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. Tomplexthis
    Jul 7, 2022
    9
    Dude? People who havent played this should, even if Bioshock 2 was bad, and Infinite was ok, the sort of soft horror this game gives off is what i loved, and it was extremely solid. Bioshock 1 is the best.

    Cool world, story, weapons, upgrades and mechanics. love the water.
  2. atyoukha
    Jul 26, 2022
    9
    Fantastic game! The story, the action, the characters, the environment, all so perfectly blended in together. It's near perfect! It's a game you want to play over and over again!
  3. JesseDillinger
    Feb 2, 2023
    9
    Played this for the first time 2 days ago. Started it and finished it in the same day. The game was amazing. The setting of Rapture is such a damn good place. You feel trapped yet it still looks amazing. The Big Daddies are creepy yet cool looking, the Little Sisters are creepy and saving them is creepy. The gameplay is pretty fun, nothing special but still good. The setting, story andPlayed this for the first time 2 days ago. Started it and finished it in the same day. The game was amazing. The setting of Rapture is such a damn good place. You feel trapped yet it still looks amazing. The Big Daddies are creepy yet cool looking, the Little Sisters are creepy and saving them is creepy. The gameplay is pretty fun, nothing special but still good. The setting, story and enemies are what make this game truly amazing.… Expand
  4. AntonEtan
    Apr 11, 2023
    9
    Pretty solid game. Just recently played it and I really like it. Good story, nice gameplay and overall a fun experience.
  5. Sampayo
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Goood. Un mundo acuático tan inmerso y distópico que te engancha a seguir jugando
  6. fnenamg
    Sep 8, 2023
    9
    A well-made FPS game with a fantastic story. An experience of around 10 hours leaves a lasting impression as if it were 100 hours.
  7. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    I played it when it was released, and it was just amazing. I had a lot of fun with this one.
  8. Chris
    Oct 8, 2007
    8
    It's a very much simplified, much easier, underwater (watered down?) version of System Shock 2. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's about time SS2 was re-released for gamers to know what a true masterpiece is like.
  9. JeffR.
    Aug 25, 2007
    8
    The game's good, but I have to say the gameplay isn't really as compelling as we're being led to believe. It's very simple in its combat, It's easier than most FPS games, and it begins to have almost a repetitive feeling, as if you were playing the same level over and over against a different backdrop. Few games have had such well-crafted story elements, but even The game's good, but I have to say the gameplay isn't really as compelling as we're being led to believe. It's very simple in its combat, It's easier than most FPS games, and it begins to have almost a repetitive feeling, as if you were playing the same level over and over against a different backdrop. Few games have had such well-crafted story elements, but even on that subject it's not the best I've played. If i had the chance to go back and experience Max Payne 2, Half Life 2 or F.E.A.R. again for the first time rather than play bioshock, i would happily do so. That being said, it's a fun game, beautifully art directed and the story elements are solidly constructed.… Expand
  10. ChrisM.
    Aug 27, 2007
    8
    It sure is a beautiful game, no doublt about it. But I do think this game is a bit overrated. I've read every review of this game, and virtually no negative points were mentined. However, I have a few. - Combat is not very well done. Because of the unrealistic way splicers move I'm having too much difficulty hitting them with the (slow moving) plasmids - I've had it with It sure is a beautiful game, no doublt about it. But I do think this game is a bit overrated. I've read every review of this game, and virtually no negative points were mentined. However, I have a few. - Combat is not very well done. Because of the unrealistic way splicers move I'm having too much difficulty hitting them with the (slow moving) plasmids - I've had it with games that keep respawning enemies based on scripted events. Everytime you pick up an important item suddenly an enemy spawns out of nowhere...its like doom3 in that way. - fighting big daddy's isn;t a lot of fun. They are big damage spunges that simply take a lot to bring down - I'm suffering from the freeze bug on my 360 just like the gamespot reviewer. It amost ruins the game for me So well...a pretty cool adventure game with mediocre combat and superior graphics....I'd glady give it a 8.5 or so but that's it.… Expand
  11. JamesH.
    Sep 3, 2007
    8
    Bioshock IS well above average in all regards and there will be very few people that wont enjoy playing through this game. However, it is because Bioshock gets everything so 'nearly' perfect that one is left with a small sense of dissapointment after playing. The comparison many have made with the half life 2 experience is valid. Half Life 2 is clear GOTY material, however Bioshock IS well above average in all regards and there will be very few people that wont enjoy playing through this game. However, it is because Bioshock gets everything so 'nearly' perfect that one is left with a small sense of dissapointment after playing. The comparison many have made with the half life 2 experience is valid. Half Life 2 is clear GOTY material, however I'm not sure that Bioshock deserves this mantle. Bioshock is a highly accomplished jack of all trades... With the exception of the presentation of the narrative, it is master of none... A very solid 8.… Expand
  12. AaronC
    Sep 7, 2007
    8
    I've killed Nefarion, finished all the Zeldas and Metriods, finished Super Mario Bros, completed all the Rainbow Six's on realistic mode, finished countless games over and over again....SO WHY am I dying in this game?! Its completly frustrating to die over and over again, who tuned this game? The only redeeming factor this game has is the polished "next gen WET" look, which II've killed Nefarion, finished all the Zeldas and Metriods, finished Super Mario Bros, completed all the Rainbow Six's on realistic mode, finished countless games over and over again....SO WHY am I dying in this game?! Its completly frustrating to die over and over again, who tuned this game? The only redeeming factor this game has is the polished "next gen WET" look, which I guess after reading so many of the critics reviews is the new paradigm to get a 10....just make it look WET!… Expand
  13. LaurenP
    Aug 5, 2009
    8
    Very good!
  14. JustinT.
    Oct 1, 2007
    8
    I would really say 8.5 here. The fact that there's no multiplayer is fine for a game like this, but its shortness hurts a bit. Its all about the story on this game baby. Difficulty in spades if you want it, or eternal re-spawns if you don't. Finding hiddin audio messages from the past and putting together your own past make this a kind of CSI-esque feel with a very dark premise. I would really say 8.5 here. The fact that there's no multiplayer is fine for a game like this, but its shortness hurts a bit. Its all about the story on this game baby. Difficulty in spades if you want it, or eternal re-spawns if you don't. Finding hiddin audio messages from the past and putting together your own past make this a kind of CSI-esque feel with a very dark premise. Not a lot of re-play value keeps this from being a 10, but a solid game anyone should like to play.… Expand
  15. IanL.
    Oct 10, 2007
    8
    It's good, but not really great. The color palette is too dark to see many of the details, and there's no multiplayer.
  16. thedude
    Oct 15, 2007
    8
    This is a hard game for me to rate, because I was actually disappointed by it when I played, but it has kind of stuck with me since then. I looked forward to this game for a year, and the presentation in the demo floored me. But with all the 100's, and hype about it being one of the greatest games of all time, I found it pretty disappointing. I felt the same way about Half Life 2, This is a hard game for me to rate, because I was actually disappointed by it when I played, but it has kind of stuck with me since then. I looked forward to this game for a year, and the presentation in the demo floored me. But with all the 100's, and hype about it being one of the greatest games of all time, I found it pretty disappointing. I felt the same way about Half Life 2, though, and I know most people loved that. Half Life 2 felt like what I would expect, with a few great moments, and a bunch of stuff that I could have done without, like having to fend off the face huggers and the mosquito flying things all the time. Likewise, Bioshock had a gripping beginning, hit its peak with the Fort Fright section(like Ravenholm in HL2), and then just kind of seemed like a standard shooter to me the rest of the way. I found only a few of the plasmids effective, so even though they had a lot you could do, it only made sense to use one or two most of the time. The story was good, but not amazing. The presentation was great, but after the first hour or two you're used to it and it just comes down to the gameplay, which was pretty standard. But I have looked back on it with a certain fondness in hindsight since I played it, so I think it was another case of too much hype inflating a very good game into a so-called "master-piece". It's worth playing, but lower your expectations before you start it so you can be pleasantly surprised instead of let down.… Expand
  17. SaulX.
    Oct 7, 2007
    8
    Great game, but no replay value once its done its done i tried going through twice but it got way to boring, the first time through , is lots of fun, I prefer halo 3 anyday since after u beat it, thats just the begining.
  18. RobertN.
    Sep 10, 2007
    8
    I think this game is overrated - like Halo. I thought The Darkness and Prey were just as good and as original as this, but they didn't get nearly as high ratings. The graphics, sound, and story are all first-rate, but I thought the action was often claustrophobic. If you like highting hordes of enemies off at close range, you'll love it. I, myself, prefer to think about strategy I think this game is overrated - like Halo. I thought The Darkness and Prey were just as good and as original as this, but they didn't get nearly as high ratings. The graphics, sound, and story are all first-rate, but I thought the action was often claustrophobic. If you like highting hordes of enemies off at close range, you'll love it. I, myself, prefer to think about strategy before I go in all-guns-blazing, and this game doesn't allow the time for this. Also - I find the big Daddies are extremely difficult to kill. There's also never enough ammunition, and you find yourself constantly having to shoot up to rejuvenate or loading your guns to shoot. Having to do this really takes you out of the moment. The graphics are good, but I found them to be similar to those of Prey and The Darkness. I think the only reason this is getting such rave reviews is the amount of hype it got before it was released. All in all, a great and memorable game, but I'm not letting the hype blind me to the flaws I saw in it.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. DylanL.
    Feb 1, 2008
    8
    Great game but the story is just plane unintersting and no multiplayer wtf?
  21. SamJ.
    Mar 3, 2008
    8
    Really, really good, but the controls just didn't feel good for me. Firing a gun just felt weird.
  22. calmc
    Aug 2, 2009
    8
    Fun and addictive, despite being somewhat overhyped. It's as if some major reviewers need some sort of spiritual significance or validation in their lives, so they seriously look to friggin video games for deeper experiences. Bioshock has been propped up like that, so consequently gamers are expecting some Godlike experience. It's a great and interesting gaming experience.
  23. 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
  24. StrifeStar
    Aug 20, 2007
    8
    This is an 8 in my books. Everything was done well, but nothing was done perfectly. 360 syndrome, if you will. Not to mention the inability of dying affecting your progress. I don't need the game to fight my battles for me.
  25. MickeyR.
    Aug 24, 2007
    8
    This game is well-conceived and well-designed--it oozes quality in a way that few others do, and it has more atmosphere than any other I've seen. From a gameplay standpoint, it reminds me strongly of Deus Ex (the original). But as a complete experience I find it a bit lacking, as gameplay is quite retsrictive and there's no multiplayer. Avery good game, but I think it gets extra This game is well-conceived and well-designed--it oozes quality in a way that few others do, and it has more atmosphere than any other I've seen. From a gameplay standpoint, it reminds me strongly of Deus Ex (the original). But as a complete experience I find it a bit lacking, as gameplay is quite retsrictive and there's no multiplayer. Avery good game, but I think it gets extra points in the 360 release because there are relatively few other excellent games on this platform.… Expand
  26. DesperateOne
    Aug 27, 2007
    8
    BioShock is a compelling title with much to like. The atmosphere as a whole is incredible and very deep- you'd be hard pressed not to be drawn in by the combination of storyline and graphics. Game play, in particular the FPS aspects, will certainly be a disappointment for fans of Halo, Rainbow Six and their ilk as the weapons and damage they cause leave much to be desired- especially BioShock is a compelling title with much to like. The atmosphere as a whole is incredible and very deep- you'd be hard pressed not to be drawn in by the combination of storyline and graphics. Game play, in particular the FPS aspects, will certainly be a disappointment for fans of Halo, Rainbow Six and their ilk as the weapons and damage they cause leave much to be desired- especially later in the game. To be fair though, the combat is not the main focus of BioShock. The storyline is so compelling that the combat serves as just a added piece of the puzzle-another feature that helps to immerse you in the world of Rapture. That said, there is a great deal of pleasure to be achieved from your battles and some very interesting and mischievous ways to kill your enemies. From electrocutions to swarms of bees to chemical fires, what you lack in "damage satisfaction" is more than made up for by the gameplay's creativity. If you go into BioShock expecting Halo style battles you will be disappointed. If your seeking an engrossing thriller that just happens to have a decent combat system than you should certainly check this game out. I completed the game receiving the "Tyrant" ending and will now go back and do it all again to see what happens if I let a few of these "little ones" live..… Expand
  27. AlanM.
    Aug 27, 2007
    8
    I've just finished the main story element of Bioshock (although I'm convinced that there are alternate endings and I haven't got all the achievements). There is no denying the fact that this is an excellently crafted game, the Graphics, Sound, Storyline are all excellent however in my opinion it isn't perfect (what I mean is that it doesn't justify a 100% score). I've just finished the main story element of Bioshock (although I'm convinced that there are alternate endings and I haven't got all the achievements). There is no denying the fact that this is an excellently crafted game, the Graphics, Sound, Storyline are all excellent however in my opinion it isn't perfect (what I mean is that it doesn't justify a 100% score). The issues: (These have to be considered in relation to the whole package, which is well worth a purchase). 1. Gunplay / Combat - feels wooly and innacurate, it becomes slightly better halfway through with the crossbow (Half-life 2 style scope), but generally I found it most satisfying thumping enemies with a wrench. 2. The weapon upgrades seem far more limited than the promotional material suggested (capacity / damage multiplyers) 3. Some weapons feel pretty pointless (Chemical thrower & Crossbow) 4. Game length - being a UK resident I got the game on Friday morning and played reletively frequently untill finishing it on Monday afternoon - lets say 15 - 20 hrs (tops). 5. Being told just before the boss fight that no more saves would be available - so I can't explore Rapture after defeating X? (perhaps this opens up if you are a better player / on harder difficulty?) I got the impression that it were short and sweet, and that it were an RPG instead of FPS 2.0. I'd compare it with a shorter version of Deus Ex, with much better graphics, sound and art-style. So what's good about it? I cannot rememer playing a game that has made me save and stop playing because I feel uncomfortable with the moral position I am placed in. I've been quite happy in other games to thrash the enemies to bits, but in Bioshock you begin to understand why they are, and later on you may end up even worse than them. I'd recommend anyone to buy Bioshock, but would urge some restraint in its reviews. It is an excellent piece of software... but personally it becomes problematic when I compare it to a title like Oblivion.… Expand
  28. HuxleyH.
    Aug 31, 2007
    8
    Let's preface this by saying that all the hype about Bioshock's narrative is deserved; it's been a long time since I've seen a story this good, and I don't just mean in videogames. It is excellently told, compelling, and very, very close to flawless. Sadly, the gameplay does not in my opinion warrant the scores the game has been getting. That side of things feels Let's preface this by saying that all the hype about Bioshock's narrative is deserved; it's been a long time since I've seen a story this good, and I don't just mean in videogames. It is excellently told, compelling, and very, very close to flawless. Sadly, the gameplay does not in my opinion warrant the scores the game has been getting. That side of things feels fairly generic and sometimes even disappointing, with the much-lauded plasmids really not adding much to the affair. There is little to criticize on that front, but there is little to praise greatly either. Make no mistake: this game is both important and worth getting. But I don't agree with the reviews which consider the gameplay as big a deal as the story, in this case.… Expand
  29. JonnyP.
    Sep 10, 2007
    8
    8.7 actually. It is a breathtaking game both in sound and environment, but the core mechanics are tired and repetitive. The plasmid mechanic is really cool but never really make you feel powerful. The combat feels unrewarding. The story however is fantastic for a video game. It's not quite the end all be all people make it out to be (especially if you are familiar with the literary 8.7 actually. It is a breathtaking game both in sound and environment, but the core mechanics are tired and repetitive. The plasmid mechanic is really cool but never really make you feel powerful. The combat feels unrewarding. The story however is fantastic for a video game. It's not quite the end all be all people make it out to be (especially if you are familiar with the literary allutions, i.e. Atlas Shrugged), but for a fps it does the job nicely. Bioshock is definitely worth checking out but is in my opinion not the best game ever.… Expand
  30. AllistairP.
    Sep 2, 2007
    8
    First off, the demo and the hype built around this game isn't going to meet your expectations. The game is NO WHERE NEAR as a full on rollercoaster as the demo is, which is sad. This isn't the next step in shooters, just a really well done one that explores old design ides with perfect design. Its basically Metroid Prime exploration, System Shock RPG and horror elemtns, and some First off, the demo and the hype built around this game isn't going to meet your expectations. The game is NO WHERE NEAR as a full on rollercoaster as the demo is, which is sad. This isn't the next step in shooters, just a really well done one that explores old design ides with perfect design. Its basically Metroid Prime exploration, System Shock RPG and horror elemtns, and some Half Life ambience and cinematic touches. Don't expect to be blown away by this game, but you will be satsified with your purchase. I don't buy too many single player games and not regret it, so this is saying something. A solid if familiar game that will go down as one of 2007s best. Just don't expect a tour-de-force along the lines of God of War 2.… Expand
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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.
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