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. MarkS.
    Aug 16, 2007
    9
    As close to Art as a game has ever come.
  2. LoganS.
    Aug 19, 2007
    9
    Bioshock is fun, but it's horribly overrated by the mags. Which doesn't surprise me. It deserves around a 90% or a 92% It's too short of a game for a solo-only game. System Shock 2 is better than Bioshock IMO and actually has replay.
  3. ArtDang
    Aug 20, 2007
    9
    Playing the demo was awesome, now getting the game a couple days early was great!... Overall the game was amazing, enviorment, music, abilities, etc... youve read the boards. Although I am really happy w/ my purchase, i was kind of disappointed in certain areas of the game... but I wont say anything, not to ruin it for others. But if you ask me I give the game a 8.5 - 9.0..
  4. GuusB.
    Aug 21, 2007
    9
    Absolutely fantastic game, but being the critic that i am it could've been better. The weird checkpoint system takes away too much of the atmosphere in my opinion, also the lack of a multiplayer is a missed oppertunity. Don't get me wrong though, this is a truly fantastic game!
  5. MattB.
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    This game is beautifully done, period. As was said in another review its downfall is its no-skill-required gameplay, but the storyline and gameplay keep you enthralled nonetheless. One of the best games I have played in a long time.
  6. DrewM.
    Aug 25, 2007
    9
    This game absolutely blew me away. The attention to detail is amazing, the a.i. is good, (but not to the point where they can see you coming a mile away with their back turned,) and the gameplay is just plain fun with the plasmids. The respawn aspect could have been handled differently, but its a small price to pay for the top-notch story and atmosphere.
  7. KenW.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    I'm really enjoying this game. I've not finished it yet, but even as I'm progressing this time through I'm thinking about what I'll do the next time. There's nothing I can say about the atmosphere or mood that hasn't already been said, I suppose. There have been plenty of times I've stopped playing and gasped at the visuals or the perversity of a I'm really enjoying this game. I've not finished it yet, but even as I'm progressing this time through I'm thinking about what I'll do the next time. There's nothing I can say about the atmosphere or mood that hasn't already been said, I suppose. There have been plenty of times I've stopped playing and gasped at the visuals or the perversity of a concept. I've felt as involved in this game at points as I did the first time through Halo (when I stifled a cough so as not to alert a Hunter to my presence) and Half-Life 2 with its excellent atmospheric radio chirping and footfalls. Those games rate up high for me and this one belongs with them for the same reasons: innovative, deeply involving, and fascinating to explore. The only gripe I have with Bioshock (so far) is the way I can hear characters talking/walking through closed doors, alternate hallways or separate rooms (ex. the Big Daddy stomping and the Little Sister singing in the underwater corridor across from the Medical Wing, even though it's got thick glass, pressurized air and 20 ft. of deep ocean water between them.). I understand that it helps us know what's coming, but I think that it'd be even more "realistic" to have voices and sounds muted unless they are in the same room/hallway. How hard that would be to do, I don't know. Whatever. I'm digging this game deeply. I hope the experience intensifies, as I'm expecting.… Expand
  8. JamieC.
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    This game is awesome. It's a game that the 360 has been longing for for a while and it's long development time has really, really payed off. The sense of scale, atmosphere and thought gone into it shine throughout and graphically it looks beautiful. The choices you need to make like weapon upgrading and power enhances need thought and can't be foolishly chosen as it might This game is awesome. It's a game that the 360 has been longing for for a while and it's long development time has really, really payed off. The sense of scale, atmosphere and thought gone into it shine throughout and graphically it looks beautiful. The choices you need to make like weapon upgrading and power enhances need thought and can't be foolishly chosen as it might cost you. You need to think your steps, you need to act on the go, you need to make the right decisions within battles and above all, Big Daddies rock. Get it hands down but if you're unsure, at least rent it please.… Expand
  9. Scott
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    This game is amazing. The story is one of a kind and held me right up to the end. Worthy of any movie plot. But in the end, I was left wanting more, and it seemed a little short.
    But I guess that's the sign of a great game...there's never enough!!!
  10. BeauM.
    Aug 30, 2007
    9
    It is a truly captivating and phenomenal game. The combat system is so weak though. The plasmids and tonics are brilliant and make the game very fun. The lack of difficulty and imagination from the mobs however is disappointing. Would love to see this game run with a better AI engine and it would be a true masterpiece. Still, this is by far the BEST game I've played since Halo 2.
  11. BryanS.
    Sep 2, 2007
    9
    What a bittersweet experience. Before saying anything else, Bioshock is one of the best games I have played in years. This game is truly a seemless synthesis of unparalleled narrative, impeccable artistry, and innovative gameplay. However, despite its beauty and merit, it is deeply flawed. First, the death-and-revitalization system ends up being nothing more than tedious and unrewarding. What a bittersweet experience. Before saying anything else, Bioshock is one of the best games I have played in years. This game is truly a seemless synthesis of unparalleled narrative, impeccable artistry, and innovative gameplay. However, despite its beauty and merit, it is deeply flawed. First, the death-and-revitalization system ends up being nothing more than tedious and unrewarding. Experimenting with plasmid-based combat is fun to be sure, but not at all necessary or, at times, even practical. Even on the hardest difficulty setting, you can beat the game using only a handful of plasmids. Nevertheless, the game's imperfections collectively amount to nothing more than the equivalent of an ugly mole on the right ankle of Marilyn Monroe. This is an essential experience.… Expand
  12. Blah
    Sep 23, 2007
    9
    Great game, plot, atmosphere, and AI.
  13. MattBlake
    Sep 6, 2007
    9
    One of the finest FPSs of all time, without a doubt. This game succeeds most notably in generating an entirely convincing and immersive atmosphere, and sticking with you mentally long after finishing it. It will make you think. It has strong emotional content (perhaps the strongest ever in a videogame) and an incredible musical score, bolstered by beautiful graphics and infallible artOne of the finest FPSs of all time, without a doubt. This game succeeds most notably in generating an entirely convincing and immersive atmosphere, and sticking with you mentally long after finishing it. It will make you think. It has strong emotional content (perhaps the strongest ever in a videogame) and an incredible musical score, bolstered by beautiful graphics and infallible art direction. The gameplay has its minor flaws, and the ending is very disappointing (easy and abrupt), but don't let any such things deter you from playing this game. If you're a serious gamer, this is not to be missed.… Expand
  14. RyanN.
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    The most innovative game I have ever played. Great use of the old instructional videos with a really creepy twist. Great game top to bottom.
  15. DevinH.
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    Almost every review that I have seen about Bioshock is complaining about a bizarre game feature that I also do not like. There is absolutely no penalty if you die since the game transports back to where everyone left off before you died except for your sudden health increase. Barring games that are horrible overall, this decision is the worst intentional game design that I have ever seen Almost every review that I have seen about Bioshock is complaining about a bizarre game feature that I also do not like. There is absolutely no penalty if you die since the game transports back to where everyone left off before you died except for your sudden health increase. Barring games that are horrible overall, this decision is the worst intentional game design that I have ever seen in a video game (even more so than the frustrating save system in Dead Rising.) Why the developers did not simply make a newcomer difficulty level for gamers who needed this much assistance is anyone's guess. Oh well. Fortunately, I am still enjoying Bioshock a lot because I just reload my save when I die. If you are using the warping system, than take 3 points off my score. The big daddies are truly the star of the show and are more fun to encounter than most bosses in other games while the other bots are interesting diversions. There are also Splicers you deal with that typically surprise you to help you forget that there are only 5 or 6 different types. The research camera also contributes to the awesome gameplay and is much more enjoyable to use in Bioshock than in Dead Rising. The graphics as a whole package make Bioshock the best looking one overall on the 360 (Gears of War still has better textures though). The sound is very realistic and hearing the great 3D sound coming from your speakers (even they're not from an expensive 3D surround sound system) makes you nervously look everywhere to try and find the hidden splicer making all that racket before he/she pops up right in front of your face. I have heard that there is a great story behind this game and I believe it from the little bits I have heard. Unfortunately, when I pick up a diary and play, it I am also in the middle of a fight. By then, I am obviously more concerned about dispatching the enemies rather than listening to the soft-spoken recorded voices. It is probably a good idea to wait until there are no enemies around you before you listen to the tapes. Bioshock is definitely not the game-defining classic that Super Mario 64 was. In my opinion Super Mario 64 is the only 3D game that truly deserves a 10 out of 10. However, if you play Bioshock without using the cheap warping system, you are in for a very special experience.… Expand
  16. JonD.
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    Amazing graphics, easily the best ive ever seen on an HDTV. Story was good, Sound was amazing gameplay was amazing although a bit too easy because of the respawn. Ending was decent, ive only seen one and theres 2 or 3 i believe. Last boss battle was nothing special, i beat it on my first try and i almost could never beat a big daddy on my first try and there were a lot more of those Amazing graphics, easily the best ive ever seen on an HDTV. Story was good, Sound was amazing gameplay was amazing although a bit too easy because of the respawn. Ending was decent, ive only seen one and theres 2 or 3 i believe. Last boss battle was nothing special, i beat it on my first try and i almost could never beat a big daddy on my first try and there were a lot more of those throughout the game. Shows potential of the perfect game but in the end was a great game that couldve been the best.… Expand
  17. David
    Jan 24, 2008
    9
    Unparallelled in atmosphere, visual and audio design, this is a near-perfect example of using setting and scenery to tell a story. Gameplay-wise it's a reasonably conventional action-RPG with some interesting twists (evoking strong, positive memories of Deus Ex), but it's the superlative style that lifts BioShock well above the norm.
  18. GabrielR.
    Jan 31, 2008
    9
    The most fun I ever had in a first person shooter ...it is beautiful to look at and the story rolls with the play so well you do not even notice the plot turns and twists you will encounter...only grip is as others have said is not being to explore the city better.
  19. KevinN.
    Mar 7, 2008
    9
    Simply amazing game which only lacks replay value and a ending that could of done better, but it has a great storyline and graphics, Plus if your a sadistic creep you get to kill Little Sisters for precious adam. (But I'd advise you go to a mental hospital first).
  20. Symbolia
    Apr 18, 2008
    9
    Somehow I think reviewers are blinded by its uniqueness. Of course that is a good thing, especially I love the '50s atmosphere. Shooting itself doesn't match those of Halo and Gears Of War. The main disappointment was that your character learns to do everything in just one play through.
  21. DylanS
    May 4, 2008
    9
    BioShock has tooken a 'what-if' situation, and presented it realistically if this did happen. No exaggerating anything - just a leveled down fair set of imagination, and still with the highly-possible science and technology still within reach! It definately has what it takes to take on Halo and other First Person Shooters to claim the crown. However, BioShocks has 1 very BioShock has tooken a 'what-if' situation, and presented it realistically if this did happen. No exaggerating anything - just a leveled down fair set of imagination, and still with the highly-possible science and technology still within reach! It definately has what it takes to take on Halo and other First Person Shooters to claim the crown. However, BioShocks has 1 very disappointing flaw... It only includes story mode ; and is single player only. However, I can understand this - as you are the only person in an army of 1 without any aid except later on in the game ; So it's nearly impossible to think of a creative and reasonable opportunity to add a possible other character[s] that could get involved in multi-player mode. However, there's no exceptions - so I'm forced to give it a 9/10.… Expand
  22. BillA.
    Jun 25, 2008
    9
    Finally, a game that truly satisfies. Bioshock is a masterpiece. I can ramble on about how this game is a work of art. But I wont. Words cannot do justice. do yourself a favor, buy the game.
  23. JacobM
    Aug 17, 2009
    9
    Bioshock is an amazing game that I enjoyed immensely. The dark and eerie atmosphere was so well created that I found it almost overwhelming at points. The plot is much different from any other game that I have ever played or heard of. You are essentially all on your own to escape from Rapture. The plasmids are great, useful, and very creative. However, I did have some problems with thisBioshock is an amazing game that I enjoyed immensely. The dark and eerie atmosphere was so well created that I found it almost overwhelming at points. The plot is much different from any other game that I have ever played or heard of. You are essentially all on your own to escape from Rapture. The plasmids are great, useful, and very creative. However, I did have some problems with this game. Some of the levels were a little too complex, and trying to find certain items was very difficult, because the levels were so big. In addition, the combat is pretty simple and repetitive, except when you run out of EVE and ammo for all your weapons. All in all, Bioshock is a classic game that I would highly recommend to anyone who doesn't want to play keep playing war games with uninteresting plots (CoD WaW) or games that just have you killing one person after another after another (GTA IV).… Expand
  24. PeterA
    Sep 12, 2009
    9
    How can someone not like this game? It has everything a good game should have, good and appealing graphics, a fun and full of exploring and choices gameplay, tremendous music and sound affects and a good and intriguing story. It's a shame it lacks multiplayer but the single-player covers for that, you will want to play it over again for sure. If you don't like this game, you How can someone not like this game? It has everything a good game should have, good and appealing graphics, a fun and full of exploring and choices gameplay, tremendous music and sound affects and a good and intriguing story. It's a shame it lacks multiplayer but the single-player covers for that, you will want to play it over again for sure. If you don't like this game, you don't like playing games at all.… Expand
  25. LionelE.
    Nov 16, 2007
    9
    Clever gameplay and an atmospheric world will draw you in, but it's the ideas and story that resonate even after the game finishes. That's a big accomplishment for a video game; this is one of the few games that can have impact in a way usually reserved for film, books or music.
  26. AlessandroF.
    Nov 19, 2007
    9
    Probably one of the best "alternative" FPS ever. Great story and great gameplay. A "Must have" for everyone.
  27. BenB.
    Nov 21, 2007
    9
    Bioshock has all the elements of a great FPS and then throws in more to create a totally new experience. The controls are easy to use. The plot is excellent and has some great voice acting. They did and excellent job making this place feel like an underwater city.
  28. UncleDougB.
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    A refreshing game with excellent visuals and compelling story. Gameplay is fine, but could use minor tweaking.
  29. JohnV.
    Aug 28, 2007
    9
    Excellent visuals, engaging plot, top notch voice acting, and an interesting gameplay system help make this one of the most memorable (perhaps best, too) FPS games ever. Although I prefer Half-Life 2, BioShock is probably my second most loved FPS. Halo falls short, I'm afraid. The multiple endings help with replay value, and the relationship between the Big Daddies and the Little Excellent visuals, engaging plot, top notch voice acting, and an interesting gameplay system help make this one of the most memorable (perhaps best, too) FPS games ever. Although I prefer Half-Life 2, BioShock is probably my second most loved FPS. Halo falls short, I'm afraid. The multiple endings help with replay value, and the relationship between the Big Daddies and the Little Sisters is enduring. I'm a fan of Ken Levine all of a sudden. Oh, and in regards to the "adult gamer" who wrote the 0 out of 10 review above for the game's morbidity, you might be an "adult" but you're definitely not mature. Oh...or are you a modern day puritan? Killing Locust in Gears of War is okay (even with the gratuitous blood) but the second you replace already humanoid figures with even more humanoid figures, you call foul? Idiot.… Expand
  30. AllenA.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    The fact is that it is an extraordinary single player game, but short, and having no multiplayer to back up the single player, after you beat it its over. Nothing else to do. Just kinda puts a damper from the game that could have been even better.
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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

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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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