User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 3152 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Dec 4, 2011
    10
    Bioshock is an amazing game that will immersify you into the experience and not let you go till the end. The city of Rapture is beautiful with so much detail and so much to do that you will be constantly distracted. The graphics are great and the dialogue is just amazing too. The playability is great too as you get plasmids and being able to upgrade yourself is fun as you become king ofBioshock is an amazing game that will immersify you into the experience and not let you go till the end. The city of Rapture is beautiful with so much detail and so much to do that you will be constantly distracted. The graphics are great and the dialogue is just amazing too. The playability is great too as you get plasmids and being able to upgrade yourself is fun as you become king of the city, it's awesome. The plot is well-made and the twists are wow-inducing as well. Bioshock holds the tense atmosphere very well and delivers some high-octane scares. The big daddy enemies are the toughest in gaming history and you will feel thrilled fighting one. There is so much to do and so little that is wrong maybe except for a few graphics problem and some nitpicky yet very minor control issues but they don't damage the experience at all. Overall, Bioshock is a great and immersifying game that is fun to play and will stay in your mind as one of the greatest games ever. Breakdown for "Bioshock": Presentation: 10, Graphics: 9.6, Sound: 10, Playability: 9.8, Lasting Appeal: 9.5, Verdict: 9.7 out of 10, "Amazing". Expand
  2. Mar 18, 2012
    10
    There is nary a game as mesmerising, as emotionally powerful, or as artistically fascinating as 2007's Bioshock. From the moment the player stepped into the bathysphere and Andrew Ryan's voice came over the radio, they were plunged deep into the dark world of Rapture and the twisted tale of the city. Rapture is amazing from every angle. The art style is a stunning blend of old 50s-60s andThere is nary a game as mesmerising, as emotionally powerful, or as artistically fascinating as 2007's Bioshock. From the moment the player stepped into the bathysphere and Andrew Ryan's voice came over the radio, they were plunged deep into the dark world of Rapture and the twisted tale of the city. Rapture is amazing from every angle. The art style is a stunning blend of old 50s-60s and science fiction underwater utopia. The tainted and tattered visage it gives stirs emotions and raises hairs. Manifesting in this rusty bucket is one of the best stories told in a videogame. The characters are unendingly fascinating and the events that drive the plot powerful. Given that Bioshock is a "slow shooter", discovering hidden secrets and old memories is a chilling and exciting experience. Combat is largely frantic here; enemies will be jumping and running about, and blots of fire and ice among the usual hail of bullets will fly in all directions. It is nothing precise and clinical, but it works well given the style of the game. Perhaps the only real fault is the ending part, which was less well executed and rather scrappy. The ending itself was disappointing and only managed to raise eyebrows in cynicism. Fortunately, it only manages to be a tiny speck on an otherwise magnificent experience. A true masterpiece. Expand
  3. Nov 30, 2011
    10
    After the announcement of Bioshock:Infinite I found myself craving a return to the world o Rapture. Even compared to modern games it is epic. A classic. This game drips atmosphere, and the whole experience is memorable. If you haven't plaed this game already, buy it now. Best £5 you will spend.
  4. Nov 15, 2011
    9
    This game is brilliant! In 2007 it was underrated hit!!! If you missed this game you should play it now!!! Story is awesome! Graphics are amazing! Writing this review made me wanna play it again! Just play and see it for yourself.
  5. Dec 15, 2011
    10
    This game does two things well. Provide a solid FPS with great gameplay mechanics and vibrant visuals, but that's the least interesting one. The thing it does REALLY well, and that one that kept me enthralled from beginning to end is that it actually tells a story. A good one two. It also shows the values of ethics and morality through references to Ayn Rands philosophy, and has a greatThis game does two things well. Provide a solid FPS with great gameplay mechanics and vibrant visuals, but that's the least interesting one. The thing it does REALLY well, and that one that kept me enthralled from beginning to end is that it actually tells a story. A good one two. It also shows the values of ethics and morality through references to Ayn Rands philosophy, and has a great atmosphere to it! Expand
  6. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    The most fun I have had in a game in a long time period. Bio shock does it for me this is why I play games. Shot my wife who is also a player would not let me finish the game until she was watching because she wanted to see how it ended. That is one good story if the people who are just watching you play do not want you the finish this title until they are there to see the end you know itThe most fun I have had in a game in a long time period. Bio shock does it for me this is why I play games. Shot my wife who is also a player would not let me finish the game until she was watching because she wanted to see how it ended. That is one good story if the people who are just watching you play do not want you the finish this title until they are there to see the end you know it is special. The graphics a great and the game controls are awsome. Just remember once you start you won't stop until you are done. THIS IS GAMING BUY IT. Expand
  7. Nov 22, 2011
    9
    The thing that most stands out about Bioshock, is that unlike other most other games it possesses an interesting and involving storyline and world. As a Politics student, I found the references to ideas of Ayn Rand's philosophy of a lawless, individual centric world realised here in the context of a previous period of history to be utterly captivating, and not overly ridiculous either.
    A
    The thing that most stands out about Bioshock, is that unlike other most other games it possesses an interesting and involving storyline and world. As a Politics student, I found the references to ideas of Ayn Rand's philosophy of a lawless, individual centric world realised here in the context of a previous period of history to be utterly captivating, and not overly ridiculous either.
    A world in which every crazy and often unpleasant scientific experiment is permitted, where the strong feel no compunction to take advantage of the weak. A world in which the worst essences of humans is given scope and license to be explored. All of this is what so enthralled me about Rapture.
    The game itself is not perfect. Despite the very interesting notion of plasmids (power ups in essence), it quickly becomes clear that a few will be your primary choices for the majority of the game. And despite the menace and creepiness of the game's atmosphere, this can be sadly suspended a bit at times owing to what feels like stupid, unreactive AI behaviour.
    But despite this, the world drips with character and a decaying perverse charm to such an extent that you will regularly spend time just wandering around, dreading the thud thud thud that you often hear long before you lay eyes on one of the ferocious Big Daddies.
    I couldn't recommend Bioshock more. To an FPS fan of COD leanings, this is by no means as slick or polished, nor do the controls feel as exact and sharp. But the slightly clumsy interaction felt in keeping with the ethos of this world, dilapidated and creaking as Rapture is. You never feel overpowered, you always feel as though you could be overwhelmed and are forced to think as a result.
    If nothing else, if you're looking for a sense of place in a game, if you want a game with strong philosophical and political commentary, both overt and often more subtle. Then Bioshock will be a delight to experience, rough edges permitting.
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  8. Dec 28, 2011
    10
    In my opinion, this game has the best narrative. The atmosphere this game creates is one that makes you feel like anything will happen. It's dark, creepy and ominous. Though I'm not very picky with graphics, playing this game 4 years after it's release had me amazed at how well the visuals had aged. This game is a masterpiece.
  9. Jan 2, 2012
    10
    One of, if not, the most unique game I have played. The story, setting, and types of characters are extremely compelling and unique, as is the visual style of the game. The game will take around 15 hours to complete, depending on what difficulty you play it on, and is definitely a game you will want to play multiple times. The thing that really makes the game stand out from any otherOne of, if not, the most unique game I have played. The story, setting, and types of characters are extremely compelling and unique, as is the visual style of the game. The game will take around 15 hours to complete, depending on what difficulty you play it on, and is definitely a game you will want to play multiple times. The thing that really makes the game stand out from any other shooter is that the setting and game play really bring you into the atmosphere. The controls feel great, and this is definitely recommended to anyone looking for a great game to spend your time on. Story-10/10
    Visuals-9/10
    Gameplay-10/10
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  10. Jan 16, 2012
    10
    Totally origingal and amazing. Takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, give you power unlike any other game, the many options you can get, power ups, weapons are great, the environment is just soo beautiful and brilliant. The shocks and jumpy moments keep you on your toes and the game is lon enough to keep you interested but not too long so you get bored. The storyline is one of the bestTotally origingal and amazing. Takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, give you power unlike any other game, the many options you can get, power ups, weapons are great, the environment is just soo beautiful and brilliant. The shocks and jumpy moments keep you on your toes and the game is lon enough to keep you interested but not too long so you get bored. The storyline is one of the best i have come across and the twist at the end is just too much to put into words,. All in all i can highly recommend this game to one and all. Put down you COD or BF or Halo and get this on the go, it will test your mind, test your trigger fingers and put you in a proper story. Expand
  11. Jan 21, 2012
    10
    Immersive atmosphere. Hands-down some of the best voice acting ever in a game. Interesting cast of characters. Solid graphics and sound schemes. Mysterious beginning to a story that's slowly explained to the player throughout, ending with a twist. That's Bioshock! From the player's visual perspective, this is a first-person shooter. However, I'd almost argue you need another genreImmersive atmosphere. Hands-down some of the best voice acting ever in a game. Interesting cast of characters. Solid graphics and sound schemes. Mysterious beginning to a story that's slowly explained to the player throughout, ending with a twist. That's Bioshock! From the player's visual perspective, this is a first-person shooter. However, I'd almost argue you need another genre of FPS for this type of game as it's by no means a run, shoot, and kill everything in sight type of deal. Expand
  12. Jan 22, 2012
    10
    When it came out, it gave me a refreshing break from online multiplayer. It definitely has the best story of any game out there. The game play is wonderful and so is the sound. If you have never played this game, PLAY IT! Bioshock Infinite should be releasing sometime this year and I cannot wait!
  13. Feb 5, 2012
    10
    Best fps game I have ever played. Fantastic storyline, Amazing setting, Great graphics (For its time), Great gameplay in every way. Replay value is high. Also this game isn't boring like people say it is. Its not just a generic shooter like CoD, or Brink. I found this game fun as hell to play.
  14. Mar 27, 2012
    9
    A game with a inmersive setting, elegance and impressive art. In addition it is entertained, interesting and with many personality. The classic unforgettable one.
  15. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    Breathtaking. Immersive. Gripping. Just a few words to describe one of the most innovative releases in the seventh generation. Best enjoyed with a good cigar, a glass of wine, and some good old 45's spinning on the record player. A pistol in arm's reach wouldn't hurt either.
  16. Mar 16, 2012
    9
    Bioshock is refreshing and original, even years past it's release. The atmosphere is creepy, but utilizes actual eerie moments than jump scares. The only complaint is that near the end of the game it opts to fall into samey corridor shooting, and sacrifices it's atmosphere for action, but this is a small flaw in what is otherwise a perfect game. A must-have for any shooter, puzzle, or horror fan.
  17. Mar 21, 2012
    8
    Overall good game. Worth the ten bucks i paid for it, for sure. It could use some better detail but has an amazing storyline. The style to the game is so different that its hard not to like it. Gonna pick up the second one later today.
  18. Mar 27, 2012
    10
    Bioshock has everything a game needs so far. A brilliant and intense story, an amazing athmosphere and a fresh and uncommon settting. Not to forget the technique, that was top notch at the moment, when it has been released.
  19. Apr 11, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Games produced by 2K are well known for delivering a haunting, intense and immersive atmosphere. "The Darkness" gave us a compelling character caught up in a war against himself and "Borderlands" put us in the seat of a post apocalyptic world where survival was the only priority. Despite having a different developer, The "Fallout" series was renowned for perfecting the "dead world" concept, but Bioshock requires no atomic bombs or weapons of mass destruction to offer such a depressing, haunting and immersive story. Welcome to rapture, a city at the very bottom of the Atlantic ocean. A plane crash in the game's beginning sees you seek this city for refuge, but refuge is the last thing you could ever hope to find. The city of Rapture has recently been completely devoured by its very own creator, Andrew Ryan. He has single-handedly torn the fine fabrics of civilisation and turned the citizens of this once great city against themselves. The question that constantly comes to your head whilst playing the game is "Why am I down here and what use am I in all of this?". It's quite simple really. Atlas, a man who's identification is never completely found out, has contacted you through a radio system and is basically telling you what to do in order to save his family and leave Rapture, but the task isn't quite that simple. Bioshock is not what most people would expect this "shooter" to be. Yes, it is a shooter, but heavy RPG elements, such as creating and collecting different types of gadgets from all sorts of places, strengthen the games concept and make it much more compelling from every point of view. The enemies are where the game really gets interesting. The main foes that you'll encounter are demon-like "Splicers". These creatures are the previous tenants of the city and have been transformed by some sort of substance which is unknown. Apart from these are the famed "Big Daddies", monstrous warriors whose sole task is to protect "Little Sisters". Little sisters are demonic little girls who may sound innocent, but will call for their big daddy's protection at first glance. If you manage to defeat one of these beasts, then you'll have either the choice of saving or "harvesting" the Little Sister. Harvesting will give you a large amount of ADAM, a genetic substance which can be used to buy upgrades at different outlets. Exploring the dark and gloomy world of Bioshock will suck you in and leave make you compelled to continue the epic journey at any available moment. The setting has been pulled off with the utmost perfection and the mood and atmosphere is executed with precision. Every vending, upgrade and enhancement machine is a stunning addition to the sea-water-soaked and rotting hell hole that is Rapture. The game can most certainly make you feel depressed at times, which is as much good as it is bad. Thankfully, the story develops into a more frantic and in-depth plot, so that the depressing times are perfectly balanced with the lighter sequences. This makes for a flurry of mixed emotions during play time. The vast depths of the sea would seem like a you could only be in one type of setting: dark, gloomy, hopeless and eerily creepy. This is true in some cases. The levels are always very dark and glum, but compensation for this came out of the dozens of variations of settings that are present in the game. A giant freezer, a decrepit theatre and hotel complex, a geothermal power plant and even a forest are just some of the settings that this game will deliver to the player. It's no lie, this game is full of twists. The main plot spirals into different disturbing and frantic scenarios and over time, the true enemy reveals itself. The story mode is also much more than adequate for a first person shooter. The only bad thing about this game is the lack of multiplayer. It would be a very nice concept to see players go at each other in a team deathmatch style mode or even team up for campaign co-op, because the game is just so amazing that its unlikely that finishing the campaign will satisfy your lust for the secrets of Rapture. This is definitely a recommendation for 2K's next game in the series. In summary, you'd be absolutely mad to miss one second of this game. The price of this game is getting lower and it is arguably the best game going for its price. Don't think that Bioshock isn't taking itself seriously, and forget all the criticism that you may have heard, this game is a must have and should be owned by any fan of the formula that makes games as good as this one. Expand
  20. Apr 20, 2012
    10
    One of my favourate games of the last ten years, and proof that you can make a fps with brains and a decent story line, rather than a series of flashblacks like so many games have been doing recently, COD and Battlefield 3 i'm looking at you. As with so many games the only downfall of this game is the rather lame final boss battle with Frank Fontane, but makes up for it with the franklyOne of my favourate games of the last ten years, and proof that you can make a fps with brains and a decent story line, rather than a series of flashblacks like so many games have been doing recently, COD and Battlefield 3 i'm looking at you. As with so many games the only downfall of this game is the rather lame final boss battle with Frank Fontane, but makes up for it with the frankly brillant final plot twists. "Would you kindly" buy this games, you won't regret it, at all. Expand
  21. Jun 28, 2012
    9
    Well-written, immersive narrative. Top notch dialogue and voice acting, and amazing atmosphere. Rapture is easily my favorite fictional failed utopia overrun by cosmetic steroid abusing half-mutants. I would never visit, but I think of it fondly. It has a lot of action/adventure and survival horror elements, but more importantly, a lot of violence. And you can never have too much violenceWell-written, immersive narrative. Top notch dialogue and voice acting, and amazing atmosphere. Rapture is easily my favorite fictional failed utopia overrun by cosmetic steroid abusing half-mutants. I would never visit, but I think of it fondly. It has a lot of action/adventure and survival horror elements, but more importantly, a lot of violence. And you can never have too much violence in a game, can you? No, of course not silly! On top of letting you shoot stuff (which is reason enough to buy most things) you get to set things on fire with the flick of your wrist, freeze things, and throw people with your mind. Makes me feel like a jedi, but less Ewan McGregor-esque. Expand
  22. Dec 4, 2012
    10
    Bioshock is more than a game. It is simply...art. It deserves every word of praise it gets, and is probably one of the best games ever. You read that right, EVER. Perfect marks in every category.
  23. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    Featuring one of the greatest worlds in gaming history, a mind-blowingly allegorical story, a meaningful set of characters, and an unquestionably perfect set of visuals, "Bioshock" delivers a decidedly perfect trip.
  24. Aug 6, 2013
    10
    When the next generation begins and I look back at the best of what the 360 offered, Bioshock will certainately be among my top choices as game of the system.
  25. May 10, 2013
    8
    The game is original but also a little bit overrated. Definitely not a 10 for me. I think everything in this game including story, combat, sound, graphic are all near flawless in its own way, but the game never really caught my breath.
  26. Mar 22, 2013
    10
    amazing visuals a great atomosphere and a deep story with lots of twists, this is a must buy for any console its so cheap now as well. looking forward to infinte if its half as good as this
  27. Apr 15, 2013
    10
    It has been 10 years since Irrational Games has delved into the first-person survival horror genre, and this time it nailed it. The franchise redefined the genre, and has created one of the most memorable games of the twenty first century to date, winning multiple GOTY awards and selling nearly a half of a million copies the first month it was released.
    From a gameplay prospective, the
    It has been 10 years since Irrational Games has delved into the first-person survival horror genre, and this time it nailed it. The franchise redefined the genre, and has created one of the most memorable games of the twenty first century to date, winning multiple GOTY awards and selling nearly a half of a million copies the first month it was released.
    From a gameplay prospective, the game utilized the option of creativity. It isn't anything like other first-person shooters due to the use of plasmids and its effect on the environment. Plasmids are the central part of the game and can be used to set people ablaze, shock a puddle of water, control machinery, and much more. There is also a decent amount of weapons to use such as the classic shotgun, to the monkey wrench. The combinations that can be made during encounters are massive, ensuring to keep a person's hands glued to the controller.
    What possibly makes the game is the presentation of it all. From square one, the player is thrown into a strange world in turmoil, and has no clue what to expect. The only guidance they have is an ambiguous man, and the map laid out before you. This creates the survival element of the game, and combined with the fear of deranged psychos and a Big Daddy coming around the corner makes its genre.
    The plot is pretty good, with a few twists, but the world itself is what can drive a person through the game if a person finds the gameplay to be lacking. I found myself wanting to know more about what had happened and how things are the way they are by listening to recordings found throughout the game and learning of the stories of certain opponents. Surprisingly its soundtrack is also strong. Winning multiple awards, its music added that extra touch of suspense.
    This game deserves its awards, and it deserves recognition. If you are a gamer, chances are you have played this game, and there is no way you haven't at least heard of it. The only issues that anyone might have for the game is that when the credits roll.
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  28. Aug 10, 2014
    9
    Seven years after release and this game is still awesome. I am a next gen owner, and they had this game for five bucks so I got it. Graphically it's a little older, but this game is awesome fun. If u loved bioshock infinite, you will love this too. Even played out of order, the story is still good. Would have given a ten if it wasn't slightly outdated graphically but for 2007 , was topSeven years after release and this game is still awesome. I am a next gen owner, and they had this game for five bucks so I got it. Graphically it's a little older, but this game is awesome fun. If u loved bioshock infinite, you will love this too. Even played out of order, the story is still good. Would have given a ten if it wasn't slightly outdated graphically but for 2007 , was top of line I'm sure Expand
  29. Sep 9, 2013
    9
    One of the best game I've ever played. It has very fun gameplay, a creepy atmosphere, good controls and good characters. The only down side is that you don't learn much about the person you play as but apart from that the game is excellent.
  30. Oct 21, 2013
    8
    I think this game is very fun and has a very unique felling to it i really enjoyed the story and the mechanics the graphics were good and the voice acting to there was really nothing bad about it but nothing is perfect so i give it this score.
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 88 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 88
  3. Negative: 0 out of 88
  1. In a nutshell, beyond any shadow of doubt, BioShock is an excellent single-player shooter experience. The undeniable quality of this title and its emphasis on true and not pseudo-mature storytelling and character development make it a must-have for every self-respecting gamer.
  2. Its weak link is its unsatisfying no-skill-required combat, which might aim this one just over the head of the average Halo fan. But if you want to get a little fancy, there's a lot of fun to be had with some of the game's more indirect fighting methods. It builds an amazing atmosphere by using terrific graphics and sound to set a creepy mood. But BioShock's real strengths are as a compelling work of interactive fiction, and as a unique ride through a warped world with some great payoff built into its mysterious plot. If that description has you even the least bit interested, you won't be disappointed one bit.
  3. 100
    The first-person shooter's great looking, has an engrossing storyline, a perfect balance of action and exploration and a totally customizable combat system that can be described as nothing less than video game rapture.