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. Aarond
    Feb 8, 2009
    7
    A unique shooter, very smooth game-play, the blend between almost magical abilities and weapons was highly enjoyable. Unfortunately, it did not place enough enphises on use of different weapons, it is possible to simply max out one weapon or one plasmid to complete. I do recomend playing this title, but its replayability limits itself to one or two times. 7/10.
  2. UndyingZombie
    Feb 5, 2009
    0
    I would have gave this game a 7 if it was not for the fact that its rating is way too inflated as is. ( And of course, if it did not contain SecuROM ) I have to say I loved the intro, Loved the part where a portion of the plane hits the structure as you are walking through it. I also loved the bit with Sander Cohen. ( Spelling? ) However, sadly this game failed to meet the hype ( as with I would have gave this game a 7 if it was not for the fact that its rating is way too inflated as is. ( And of course, if it did not contain SecuROM ) I have to say I loved the intro, Loved the part where a portion of the plane hits the structure as you are walking through it. I also loved the bit with Sander Cohen. ( Spelling? ) However, sadly this game failed to meet the hype ( as with most games ) but also failed to deliver what the devs have claimed it would. The blood looked like raspberry jam/jelly. Watered down gameplay, and graphics. ( Some visuals where nice, however it was still a bit watered down. ) When the game was first out, if you died, no matter what difficulty.. there was really no penalty.. you came back and you can finish off what ever you where fighting to begin with. Granted even then unless you are new to fps games, that did not happen often even on highest difficulty. ( Granted, supposedly they came out with a patch allowing the player to turn this "feature" off...too little, too late in my opinion. ) Now, some of my complaints from here on out are due to, well.. I had followed this game since the first bit of information was released. Back when it was PC only, and there was going to be plasmids and other things that would allow you to change the pressure of the area and various other things. Lots of things where cut out when they decided to make it also for the consoles. ( When that idea was hatched, it was going to be released on PC,Xbox360, and PS3 at the same time. ) Later, it turned into a "xbox360 exclusive" ( Meaning, Xbox360 and PC but PC being more of a port than it being fully made on it. ) I have to be honest, this really felt like the game was "dumbed" down considerably. Especially considering what the devs had stated early on before the change to make the game for consoles as well. Yea it does sound like I am bashing it, and yes I kinda am. It did have its good parts, but I have to say it. It does not deserve the praise it has gotten. Its a ok game, but not a great one. If you don't care about money, and you don't care about installing SecuROM on your system, ( Your better off getting this for the console(s) FYI ) then I would say go ahead and buy it. However most people care about the money, and the majority of the people who know about SecuROM and what it is.. stay away from it. I would just advice you guys to rent it for the console(s) if you have one of the console(s) that this game is on.… Expand
  3. KevinZ
    Jan 30, 2009
    6
    This game was decent. Rapture is an amazing world, and levels are generally interesting. The atmosphere is good, and it remains creepy throughout. The characters are generally interesting and disturbed. However, it is far from perfect. They made a big deal when this came out about your moral choices having an effect on the world- the only choice is whether or not to kill the Little This game was decent. Rapture is an amazing world, and levels are generally interesting. The atmosphere is good, and it remains creepy throughout. The characters are generally interesting and disturbed. However, it is far from perfect. They made a big deal when this came out about your moral choices having an effect on the world- the only choice is whether or not to kill the Little Sisters, and you wind up with the same amount of Adam either way. The story line is incredibly disappointing after the plot twist- given the great setting I thought they would have been able to come up with a better conclusion. The second half of the game feels like it was rushed out the door, and you lose any motivation to do anything. In general, Bioshock is a great idea with fair to poor implementation, especially in the second half, where they seemed to have run out of creativity.… Expand
  4. EvanMiller
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    Easily one of the most origional and challenging first person shooters EVER! The only bad is that the game can be almost to challenging at times, even on normal. also some parts are so dark that you can hardly see. But besides these minor defects, BIOSHOCK is easily a pioneer into the age of modern gaming. 9.5/10 in my book.
  5. JimJ.
    Jan 4, 2009
    5
    I'm not sophisticated enough to say specifically what was good and bad about this game. I will say that it was not fun to play. I felt like I was plodding through it. Just praying for the end. I've played HL, HL2, FEAR and Halo many times over and will play them all again, but I will never touch this game again. It's like lutefisk, you only need to try it once to know if I'm not sophisticated enough to say specifically what was good and bad about this game. I will say that it was not fun to play. I felt like I was plodding through it. Just praying for the end. I've played HL, HL2, FEAR and Halo many times over and will play them all again, but I will never touch this game again. It's like lutefisk, you only need to try it once to know if you'll ever try it again.… Expand
  6. MichaelK.
    Jan 1, 2009
    10
    BioShock provides a linear guide, but at the same time, freedom. It has an incredible attention to detail, unsurpassed atmosphere, and solid, varied gameplay. To those who find the game to easy, I suggest upping the difficulty. The ammo will run low, the fear will set in, and the Big Daddies become something to truly fear. It challenges the political, philosophical and ethical norms and BioShock provides a linear guide, but at the same time, freedom. It has an incredible attention to detail, unsurpassed atmosphere, and solid, varied gameplay. To those who find the game to easy, I suggest upping the difficulty. The ammo will run low, the fear will set in, and the Big Daddies become something to truly fear. It challenges the political, philosophical and ethical norms and even subverts its own medium. A rarity not to be missed.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. DavidP.
    Nov 24, 2008
    4
    It was fairly boring. You are kept busy in bioshock, but the things you do are repetitive and not actually fun, hack this, hack that, choose what upgrade goes in what slot. select a plasmid shoot ememy, select wrench hit enemy, repeat. Graphics are very pretty but i don't care about that very much, i care about gameplay/ game pacing/ highs and lows/ moments that get your heart racing It was fairly boring. You are kept busy in bioshock, but the things you do are repetitive and not actually fun, hack this, hack that, choose what upgrade goes in what slot. select a plasmid shoot ememy, select wrench hit enemy, repeat. Graphics are very pretty but i don't care about that very much, i care about gameplay/ game pacing/ highs and lows/ moments that get your heart racing or make you panic or decide to tease an npc before killing him because he annoyed you by jumping out from a corner. There are not enough different enemy types in bioshock. I liked HL and HL2 because there was variety, open skies fast moving in a boat to claustrophobic tunnels etc etc, sometimes a crab was hidden and got a bite out of you so you get a fright but you're not going to die = game variety. Bioshock is repetitive indoor boringness. Story was interesting-ish but gameplay is more important and bioshock doesnt have it. Games i have an opinion on: Doom, Duke Nukem, Quake, HL1, HL2 and the episodes - great but some are old. FEAR Perseus great, scary. moh series, good. cod 1->3 good but old, cod4 AWSOME. Prey, avg. Stalker, annoying as hell uninstalled after 3 hrs. Timeshift, cool concept but pacing is not there because of time controll, therefore fairly boring. Oblivion TES, 3rd person doesnt interest me, looks boring. Crysis, good. Team fortress 2, awsome. Portal, very cool.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. tv
    Nov 7, 2008
    0
    Bioshock starts out OK. It's got a good atmosphere starting out, but it doesn't keep that up. It just gets boring very fast. The enemies are tedious, weapons are unbalanced (I run around with all ammo and money maxxed out half the time), some levels are confusing (what to do next? How to open the door to the next part of the level, that sort of thing). The graphics are all very Bioshock starts out OK. It's got a good atmosphere starting out, but it doesn't keep that up. It just gets boring very fast. The enemies are tedious, weapons are unbalanced (I run around with all ammo and money maxxed out half the time), some levels are confusing (what to do next? How to open the door to the next part of the level, that sort of thing). The graphics are all very shiny, like everybody running around is very very wet and slimy all the time. The only beautiful graphics are in the little sister characters, all other characters are just plain ugly! There were a few cool moments, and even a couple of smart or innovative things, although most of those get boring very fast (hacking stuff is irritating after, say, 10 times, and certainly after the 500 times you are supposed to do it). All in all I'd give it a 5 or a 6, but for the average's sake, a zero. This game is simply listed too high!… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. FernandoO.
    Nov 2, 2008
    5
    I was curious to see why such game made a score equal to the best Half-Life editions, and at first it seems so good, but after some years of gaming I give more importance to storyline, and overall satisfaction of the *player*. BioShock it a rare case for me cause there is excellence on technical aspects and truly many options and the game is not predicable, but, as some others games, the I was curious to see why such game made a score equal to the best Half-Life editions, and at first it seems so good, but after some years of gaming I give more importance to storyline, and overall satisfaction of the *player*. BioShock it a rare case for me cause there is excellence on technical aspects and truly many options and the game is not predicable, but, as some others games, the "game mind" is not alright, has some sickness, and besides that is the place story, it gets between the players satisfaction. This may be considered as an subjective evaluation, but HalfLife2 does not force the game mind too much into between the reason people like to play. This may read and sound odd, but it is my view, and after progress a lot of level into BioShock it begun to lack something more to be a good game, and more and more to be a bad one, even if it does not seems so at first.… Expand
  15. JgcxE.
    Oct 30, 2008
    10
    Simply excellent. My penchant for melee weapons is well satisfied in this game - wrench is wonderful - and gameplay is excellent to - the hacking minigame is tremendous fun. This is one of the very few games i know that really immerses you - you can feel your heart beating at the same rate as Jacks. The modification aspect is good. On top of this, although this is not necessarily a good Simply excellent. My penchant for melee weapons is well satisfied in this game - wrench is wonderful - and gameplay is excellent to - the hacking minigame is tremendous fun. This is one of the very few games i know that really immerses you - you can feel your heart beating at the same rate as Jacks. The modification aspect is good. On top of this, although this is not necessarily a good indicator of a good game, i could not find a single flaw with bioshock. One part in which i did get stuck, did not put me off - i played it again and again, looking around for the code for the next level, and never got bored. Darkly beautiful.… Expand
  16. MarkusS.
    Oct 28, 2008
    6
    I don't understand the hype about that game. Of course the scenario is creative but the rest is in my opinion absolutely boring, the story is stereotyped and the ending is disappointing. It's average.
  17. 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
  18. SteveP.
    Oct 7, 2008
    0
    The game installs invasive copy-protection (DRM) on your PC, and it does not get removed when the game in uninstalled.
  19. knillboggK
    Oct 7, 2008
    9
    Amazing game from start to finish. Not a standard shooter in any case, and hugely reminiscent of ss2. There are some strange points in the game, but over all it is just a game, remember that when you come to a "power to the people station". Everything else in the game was top notch, well done, and different in a good way.
  20. brandonl.
    Oct 6, 2008
    10
    This game is amazing. The level of detail and the amount of work gone into the game with an intense and unpredicatable AI. What is so greate about this game is how they intergrate 'Plasmids' they do it ever so balanced so you neither use gun or plasmids too much of the other. The game gives you a choice, be good, or be evil. This makes for 2 great twists (I personally choose This game is amazing. The level of detail and the amount of work gone into the game with an intense and unpredicatable AI. What is so greate about this game is how they intergrate 'Plasmids' they do it ever so balanced so you neither use gun or plasmids too much of the other. The game gives you a choice, be good, or be evil. This makes for 2 great twists (I personally choose good) there was so much to do in this game I could not stop playing.… Expand
  21. KevinL.
    Oct 5, 2008
    10
    Absolutely breath taking, this game has probably the best atmosphere in a game ever. The plot is extremely well written, the game play is very unique and the characters are unforgettable. Your missing out one of the best games ever made if you haven't played this.
  22. CarlosTheBear
    Oct 3, 2008
    9
    Truly epic, got my copy through Steam, zero bugs. Loses 1 mark for lack of variety of enemies.
  23. ColtonS.
    Oct 2, 2008
    10
    One of the best games of all time, its original, creepy, and exciting in all shapes and forms.
  24. 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.
  25. JohnJ.
    Sep 21, 2008
    0
    Nice idea, but bad game.
  26. BobB.
    Sep 7, 2008
    8
    Bioshock has some of the most excellent weapons FPS's have to offer, an exciting plot, and beautiful vistas, but the problem is with repetitive level design. After a while, you really needed a change of scenery, and more enemies.
  27. PaulT.
    Sep 6, 2008
    0
    Bioshock uses invasive DRM to require the game to use an activation server. Despite now removing the activations limit, the game still needs an activation server for life! How will we install this game in the future when that activation server is turned off?
  28. RyanD.
    Sep 5, 2008
    10
    Amazing game. It combines the literary works of Ayn Rand with an excellent shooter RPG. The story is very well written with lots of exposition and plot twists. The graphics for water effects are the best so far. The audio, including the voice acting, is top notch. Lots of ways to kill your enemies provides replay value.
  29. AdrianV.
    Aug 24, 2008
    10
    That anonymous douche that gave this game a 1 is far from right. the graphics are outstanding on the 360. Maybe it's because he was playing it on a crappy T.V. Also, the sounds are great if you have a surround sound system. The gameplay and story is amazing. 10/10
  30. OliverC.
    Aug 12, 2008
    5
    Surprisingly, this game was just not very fun. Reminds me in many ways of Prey (graphics, setting and general plotline). The writing is awful and the setting is absurd (Normally I wouldn't care but this is supposed to be an important aspect of this game). The voice acting doesn't help. The Gameplay goes from bad to decent to bad; I personally found the last few hours Surprisingly, this game was just not very fun. Reminds me in many ways of Prey (graphics, setting and general plotline). The writing is awful and the setting is absurd (Normally I wouldn't care but this is supposed to be an important aspect of this game). The voice acting doesn't help. The Gameplay goes from bad to decent to bad; I personally found the last few hours excruciating. The game is simultaneously too difficult and too easy given the vita-chambers. Honestly doesn't break any new ground, but sticks to the basics and does it relatively well. The graphics are obviously awesome. If you are willing to buy into the silly storyline you might be entertained, as there are a few (one) freaky enemies to encounter. Otherwise, you might wanna cut your losses early on and uninstall the game before its too late and you have to finish because you will literally be cutting your life a few hours short. For a genuinely fun horror shooter, see Resident Evil 4. For a shooter with a great plot + setting, see half life or metal gear.… 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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