BioShock

 Xbox 360
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 3152 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,813 out of 3152
  2. Mixed: 178 out of 3152
  3. Negative: 161 out of 3152
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  1. AnonymousMC
    Aug 25, 2007
    10
    The story and the setting are some of the best in any game I have ever played. It is like playing a character in a book sort of, except most the information you find is through audio diaries detailing the life and downfall of rapture as it happened.

    For people who are claiming that the gameplay is lacking or that combat it repetetive it is all your fault. The games combat is mostly    The story and the setting are some of the best in any game I have ever played. It is like playing a character in a book sort of, except most the information you find is through audio diaries detailing the life and downfall of rapture as it happened.

    For people who are claiming that the gameplay is lacking or that combat it repetetive it is all your fault. The games combat is mostly limited to your creativity in how you want to take out enemies, sure you can run in there with a wrench, get a few kills and then respawn at a vita chamber the whole game but why? The games combat is incredibly fun if you mix it up as much as possible.    … Expand
  2. BradyS.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    For once, a game lives up to the immense hype surrounding its release. It's been a while since I've played until succumbing to a migraine brought on by staring at a television screen too long, but the extended play sessions with Bioshock are worth the pain. The aesthetic qualities go far beyond just, "ooh...look at the pretty shiny textures" or "hey, that was a cool guitar For once, a game lives up to the immense hype surrounding its release. It's been a while since I've played until succumbing to a migraine brought on by staring at a television screen too long, but the extended play sessions with Bioshock are worth the pain. The aesthetic qualities go far beyond just, "ooh...look at the pretty shiny textures" or "hey, that was a cool guitar riff." This is one of the first games since the original Metroid Prime that feels completely organic in its level structure. No two rooms are the same, and random fires and piles of debris seem to scattered at every turn. The audio is fantastic as well, with samples taken from old big band and jazz songs that have been appropriately distorted and scratched to match the crumbling world around them. The enemies are hideous, nimble freaks who run away from you, sidestep your aim, or jump to ceilings before dropping down again to pummel you. They scream, they laugh, and talk to themselves like they still long for purpose. The weapons and genetic powers can be constantly upgraded and swapped out, and there wasn't a single one that I didn't use at least once. Of course, everyone will find their favorite (the insect swarm is wickedly amusing), but everything here is balanced and well thought-out. And the Big Daddies - Holy Crap. Wait until you fight one. Disregard comments of it being too easy (you can never really die) or repetitive (if you use the same weapon over and over, it can be). This is one of those rare games that gives you lots of "moments," and lets you, the player, decide how you'll take them on. Will you burn your enemy alive? Will you lead him into a trap? Or will you just fill his face full of lead? The choice is yours. Bioshock is the closest to gaming perfection I've seen, ever. Period. Buy it.… Expand
  3. SamuelSifter
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    A very fun and exciting game. It sucked me in from the start. Not only are the graphics and audio great (while still managing to run well on even older computers), the story is one of the best stories I have any seen in a game, book, or movie!

    The best game since Quake II!

    10/10
  4. GregM
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    Comes in a very close second to Half-Life 2 for that rare immersive quality that makes gamers love games. Find it repetitive? Don't use the same weapon. Find it too easy? Don't respawn--reload after you die. Think outside the box (sorry for the cliche) because this game deserves it, and the developers obviously did. It is lovely and horrible, and you should buy it.
  5. TedroRedro
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    An amazing experience from beginning to end. If there are complaints, it's from the hacking and the "vending machine" stuff. It makes sense, but it can take away from the action. Picking up every piece of ammo can also be distracting. The widescreen has issues, but nothing a patch can't resolve at least partially. The lack of multiplayer does not hurt, but it could have been An amazing experience from beginning to end. If there are complaints, it's from the hacking and the "vending machine" stuff. It makes sense, but it can take away from the action. Picking up every piece of ammo can also be distracting. The widescreen has issues, but nothing a patch can't resolve at least partially. The lack of multiplayer does not hurt, but it could have been pretty cool with the plasmid system. With all that being said...I have no doubt that Bioshocks campaign will be more submersive than Halo 3's campaign, but Halo's co-op and online will trump it in terms of replay value. With CoD4, Halo3, and Orange Box right around the corner, it's good to be a 360 shooter fan. But who knows if they can even get close to the immersive atmosphere of Bioshock. Now, go get stepped on by a big daddy!… Expand
  6. JasonR.
    Sep 1, 2007
    10
    There's not much for me to say other than this game is exceptionally well done. With gorgeous graphics, haunting sounds, and beautiful music, this game has one of the most immersive environments I have ever played through. Tight controls and a surprising story come together to make this game one of the best games on the 360. Do not miss this game.
  7. NikolaiB.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    Wonderful game filled with great moments that you can talk about with other players (like a classic film). Enjoyed every minute (even the really scary bits).
  8. TS
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Many people claim this isn't the best game ever, or that the lack of different enemy types ruins it, I think it made the designers think. Level design, atmosphere, sound, music, voice acting, and the design of those enemies within the game were top notch. The plot twisting story line will hook you like a trout if you want it to. No, this is not system shock 2. It is its own story and Many people claim this isn't the best game ever, or that the lack of different enemy types ruins it, I think it made the designers think. Level design, atmosphere, sound, music, voice acting, and the design of those enemies within the game were top notch. The plot twisting story line will hook you like a trout if you want it to. No, this is not system shock 2. It is its own story and if you let yourself be brought into it you are in for the ride of your life. Note: If you could care less about story, level design, sound, etc. This game isn't for you... you should also consider therapy.… Expand
  9. AndyM.
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    This game is amazing. The integration of the plasmids is a blast. And the AI's are some of the best I've ever seen. Buy it, you'll be rewarded with an unbelievable game that will definetley go head to head with halo 3 for game of the year.
  10. M-DUB
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    I consider myself a very harsh critic of games, (just couldn't get into halo.) but this is one of the few games that is every bit as good as the reviews indicate. It's relatively long, extremely engaging, and just a blast to play. Unlike Halo, this game makes you think about your choices, and forces you to deal with situations in multiple ways. I could go on and on but I'll I consider myself a very harsh critic of games, (just couldn't get into halo.) but this is one of the few games that is every bit as good as the reviews indicate. It's relatively long, extremely engaging, and just a blast to play. Unlike Halo, this game makes you think about your choices, and forces you to deal with situations in multiple ways. I could go on and on but I'll end by saying that this game is absolutely Fantastic!! Mental issues apply to you if you do not love this game.… Expand
  11. JohnK.
    Sep 6, 2007
    10
    This is one of my favorite video games of all time!!! The awesome graphics make exploring the creepy decaying underwater city a complete blast. The gameplay is right on par with Halo (which is quite a compliment), and it is really fun trying out new weapons and plasmids! This game really allows a player to find their own unique way to solve a particular situation and beat a particular This is one of my favorite video games of all time!!! The awesome graphics make exploring the creepy decaying underwater city a complete blast. The gameplay is right on par with Halo (which is quite a compliment), and it is really fun trying out new weapons and plasmids! This game really allows a player to find their own unique way to solve a particular situation and beat a particular enemy. I even love the hacking mini-game, so that makes the game even more enjoyable (because you can hack TONS of things throughout the game-- don't have to, but it helps and it is fun!). And this is one of the rare games where the consequences of your choices directly affect the ending of the game-- which will probably make most people play through at least 2 times to see both endings. Bottom line, this game is not to be missed. I can hardly wait for BioShock 2, which I hope will add multiplayer. Wouldn't it be great to play as a Big Daddy vs. maybe 9 other players??? Lots of possibilities for the future, but don't miss the present because it is a truly immersive (or should that be SUB-mersive???) game that you won't be able to quit until you finish it-- probably twice!!!… Expand
  12. VechaK.
    Sep 8, 2007
    10
    Awesome game. Wish it was longer...ended abruptly but if you explore every nook and cranny then you can understand the majority of the story. Hopefully they will make another "shock" game with just as much creativity in the story!
  13. Sambo
    Jan 14, 2008
    10
    The modern age of gaming now represents the early stages of Hollywood. Designers getting name for themselves, famous voice actors, and games being turned into feature length films. As with the movies, art films are made. These films only appeal to a certain audience. I give Bioshock 10 not because I am that certain audience (and believe me, I am) but for what it aimed to do, it does, and The modern age of gaming now represents the early stages of Hollywood. Designers getting name for themselves, famous voice actors, and games being turned into feature length films. As with the movies, art films are made. These films only appeal to a certain audience. I give Bioshock 10 not because I am that certain audience (and believe me, I am) but for what it aimed to do, it does, and it does it VERY well. Most games cannot accomplish such (Lookin' at you, Halo 3).… Expand
  14. BobT.
    Jan 2, 2008
    10
    Don't listen to these morons giving this a 0 or 1, when it comes to single-player gaming experiences, Bioshock is as close to perfection as any game has ever come. An incredibly polished game with a very mature (certainly not for kids or anyone who wants there shooters as mindless as possible) yet amazing story and in my opinion the most immersive world ever created in a video game. Don't listen to these morons giving this a 0 or 1, when it comes to single-player gaming experiences, Bioshock is as close to perfection as any game has ever come. An incredibly polished game with a very mature (certainly not for kids or anyone who wants there shooters as mindless as possible) yet amazing story and in my opinion the most immersive world ever created in a video game. I've played a lot of games, and I can count on one hand how many I would call masterpieces, but Bioshock reaches that level.… Expand
  15. PaulW.
    Dec 9, 2008
    10
    There are relatively few games (3D ones anyway- 2D games should be judged separately) that have proved as brilliant as Bioshock. Two of them are Gamecube games- the Resident Evil remake and Metroid Prime. Bioshock shares some similarities, a main one being that in those 3 games you piece together a lot of the story from objects left behind- notebooks and diaries. In each case, you are There are relatively few games (3D ones anyway- 2D games should be judged separately) that have proved as brilliant as Bioshock. Two of them are Gamecube games- the Resident Evil remake and Metroid Prime. Bioshock shares some similarities, a main one being that in those 3 games you piece together a lot of the story from objects left behind- notebooks and diaries. In each case, you are essentially entering an intriguing environment ruined by monsters of sorts in some way. Combine that with great set pieces and Bioshock lives up to the mystery that it promised. Even if you're not a FPS fan (and I'm not that much) this game, which is sometimes a bit like being in an interactive ghost train, will make you love just being in its dark hallways and rooms looking out on the depths of the ocean. There's a great bit where you see a Big Daddy slowly walking on the seabed outside. A brilliant aspect of this game to me is not whether to harvest or save (an easy decision for the moral) but the way that a Big Daddy is all or nothing- either a protector who bears you no harm or a fierce opponent. It is content to wear some of its influences very easily on its sleeve (the wrench is very … Expand
  16. Stuart
    Jan 8, 2008
    10
    I love this game. It has a great storyline and a one of a kind atmosphere. It immersed me in it from start to finish. Highly Recommended.
  17. JackO.
    Feb 14, 2008
    10
    A masterpiece of both gameplay and artwork; Not innovative, because I'm afraid, - to the shame of the games industry - everything this game does, and does so well, was already done by the same core team in 1999, in the equally wonderous System Shock 2. The gameplay, like System Shock's, may be soon forgotten, eclipsed by simpler and less challenging titles like the franchises of A masterpiece of both gameplay and artwork; Not innovative, because I'm afraid, - to the shame of the games industry - everything this game does, and does so well, was already done by the same core team in 1999, in the equally wonderous System Shock 2. The gameplay, like System Shock's, may be soon forgotten, eclipsed by simpler and less challenging titles like the franchises of Halo and Half-Life, just as it's predecessor was overshadowed by peers like Unreal and the original Half-Life in the late nineties. The Art, however, will not be forgotten. To it's detriment, Bioshock promises a great deal, and sacrifices it's best elements in favor of a linear story path, tempting the player with views of a vast city and it's surrounding ocean but never letting him or her out of tight boundaries. Beautifully detailed, but small environments. In addition, one area it is truly defeated in by it's own predecessor is that of -fear-.. While evoking an equal sense of ruin, mystery and decay, inviting the player to envision the chaos that must have consumed his environment before his arrival, System Shock 2 achieved true horror by providing a far weaker and more desperate player character, limiting health and ammunition to a far harsher degree. Bioshock attempts this, but has clearly fallen foul of distrustful producers and publishers, softening it's edges until the plasmids make you an invulnerable superhero and the instant-effect health kits seem infinite. For an experienced gamer in the genres of realistic shooting, Bioshock may seem all too easy, breaking some of that beautiful illusion. Nonetheless.. I loved it, and I'm confident you will too. Give this game loud volume, closed curtains, and every ounce of your attention; if any game is worth it, Bioshock is.… Expand
  18. AndrewR.
    Feb 21, 2008
    10
    I am Andrew Ryan, and I am here to ask you a question. Is a man entitled to the sweat on his brow? Not after he's played this! This game is incredible! When I first heard of the game I thought it would be okay, but not great. A rfiend of mine eventually bought it and I decided to play through it. It was blown away! The graphics and art in this game are incredible. All the 50s style I am Andrew Ryan, and I am here to ask you a question. Is a man entitled to the sweat on his brow? Not after he's played this! This game is incredible! When I first heard of the game I thought it would be okay, but not great. A rfiend of mine eventually bought it and I decided to play through it. It was blown away! The graphics and art in this game are incredible. All the 50s style advertisements and the lounge music and marble sculptures just make you feel right there. The game gives you a very confined, trapped feeling because Rapture city is completely under water, yet the environment is so huge. The AI in this game is also really good. If you beat the crap out of someone, they will run or try to kill you with all their force. Also I really enjoy all the stuff you can do. Setting traps, hacking turrets, stealing ammo from machines, it's just great. I really hope they make a sequel to it (using the bad ending of course!). You have to get this game if you have access to a 360. It's just too friggin' good.… Expand
  19. AnonymousMC
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    I'll be honest, when I read most of the reviews, I figured this game would be your average shooter. I was completely wrong...I never expected to get drawn in as tight as I have...this definitely ranks up in my top 5 games of all time. Simply amazing and refreshing.
  20. JeffB.
    Feb 6, 2008
    10
    After not doing much gaming for the better part of a decade, I bought an Xbox 360 in large part because I wanted to play this game(all the reviews I read sounded amazing). I was not disappointed at all - my only complaint was all the sleep I lost staying up to 5AM playing! Great story, beautiful visuals and it really swept you up in the action. Couldn't get enough of freezing the bad After not doing much gaming for the better part of a decade, I bought an Xbox 360 in large part because I wanted to play this game(all the reviews I read sounded amazing). I was not disappointed at all - my only complaint was all the sleep I lost staying up to 5AM playing! Great story, beautiful visuals and it really swept you up in the action. Couldn't get enough of freezing the bad guys and hitting them with the wrench! I've since played several more great games(Assassin's Creed, Oblivion, Halo 1 & 2) and would like to thank Bioshock for bringing me back to the gaming fold!… Expand
  21. SchimmiSchimmicocoapuff
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    Beautiful game, not only visually but immersfully, and the story line is beyond beautiful, it is magnificent!
  22. JRMethod
    Jun 11, 2008
    10
    Easily the greatest FPS game I have played in a loooong time, if not the best I've ever played. Intriguing story, character design, gameplay,and even replayablity, which is impressive for a linear FPS. Simply put, Bioshock is awesome and if you haven't played it from start to finish, you're really missing out.
  23. AnonymousMC
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    The game itself was great, with easy controls, haunting music, and graphics that properly displayed the atmosphere. Moving beyond that, the obvious undertones of Ayn Rand boost it above other games. Rapture's president's name, Andrew Ryan, is a partial anagram of Ayn Rand and Atlas is a feferance to Atlas Shrugged. It really is masterpiece.
  24. knessl.
    Jul 22, 2008
    10
    Ok i gave it a ten and you guys know why I'm just confused that (Anonymous) wrote1 then 0 then 10 ? what did you rent it play first part get bored . then rent again kill first guy in game then game crash. then you buy game beat it and love it wtf.....! anyways just wanted to know by the way awesome game.
  25. MiguelR.
    Jul 22, 2008
    10
    Bioshock is my favorite game of all time. Do not hesitate to buy it. The storyline is amazing and the graphics are top notch. Even better than Half-Life 2.
  26. AdamD.
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    first things first. no single game will give your console a RRoD, just to clear that up. now, this ame is absolutely amazing, i played it at release, forgot about it, and picked it up again yesterday and i can't put it down, the art, the graphics (don't need mega-texturing to look great, and have UNIQUE style. second, the control transition to a controller is fluent andfirst things first. no single game will give your console a RRoD, just to clear that up. now, this ame is absolutely amazing, i played it at release, forgot about it, and picked it up again yesterday and i can't put it down, the art, the graphics (don't need mega-texturing to look great, and have UNIQUE style. second, the control transition to a controller is fluent and intuitive, and the way the game plays out (by not being able to rely on a gun most of the time) is what really separates it from other shooters. also, HALO is an almost direct clone of unreal tournament, so get a clue kids.… Expand
  27. FelixS
    Jul 30, 2008
    10
    An intelligent, different FPS, that is so much better than Halo, due to its interesting storyline and unique art direction.
  28. JoeB
    Jul 4, 2008
    10
    Amazing game, must have for anyone who likes shooter/rpg style games, and a immerse storyline, what more could a person want and here in England it's all for 18-25 pounds.
  29. AnonymousMC
    Aug 1, 2008
    10
    This game is the pinnacle of interactive entertainment as we know it. Immersive gameplay, wonderful music, incredible graphics, and quite possibly the best story in a video game EVER. The only two games on the 360 to even RIVAL it are GTA: IV, and The Orange Box. Playing it is an amazing experience, and definitely says something about the future of gaming.
  30. JaneP.
    Aug 1, 2008
    10
    Best game that I've played in a long time. Brilliant story, brilliant graphics and gameplay. A must play game!!! Thoroughly recommended.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. ActionTrip
    92
    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.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    90
    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.
    Read full review
  3. GameDaily
    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.
    Read full review
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