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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. JeremyI.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    I haven't enjoyed a game this much since halo 2.
  3. TerrellM.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    IT is one of best games ever no Question about it
  4. [Anonymous]
    Aug 24, 2007
    8
    This game is filled with brilliant graphics and mulillayered choices. Unfortunately, it's gameplay lacking. First off, it's impossilbe to lose, as you can die over and over and over and over without effecting your progress at all. The dead stay dead and the wounded stay wounded. Overall, fighting is also a good, but not great, experience. The low levels of ammo make strategy This game is filled with brilliant graphics and mulillayered choices. Unfortunately, it's gameplay lacking. First off, it's impossilbe to lose, as you can die over and over and over and over without effecting your progress at all. The dead stay dead and the wounded stay wounded. Overall, fighting is also a good, but not great, experience. The low levels of ammo make strategy interesting, but that's all the fighting becomes. It's all planning the most conservitive way to get the job done, with no normal shooter skill and risk. In the end it doesn't matter, because of the unlimited respawn system. Honestly, i can't believe this game is getting such good reviews. Sure it has an amazing amtmosphere and story, but is it fun?… Expand
  5. JeremyS.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Shockingly good. Breathtaking graphics. Unparalleled customization and freedom in a fps. And best of all more creepily realistic atmosphere than you can shake a stick at.
  6. Clint
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    The FPS that captivates FPS lovers, and those who have never been into them, like myself.
  7. MarcoV.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    One of the best games out there on any platform! Story is compelling and twisted at the same time. Definatley a must buy from a gamer's perspective. All the people that gave a low score must have something againts playing incredible games or they dont know how the story develops. Try and listen to all the recordings on the games they would give you so much feedback as to why Rapture One of the best games out there on any platform! Story is compelling and twisted at the same time. Definatley a must buy from a gamer's perspective. All the people that gave a low score must have something againts playing incredible games or they dont know how the story develops. Try and listen to all the recordings on the games they would give you so much feedback as to why Rapture is the way it is. Going back with Mr. Bubbles now!… Expand
  8. MaxC.III
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    This is one amazing game. The graphics are amazing, the gameplay and story line are top notch, and it is easily now one of my favorite games. The downsides? No multiplayer and no New Game+ (all games that involve any type of leveling up should have new game plus, in my opinion). Anyway, buy or rent this game NOW.
  9. BrendanN.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    It's rare nowadays to find a game that is "the total package". Most games are so focused on doing ONE aspect of the game perfectly that they fail at the other parts of the game miserably. This is not the case with Bioshock. From graphics to gameplay, sound to storyline, Bioshock is a perfect example of what games can do. Of course the game looks amazing, plays wonderfully, and sounds It's rare nowadays to find a game that is "the total package". Most games are so focused on doing ONE aspect of the game perfectly that they fail at the other parts of the game miserably. This is not the case with Bioshock. From graphics to gameplay, sound to storyline, Bioshock is a perfect example of what games can do. Of course the game looks amazing, plays wonderfully, and sounds incredible. But it's the storyline that will stick with you long after the final battle. Games have offered their players moral choices to make for years now, but trust me when I say that you have NEVER seen anything like this. The game puts you in situations that actually make you feel like someone's hero, or on the flip side, it could make you feel so guilty that you may feel like you should be doing time in jail. That's where Bioshock differs from other games. It actually forces you to confront your emotions, sometimes shockingly. If you're a gamer of ANY type, then you're doing yourself a huge disservice by not playing this game. It's one of the best games ever made, and the atmosphere alone is so unique that it's already topped anything you've seen before.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. FPSMaster
    Aug 24, 2007
    7
    I'm not gonna jump on the bandwagon of gamers that claim this the best game ever made, although I started to just before release. But after playing, what comes to mind is a phrase like "if only they had done this a little differently or a little better". Don't get me wrong, it's a great game and all, but not the best game I've ever played. The game gives you tons of I'm not gonna jump on the bandwagon of gamers that claim this the best game ever made, although I started to just before release. But after playing, what comes to mind is a phrase like "if only they had done this a little differently or a little better". Don't get me wrong, it's a great game and all, but not the best game I've ever played. The game gives you tons of ways to kill enemies, but each one works about as well or the same as another. You can use your plasmids to mix things up just to see what happens, but just playing it like a shooter with just guns works just as well if not sometimes better and even easier. But the shooting sort of sucks and feels generic to be honest as the weapons don't feel that great to use anyway, but still easier than getting ridiculous with plasmids. The graphics are great other than the jaggies everywhere, especially the water, but not seeing your character model and not seeing your own shadow on a wall across from you when you're standing directly in front of a light with your back turned to it feels like going back to Doom 3 on Xbox. At the same time the enemies are chasting their own shadows down the hall from you making it look half finsihed since they do it but you don't. Character models of everything other than Big Daddies look generic and cartoony like Timesplitters character models though. Great looking game otherwise with easy controls, great story (although confusing sometimes since there are never any cutscenes), tons of weapons and great atmosphere with an upgrading system like an RPG. It just needs a few more graphical tweaks as talked about above to look as amazing as everyone claims. The story could have been fleshed out better too, as only listening to radios to know about the story doesn't always work as intended because half the time while you're trying to listen you have to fight making you not hear anything and having to stop and go back and listen again. It just feels like the biggest part of the game, the part that makes this game different, the combat, was hamstringed when they decided to give so many ways for you to deal with enemies but not making any of them seem to take skill or none of them really working better than another and none of them are that memorable. Makes it feel kinda pointless to upgrade your weapons and plasmids in that regard other than to see what they look like. And having to do the whole combo thing with plasmids then shoot gets old fast. It's like the GTA sydrome here. Instead of doing a couple of things really well like past games they did like Rockstar does with the GTA games and give you a ton of different things to do but all of them executed average or poorly. Rent.… Expand
  12. BrandonG.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Game of the year.
  13. KyrpäK.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    This is the one of the greatest game of all time. Bioshock deserver full 10 points.
  14. MattW.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    In my 23 years of life, and thousands of games, this is the best.
  15. AtlasisFontaineF.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    This game is mind blowing. Its like a mad circus. Never boring. High replay value (playing through everytime is different). READ THIS: IF you look at the reviews, only FANBOYS give it a low score and this is obvious because its a "1" or "0". Hardly any game deserves that. So the rest is perfect scores nothing in between. That should tell you something. If not, your not smart enough to This game is mind blowing. Its like a mad circus. Never boring. High replay value (playing through everytime is different). READ THIS: IF you look at the reviews, only FANBOYS give it a low score and this is obvious because its a "1" or "0". Hardly any game deserves that. So the rest is perfect scores nothing in between. That should tell you something. If not, your not smart enough to play this game as its for older smarter folks.… Expand
  16. DanielP.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Incredible!
  17. JulianosT.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    I read a review of someone who gave this game a zero. He gave it that score because of the realistic gore, what you do to the people in the game, and the fact he thought it was inappropirate for all ages. I believe that actually caring about what you do to people in a game is a mark about how good a game is. When you feel guilty about what you do to someone, even in a game, it makes you I read a review of someone who gave this game a zero. He gave it that score because of the realistic gore, what you do to the people in the game, and the fact he thought it was inappropirate for all ages. I believe that actually caring about what you do to people in a game is a mark about how good a game is. When you feel guilty about what you do to someone, even in a game, it makes you look into who you really are. Bioshock is the only game I have ever played that has made me do that. I admit that I am not very far in the game, but I am already hooked. I have never seen a game with such good water graphics before. The enemies are intelligent enough to jump into the water when they catch on fire. The gameplay is emmersive and almost magical. You really feel you are in the game. For moments I forgot that I was playing a game. When you play this game, your adrenaline starts pumping off the wall. When the ligths go out, you really are afraid. Even though you have much superior fire power and abilities, you're scared for your life. Just like in Half-Life 2, every object in the game can be interacted with. This game takes the leap from a fantasy into real life. You make the choice of whether to save children for little reward, or kill them for a huge reward. You have a choice to be good or evil. You choose how to dispatch your enemies. Hack a turret bot and have that fight them, freeze them then blow them into a thousand pieces, stun them and dispact them instandly, EVERYTHING! I have never seen this games equal. Bioshock is the game that every game to come should be judged on. If it is not as good as Bioshock, it is not worth buying.… Expand
  18. JohnN.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    I love it. Playing now. The creepy ballroom dancing music reminds me of The Shining. Love the exploration and story. A must own. Right up there with Gears of War, F.E.A.R., and Lost Planet as the best of 360.
  19. JoshF.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    The fact this game was produced in today's game market is a miracle. It is first and foremost a stunning game: Fun, replayable, and deep. But add onto that levels of atmosphere and storytelling unlike anything else out there and you begin to understand. Bioshock makes all other games look lazy. If there is a better game that has been released in the past five years I haven't The fact this game was produced in today's game market is a miracle. It is first and foremost a stunning game: Fun, replayable, and deep. But add onto that levels of atmosphere and storytelling unlike anything else out there and you begin to understand. Bioshock makes all other games look lazy. If there is a better game that has been released in the past five years I haven't played. And I've played too many to count. Finally, it has a POINT. It wil make you think and dream about the nature of man and our place. What more could we ask for in what is already a genre-leading game?… Expand
  20. MatthewC.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    This is my personal favorite game of all time.
  21. PaulC.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    What can I say that hasn't already been said. One of the BEST games I have ever played and I have played thousands of games over the past 35 years. Seriously, this is the reason you bought a XBOX 360 in the first place.
  22. TylerG.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    After games like Gears Of War, I didn't think I could ever be blown away. Then I put in the heavily hyped Bioshock. And was blown away once more. But be warned, this isn't your Halo run n' gun shoot em' up. This game is deeply involved on all aspects. I don't know what genre to place this game is, because it's too broad for just one. If you have just enough After games like Gears Of War, I didn't think I could ever be blown away. Then I put in the heavily hyped Bioshock. And was blown away once more. But be warned, this isn't your Halo run n' gun shoot em' up. This game is deeply involved on all aspects. I don't know what genre to place this game is, because it's too broad for just one. If you have just enough money to buy a game this summer, or this year, buy Bioshock, it's a safe purchase.… Expand
  23. ShawnG.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    One of the best and most polished games I've played on ANY system. The time they spent getting the little ambiance things right is a pleasure!! And playing with all the plasmids if a fun combat sandbox. This is a great title.
  24. ScottR.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Caring for a character in game is not usually in any game. Having regret a choice you made in game is not rare. But when you feel what you did is wrong. There is something very special in that game. That is what what BioShock is and more.
  25. AlessioP.
    Aug 23, 2007
    0
    WATCH OUT!!! Bioshock is a great game, sure, but has a orrible DRM system. Basically you can activate it online 2 times only; you "should" get an activation back when you uninstall it, but at the moment it does not work. You can check 2kgames forum... or give a look at pcgamer.com. Achtung!
  26. CodyB.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    PERFECTION! 20 OUT OF 10. This game was well worth the wait. When it kept getting pushed back, I thought, " it better be worth it!" It is. The gameplay is perfect, the graphics (with a few glitches here and there) are beautiful. The best part about this game is the story and the decisions to make. When they give you the decision to kill or save the little sisters, you realize just how deepPERFECTION! 20 OUT OF 10. This game was well worth the wait. When it kept getting pushed back, I thought, " it better be worth it!" It is. The gameplay is perfect, the graphics (with a few glitches here and there) are beautiful. The best part about this game is the story and the decisions to make. When they give you the decision to kill or save the little sisters, you realize just how deep this can get. I chose to save the first little sister. The cutscene is full of emotion. Try it once. It doesnt reward you as much, but just ty it. You will see what I am talking about. Its about time that there is a quality FPS on the 360. The best game so far.… Expand
  27. Steve-O
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    This IS the most amazing game I have played on the 360 and is set to be one of the all time greatest games ever played! The exerience is more thrilling than the first time I played Resident Evil about ten years ago. It is even more exiting than that, but that is all I can compare it to. The game is so nerve wracking, spooky, fun, clever, twisted, and just plain awsome to play. I had to This IS the most amazing game I have played on the 360 and is set to be one of the all time greatest games ever played! The exerience is more thrilling than the first time I played Resident Evil about ten years ago. It is even more exiting than that, but that is all I can compare it to. The game is so nerve wracking, spooky, fun, clever, twisted, and just plain awsome to play. I had to tear my self away from it last night. Bioshock is a true example of a marqee game that must be played. This title has GOTY written all over it. If you have been on the fence about buying it...you're crazy..go get a copy NOW and prepare to experience Rapture.… Expand
  28. ChaseB.
    Aug 23, 2007
    7
    Its easily the best thing available on 360 right now (but ofcourse there realy isn't any competition when it comes to actual good titles). Its a fun game and it tells a highly entertaining story that falls just short of half life 2 proportions (though the style of story telling is suprisingly similar). The game uses great idealistic imagery and has a deffinate sense of style. It is Its easily the best thing available on 360 right now (but ofcourse there realy isn't any competition when it comes to actual good titles). Its a fun game and it tells a highly entertaining story that falls just short of half life 2 proportions (though the style of story telling is suprisingly similar). The game uses great idealistic imagery and has a deffinate sense of style. It is also a game plauged with tiny problems (makes me wonder of Microsoft paid them money to rush it like they oh so love to do). You will notice alot of spazzing corpses and items (not as bad as Perfect dark but still bad) and a good many floating bodies aswell, but these are ofcourse minor asthetic problems. As gamespot said while compelling the gameplay is basic and easily mastered and so while there are some great and thuroughly enjoyable ways of killing people, you realy hafto want to use them because its oftin easier to just shoot an enemy in the face with your pistol and kill him than to use some elaborate method that may or may not work. There are some great features like capturing enemy turrets and using them for yourself that may or may not end up being usefull depending on the situation. If the gameplay here had a little more depth I would jump at the chance to give this game a higher score, but as things are I think gameplay wise its little more than a servicable job of keeping the story (this game is all about story) going. The combat here is no halo but it does function. The reason I am stressing so much the weak gameplay dispite the great story is that its a little upsetting after all the hype for this game, and all the potential it certainly has to see it fall short because the developer didn't spend the time necisary polishing the final product. One thing I will say though is that the best part by far is the voice acting, truly some of the best in any game out there. I got it on both 360 and PC and so far just as an FYI PC is both superior visualy and in terms of gameplay (but ofcourse mouse always trumps controller).… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. WaltG.
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    The game is a masterpiece of design, atmosphere, and gripping storytelling. I have to say, when you see "Aesthetics are a moral imperative," written in blood in the floor of a surgery ward, I had to turn the lights back on.
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »