguards in scuba suits and stem cell junkies in the 1940s but you get so emotionally immersed in the character and storyline . Also The graphics are the most realistic I've seen in my life. The only thing missing is multiplayer which this game wouldn't work well with. This game will change This is a great game it is the closest thing to real life I don't mean there were bodyguards in scuba suits and stem cell junkies in the 1940s but you get so emotionally immersed in the character and storyline . Also The graphics are the most realistic I've seen in my life. The only thing missing is multiplayer which this game wouldn't work well with. This game will change first person shooters and you for the rest of your life.… Expand
  29. jatoo
    Dec 30, 2008
    10
    Great game. Probably better plot than any other game I've played. Atmosphere/setting is great, although the graphics could be a touch better.
    The voice acting is brilliant, far, far better than any other game I've played. Hearing the insane ranting and shrieking of the splicers was great for atmosphere. Loved the steampunk influences.
  30. HurjaKalle
    Feb 23, 2008
    9
    Voice acting is excellent. The story is told via messages by radio or by audio tapes, left lying around by random citizens, law enforcers, smugglers, the Boss(?), scientists, and one very unstable artist who is obsessed with "wild bunnies" but "can't take the ****in ears off" so one of the most important aspects of this game is covered there. Game play, mostly, is average or slightlyVoice acting is excellent. The story is told via messages by radio or by audio tapes, left lying around by random citizens, law enforcers, smugglers, the Boss(?), scientists, and one very unstable artist who is obsessed with "wild bunnies" but "can't take the ****in ears off" so one of the most important aspects of this game is covered there. Game play, mostly, is average or slightly above, so it's the story, presentation and small details here, that leave a curious aftertaste, that matter most, not the usual things that make a FPS grand, IMHO.… 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]
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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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