BioShock 2

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 759 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 599 out of 759
  2. Mixed: 126 out of 759
  3. Negative: 34 out of 759
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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Deathwurm
    Jan 14, 2015
    10
    A very worthy successor to Bioshock & an amazing game in it's own right. Some very interesting differences in what you are & what you'll meet. I'll simply say that the Big Sister freaked me out!
    As in Bioshock the graphics and sound are amazing. The story is not quite as good as Bioshock IMO but I still enjoyed it.
    If you play, be sure to look around because there are lots of Easter    A very worthy successor to Bioshock & an amazing game in it's own right. Some very interesting differences in what you are & what you'll meet. I'll simply say that the Big Sister freaked me out!
    As in Bioshock the graphics and sound are amazing. The story is not quite as good as Bioshock IMO but I still enjoyed it.
    If you play, be sure to look around because there are lots of Easter Eggs that refer to the first game.    … Expand
  6. Genie_Jason
    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)
  7. zarg556
    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
  8. ArGEN2m
    May 26, 2012
    10
    Great game but i played bioshock 1 and Bioshock 2 become for me good game but not ideal as 1. Singleplayer is good not more.Also, Multiplayer is very cool, i find many problems as ballistic, i can't forget it for new weapon, new plasmids, skills ang game types from this game as capture the sister, civil war an order. My advice - bioshock 2 need buy!
  9. cricketlenny
    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
  10. EvilEye
    Jan 14, 2013
    10
    Bioshock maybe the best series of games i
  11. Inlikeflynn
    Mar 25, 2013
    10
    Bioshock 2 did everything I didn't get with the original, better gameplay, better story and overall a better game, I liked almost every aspect about this game over it's older sibling. one thing that I can complain about is the length, significantly short compare to bioshock 1, but still; amazing game
  12. MadPax5000
    May 9, 2017
    10
    Not a sequel to the first Bioshock but definite connection to it. A game i enjoyed as much as i did the first one.

    The plot, the storyline is what the series is all about. The previous game, and the one that follows (infinite) are not sequels but highly recommend playing in the order since they are all connected somehow
  13. PaupiTLD
    May 22, 2018
    10
    Excelente juego!! jugué varias veces la campaña y llegue a platinarlo y hoy en día juego mucho al multijugador porque es muy adictivo! recomendado!!
  14. iFrosty
    Apr 4, 2022
    10
    Best game in its generation.
    Best game in its generation.
    Best game in its generation.
  15. dwgfgq
    Apr 18, 2023
    10
    this it's a very good, have an good story not so long but have 6 finals and that are very good, game play that when you hav an ps4 or ps3
  16. OMGitsTHEMEMI
    Jul 11, 2023
    10
    An amazing sequel that is better than the first game both the main story and the Minerva's den dlc are 10 out of 10.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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?
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Justinavery7074
    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.
  23. Clanka
    Apr 22, 2011
    9
    Honestly Bioshock 2 was a slight failure but there is nothing wrong with it at all. The graphics are almost the same but there is nothing at all wrong with that, it didn't need a revamp. The combat is impressive and fun and the new enemies feel fresh. The story is not as complex as the original but Sofia Lamb is a fitting replacement of Andrew Ryan. 8/10
  24. Isaac
    Apr 15, 2011
    9
    I was one of those who thought that the original bioshock was indeed a great game, but not a classic. It had many issues and for me it wasn't memorable. However, I dont question the game's brilliance. As a first person shooter Bioshock is as good as it can get( along with Half Life 2). So Bioshock 2 comes up and I happen to like it just as much as the first. Admitedly it doesn't feel freshI was one of those who thought that the original bioshock was indeed a great game, but not a classic. It had many issues and for me it wasn't memorable. However, I dont question the game's brilliance. As a first person shooter Bioshock is as good as it can get( along with Half Life 2). So Bioshock 2 comes up and I happen to like it just as much as the first. Admitedly it doesn't feel fresh or unique as the first but it still has many of the things that made the original so awsome. I loved the fact that you play as a prototype big daddy and the story shows life in rapture from a big daddy's point of view. The gameplay has improved. There are more gene tonics, more plasmids, new weapons( the drill being the best of them all) and generally a refined experience. I actually though the story was just as good as the first's. The plot unfolds in a very subtle way and isn't a copycat to the first Bioshock's, as you would expect. The graphics are, more or less, the same but the sound is really fantastic. The sound effects really pulls you deeper into the game, I constantly had shivers thanks to the epic/scary music the game throws at you at certain times. So, to sum it all up, Bioshock 2 is brilliant. Anyone who thought Bioshock was one of the best games of all time would be dissapointed with this game. If you are like me and you really liked the first game, mainly the gameplay over the story, then Bioshock 2 will definatly be great for you. Nowadays it's dirt cheap( I bought it for 5 pounds) and I can tell it's worth much more then that. Fantastic game.… Expand
  25. TheReplayReview
    Jan 25, 2011
    9
    I'm glad I scored Bioshock 2 so well on my scale. Sounds like a weird thing to say, but I remember being really disappointed upon reading the initial reviews of Bioshock 2. Many reviewers couldnâ
  26. chicagopiano
    Aug 12, 2011
    9
    Though this game is not as good as the first story and graphics wise it is still a great game. The story though not as interesting is easier to understand due to it's simplicity. For some reason the graphics have received a downgrade, I know it was developed by a different team but still you'd think they would improve on it. Bioshock 2 does fix up the little gameplay problems that were inThough this game is not as good as the first story and graphics wise it is still a great game. The story though not as interesting is easier to understand due to it's simplicity. For some reason the graphics have received a downgrade, I know it was developed by a different team but still you'd think they would improve on it. Bioshock 2 does fix up the little gameplay problems that were in the first one. Multiplayer is quite enjoyable with a CoD style level up system though there aren't that many people playing it.… Expand
  27. EvillivE
    Nov 16, 2011
    9
    Bioshock is awesome. Bioshock 2 is a sequel to an awesome game. Where else can you go from the top except downward. The graphics in this game are great and really capture the look and feel of Rapture as it slowly falls apart. The gameplay is greatly impoved and makes the game more fun to play. having plasmids and guns out at the same time is exactly what this game needed, and theBioshock is awesome. Bioshock 2 is a sequel to an awesome game. Where else can you go from the top except downward. The graphics in this game are great and really capture the look and feel of Rapture as it slowly falls apart. The gameplay is greatly impoved and makes the game more fun to play. having plasmids and guns out at the same time is exactly what this game needed, and the weapons have never been more fun to play with. Trap rivets, mini turrets, and an auto-hack gun are great for strategically overpower enemies and protect your little sisters from harm. But as the narrative plays out, I couldn't help but get this feeling that I'm playing a typical "shinny sequel." The story and environments are good but not as good as the original. The original had a sense of mystery about it that this game doesn't. The original bioshock was almost scary with its mystery, but this game isn't. Andrew Ryan is one of the best video game villians I've ever seen, but Lamb just comes across as a good villian. This game impoves on a lot as far as gameplay is conserned but lacks the same punch the first had. I hate holding games at certain expectations, but I feel there is no other way to describe this games faults without doing so. The game is good, but it shies just short of greatness.… Expand
  28. Santi_RHCP
    Mar 11, 2012
    9
    Bioshock 2 takes the elements from the first title but innovates in many ways. Lots of new enemies, weapons, a new story in which you are now a big daddy and a multiplayer mode are the main highlights of this game. The only negative thing I can say is that the multiplayer suffers from lag sometimes and the story should have been longer. If you loved the first Bioshock, you shouldBioshock 2 takes the elements from the first title but innovates in many ways. Lots of new enemies, weapons, a new story in which you are now a big daddy and a multiplayer mode are the main highlights of this game. The only negative thing I can say is that the multiplayer suffers from lag sometimes and the story should have been longer. If you loved the first Bioshock, you should definitely try this one.… Expand
  29. sityoazzdown
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    Very good game, especially the gameplay. Like most bioshock games though all the stories seem to be a little confusing since it is a made up world; or maybe it was just me. But even though this is almost the same game as bioshock I still enjoyed it because of the variety of ways to play with the guns and all, and more variety of enemies. The multiplayer was a plus and very fun, somethingVery good game, especially the gameplay. Like most bioshock games though all the stories seem to be a little confusing since it is a made up world; or maybe it was just me. But even though this is almost the same game as bioshock I still enjoyed it because of the variety of ways to play with the guns and all, and more variety of enemies. The multiplayer was a plus and very fun, something different. I would say I felt the ending was dragged out, but still a great game.… Expand
  30. tekneek344
    Jun 28, 2012
    9
    Bioshock 2 may have sacrificed storytelling for cleaner gameplay, but the story is still well written and better than your average VG narrative. Sophia Lamb isn't nearly as charismatic as Andrew Ryan but succeeds in getting me to despise her, making her a decent antagonist at worst. Gameplay tweaks seem minor at first, but dual wielding guns and plasmids, the ability to melee with anyBioshock 2 may have sacrificed storytelling for cleaner gameplay, but the story is still well written and better than your average VG narrative. Sophia Lamb isn't nearly as charismatic as Andrew Ryan but succeeds in getting me to despise her, making her a decent antagonist at worst. Gameplay tweaks seem minor at first, but dual wielding guns and plasmids, the ability to melee with any weapon, and the new real time reflex-based hacking system made a world of difference. I had more fun protecting the little sisters in this game than the first. Probably due to the unstoppability I felt having improved plasmids, weapons, traps, and ample time to set up and unleash my inner Macaulay Culkin whenever I was ready to harvest.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS3 Game of 2010
17
#17 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
33
#33 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 62
  3. 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. IGN
    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.
    Read full review
  3. IGN UK
    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.
    Read full review
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