BioShock 2

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 784 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 632 out of 784
  2. Mixed: 115 out of 784
  3. Negative: 37 out of 784
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  1. TaylorM
    Feb 23, 2010
    10
    One of the best games ive ever played. It has a storyline just as good as the first one and even better game play with traps and plasmid weapon combos it just gets better and better. Only downfall is a few glitches online that can be fixed with a single patch. I recommend it to anyone.
  2. DavidM
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    Bioshock 2 is a great sequel that makes improvement right where it should. The combat has been greatly revamped and if you dont mind hopping back into a very familiar Rapture, which fans of the first game shouldn't, then this game will hit home with you.
  3. RyH.
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    An incredible game! One of the best I've ever played. It has great gameplay, an amazing multiplayer mode, an awesome story, and one of the most incredible settings - if not the most incredible - I've ever seen in a video game. This game has been improved over the first in every possible way, the only drawback being that the city is not quite as impressive the second time around An incredible game! One of the best I've ever played. It has great gameplay, an amazing multiplayer mode, an awesome story, and one of the most incredible settings - if not the most incredible - I've ever seen in a video game. This game has been improved over the first in every possible way, the only drawback being that the city is not quite as impressive the second time around (because you've lost the initial shock after seeing Rapture for the first time). However, this is to be expected. That said, being able to go out in the water this time around and see Rapture from a new perspective is awesome and a really great addition to the game. Everything about this game is amazing and incredibly fun to play. Make sure you don't miss out on this awesome experience. You won't regret it.… Expand
  4. DFarmer
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    Brilliant Game!
  5. TylerV.
    Feb 11, 2010
    10
    The first Bioshock delivered a story an environment that have yet to be approached by other shooters (and many other game genres) out there. Bioshock 2, while not being able to impress its players in the same way as the first (due to being located in the same setting and the first game's story simply being incredible), still manages to be an amazing game due to a well put together The first Bioshock delivered a story an environment that have yet to be approached by other shooters (and many other game genres) out there. Bioshock 2, while not being able to impress its players in the same way as the first (due to being located in the same setting and the first game's story simply being incredible), still manages to be an amazing game due to a well put together story, refined and augmented gameplay, and the addition of a multiplayer mode.… Expand
  6. Randy
    Feb 19, 2010
    10
    Rapture never grows stale, Going into BS2 i was expecting a decent story in a world fall apart at the seams(and i men because we thought we saw all rapture had to offer) well we thought wrong! Bioshock 2 is an explosion of gameplay, a astonishing soundtrack and one of the most gripping narratives i have ever been told. Playing as a big daddy is loads of fun as splicers fall to the way Rapture never grows stale, Going into BS2 i was expecting a decent story in a world fall apart at the seams(and i men because we thought we saw all rapture had to offer) well we thought wrong! Bioshock 2 is an explosion of gameplay, a astonishing soundtrack and one of the most gripping narratives i have ever been told. Playing as a big daddy is loads of fun as splicers fall to the way side and even other big daddies provide little challenge near the end of this adventure, but thats not a bad thing, if one bid daddies not a challenge heres two more...go nuts. Bioshock 2 is amazing and deserves to be praised as one of gamings greatest adventures.… Expand
  7. MichaelH.
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    This game is amazing, and it is clear that 2K has exceeded all expectations with the quality of the single player and the astounding addition of multiplayer to the mix. There is a reason that Bioshock won so many Game of the Year awards in 2007, and those same reasons: great story, exciting gameplay, intuitive controls, moral and ethical dilemmas inherent within the narrative, and This game is amazing, and it is clear that 2K has exceeded all expectations with the quality of the single player and the astounding addition of multiplayer to the mix. There is a reason that Bioshock won so many Game of the Year awards in 2007, and those same reasons: great story, exciting gameplay, intuitive controls, moral and ethical dilemmas inherent within the narrative, and countless hours of replayability, make Bioshock 2 another epic example of what video games and thoughtful art in general can achieve when it is presented with such masterful ease. This is the game that you must play and I promise you won't regret it.… Expand
  8. m2
    Feb 13, 2010
    10
    For single player lovers: Amazingly complex storyline, albiet short, that keeps you going through the whole 5 hours of gameplay. It is one of few shooters who can give you amazing graphics at more than playable rates with special gameplay mechanics yet tell a deep story that throws you for a wild ride from the continuation of MW. I prefer the better story over extended play time but thats For single player lovers: Amazingly complex storyline, albiet short, that keeps you going through the whole 5 hours of gameplay. It is one of few shooters who can give you amazing graphics at more than playable rates with special gameplay mechanics yet tell a deep story that throws you for a wild ride from the continuation of MW. I prefer the better story over extended play time but thats a quality I like to see in my games. >For multiplayer lovers: If you go this route then be prepared to be dissappointed... maybe. I could care less for dedicated servers right now as long as they delievered an intuitive and fast game style where your never doing nothing for a long time. The bad stuff is you can't bend around corners, no dedicated servers, at times bad lag, and a game picking style similar to consol games like Halo 2. Conclusion: Great singleplayer if your looking for quality over quantity, mediocer multiplayer if you enjoy playing with friends for kicks and giggles but definitely not a clan game. I gave it a 9 because singleplayer for me comes first since multiplayer is pretty vanilla for the FPS genre. Don't like MW2 multiplayer? Then go get something else.… Expand
  9. HLime
    Feb 13, 2010
    10
    Rapture is still gorgeous; the voice acting is top-notch, as before; and, the story that gradually emerges through recordings and through various scenes is gripping. Unlike most FPS games that focus on the plane of the horizon, Bioshock 2's stunning scenery is an encompassing, breathing, creature, up, down, and all-around. The ocean, the statuary, it's all stunning, even this Rapture is still gorgeous; the voice acting is top-notch, as before; and, the story that gradually emerges through recordings and through various scenes is gripping. Unlike most FPS games that focus on the plane of the horizon, Bioshock 2's stunning scenery is an encompassing, breathing, creature, up, down, and all-around. The ocean, the statuary, it's all stunning, even this second trip down. It's not the life-encompassing RPG that ME2 or Oblivion is--and it's not meant to be. It's an entirely manageable dozen-hour or so adventure into great storytelling, some great FPS action, and stunning scenes and music. Heartily recommended. … Expand
  10. ChristianT.
    Feb 28, 2010
    10
    While the world of Rapture felt far less mysterious and haunting the second time around, an improved combat system and stronger character development make Bioshock 2 a game worth playing over and over.
  11. GarrettC.
    Feb 28, 2010
    10
    The story might not have as many twists and turns and the characters might not be as memorable BUT Bioshock 2 beats out the original in game play in every way. Hacking is improved, duel wield weapons and plasmids, upgrades are more noticeable in plasmids and weapons and controls a lot smother. Sill has the creepy feel with new foes and a lot of decayed environments. Rapture is still The story might not have as many twists and turns and the characters might not be as memorable BUT Bioshock 2 beats out the original in game play in every way. Hacking is improved, duel wield weapons and plasmids, upgrades are more noticeable in plasmids and weapons and controls a lot smother. Sill has the creepy feel with new foes and a lot of decayed environments. Rapture is still awesome and the story of Bioshock 2 is the best you will find, well besides the original.… Expand
  12. JamieC.
    Feb 12, 2010
    10
    Okay bioshock one was astounding, the only real reason still to by a 360 from my point of veiw, but then again it came out improved on the ps3, this is irrelevent i am just trying to say that the first one was veryyy good, now bioshock 2 has alot of competition to top the original. i feel that the main gameplay, more weaponry, plasmids/ guns at the same time, ect ect it also fills in the Okay bioshock one was astounding, the only real reason still to by a 360 from my point of veiw, but then again it came out improved on the ps3, this is irrelevent i am just trying to say that the first one was veryyy good, now bioshock 2 has alot of competition to top the original. i feel that the main gameplay, more weaponry, plasmids/ guns at the same time, ect ect it also fills in the backstory of big daddies and other large gaps in the originals mysterious past. Now i really enjoyed bioshock 2, i played through on hard and i felt it was really an absorbing experience, yes some dodgy textures here and there but the over all beauty of rapture more than makes up for it with charm and character. the fact that your now a big daddy does make it a little differnt you feel a big heavier when you first start but you get used to it very quickly, i am a die hard bioshock fan and this hasnt tarnished the games name at all it has only added to it, the fact that this is below 90 at 88 is beyond me but i guess its down to opinion, i would really highly recommend this game, best release of 2010 so far, and will definatly keep you occupied till god of war 3 :) Good job 2K you gave me a very good 20 hours or so of gaming there and i have hardly scratched the Multiplayer.… Expand
  13. JackH
    Feb 13, 2010
    10
    What's wrong with these critics? I think the most spot on one I read out of these was Games Radar. I'm deffinately going to that website more often. I'm sure there will be some that don't like it. I loved the first Bioshock, and love this one EVEN MORE. It's just more fun because of simple things. The hacking is soooo much better (no more annoying Pipe Dream). What's wrong with these critics? I think the most spot on one I read out of these was Games Radar. I'm deffinately going to that website more often. I'm sure there will be some that don't like it. I loved the first Bioshock, and love this one EVEN MORE. It's just more fun because of simple things. The hacking is soooo much better (no more annoying Pipe Dream). Duel Wielding makes a huge difference. Everything just feels better. More plasmids. See for me, I love setting up defensive type of stuff and strategy, such as turrets, traps, etc. proximity mines... this is my dream game. And the difficulty is perfect as well. Really, just go pick this up. Either way you'll be happy. If you love what I mentioned, such as defense and strategy in a FPS, don't even think anymore, just go get it. Have no money? Rob someone, go get it. Now.… Expand
  14. JakC
    Feb 13, 2010
    10
    this game is perfect at everything it tries to do, and it does a lot. It starts with a truly unique atmosphere thats just as amazing the 2nd time around, add in a pretty good dose of variously afflicted foes with different tactics and personalities, gives you a nice assortment of weapons to chose from with an equally nice assortment of upgrades that can be set up to reflect your this game is perfect at everything it tries to do, and it does a lot. It starts with a truly unique atmosphere thats just as amazing the 2nd time around, add in a pretty good dose of variously afflicted foes with different tactics and personalities, gives you a nice assortment of weapons to chose from with an equally nice assortment of upgrades that can be set up to reflect your indevidual style, add in a cohesive, intreguing story that has to be approached with a certain amount of strategy and shazam, there it is right there, a game thats truly on top of its.....game !!… Expand
  15. jamie
    Sep 25, 2010
    10
    I f you loved the first game you WILL love this game. There is really no way to hate this game with all the content that is given. It's a fantastic shooter.
  16. thebigbusser
    Nov 24, 2010
    10
    While I can't say it was as original in its delivery as the first Bioshock was, and wasn't as long, it was still awesome. I enjoyed it as much, and appreciated the tweaks in the controls.
  17. xXRenTyrellXx
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    One hell of a sequel! "Bioshock 2" is packed with more action, more characters, more mystery, more story, more fun! Fans of the first installment should have quite a blast with this new, incredible sequel.
  18. WesAdair
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    While I am aware that Bioshock 2 is not much of a environment change (considering it's still in Rapture) that in no way stops it from being quite an impressive edition. The world of Rapture has somehow gotten even more beautiful since the last time we saw it. You play as a big daddy which heightens the coolness of the game, makes you stronger, faster and all around better. The story isWhile I am aware that Bioshock 2 is not much of a environment change (considering it's still in Rapture) that in no way stops it from being quite an impressive edition. The world of Rapture has somehow gotten even more beautiful since the last time we saw it. You play as a big daddy which heightens the coolness of the game, makes you stronger, faster and all around better. The story is great, as are the characters. In my book Bioshock 2 is just as grand as the first.… Expand
  19. BenOz5
    Jan 16, 2012
    10
    I didn't think anything could beat Bioshock as my favourite game ever. that was until no2 came along. I need a 11 rating for this as i put 10 for Bioshock 1.
    The story is better, the plasmids are improved, the weapons are a step up and the fact that i can simultaneously use my weapons and plasmids really opened up the game!
    Love it, my new fav game of all time!
  20. lelefoxx00
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    Perfection yet again! They took an already amazing game and turned it into an amazing sequel with new characters, new enemies, and a whole new situation. You now get to see what it is like to be a big daddy and see what Rapture has now become. Not to mention and the new improvements they added to hacking! I could not have asked for a better sequel! It even adds a new version of the BigPerfection yet again! They took an already amazing game and turned it into an amazing sequel with new characters, new enemies, and a whole new situation. You now get to see what it is like to be a big daddy and see what Rapture has now become. Not to mention and the new improvements they added to hacking! I could not have asked for a better sequel! It even adds a new version of the Big Daddy known as the Big Sister and be ready because she will give you a run for your money!… Expand
  21. peters554
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    I believe this game is well developed and I do agree that there are not as many twists and turns as the first but its story line is vary elaborate and entertaining.
  22. Magma17
    May 30, 2018
    10
    Bioshock 2 tem o peso de fazer a sequencia de um dos títulos mais importantes para o mundo dos games,porém não apostaram em nada de muito novo,jogaram na zona segura,mantendo oque funcionava com pequenas adições e melhorias.
    Agora o protagonista se trata de Subject Delta um Big Daddy,o mais famoso habitante de Rapture,e isso influência diretamente no Gameplay,onde se sente mais peso ao    Bioshock 2 tem o peso de fazer a sequencia de um dos títulos mais importantes para o mundo dos games,porém não apostaram em nada de muito novo,jogaram na zona segura,mantendo oque funcionava com pequenas adições e melhorias.
    Agora o protagonista se trata de Subject Delta um Big Daddy,o mais famoso habitante de Rapture,e isso influência diretamente no Gameplay,onde se sente mais peso ao controlar o personagem,mas mesmo assim ele é mais rápido que os demais Big Daddys,porém menos resistente,nada muito diferente do primeiro título.
    As únicas mudanças em relação as armas são as armadilhas e a broca,de restante são apenas versões "mais do mesmo".
    Uma novidade bem vinda se da ao fato de usarmos as duas mãos,uma para Plasmids e a outra para a arma de fogo,além de ataques corpo a corpo poderem ser realizados com qualquer arma,e não apenas com a chave de grifo.
    Inimigos:
    Apenas dois novos inimigos foram adicionados,além de novas variações de Big Daddys.
    Brute:Splicers com foco em corpo a corpo,resistentes e além de jogar objetos pesados em você.
    Big Sister:São Little Sisters em sua fase adulta.
    O sistema de pesquisa e hackeamento,foram aperfeiçoados,ficaram mais dinâmicos e menos cansativos.
    Bioshock 2 se mantem na zona de conforto e traz uma experiência muito semelhante ao jogo anterior,é uma DLC Full Price,poucas novidades,porém é necessário muito mais do que isso para tirar o mérito de uma obra de arte como essa.    … Expand
  23. Daniel_N
    Oct 18, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What I love about this game is the fact that the story is more complex and fun than the original. This sequel is amazing, top-notch, and has amazing gameplay and graphics with three optional sad endings. This is by far one of my favorite games of all time, without a doubt.… Expand
  24. Bestbakes
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Amazing story and characters. The decaying atmosphere is very well done. Gameplay is better than the first.
  25. BillM
    Feb 10, 2010
    9
    I think alot of the people reviewing Bio 2 are comparing it to the first Bio. If you you look at this game by itself, the gameplay surpasses that of the first one. Bio 2 is the best fps I have experienced, and I have played alot of them. My advice is to play the game like there was no first one, don't compare. This way you will see how much better of a game Bio 2 is.
  26. NateB
    Feb 10, 2010
    9
    While no sequel can truly live up to the original in terms of story as the mystery and wonder have been spent, this game does improve on every gameplay mechanic from the first. The hacking mechanism is greatly improved, graphics are more vibrant, sound fine tuned and the overall level design is just more balanced and more carefully thought out. A must own if you enjoyed the first Bioshock While no sequel can truly live up to the original in terms of story as the mystery and wonder have been spent, this game does improve on every gameplay mechanic from the first. The hacking mechanism is greatly improved, graphics are more vibrant, sound fine tuned and the overall level design is just more balanced and more carefully thought out. A must own if you enjoyed the first Bioshock and at least worth a rental if you're unfamiliar with the series.… Expand
  27. ChrisH
    Feb 9, 2010
    9
    The first Bioshock was almost perfect to begin with (imho) but they still improved lots of things in the game like plasmids, weapons, and hacking. They also put in a lot more action sequences like escorting little sisters and fighting big sisters. The multiplayer was mediocre at best, but if you liked the first Bioshock then theres no reason why you wont like the second.
  28. Sh0dan
    Feb 16, 2010
    9
    I was one of the outspoken sceptics about this game having loved the original so much. However after playing it now, I can honestly say it was money well spent. Its lost some of the magic of the original, the developers don
  29. SamuelB
    Feb 16, 2010
    9
    I won't argue- when I first started playing the game I had felt a tinge of disappointment. As everyone else has said, the second trip to Rapture is never as mind-blowing as the first time around- yet when that's virtually all you can hold against a game, it has to be one helluva game. Bioshock 2's only flaw was that it clung too tightly to what it had done the first time I won't argue- when I first started playing the game I had felt a tinge of disappointment. As everyone else has said, the second trip to Rapture is never as mind-blowing as the first time around- yet when that's virtually all you can hold against a game, it has to be one helluva game. Bioshock 2's only flaw was that it clung too tightly to what it had done the first time around, so it doesn't feel groundbreaking like the first one did. Asides from an alteration in hacking and the new set of characters, it feels like it could very well be the first game but refurbished. With most other games, this could be considered a cardinal sin for a sequel, but Bioshock 2 remains the same incredible thrill ride the second time around as it was when the original came out. But don't let me gripe about this game's single Achilles Heel- the pros still outweigh the bad 3 to 1 here. The game does everything right the first game did and subtly improved on it's flaws, and coming back to explore the tortured city of broken dreams that is Rapture makes it worth the 60$. Plus, nothing beats ramming a noisome Splicer at 50MPH with your Big Daddy drill. Nothing. Don't let the officials less-than-glowing reviews fool you- most of these are based off of disappointment from sheer hype alone rather then the game's actual substance. If you don't have this game in your library, you're only holding out on yourself.… Expand
  30. JeffL
    Feb 22, 2010
    9
    I didn't expect it, but I've had a ton of fun playing this game. The game is interesting in that you rarely end up dying from a fight but the battles are really intense and give you the feeling that you might. The combat is much faster paced and there are a wide variety of plasmids/new weapons you can use with some really empowering effects. Ultimately, forget it says "2" at the I didn't expect it, but I've had a ton of fun playing this game. The game is interesting in that you rarely end up dying from a fight but the battles are really intense and give you the feeling that you might. The combat is much faster paced and there are a wide variety of plasmids/new weapons you can use with some really empowering effects. Ultimately, forget it says "2" at the end and if you want, play it, I don't think you'll be upset.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
15
#15 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
34
#34 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 93 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 93
  3. Negative: 0 out of 93
  1. GamePro
    100
    Still, BioShock 2 not only re-captures the dystopian aesthetic, gripping narrative, and deep gameplay of Irrational's original, but it actually greatly improves on the BioShock experience as a whole, fine-tuning what made Jack's voyage to Rapture such a memorable experience two years ago.
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  2. MS Xbox World
    85
    It's well over two year's since we first had the privilege to be submerged into the world of Rapture for the very first time. In contrast to the first outing, the sequel certainly delivers that same and unique feel with the combination of well thought out design and audio. It's not so much 'better' than the original, but provides enough twists and turns to keep us unadulterately submerged in this mesmerizing underwater (and demented) utopia.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    85
    Rapture may not be as mysterious and intriguing this second time around, but it is nonetheless host to a powerful and moving tale that allows you to better realize--or pervert--Ryan's principles at your own discretion. Regardless of whether or not this is a return visit to paradise lost, there is plenty to be found here to make it a worthwhile, meaningful, and compelling one.
    Read full review
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