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. 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
  2. ColeF.
    Jan 14, 2008
    10
    An amazing game that is scary and exciting. though some of the splicers you must kill look kind of cartoonish the blood water and generally everthing else looks amazing if you gave this anything bellow an 8 you shouldn't be rating games because obviously you don't know a good game when you see it.
  3. RichardW.
    Jan 13, 2008
    0
    It amounts to a technical demo of the U3 engine in essence. In gameplay, it's repetitive and easy. I don't care what anyone says, if you've played shooters before you can play this on the hardest setting with no challenge, and there's nothing unique enough to provide a motivation for moving forward. Really, plasmids are nothing new, we've seen similar things in It amounts to a technical demo of the U3 engine in essence. In gameplay, it's repetitive and easy. I don't care what anyone says, if you've played shooters before you can play this on the hardest setting with no challenge, and there's nothing unique enough to provide a motivation for moving forward. Really, plasmids are nothing new, we've seen similar things in Jedi Knight II, System Shock,etc. Graphically it's impressive. But what everyone praises it for- storytelling- it seems subpar. Am I the only person who sees the blatant Atlas Shrugged ripoff as a ripoff, not an "influence"? It isn't influenced at all by the philosophy as a few reviewers claimed, no doubt too enthralled by the bandwagon to read the book in question before jumping on it. It seemed like every reviewer had a hardon for the games-as-art idea and wanted to talk about it as much as possible instead of the lackluster gameplay, but fine, where's the meat of the plot? We have this: "Ryan believes in this thing completely, and Fontaine believes in nothing. At the end of the day, they're almost equally dangerous. [Fontaine] is a nihilist, all he cares about is himself. He has something missing in him that makes us human." I missed how this is any more interesting than the time honored concept Nintendo uses of light-world/dark-world.… Expand
  4. MattA.
    Jan 11, 2008
    10
    Awsome...awsome game. One of the most engaging experiences with the first person shooter. It doesn't reinvent the genre...however...it nearly perfects it, and every detail seemed to be addressed with a stellar production value. The music...atmosphere, and graphics may be one of the best out there. Highly recommended for those looking for a beautiful and engaging experience.
  5. AlexR.
    Jan 11, 2008
    9
    Amazing game. I truly feel as if the developers put their heart and sould into this title. The only reason why I gave it a 9 because it drags a little in the middle, but if you can push through you will recieve one of the most rewarding final few hours in gaming. Do not listen to the reviewers who give it a 0 or 1.. I mean, they are talking about the brilliance of Doom 3....come on.
  6. 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.
  7. MarkD.
    Jan 8, 2008
    10
    When reading through all these user reviews, one can easily tell the age of the reviewer in question, or the style of game the person likes to play. To put it simply: This game is not, in any way, like any FPS or RPG or action game you've ever played. It's a .... mature game, full of themes and concepts that, quite frankly, are more easily understood if one has more life When reading through all these user reviews, one can easily tell the age of the reviewer in question, or the style of game the person likes to play. To put it simply: This game is not, in any way, like any FPS or RPG or action game you've ever played. It's a .... mature game, full of themes and concepts that, quite frankly, are more easily understood if one has more life experience. This is not an insult in anyway -- it's just that this game is so remarkably different. It's not for those who want huge explosions and tons of different enemies to kill. Those are fine things in a game (I enjoy them also), but that's not this game's purpose. This game's goal is to immerse you into a new, yet familiar world ... one that's been ravaged not by aliens or invaders but by our own hubris ... and that allows a person to play the game the way they want. As another reviewer pointed out, it's only linear if you allow it to be ... it's only repetitive if you go in playing it like every other game you've played. It's not -- in terms of graphics (stunning), music (best I've ever heard), voice acting (award-worthy), and story (incredibly thought provoking), it's unlike anything ever made. I've never been so wowed by a game since Grand Theft Auto III, and while it's not everyone's style, I'd have to say it'll be a long time before I'm wowed again.… Expand
  8. WilliamT.
    Jan 7, 2008
    9
    A hot bath starts out as scalding to some people. They might try and wait for the water to cool to fully experience it. Others may hop right in. At first the water burns, but they persist. Soon the water becomes natural to them and the "Scalding water" before becomes pleasant. That's what stepping into BioShock is like. The story starts out confusing. You feel that you're A hot bath starts out as scalding to some people. They might try and wait for the water to cool to fully experience it. Others may hop right in. At first the water burns, but they persist. Soon the water becomes natural to them and the "Scalding water" before becomes pleasant. That's what stepping into BioShock is like. The story starts out confusing. You feel that you're missing out on many plot twists and that the game has been rushed. Those who stop playing an hour in will get up and leave. But those who keep going will be rewarded. Soon the plot makes sense, the weapons become not as powerful and you find yourself making frightfully hard decisions. I won't say any more as doing so would spoil the experience. BioShock will take time to adjust to the temperature. But when it does, oh, how glorious it is to dive in. A must own for any FPS shooter fan looking for the same action that they have played over and over in so many other games and people who want a new experience. BioShock caters for both.… Expand
  9. ChrisT.
    Jan 6, 2008
    9
    I loved this game. Who can't help but get deeply immersed in the beautifully torturous world of rapture.
  10. NigelT.
    Jan 3, 2008
    8
    This game is spectacular. The entire idea, control, atmoshpere, graphics, story, gameplay, is just something you see many games being able to do all of these things well at the same time. Most times its a game of give and take when it comes to all of these elements, but this game does it all well with great balance. If this isn't in your collection, I feel sorry for you. Really, the This game is spectacular. The entire idea, control, atmoshpere, graphics, story, gameplay, is just something you see many games being able to do all of these things well at the same time. Most times its a game of give and take when it comes to all of these elements, but this game does it all well with great balance. If this isn't in your collection, I feel sorry for you. Really, the only problem I can find is that the deaths of the enemys can be a little choppy and repeatative. I was just surprised because every other aspect of the game is of such a high caliber. As for some of the earlier posts. One person compaired it with the System Shock games. This is a System Shock game! Its been developed by the same people, and is openly noted as the successor to System Shock 2. Then for the Doom 3 comparison. If anything the makers of Doom 3 owe thanks to the Bioshock, since they also made System Shock 1/2 they have been in the full 3-D FPS Horro game way before Doom 3 came along, and now that I think of it I can definatly see how Doom 3 has pulled many influences from the System Shock series. You're welcome.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. AlbertN.
    Jan 2, 2008
    10
    I think that this is one of the best games ever to be made and is very scary but at the same time fun.
  13. Aeschylus
    Jan 1, 2008
    1
    Imagine DOOM 3 without the gut wrenching viscera and H.P. Lovecraft inspired enemies. Imagine (literally) a watered down version of the brilliant gothic designs of DOOM 3. Finally, imagine running through the same corridors without any environmental change whatsoever between the runs, about 5 times for each level. Repetition is tedious. Especially when there's nothing new to look at.
  14. imnottellingyou
    Dec 30, 2007
    8
    Hey, bioshock's a great game, but it can feel very linear, when you just wanna kill a bunch of weird-mutant things. There is a variety of cool things you can do such as upgrading weapons and injectiong yourself with cool powers like telekinises, the abilty to shoot fire etc. Its creepy atmosphere get quite compeling, and you can get in some pretty sticky situations... like getting Hey, bioshock's a great game, but it can feel very linear, when you just wanna kill a bunch of weird-mutant things. There is a variety of cool things you can do such as upgrading weapons and injectiong yourself with cool powers like telekinises, the abilty to shoot fire etc. Its creepy atmosphere get quite compeling, and you can get in some pretty sticky situations... like getting trapped between two security cameras with no medkits while security bots fire at you trapped in a corner surrounded by spider splicers. that would be very bad. Its fun and creepy, yet it can be a challange and factor of throwing the controller at the wall or slamming on your keyboard.… Expand
  15. KurtC.
    Dec 28, 2007
    3
    Boring and not very good. Amazing production values (graphics/sound) and an average story, although it was presented well. The problem is the gameplay. It is just so lacking, and it is very sad to hear this compared with the System Shock games. They are in a completely different league to this game. Also, anyone who gives a game 100 out of 100, should not be in the business of reviewing anything.
  16. Wackelpudding
    Dec 28, 2007
    4
    The hype for Bioshock only confuses me. Gets on my nerves actually. The only truly impressive element of the graphics compared to other new releases is the water (and blood), the weaponry and models remind me far too much of something like Time Splitters, cartoony and flimsy. The 'atmosphere' becomes dull, and the gameplay is repetitive. I found it a quickly tedious The hype for Bioshock only confuses me. Gets on my nerves actually. The only truly impressive element of the graphics compared to other new releases is the water (and blood), the weaponry and models remind me far too much of something like Time Splitters, cartoony and flimsy. The 'atmosphere' becomes dull, and the gameplay is repetitive. I found it a quickly tedious bodge-together of older ideas: not much more than Deus Ex plus timesplitters with backdrops like the rendered locations from point and click adventure games of Yore. The 'style' is uninspiring. I cannot understand it's popularity. On PC, I found this game Seriously Disappointing.… Expand
  17. BillG.
    Dec 24, 2007
    10
    Just amazing ! I feel like l have been transported to another world and time. No other game has this feel to it. Well done ! It deserves to be 'game of the year' easily ! Others who have given it a low score just don't get it, and they never will.
  18. TimC.
    Dec 22, 2007
    7
    I do not understand what all the fuss is about this game. I was expecting so much more from reading all these reviews. Graphics were good, story was good with excellent voice acting, but the gameplay was same ole same ole FPS. While the story and voice acting were good it was not the incredible life changing-never look at videogames the same- be all end all experience that has been I do not understand what all the fuss is about this game. I was expecting so much more from reading all these reviews. Graphics were good, story was good with excellent voice acting, but the gameplay was same ole same ole FPS. While the story and voice acting were good it was not the incredible life changing-never look at videogames the same- be all end all experience that has been described by so many reviews.… Expand
  19. JosephD.
    Dec 20, 2007
    8
    It's a good game overall, but after a while it gets rather repetitive. All you do is shoot one enemy after another that don't seem to change and the shooting mechanics take some getting used to. The story in general is great, some cool twists towards the end but not as spectacular as everyone says it is. However beyond these flaws the game is excellent and well worth a purchase.
  20. AndrewM.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    It's a shame that people score this game low because it's "linear" or "too easy" or "has no multiplayer." If you only want multiplayer, it's simple: don't buy this game. You won't like it. But this game is only as linear and easy as you want it to be. There are different difficulty settings for a reason. Yes, the shock/wrench combo works throughout the game. Yes, It's a shame that people score this game low because it's "linear" or "too easy" or "has no multiplayer." If you only want multiplayer, it's simple: don't buy this game. You won't like it. But this game is only as linear and easy as you want it to be. There are different difficulty settings for a reason. Yes, the shock/wrench combo works throughout the game. Yes, it makes the game easier. So how about not using it? Amazingly enough, with all the powers and weapons in the game, there is more than just shock/wrench. Ever tried telling the security system to attack itself? Well neither have I, but it's worth a shot. Even better, you don't have to follow the arrow everywhere. There are actually rooms the story doesn't take you through. Go in them. As for the story, read Atlas Shrugged. This game is blunt about being based on Ayn Rand, and it does an amazing job of incorporating her philosophy into a game. You're playing a video game and learning political philosophy at the same time! Amazing! There are many, many disturbing moments that reminded me of something Silent HIll would think up. If you play this game like a regular FPS, that's all it will be. But if you take the time to think about your actions and the story, it's much more than that. You're constantly fighting off humans twisted by genetic alteration, and to do so you regularly use the same alterations on yourself. If that doesn't make you think, chances are you aren't aware enough to play this game. And I call it a game reluctantly, because in all honesty it's more like art.… Expand
  21. JamesB
    Dec 17, 2007
    1
    It's just dreadful - totally linear, plot irrelevant to the action, you can just keep dying and coming back to kill the Big Daddies who retain damage inflicted on them before you die so you need NO SKILL whatsoever to complete it. Boring, repetitious and utterly disappointing after the thrilling first couple of hours play when it promises so much, but delivers nothing from that point.It's just dreadful - totally linear, plot irrelevant to the action, you can just keep dying and coming back to kill the Big Daddies who retain damage inflicted on them before you die so you need NO SKILL whatsoever to complete it. Boring, repetitious and utterly disappointing after the thrilling first couple of hours play when it promises so much, but delivers nothing from that point. I have no idea how it has scored such fabulous reviews, no idea at all! An absolute shame considering the promise shown early on. I gave it 1 as it looks and sounds gorgeous.… Expand
  22. MikeM.
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    Simply one of the best games ever, when you beat it, you'll want to go back and play it a different way. You can play using only guns, powers, stealth, traps, or combinations. The best part of bioshock is that the story will touch you and shock you in both good and bad way. Warning when some poeple wrote that this game is evil, it is true, real life isnt always filledwith gum drops.
  23. BryanBriceno
    Dec 10, 2007
    0
    wtf HORRIBLE GAME THEY SHOULD GET ALL THE GAMES BACK AND GIVE THE PEOPLE THERE MONEY SO THE CREATORS CAN SHOVE THE GAME UP THERE LOOSE BUT WHOLE.....DONT FUCK WITH HALO 3 FANS YOU GUYS WANNA GO TO WAR LETS GO TO WAR LETS START A BIG ASS HALO 3 VS BIO SHOCK RIOT WE WILL DEFINNATELY WIN BIO SHOCK JUST HAS A BUNCH OF FAGET LOVERS.
  24. JimmyJ.
    Dec 10, 2007
    10
    From the moment you come up for air after the plane crash, you know you're playing an unbelievable game. This game lived up to every expectation that I had for it. The one thing I would have changed is the Vita-Chamber checkpoint system, and now a recent update has addressed that. This game is genius. Sure it borrowed elements from other games, but what game doesn't these From the moment you come up for air after the plane crash, you know you're playing an unbelievable game. This game lived up to every expectation that I had for it. The one thing I would have changed is the Vita-Chamber checkpoint system, and now a recent update has addressed that. This game is genius. Sure it borrowed elements from other games, but what game doesn't these days??? Any person giving this a 0 is a complete loser and should be put to sleep. This game has so many jaw dropping moments that it'll make you happy you're a gamer. Buy it if you haven't already!… Expand
  25. RyanM.
    Dec 10, 2007
    0
    I absolutley detest any game that wins the game of the year award when it not only has no multiplayer content but, cant even get the campaign single player mode to be the least bit Non-Linear... Probably the single most boring game I have ever Played, So much for taking the ratings to heart and dropping $60 on something I hated so badly I felt selling it was wrong because I would be I absolutley detest any game that wins the game of the year award when it not only has no multiplayer content but, cant even get the campaign single player mode to be the least bit Non-Linear... Probably the single most boring game I have ever Played, So much for taking the ratings to heart and dropping $60 on something I hated so badly I felt selling it was wrong because I would be putting it back into circulation.… Expand
  26. ChrisC.
    Dec 7, 2007
    9
    Great game, and I'm not a shooter fan. The story and presentation style are just cool. A science fictiony twist on libertarian/objectivist philosophies to bring real interestingness and coolness to sort of a zombie-survival story formula. One question though. Why are people calling it an RPG? An FPS that happens to have a well constructed storyline does not an RPG make.
  27. JeremyL.
    Dec 7, 2007
    2
    Great graphics, good storyline, pretty good thriller. Nothing like I expected, no RPG element. Basic horror FPS. Would have been much better on PC, Xbox 360 isn't for FPS', I bought it for the RPG element it was advertised as having, and was disappointed to find that it was nothing like that.
  28. DavidL.
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    Great game that deserves its high score. Graphicly its amazing and the atmosphere and gameplay is top notch.
  29. BobJ.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    This game is amazing. anyone who gives it even a 9 didn't really test out the wide variety of killing your foes,like using telekinesis on fire bolts to lodge it in foes, pull it out, then shoot it back in for rapid damage, using mines on objects(you have to plant them far apart from eachother to really do any damage), and taking advantage of those leaks from the cieling and This game is amazing. anyone who gives it even a 9 didn't really test out the wide variety of killing your foes,like using telekinesis on fire bolts to lodge it in foes, pull it out, then shoot it back in for rapid damage, using mines on objects(you have to plant them far apart from eachother to really do any damage), and taking advantage of those leaks from the cieling and electrocuting enemies through the use of the distraction dummy... oh, and it doesnt stop there. All the plasmids have more than one use, and if you just hate it....your just not using your head enough. The graphics are incredible, especially the water, and the big daddies are a fun challenge, and they infinitely respawn like the splicers in the game. The splicers are also great ai, the thuggish ones even run behind walls, then attack; making it harder to shoot them in the head. The spider and houdini splicers are both powerful and stealthy, the lead heads strafe and hell, even dash to the side or back flip to dodge some bullets, and the nitro splicers run away while throwing exploves at you (not to mention using smoke bombs to run away if you get close up). The story was superior to even movies, and the aiming is just actually easier than Halo controls. By far, this is going to be the best game of 2007, and will probably stay the highest rated 360 game on here (it wouldve been 97 if there werent so many inaccurate reviewers that gave it lower than 9.5s!)… Expand
  30. BabS.
    Dec 4, 2007
    4
    An ok shooter. The story is not catching at all, and the RPG elements are practically non existent. The big daddies are neither scary, and you meet them all the time. You can always predict what is to happen, and the enemies are neither variated. The "moral" choice is only to kill the evil small girls or let them go, big choice.
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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.
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  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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