User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 759 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 34 out of 759
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  1. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    Bioshock 2... I got it ages ago and I'm only just reviewing it. Overall, Bioshock has a fantastic storyline, excellent voice acting and brilliant combat. The ending is engrossing and the choices you must make supply much needed intrigue into the game. The controls are really easy to get used to and while maybe not having as much storyline depth as the original Bioshock, it still is worthBioshock 2... I got it ages ago and I'm only just reviewing it. Overall, Bioshock has a fantastic storyline, excellent voice acting and brilliant combat. The ending is engrossing and the choices you must make supply much needed intrigue into the game. The controls are really easy to get used to and while maybe not having as much storyline depth as the original Bioshock, it still is worth the money, even today. If you enjoyed the first game, you'll love this entry. If you're new to the series, you'll love it as well... Go on buy it!, it's really cheap.

    Look out for Bioshock Infinite this October!
    Expand
  2. JamesD
    Feb 9, 2010
    9
    Bioshock 2 may not be as grand of an experience like the outstanding original but it does everything a sequel should do and it is still the best game ever in terms of narrative richness.
  3. excitebike
    Feb 9, 2010
    9
    Thank god for the return of the 'thinking man/woman's shooter'! Not only has 2K Marin returned to a fantastic and gripping narrative, the gameplay, combat, environments and voice acting will draw you in and keep you thinking about rapture when you're not playing it. Don't even think about it, go out and buy Bioshock 2 right now. It's a perfect example as to Thank god for the return of the 'thinking man/woman's shooter'! Not only has 2K Marin returned to a fantastic and gripping narrative, the gameplay, combat, environments and voice acting will draw you in and keep you thinking about rapture when you're not playing it. Don't even think about it, go out and buy Bioshock 2 right now. It's a perfect example as to why we play video games. Expand
  4. Mar 10, 2013
    9
    Lots of people, who played the first game says this game is bad. I haven't played the first one yet, so I can't compare them, but Bioshock 2 is a great game on it's own. Nice graphics,good story, just as long, as needed, and killing the splicers with your drill is one of the most satisfying things is fps history ever. Can't wait to see Boshock Infinite.
  5. SR
    Feb 20, 2010
    10
    Playing this game actually made me better at BioShock 1. On the Survivor (hardest) difficulty mode in the first game I couldn't make it past finding the first plasmid (since I would just keep getting outflanked by splicers and shot in the back of the head) but now I am cruising through and I am maxed out on med kits and EVE hypos (I think because Bioshock 2 forced me to prepare more Playing this game actually made me better at BioShock 1. On the Survivor (hardest) difficulty mode in the first game I couldn't make it past finding the first plasmid (since I would just keep getting outflanked by splicers and shot in the back of the head) but now I am cruising through and I am maxed out on med kits and EVE hypos (I think because Bioshock 2 forced me to prepare more carefully in the scenarios where you have to defend little sisters while they are getting EVE from corpses). I really wish I had a webcam so I could put on Youtube the first time I defended a little sister successfully (in Bioshock 2) because I did it on the hardest dificulty level with only the wrench, rivet gun, electricity plasmid and no med kits (I just kept getting wrench headshots on splicers which I had bottlenecked in a doorway). The next time I successfully defended a little sister on the first attempt just by using the hypnotize (enrage) plasmid on all the splicers and they just all killed each other for me. Something about the gameplay in Bioshock 2 just seems to make more sense to me than it did in the first game, but it's clearly applicable to how you approach the first game. I think the thing is that Bioshock 2 is a little more obvious about how it forces you to visualize how you are going to approach encounters; maybe it just gives more obvious clues than the first game did. Or maybe Bioshock 2 just isn't as good at keeping its secrets as the first game; either way I feel like I understand (and love) both games much more now than I would have expected (and I can't believe I was actually on the fence about buying this game or Dante's Inferno last weekend!). Expand
  6. jahazielf.
    Feb 15, 2010
    10
    Everything about the original is has been improved (even the story). now it did feel pretty familiar, but in way that made me love it more because the Bioshock formula is far from running dry. the multiplayer is pretty sweet too. i dont care what people are saying about Mass Effect 2, this is the game of the year so far, but of course there's a long road ahead, and with games like Everything about the original is has been improved (even the story). now it did feel pretty familiar, but in way that made me love it more because the Bioshock formula is far from running dry. the multiplayer is pretty sweet too. i dont care what people are saying about Mass Effect 2, this is the game of the year so far, but of course there's a long road ahead, and with games like final fantasy 13, god of war 3, and gran turismo 5 just around the corner, who knows what will be game of the year. Expand
  7. Sep 3, 2011
    10
    Great game very impressed, should be made into a movie the story writing is very amusing, the sounds are incredible and not to mention over-the-top shooting and combination with plasmids. (+10) FREEZING ISSUES 6hrs in to it, froze had to restart (-10)
  8. Dec 19, 2012
    6
    Bioshock 2 is clearly a game made to make money. The only significant gameplay change between Bioshock and Bioshock 2 is the new Little Sister mechanic (and the related Big Sister attacks). For those who don't know, this mechanic means that now, whenever you find a Little Sister and kill the Big Daddy, you can take the sister with you to collect Adam from corpses while you get hit byBioshock 2 is clearly a game made to make money. The only significant gameplay change between Bioshock and Bioshock 2 is the new Little Sister mechanic (and the related Big Sister attacks). For those who don't know, this mechanic means that now, whenever you find a Little Sister and kill the Big Daddy, you can take the sister with you to collect Adam from corpses while you get hit by waves of enemies (that smell you collecting Adam?). It's a very frustrating mechanic, and tends to ruin pacing. The rest of the gameplay is copy/paste from the original Bioshock. The story is simultaneously a sequel and a prequel. You are playing in a time after the events of Bioshock, but all the diaries you find are from a time before the events of Bioshock. These diaries feature Andrew Ryan, Frank Fontaine, and many of the other old characters. The new diaries establish a whole new issue that Ryan was apparently worried about around the time Fontaine was becoming a problem. It seems very much like it was tacked on just to be able to include Ryan in the story. In fact, the whole game just seems like it was tacked on to the old Bioshock to make money. Is it a good game? Well, Bioshock was a great game, and this copies that, so sure. Is it original? No. Is it as great as it was to visit Rapture for the first time? Of course not. But if you're having trouble finding other good games to play, this one won't disappoint you too much. Expand
  9. Feb 5, 2012
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El primer Bioshock mostro que era obvio una secuela o el principio de una franquicia, pero este intento lo puedo calificar de fallido, carente de originalidad siendo que el primer titulo era un refresh a los shooters, ademas que la trama que brillo en el primer titulo, aqui es aburrida y las tasks son repetitivas, matar a alguien obtener a traves de las little sisters algo que ni recuerdo como se llama, y asi repitelo a traves de las horas que tardes en terminar el juego, me arrepenti de comprarlo, lo vendi enseguida antes que bajara de precio por que seguramente no fui el unico que penso lo mismo, ser un big daddy nunca fue tan aburrido Expand
  10. ZypherF.
    Feb 17, 2010
    4
    Bioshock 2 it looked great and interesting but it fell horrifically short in everything I was expecting. The Big Sisters arint that threatening or scary the deep sea exploration? No such thing its a linear game 100% of the time. And the graphics are a horrific steaming pile of doodoo and crayon stains horrific infact I dont believe I see a difference between Bioshock 1 and 2. Shooting is Bioshock 2 it looked great and interesting but it fell horrifically short in everything I was expecting. The Big Sisters arint that threatening or scary the deep sea exploration? No such thing its a linear game 100% of the time. And the graphics are a horrific steaming pile of doodoo and crayon stains horrific infact I dont believe I see a difference between Bioshock 1 and 2. Shooting is much harder because humanoids have a hitbox to the head the size of a pin needle however once you reach end game getting headshot on the 'harder' enemies is nearly impossible not to do since they have massive big daddy heads and die in one shot. The storyline doesnt add up by the slightest it keeps saying that the events in rapture where happening all the time during Atlas's rebellion yet in Bioshock 1 there was no such thing so how does Andrew Ryan fit into any of it and how does the now have anything to do with the before. The game despite being a SEQUEL comes off as a prequel with nothing really clicking to each other to make sense. As for the multi player cool fun interesting untill it dies out because it suffers all the problems of the single player fps poor hitboxes god awful graphics and no real way to aim accurately not to mention how many people already cheated the system after the first day it came out. Expand
  11. JakeH.
    Feb 10, 2010
    3
    The only redeeming aspect of BioShock 2 is the core gameplay has immensely improved over the original BioShock 2. However, everything stops there. The story is forgettable, the graphics are only marginally better than the first with VERY frequent framerate issues plaguing the PS3. Also, during solo and multiplayer gameplay the screen will tear on the edges, which is a very bad no-no in The only redeeming aspect of BioShock 2 is the core gameplay has immensely improved over the original BioShock 2. However, everything stops there. The story is forgettable, the graphics are only marginally better than the first with VERY frequent framerate issues plaguing the PS3. Also, during solo and multiplayer gameplay the screen will tear on the edges, which is a very bad no-no in these days! There were NO bosses (the Big Sisters do not count, and neither does getting bum rushed by 20 splicers), no plot twists, and what the hell happened to Tennenbaum?! She's in the story for five minutes and then gets dropped for the rest of the game?? BAD storytelling!! Even the ending was predictable. I in fact waited 3 hours with 30+ people to pick up my copy on Monday night, only to return in about an hour ago for credit towards Heavy Rain and Final Fantasy XIII. If you love shooters like Borderlands or MW2, then you'll love BioShock 2. If you loved the original, then you're in for a major letdown. I don't think I've had such a short turn around from purchasing a game to trading it in. Sorry, but Irrational Games should have developed this. Expand
  12. JamesN
    Feb 12, 2010
    7
    I bought this game right after lunch and was able to return it right before dinner. About 5 hours is all thats in this game, I took my time I walked around and I listened to all the little tapes. I had my fun and marveled at the world I was being show. There was just so much LESS of it all. Not many people spoke about bioshock for its amazing shooter gamechanging and that fact remains. I bought this game right after lunch and was able to return it right before dinner. About 5 hours is all thats in this game, I took my time I walked around and I listened to all the little tapes. I had my fun and marveled at the world I was being show. There was just so much LESS of it all. Not many people spoke about bioshock for its amazing shooter gamechanging and that fact remains. Its all about the perfect story telling. This game is worth a rent to see it and play it I wouldnt dare call it a bad game in any respect. Multilayer is all shooter and frankly there are simply BETTER shooters out there. So thats all. Good game I wish there was more of it. Expand
  13. jeremiaht.
    Feb 15, 2010
    5
    I was fairly disappointed in Bioshock 2. Sure it was a fun FPS but in an aged sort of way. Kind of like how I loved Power Rangers as a kid but when I watch the new ones I can't remember why I loved it. The story was a bit lacking for me, you're just a good guy in another city full of bad guys and although the new weapons and plasmids were fun they couldn't make up for the I was fairly disappointed in Bioshock 2. Sure it was a fun FPS but in an aged sort of way. Kind of like how I loved Power Rangers as a kid but when I watch the new ones I can't remember why I loved it. The story was a bit lacking for me, you're just a good guy in another city full of bad guys and although the new weapons and plasmids were fun they couldn't make up for the repetition of this game. I just hope that if there's a third installment the guys a 2k man-up and try something new. "crossing fingers". Expand
  14. Aug 14, 2010
    5
    Fairly good game. However it just doesn't seem to have any appeal to me after a few missions. The impression that you are this massive "Big Daddy" seems unreal, because you can be easily taken out by a relatively weak splicer with ease. Haven't even bothered with multi-player. I'll eventually get round to playing it again, but I guarantee that'll be a long time waiting. Have no idea whyFairly good game. However it just doesn't seem to have any appeal to me after a few missions. The impression that you are this massive "Big Daddy" seems unreal, because you can be easily taken out by a relatively weak splicer with ease. Haven't even bothered with multi-player. I'll eventually get round to playing it again, but I guarantee that'll be a long time waiting. Have no idea why people are claiming this will be game of the year, no chance. However, I would recommend renting/ lending it before you buy. It's not a bad game by a long shot, but there are better games with more appeal out there. Expand
  15. Feb 9, 2011
    5
    The whole game is decent, but nothing more than that. Not as interesting to play as the first, offers nothing we are significantly better off with having. skip or rent (or pirate)
  16. You
    May 12, 2011
    5
    I played this game with the friend on his xbox. It looked great and i bought it for ps3 but wasn't very interesting. It is very boring. When i played it at first it was exciting. But soon i understood that itis very line game. It is not bad. It is not good
    5.0
  17. Oct 10, 2011
    7
    BioShock 2 is a great shooting game i only paid £5 so i didn't pay much i like the horror part of the game mix with the powers you get i give it 7/10
  18. Jun 4, 2012
    7
    It's equally good to the first Bioshock, minus the novelty aspect. Here are the changes: new hacking system (it's better), new story (it's worse). That's about it - it's really the same game with a different story. I enjoyed it almost as much as the first, though, because it remains that the gameplay is awesome.
  19. Dec 19, 2012
    10
    So lets go down the list of ways Bioshock 2 makes improvements over the original Bioshock. Better graphics, stronger enemies, more enemies, dual wielding, actual plasmid leveling system, WAY better hacking(realtime too), streamlined gameplay, wonderful antithesis story, amazing sound design, more endings, deeper little sister involvment. I could go on for a while and go more in depth, butSo lets go down the list of ways Bioshock 2 makes improvements over the original Bioshock. Better graphics, stronger enemies, more enemies, dual wielding, actual plasmid leveling system, WAY better hacking(realtime too), streamlined gameplay, wonderful antithesis story, amazing sound design, more endings, deeper little sister involvment. I could go on for a while and go more in depth, but seriously, everything is better. Go get it, it will be a great way to prepare for Bioshock Infinite Expand
  20. Aug 23, 2014
    0
    This game should have just been a DLC instead of a full-blown sequel. The story is ridiculously short and boring, not to mention poorly voice-acted. And by far the worst sin is that no new plasmids were added, some were tweaked ever so slightly or given new names, but no real new ones were added for the second game. The weapons were also extremely similar to the original game. Some mayThis game should have just been a DLC instead of a full-blown sequel. The story is ridiculously short and boring, not to mention poorly voice-acted. And by far the worst sin is that no new plasmids were added, some were tweaked ever so slightly or given new names, but no real new ones were added for the second game. The weapons were also extremely similar to the original game. Some may see this as staying true to the original, but I see it as lack of originality, inspiration, or imagination. It seems as if the makers of the original Bioshock just got really really really lazy and decided to not change anything because the system worked the first time. Any new plasmids or weapons would have been a welcome addition, not a significant change to the game. Overall, the game just should have been a DLC and I have rarely been so disappointed in a game. Expand
  21. aspentitan
    Feb 10, 2010
    7
    Well, I have only played a few hours obviously but did want to give this game a rush review which is premature of course because I didn
  22. KostasI.
    Feb 20, 2010
    8
    Let me state this off the bat. This game is not nearly as good as the first one. Partly because the magic and wonder is not here any longer, part because of its uninspired corridors, part of the lack of belief that you are a big daddy (yeah a big daddy whos ass can be wooped by 2 splicers with a wrench) and lastly partly because the games world is not meant to be experienced with a Let me state this off the bat. This game is not nearly as good as the first one. Partly because the magic and wonder is not here any longer, part because of its uninspired corridors, part of the lack of belief that you are a big daddy (yeah a big daddy whos ass can be wooped by 2 splicers with a wrench) and lastly partly because the games world is not meant to be experienced with a trigger finger. Despite these problem however this game is awesome. It has a great story, great set pieces and solid action mechanics. To call it Bioshock 2 however is missleading. This game could easily be Bioshock extended or 1.5 or whatever or even a lengthy episode on top of the first one. Its still worth a look but i suggest you rent before you buy. Expand
  23. evap
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    I just picked it up and havn't beaten it yet but i can tell you that this game is about the best sequel you can hope to get from a company that has to follow an epic game like bioshock. Im just voting now because i cant believe these critics are docking this game the score it deserves because the story isnt as solid. hmm, this reminds me of another sequel that got really high scores I just picked it up and havn't beaten it yet but i can tell you that this game is about the best sequel you can hope to get from a company that has to follow an epic game like bioshock. Im just voting now because i cant believe these critics are docking this game the score it deserves because the story isnt as solid. hmm, this reminds me of another sequel that got really high scores even though it had almost no noticeable differences at all from the first...hmm what was that game called? oh yeah modern warfare 2. it gets a 94, a 94...and the game is hardly different from the first...wow. for those of you who actually judge games because of what the critics say..um DONT listen to them on this one. playing this game is most fun i've had in a long time and all i can say is fuck the critics, pick this one up every gamer should. Expand
  24. RyanH.
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    This is game is phenomenal. The story is tol with such an elegance which is extremelly rare for a game. The visuals are stunning and the way the story and action are fused together is sublime. Top this with the outstanding multiplayer and you've got yourself a perfect game. If you enjoyed the first one as much as I did then question as to whether or not you should regiot rapture is a This is game is phenomenal. The story is tol with such an elegance which is extremelly rare for a game. The visuals are stunning and the way the story and action are fused together is sublime. Top this with the outstanding multiplayer and you've got yourself a perfect game. If you enjoyed the first one as much as I did then question as to whether or not you should regiot rapture is a pretty easy one to make. Expand
  25. FPSMaster
    Feb 10, 2010
    8
    Feels like a rehash or cash-in but at the same time feels great because being like the original which was so great is a good thing. It's a "damn if you do, damn if you don't" sort of game. If you liked the original, this is the definition of fan service: more of the same, although with some improvements. If you didn't like the original, just move on. But be warned if you Feels like a rehash or cash-in but at the same time feels great because being like the original which was so great is a good thing. It's a "damn if you do, damn if you don't" sort of game. If you liked the original, this is the definition of fan service: more of the same, although with some improvements. If you didn't like the original, just move on. But be warned if you played the original: Although the game looks sharper & more vividly colored than the original, the texture resolution has been toned back greatly making the game look sharp & low res at the same time which is strange & disappointing. The 360's small storage format most likely to blame for another PS3 multiplat being held back. I guess PS3 owners should be used to this by now even though we have Uncharted 2 sitting right beside this game proving what it could have looked like if designed on the superior console to begin with. What a shame. Expand
  26. StevenA
    Feb 14, 2010
    9
    Bioshock 2 is one of my favourite 2010 games so far, (even though its still early in 2010). Bioshock 1 was considered a masterpiece. Bioshock 2 may be lacking in certain departments, but it has improved in others that needed it. For one, the gameplay: it has been improved with many new features such as the dual-wield. And fighting as Subject Delta is much more fun than fighting as Jack Bioshock 2 is one of my favourite 2010 games so far, (even though its still early in 2010). Bioshock 1 was considered a masterpiece. Bioshock 2 may be lacking in certain departments, but it has improved in others that needed it. For one, the gameplay: it has been improved with many new features such as the dual-wield. And fighting as Subject Delta is much more fun than fighting as Jack from Bioshock 1. I like the story a lot more this time around. There's much more emotion and darkness put into it, although I will admit that Rapture feels more of the same. In some ways, thats a good thing, but still Bioshock 2 feels like it didn't change Rapture at all. And the fact that the graphics have not improved does not help this, at all. I will admit that there is a lot more lighting this time around and it makes the game look really nice. A nice, long single-player mode like the 1st game and a new multiplayer mode which isn't just a "small" addition to the franchise. It's a fun multiplayer mode and it will drain a few hours out of you. It's not nearly as good or Call of Duty's multiplayer, Halo s multiplayer or Uncharted 2's multiplayer, but its better than average. I believe that fans of Bioshock 1 will love Bioshock 2, but will naturally look for things to complain about. If you thought the first one was "just good" because the gameplay was awkward, then give this installment a look, because you might like it more. Expand
  27. JasonF
    Feb 9, 2010
    9
    Multiplayer has stolen the show for me. Interesting backstory and characters, fun (upgradable) weaponry, beautiful and nostalgic environments, and measured level progression all make this one shine; but the best thing may be the lack of weapon or plasmid spamming (overuse by everyone). My biggest qualm is, when will i ever get around to the true story?
  28. ErickG
    Feb 11, 2010
    9
    I am back to Rapture! This game is a blast and although it starts out kind of slow, the pace picks up not long afterwards. I feel more powerful and more ready to face "...them Big Daddies..." now that my one-two punch system is more efficient and time-saving (thus, life-saving). I have been saving my lil sisters so far and i'll kill 'em all later on my second I am back to Rapture! This game is a blast and although it starts out kind of slow, the pace picks up not long afterwards. I feel more powerful and more ready to face "...them Big Daddies..." now that my one-two punch system is more efficient and time-saving (thus, life-saving). I have been saving my lil sisters so far and i'll kill 'em all later on my second playthrough...lol...but it doesn't matter to Big Sister as she is really angry! Multiplayer is crazy fun but takes time to apply Bioshock's somewhat clunky/clumsy control...Honestly, this is the only plus-factor to this installment as to me, the first Bioshock is better story-wise with both being beautiful graphically and are engaging. graphics: 10 sound: 10 gameplay/controls: 8 story: 8 (Bioshock 1 is better story-wise) length: 9 (lots of things to explore...and splice!) A.I.: 9.5 (they're fast and ain't so dumb...I tell you) Over-all: 9/10... "...daddy, it's dancing!..." says the lil sister...I say, 2K, go on and dance you victory dance! Expand
  29. Jan 29, 2011
    7
    i thought the first bio shock was a ok game so didnt have any hype or great expectations for the second and waited for it to come down in price and got it for $10 on amazon, much like the first it is just ok but the first one is alittle bit better. the story mode has you playin as a big daddy out to find his little sister who was taken from him . the story isnt as good as the firsti thought the first bio shock was a ok game so didnt have any hype or great expectations for the second and waited for it to come down in price and got it for $10 on amazon, much like the first it is just ok but the first one is alittle bit better. the story mode has you playin as a big daddy out to find his little sister who was taken from him . the story isnt as good as the first bioshocks with no real suprises in store and no real boss fights. you pretty much have all the same guns as you had in the first game plus the rivet gun and a drill arm . you also have 2 new enimys theese giant brute looking things and the big sisters. the game doesnt feel like any thing fresh and the story doesnt do much . the online is a mixed bag . the servers are complete crap after 9 months you would think they would be more stable you will get kicked out of games alot and i do mean alot . ive gone from level 1-40 in the online and you can go to 50 if you get the DLC that lets you for $4.99 . i passed on it . the game can be fun online provided you are playing with people that are around your level . lvl 40s and higher will just own you at lower levels as they have so many cheap and i do mean UBBER cheap tatctics they can use to just 1 hit kill you causing the game to be very frustrating if you are playing on a team of alot of high lvls and you are just a lower lvl . so the games balance online can be complete crap . the online is also headed on its last leg with people playing it as finding a match online can some times take you 5 min or more some times . all in all bioshock 2 is ok and worth owning if you liked the first one just dont expect a vast improvement to any thing. Expand
  30. Apr 22, 2013
    9
    It's a good game. There are some really awesome stuff but it takes forever to get there. It feels like a psp version of Bioshock. It's still good but it just doesn't want to take any risks in messing anything up. It's hard to follow up to a game that's as good as the original. It's a good attempt.
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 62
  2. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. PSM3 Magazine UK
    93
    Unless the familiarity really gets to you, you're going to love BioShock 2. It's a lovingly crafted, carefully constructed masterpiece of narrative richness and smart game mechanics. It can even be enjoyed as a straight-up shooter thanks to its innovative, tactile combat system. [Feb 2010, p.72]
  2. 91
    It's a game in which story, setting, and gameplay are expertly blended to create an experience that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
  3. 90
    This second tour of duty with far superior toys is everything it needs to be, though. Familiarity breeds a little contempt, but as, simply, a game in which you shoot monsters in city under the sea, it's better in every respect.