7.1.2012

BioShock 2 is a very unique game that puts you in the heart of Rapture, an underwater city full of darkness and madness. The monsters you fight are genetically spliced and mutated, some ranging from quite funny to horrifically disfigured. As you descend deeper you get absorbed in Rapture's steam-punk and 50/60s style setting which is a thrill to explore.BioShock 2 lets you play as a big daddy as opposed to a human like the first. You are Subject Delta, a big daddy prototype who is bonded to a little sister but unfortunately for you she is the daughter of Sophia Lamb. She uses mind control powers to make you shut down and ten years later you are revived by Eleanor who you still have a bonded connection with and if you don't find her you will get shut down into a coma.This is more interesting and gives you a good reason to search the horrors of Rapture.Playing a big daddy is awesome and this is actually much better than the first for this aspect as it's quite unique. The ability to use plasmids (genetically enhanced powers created by ADAM which you need to collect) and weapons at the same time is an improvement and great for a combination (ie turning someone into a block of ice and firing a shotgun shell at it, exploding it into pieces.) I also like the heavy grunting and sounds your character makes when you jump, get hurt etc as you progress through the game. It sounds very mechanical which makes the character stand out a bit more. Overall this is a fantastic game and not a generic FPS game like many on the market. The game brings in a lot of RPG elements like exploration and collecting items and money and it's very addicting to search the rooms you enter and corpses. Collecting ADAM is also something that you don't need to do all the time but its required to build an arsenal of weapons and powers. To do this you have to find little sisters who have already been bonded to other big daddy types. Your character however, Subject Delta, is a prototype that although is bonded to your little sister Eleanor, you have the ability to adopt other little sisters, accompany and protect them while you both go on your ADAM collecting adventures. You must defeat the little sister's big daddy though which is both exciting and challenging as they don't hurt you unless you bother them too much or become hostile. Some people say it's not as terrifying because you're not a puny human which is true but it can still be a challenge. The little sisters are much better in this than the first. They look more adorable rather than creepy and I think this is better because as you play a big daddy you have to feel a daughter father bond, which is vital to the role. You have the ability to harvest them but this will change the ending depending on what you do. Because of the design and voices of the little sisters, it's exceptionally difficult to harvest them (although other people may prefer this) the developers did a good job of re-designing them, going for a more realistic human than some sort of creature. In the first game I didn't care too much about saving or harvesting little sisters but I found it perplexingly difficult in this one, which shows they done a good job. A big sister is also added to this, who will hunt you down every now and again and she WILL find you which makes it pretty intense as she is bigger, faster and more powerful and can quite easily crush you like a paper cup.The game can get frustrating a little now and again but you can adjust the difficulty whenever you like although I would recommend leaving it on normal or hard all the time. Difficulty affects trophies as well which is worth pointing out. You can also get hints from the map and if you are killed you are re-vitalized in a vita chamber which is very handy and saves having to start over from your last save point (although this can be turned off if the player prefers it.) The game does have a learning curve, especially getting the hang of using plasmid slots, dealing with ADAM and use gene banks but it doesn't take long to learn it all if you take your time. Players more familiar with the first game will be more used to it.The game is pretty long although not as long as I had hoped. It's probably around 10-14 hours but it can take longer if you do a lot of exploring. If you rush through the main story you'll get through it pretty quick but exploring and taking your time gathering with your little sister is what makes this game unique and more enjoyable and if you rushed the story you'd be missing out on bonuses.Graphics are very good. Most of Rapture has that shiny look but usually a very rusting design. The big daddy series are also very detailed and represent powerful hi-tec but classic machinery just like the character you play. The environments and water effects are very realistic, especially when you're underwater and drain the water when coming indoors. Excellent colourful and dark graphics, I wouldn't want any better.You have many different plasmids to use but also weapons and the good thing is that you have all these with you and you don't drop weapons to pick up others like a lot of games today. The weapons range from a powerful machine gun, sawn off shotgun, an industrial drill, a spear gun and rivet gun. Some classic weapons others industrial tools of destruction that only a big daddy could wield. You get a hacktool which allows you to hack devices from a distance. Like in the first game you hack devices but a huge improvement is the work. You stop the needle at certain points of a gauge while action still persists, this gives the game a much more sense of danger instead of taking you to the safety zone in the first, and the puzzle is much better in this. I personally didn't like the puzzle in the first BioShock and it made it more of a chore. A big improvement here.Everything about this game just works well and it can be very captivating exploring different parts of Rapture. The plasmids vary, some destructive like being able to turn opponents into ice blocks, setting them ablaze, being observant by casting yourself out of your body to check surroundings and turning machines against opponents. There is a lot to offer but its best to leave it to the surprise when you play it. The music is very 50's ballroom style whilst having a grim sound as well. The music can get tense at times and the sound effects are well done. The machine gun and shotgun sounds like it will tear a hole in your speakers. The voice acting is also excellent. There is a lot of dialogue in the game by the antagonist Sophia Lamb, your little sister Eleanor as well as other little sisters and citizens of the city. Also there is a character called Sinclair who helps you throughout the game and various audio diaries scattered around Rapture. These diaries are fun because they give you an idea of the history and events that have happened while not pausing the game in cut-scenes etc. The characters stand out and are interesting especially Alexander Gill but I won't spoil anything by explaining why he is interesting. The characters that talk to you throughout the game and the voice diaries all sound very polished.Collector's Edition: This is probably one of the best collector's editions I've seen so far. Today there is a vast selection but BioShock 2 is the only game that has interested me with its collector's edition. The box is pretty big about a record size. Once taking off the slipcover you will find a very fine box, it's quite thick and the hand prints of the little sister's on the cover feels cool as it stands out on the surface giving it that crisp touch. Inside you get the game, 3 replica advertisement posters from around Rapture, a CD soundtrack of BioShock 2 and a vinyl soundtrack of the first game. Even if you don't have a record player (I don't) it's still a great addition. Also inside is a 164 page hardcover artbook. The contents inside are extremely well detailed and in colour and has to be one of the best artbooks I have ever owned. Overall well worth the price, even for full price which I paid for it, it is superior to many collector box-set editions that are coming out today.BioShock 2 isn't a game that is weak and tries to compensate that by giving us a great value for money CE, this game delivers and the box really adds to the quality of the game. I recommend it strongly. An excellent game that goes above the standard for the genre of shooter/adventures.

7.1.2012

BioShock 2 is a very unique game that puts you in the heart of Rapture, an underwater city full of darkness and madness. The monsters you fight are genetically spliced and mutated, some ranging from quite funny to horrifically disfigured. As you descend deeper you get absorbed in Rapture's steam-punk and 50/60s style setting which is a thrill to explore.BioShock 2 lets you play as a big daddy as opposed to a human like the first. You are Subject Delta, a big daddy prototype who is bonded to a little sister but unfortunately for you she is the daughter of Sophia Lamb. She uses mind control powers to make you shut down and ten years later you are revived by Eleanor who you still have a bonded connection with and if you don't find her you will get shut down into a coma.This is more interesting and gives you a good reason to search the horrors of Rapture.Playing a big daddy is awesome and this is actually much better than the first for this aspect as it's quite unique. The ability to use plasmids (genitally enhanced powers created by ADAM which you need to collect) and weapons at the same time is an improvement and great for a combination (ie turning someone into a block of ice and firing a shotgun shell at it, exploding it into pieces.) I also like the heavy grunting and sounds your character makes when you jump, get hurt etc as you progress through the game. It sounds very mechanical which makes the character stand out a bit more. Overall this is a fantastic game and not a generic FPS game like many on the market. The game brings in a lot of RPG elements like exploration and collecting items and money and it's very addicting to search the rooms you enter and corpses. Collecting ADAM is also something that you don't need to do all the time but its required to build an arsenal of weapons and powers. To do this you have to find little sisters who have already been bonded to other big daddy types. Your character however, Subject Delta, is a prototype that although is bonded to your little sister Eleanor, you have the ability to adopt other little sisters, accompany and protect them while you both go on your ADAM collecting adventures. You must defeat the little sister's big daddy though which is both exciting and challenging as they don't hurt you unless you bother them too much or become hostile. Some people say it's not as terrifying because you're not a puny human which is true but it can still be a challenge. The little sisters are much better in this than the first. They look more adorable rather than creepy and I think this is better because as you play a big daddy you have to feel a daughter father bond, which is vital to the role. You have the ability to harvest them but this will change the ending depending on what you do. Because of the design and voices of the little sisters, it's exceptionally difficult to harvest them (although other people may prefer this) the developers did a good job of re-designing them, going for a more realistic human than some sort of creature. In the first game I didn't care too much about saving or harvesting little sisters but I found it perplexingly difficult in this one, which shows they done a good job. A big sister is also added to this, who will hunt you down every now and again and she WILL find you which makes it pretty intense as she is bigger, faster and more powerful and can quite easily crush you like a paper cup.The game can get frustrating a little now and again but you can adjust the difficulty whenever you like although I would recommend leaving it on normal or hard all the time. Difficulty affects trophies as well which is worth pointing out. You can also get hints from the map and if you are killed you are re-vitalized in a vita chamber which is very handy and saves having to start over from your last save point (although this can be turned off if the player prefers it.) The game does have a learning curve, especially getting the hang of using plasmid slots, dealing with ADAM and use gene banks but it doesn't take long to learn it all if you take your time. Players more familiar with the first game will be more used to it.The game is pretty long although not as long as I had hoped. It's probably around 10-14 hours but it can take longer if you do a lot of exploring. If you rush through the main story you'll get through it pretty quick but exploring and taking your time gathering with your little sister is what makes this game unique and more enjoyable and if you rushed the story you'd be missing out on bonuses.Graphics are very good. Most of Rapture has that shiny look but usually a very rusting design. The big daddy series are also very detailed and represent powerful hi-tec but classic machinery just like the character you play. The environments and water effects are very realistic, especially when you're underwater and drain the water when coming indoors. Excellent colourful and dark graphics, I wouldn't want any better.You have many different plasmids to use but also weapons and the good thing is that you have all these with you and you don't drop weapons to pick up others like a lot of games today. The weapons range from a powerful machine gun, sawn off shotgun, an industrial drill, a spear gun and rivet gun. Some classic weapons others industrial tools of destruction that only a big daddy could wield. You get a hacktool which allows you to hack devices from a distance. Like in the first game you hack devices but a huge improvement is the work. You stop the needle at certain points of a gauge while action still persists, this gives the game a much more sense of danger instead of taking you to the safety zone in the first, and the puzzle is much better in this. I personally didn't like the puzzle in the first BioShock and it made it more of a chore. A big improvement here.Everything about this game just works well and it can be very captivating exploring different parts of Rapture. The plasmids vary, some destructive like being able to turn opponents into ice blocks, setting them ablaze, being observant by casting yourself out of your body to check surroundings and turning machines against opponents. There is a lot to offer but its best to leave it to the surprise when you play it. The music is very 50's ballroom style whilst having a grim sound as well. The music can get tense at times and the sound effects are well done. The machine gun and shotgun sounds like it will tear a hole in your speakers. The voice acting is also excellent. There is a lot of dialogue in the game by the antagonist Sophia Lamb, your little sister Eleanor as well as other little sisters and citizens of the city. Also there is a character called Sinclair who helps you throughout the game and various audio diaries scattered around Rapture. These diaries are fun because they give you an idea of the history and events that have happened while not pausing the game in cut-scenes etc. The characters stand out and are interesting especially Alexander Gill but I won't spoil anything by explaining why he is interesting. The characters that talk to you throughout the game and the voice diaries all sound very polished.Overall an excellent game that deserves a buy

13.2.2010

Bioshock 2 is something of a difficult game you may think to review. Sequel to a game which many said needed no sequel. Pointless, not needed, not wanted by the fans etc. What more could it bring to the table? After having played the game extensively I can tell you it brings a lot. It has a host of refinements, improvements, and quite frankly is a game which taken as a whole, I think will struggle to be bested by any other game this year.Set 10 years after the first game, in Bioshock 2 you play as subject Delta, the first Big Daddy to be successfully paired with a Little Sister. Delta wakes up in Rapture at the beginning with little recollection as to what has come before.All he has is an unshakeable urge to find and be reunited with his Little Sister. To complicate matters, Rapture has a new leader in the form of Sophia Lamb, a Psychiatrist who has managed to unite the Splicers under the banner of 'The Family', a twisted cult she uses to serve her will. It's a great set-up, and one which leads you further into Rapture meeting a host of interesting characters. More complex than you would normally expect from a video game story, and without the slightly perplexing and damaging twists that were found in Bioshock, the story is one of the numerous areas where Bioshock 2 shines. It won't be as highly praised as the story found in the first, primarily because Rapture isn't a new and unknown entity this time around. This is sad because it's definetly as good, if not better than the first.When it comes to the gameplay itself, Bioshock 2 has certainly been improved. This is primarily due to the fact you are now a Big Daddy with the ability to dual wield weapons and plasmids, which makes for some hugely entertaining firefights and combat experimentation. Combat itself is also far more intense, and you will often find yourself far more overwhelmed than in the first game. This is no bad thing however, as the intensity never drops and you will find yourself excited from beginning to end. Control wise, Bioshock 2 is very smooth. It may not be as twitch perfect as other top shooters on the market such as Modern Warfare 2, but it actually works in the games favour. It's far more of a thinking mans FPS, with the ability to lay traps, call upon bots for help and dupe your enemies with the use of plasmids. As previously stated, it is very intense but you will never feel rushed or under so much pressure that you miss a shot, and if you do it's your own fault and not that of a faulty control setup.The biggest, and most exciting addition to the gameplay though is the ability to use Little Sisters to harvest Adam from bodies. You first have to take down their own Big Daddy, and once that is done you are left with a choice of whether to harvest or adopt them. If you adopt them, you then take on the role of protector, and are able to Harvest dead bodies for Adam for use for upgrades. These scenes are where the game is at it's most intense, as you have to hold off gangs of Splicers intent on stealing that Little Sister from you. It's a very interesting role reversal of the Big Daddy fights from the first game, and one which I relished from beginning to end.Perhaps the most well documented and hyped element of Bioshock 2 is the addition of the Big Sisters. Under the control of Sophia Lamb, the Big Sisters are beings who were once Little Sisters, who couldn't resist the call of Rapture even when returned to land. They are your toughest enemy and usually arrive when you have finished gathering Adam with you Little Sister. Lighter, faster, and more fear inducing than the Big Daddies, the fights you have with them are intense, but this is probably the games weakest new addition. Once you have upgraded enough, the Big Sisters, while still tough, become more of an annoyance rather than something you dread. They never become easy fights, but start to feel like a chore the more the game goes on.The single player clocks in at about 10 hours, which feels ideal. Due to the multiple difficulties, vast array of Plasmids, and numerous different possible endings it is a game that is meant to be replayed. It doesn't outstay it's welcome, but still leaves you excited to replay it, one of the markers of a great game in my opinion.Multiplayer is also a new, and rather infamous addition to the Bioshock franchise. Fans have maintained that Bioshock didn't need a multiplayer, that it was the single player story people loved the first game for. While this is true, the multiplayer is actually quite impressive. It borrows heavily from Call of Duty in it's ranking system, but due to it's use of Plasmids and setting, it still manages to feel unique. It actually plays like something of a next gen version of the Timesplitters multiplayer due to it's sense of humour and how frantic it is. It may not hold you for long, but it's definetly good enough to secure a large dedicated following.Graphically, Bioshock 2 is on a par with the first, something of a dissapointment considering it's 2 and a half years since it was released. It still looks good, with beautiful water and lighting effects, but the unreal engine is starting to show it's age. Some of the textures are blurry and lacking in detail, and the game doesn't have any settings that break from the tradition set by the first game. It's not detrimental to the game, but if there is a third game released as planned, maybe they should try and overhaul the graphics engine.So, what else is left to say? Well, it's a great game, the best of this year so far along with Mass Effect 2. I doubt many games will match it. Is it perfect? No. As well as the slightly ageing graphics, the game can definetly feel repetitive. About half way through you realise the game isn't going to throw any new gameplay scenarios your way, and you keep repeating the same sequences. It didn't bother me that much, but I imagine some will definetly dislike the recycled Little Sister sequences of capture, gather, release. And the Big Sister fights are something of a bore after a while.However, Bioshock 2 is ultimately a superb game. Was a sequel needed? Not necessarily no. And I think a lot of the fans who adore the first one will go into the second determined to dislike it precisely for this reason. It does feel a bit familiar, and it worries me thinking how they are going to further delve into Rapture in the proposed third game. What more can they show us? That doesn't detract though from the sequel's achievements. It is an all round better game with an improved story and better, more intense gameplay. It is a great game, and one which shouldn't be knocked just because it's a sequel.

9.2.2010

I have been looking forward to this game since i first heard they were making it and I am not disappointed in any way. In fact.... I absolutely love it. I wont go into much detail about the story line because I dont want to spoil anything (but having just completed the game I can honestly say I enjoyerd it thoroughly and am looking forward to my second playthrough. There were nice little twists and some really epic moments, I was genuinely gutted when it was over) So I will focus more on the characters, gameplay, graphics and overall experience of playing.Ten years have past since The fall of Andrew Ryan and we are back in Rapture, one of the most unique gaming environments you will ever experience.With it's dark and moody atmopshere and superb attention to detail it's hard not to appreciate just how much effort has gone into making this game. The graphics are really lovely, about the same as the first one only the characters and visual effects look better, the speckles of blood and water on your helmet look briliant. However, i must note the textures on some objects are not quite as crisp as they were in BioShock 1 making them look a little bland at times, but that's no reason to be put off. There is a nice little option to turn the helmet effect on or off to the gamers preference, the only difference is there are little edges in the corners of your screen which i found not to my liking so i simply turned it off so there are no obstructions what so ever.The game plays and feels very similar to the first BioShock so veteran BioShock fans will feel right at home with the controls straight away, apart from the healing button that has changed from B to -> on the D pad which can be quite odd at first, but you soon get used to it.A great feature in BioShock 2 is that you dont have to swap from your weapon hand to your plasmid hand, they're both right there on the screen which is so much better than before because you can dish out some real damage without having to slow the pace down.The Single player starts out with a nice little cutscene letting us know what has roughly happened since the events of BioShock 1, and who you are and why you're here. You are Subject Delta, a prototype Big Daddy never to have been seen before, and I will just say how well he fits into the game and how much of an excellent character I feel he is. It is great fun and a nice refreshing change to play as a Big Daddy, it puts a whole new aspect of feel and play to the game particularly with rescuing little sisters. Rather than rescue or harvest, you now adopt her with the choice of either collecting some ADAM from corpses containing this much desired drug, or simply returning her to a sister vent, then you can harvest her or let her go. The ADAM collecting is quite fun and can have some pretty intense battles with swarming splicers trying their best to stop you and the Little Sister.The weapons are brutally brilliant in BioShock 2 and can all be upgraded again at the weapon upgrade stations. The drill arm is so much fun to use, just drilling through the splicers torso never gets old! and if you run out of fuel you can simply whack them with a melee attack, and what is also nice is that you can melee with any of the weapons instead of just one (the wrench) from BioShock. I must say though I do miss the wrench simply for how fast it was, the melee attack on the weapons obviously is a touch slower, but does come in extremely handy when the splicers get too close for comfort (which does happen often when playing on hard mode)The story is very in depth again, and all the characters and voice talents are top notch yet again, they really make this game what it is and BioShock 2 is another truly epic and gripping story which will make you keep wanting more and more! The game as a whole is much creepier than the first BioShock, and because Rapture is in such a dreadful state (much worse than before) it adds to it being even eerier. And the game comes with a whole new tension factor, the fights with the Big Sisters can be so intense at times it makes your heart start to race as you battle away with this acrobatic, plasmid abusing lunatic! These guys aren't too easy to beat when you're playing on hard mode, and I do recommend all players giving this difficulty a shot because it will make your game last longer and give you more of a challenge, and if it's too hard you can lower the difficulty at any time. Some other intense battles are when you first encounter a Brute Splicer. These guys look like 3 Arnies all morphed into one and they will do whatever it takes to defeat you. They're really dirty brawlers, throwing things at you and charging at you, they fight very similar to the bouncers from BioShock 1, only they're even faster and stronger!We still have the Bouncer big daddy and the Rosie, and of course the alpha series (the test big daddys, which is what you are of course)and now there is a new Big Daddy called the Rumbler, but i wont give anything about him away, you will have to find out for yourself.The multiplayer mode is great, very addictive, very VERY fun rather than frustrating and will prove to be a huge hit particularly with true BioShock fans. Particularly fun when you get to wear the big daddy suit, you can do some real damage when wearing it!Anyway i'm rambling on now so to sum it up, this is an excellent sequel, possibly even better than the original game. It's not 100% perfect, but it's as good as it gets for me. I love it. And to all the people who are saying it is too similar to the first bioshock well... 90% of sequels are similar to their predecessors, they're not going to make a completely new and unique game all together, otherwise it wouldnt be a sequel it would be a brand new game. Bioshock 2 is an amazing sequel in my eyes and true Bioshock fans will love this.Thanks for reading.

18.2.2010

OK this is a review based on the game and not the DRM issues, Steam or the limited activitions. I disagree with all these things (except Steam which I personally find to be a superb service on the whole) and my thoughts regarding games publishers deciding how many times we can install and enjoy their games would'nt fit on the entire Amazon site. Just be aware that I am strictly against the idea. Anyway, having purchased and (agonisingly) download the game from Steam I am in a position to give an opinion based upon the actual game and not the issues surrounding it. So here goes.The game is set 10 years after the ending of it's predesessor. After the downfall of Andrew Ryan and Fontaine,Psychologist Dr. Sofia Lamb has taken control of the under water city of Rapture. After wrestling control of her biological daughter Eleanor from the grasp of Big Daddy 'Delta' (who you will play as) she sets about controlling all the little sister's throughout Rapture. (sorry to anyone not following, go back and play Bioshock to understand my ramblings). At the start of the game Eleanor Lamb is now all grown up and wishes to be reaquainted with her Big Daddy and also stop her insane mother from destroying her beloved utopia. From this point onwards the events of Bioshock 2 take place and I would hate to ruin anyone's enjoyment by revealing parts of the plot, just know that although the story is not as strong as the original, it has enough twists & turns to entertain throughout the 8 or 9 hour playing time. However, my first complaint is of the prime antagonist (Dr Lamb), she is just not that prominant and her desires seem tame in comparison to Andrew Ryan's breath-taking plans. The use of radio-relayed messages to tell the story and give a little insight/backstory is still an inspired move but does also seem a little dated now after both the original Bioshock and the fantastic Batman: Arkyum Asylum implemented the idea so well. But all-in-all the plot and script is still of a high calibre and most should find it enjoyable.One area in which the game has received a bit of a face-lift are the physics of combat. The game feels much more fluid than the original with the use of the right mouse button to execute plasmids (magic powers for the un-iniciated) and the left button for the use of various guns. The whole experience just feels better and gives you an unending amount of ways in which to dispatch your foes. One complaint which could be levelled at it is the fact that their are very few new plasmids to play around with and the ones which are new only become available towards the end of the main story. This is a problem I would also label at the rest of the game, it all feels like we've been here before with the developers seemingly taking the minimal amount of risk. The layout of the HUD (Heads Up Display) is exactly the same as the original, the game uses the same Unreal engine so it looks and plays the same as the original and the art design of the levels is exactly the same.One risk the developers did take was to implement a new hacking method in which you have to stop a moving arrow within a certain area. The fact that you have to do said task whilst fighting off splicers (the zombie-like mutants) makes for a much more frantic experience than the first games 'PipeMania' inspired minigame. General fights are now also a much more chaotic and exhilerating experience, with splicers taking cover behind any object and trojectiles seemingly ricocheting off of all surfaces. Big Daddy battles are also a much more tactical excersise. You can now employ the use of mini-turrets and hacked security terminals to fight alongside you.This sequel also introduces the Big Sister. These are basically various Little Sisters who have grown and taken their fashion sense from the diving suit prima-donna's The Big Daddy. Their goal is to release all the little sister's from their supposed incaptivity by the ambling Big Daddy. The arrival of any Big Sister fight is met with a banshee-like squeal which warns you of your impending doom, for Big Sister battles are the most challenging aspect of the entire game and the finish of any will be met with ahuge amounts of relief and a great sense of satisfaction.Another disadvantage this game suffers from is the lack of memorable locations. The first game had many places which will live long in the memory like Fontaine Fisheries or Olympus Heights (who could forget Sander Cohen?). At the end of this game I struggled to differenciate one area from another, instead it all felt like one long level which by default makes the game feel longer and more laboured than it's predesessor. This is a shame as the idea of Rapture and it's epic innards are what most draws me towards this series of game.The multiplayer aspect of the game feels a little stilted and tacked-on for me. I don't beleive the game needed the added dimension that multiplayer brings and there are much better online shooters already on the market. The three modes of play are entitled Survival Of The Fittest (which is basically solo deathmatch), Civil War (team deathmatch) and Turf War (Capture and Hold). All are rudimentry and do their job well enough but I don't think I'll be giving up my time on Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress or Call Of Duty any time soon.So in summary, I'd argue that the basics of this game in some ways surpass the original with much better fighting physics and the introduction of the dreaded Big Sister, but in so many ways it is the inferior sibling with the weaker storyline, dissapointing locations and poor antagonist being the main culprits. This feels like a proper sequel and not a rushed release and most people who enjoyed the original will find much to admire here as well.

20.2.2010

Console games are funny things, often in the world of film and books sequels are viewed with suspision and treated with derision (not always of course). Unless it's a pre-conceived trilogy for example, it can be assumed that a sequel is just a cash in. However, in gaming, no matter how good the original was, people want more. Uncharted 2 was a huge success as was Mass Effect 2, and Batman AA, Infamous and Dead Space amongst others have sequels in the works. Yet, with Bioshock, news of the sequel wasn't as well received - and this, I feel, goes to show just how uniquely brilliant the original Bioshock was - unlike so many other games, it was more about the story than the actual gameplay (though that's not to say it didn't play well).The whole atmosphere of Rapture was something unique and special, so it is understandable that there has been some negativity towards Bioshock 2, despite my view that it really is an outstanding game.I'm sure the majority will be aware of the basic premise, but for a quick recap, you're the original Big Daddy, the game is set 10 years after the original, and you get to dual wield plasmids and weapons, boom! The array of splicers return, and we are introduced to a new enemy called a Big Sister, I won't too much as the origin of the Big Sisters are revealed throughout the game, all I will say is that every so often you will hear a shrill scream that indicates a Big Sister is coming to get you, and it's genuinely terrifying! While the feel of the game is largely similar to the original, there are a few changes - for example hacking has been improved/ruined (delete as appropriate) by removing the pipe hacking system and replacing it with a simple 'press the buttin when it's in the right zone' game. A nice touch with this is that it doesn't pause time, so you have to hack when you're sure you're safe!A criticism I have seen reported a lot, both in magazines and on webistes, is that Bioshock 2 suffers because it is just TOO familiar, and to an extent it's hard to argue against this. However, I'm going to do just that anyway - while I appreciate that some may find this game Rapture overkill, at the end of the day in no other game do you have such a wonderful creation as Rapture - the whole ethos of the game is stunning, while it may be too familiar for some, for me it was like returning to an old, slightly damp, friend. The music, the audio diaries, the crazed splicers, the 1950s/60s aesthetics, there's nowhere quite like good old Rapture. Many other games revisit similar places and themes, however I feel it may be due to just how special and unique Rapture is that the familiarity is being viewed as a negative.The main story is once again excellent, while the emotions never quite hit the heights of the original, I have to admit it IS better than what I was expecting, the second half really picks up and if you take the time to search every corner for those audio diaries (in my first playthrough I managed to find almost all 128 of them), not only the plot of the game, but of the whole Rapture universe, begin to piece together and make sense. While there isn't anything as memorable as the Atlas situation, there are a few really interesting ideas presented (towards the end of the game there's a section where you'll see Rapture in a whole new light). One of the problems Bioshock 2 will inevitably have is that it will be compared to the original. However it would have taken something pretty special to topple that, and I feel 2K Marin should be applauded for almost doing just that. The storyline isn't as good, but the gameplay is technically better (though if you choose not to harvest the Little Sisters, the gathering missions can be a wee bit repetitive). Being able to wield plasmids and weapons at the same time presents the ability to be a bit more tactical in your approach, and enables you to mix and match your attacks for the best effect. Graphically it's very good, however there hasn't been a whole lot of progression from the first game, but again Rapture is such a wonderful and unique place that I personally didn't mind some of the rough edges.On a side note, multiplayer is more than just an add-on - set in NYE 1959, you have your usual games modes like free for all and team deathmatches, and variations on a theme with capture the flag (with the Little Sister being the flag). If multiplayer is your thing, you could do worse than the Bioshock version, I'm pleased to report I've so far had no connection or lag issues when playing.All in all Bioshock 2 is more than just a cash in on a success story. It's an amazing game in it's own right and I honestly feel if the original didn't exist, the ratings for the game would be higher than they already are. It's not as good as the original, but don't let that put you off it - there's plenty here to enjoy.(Also, just to note, I read another review that criticised the loading time the first time you put the disc in - while it does take a while, it's better to get it over and done with rather than have ridiculous loading times throughout the game).

21.3.2010

Its testament to the originals brilliance, that its sequel was approached with cynicism, especially without creator Ken Levine. It does lack originality, but is a fairly satisfying return to Rapture. The plot focuses on Subject Delta, one of the first Big Daddy prototypes, somehow resurrected 10 years later. The storyline has no real connection to the original, and feels much narrower in scope. Being one of the oldest things in Rapture, the locations cleverly reflect this, avoiding any repetition with the original. A rail network links the areas, such as Paupers Drop the worst neighbourhood in Rapture, or Siren Alley a seedy area "where people go to scratch that itch".There is a greater feel of dilapidation and squalor. Sadly, levels cannot be revisited after completion. But like the original, each location focuses on a character in Rapture, culminating in progress through that stage. The characters are similarly madcap; Gil Alexander is a particular highlight.Playing a Big Daddy isn't too clompy, and despite slower movement, feels like a standard FPS. The focus on combat has made for some brutally visceral weapons, like the Drill. The dash element is very satisfying. The Spear gun, Shotgun, (complete with Phosphorous bucks), and Rivet Gun are all extremely violent. As well as Big Daddies, there are Big Sisters to contend with. Even the new Brute Splicers are a challenge at first. However, the new option to adopt a Little Sister feels like an incredibly dragged out element. The onslaught of enemies when they are harvesting Adam becomes predictable. The body is always located in a wide open area, or arena, with multiple entry points. Dual wielding plasmids and weapons helps keep the balance right, but they become yet another battle, lacking any real drama or tension. The poorest aspect of the game.Audio recordings make a return, fleshing out locations; Andrew Ryan's messages are interesting for players of the original. Sound & voice acting remain of a very high standard. Enemy research makes a comeback, but instead of photography, a prototype video recorder is used. The player has to film the murder of a research target using any available means. Variety gains the A* maximum research points, which eventually unlock plasmids to make the job easier. The whole system feels smoother, and avoids grinding the same target for maximum points.The revised hacking mini game has received mixed opinions. Personally, the pipe mania original was fantastic, but did slow down play, and became tedious towards the end. The sequel is simpler; stop the moving needle in the green areas to pass, red sets off alarms, and blue awards bonuses. Despite dumbing down gameplay, it keeps things snappy, and the hacking tool and mini turret ammo are great additions. In regard to Plasmids, the menu has been simplified to Plasmids and Tonics. The skill sets of the original provided some structure to what was available. Here, everything is thrown together in a one size fits all policy. It may suit new players, but does underplay the range of abilities. There's a worrying lack of new Plasmids too. Insect Swarm, Telekinesis, Electro Bolt etc are still good, but the selection is really lacking something fresh. In this respect, Bioshock 2 really does feel like an expansion pack.Visuals haven't improved at all, which is disappointing. The underwater sections are impressive, but massively limited. Progress involves following a linear path to the next pressurised cabin. Opportunities for something special feel wasted here. Likewise, brief glimpses are shown of Rapture before the fall, but are never explored further. There are some brilliant variations in gameplay towards the climax. But overall, BioShock 2 relies heavily on past events. It's a fun, but unnecessary sequel, with only a multiplayer mode offering something new.

13.3.2010

Ah Bioshock, the original game was a lovely experience with a fresh setting and time period, amazing characters and a plot twist which ranks amongst the best in gaming history.So how does its sequel rank up? Rather well, I'd say.Although there have been some changes to the overall gameplay mechanics, the most obvious being the ability to dual-wield plasmids and weapons at once, plus the research and hacking methods have been changed to be more streamlined and less interruptive of the gameplay flow, the basic fun gameplay is still there from the original.Whilst Rapture is no longer a new, unique setting never seen before,it's interesting to see new areas of the city after a long period of decay and there's enough variation to keep the game going throughout its lifespan. The new characters, whilst pretty well developed, fail to live up to the standards left behind from the first game and don't deliver the impact of Ryan or Cohen but still remain interesting enough, although certain characters will prove to be irritating, although it seems they were designed that way.Overall the new additions and changes have made the gameplay work faster and less clunky than the original, although the characters and story don't quite live up to the standards set by its predecessor. Bioshock has a great story and stands alone well as an individual game, Bioshock 2 on the other hand, has a different type of story with a different set of morales, and this is where it succeeds. Whilst not as effective as some recent games when it comes to your choices changing what happens, the selection of endings available are indeed affected by what you do in the game, and there is a pretty major difference. Not only that, but this time around the endings are another one of the improvements from the first game and feel a lot more fluent, rather than tacked-on.The other major addition is online multiplayer which, like a lot of games, it felt the need to add an online mode despite it not being necessary. Whilst it has one of the better multiplayer modes out there and actually boasts its own story, it does get a little tiresome when you get to the higher levels and starts to get heavily repetitive, plus some of the late-game equipment is overpowered and unbalanced compared to the pretty well balanced selection in the lower half of the ranks.And then we come down to the goodies that come with the special edition. I have to say, this is easily one of the best special editions released this generation, the box looks lovely with the handprint-butterfly design linking with the game itself and is sturdy and designed to fit the contents perfectly. The soundtrack for the first game on Vinyl appears to be good quality, although I've yet to use my friends' record player so I can't really comment on how it sounds, plus having the soundtrack for the second game on CD is a good inclusion and, as with the first game, Garry Schyman creates an impressive selection of compositions for the game. The posters look great and certainly capture the feel of Rapture's advertising and look great on the wall, plus the Deco Devolution artbook is full of lovely full colour concepts and notes from the creators about practically everything in the game, and some things that didn't make it in, all at a good size and on good quality paper.

4.4.2010

Basically, if you're a fan of BioShock or enjoy a strong single player, first person shooters and RPG's in general you will adore this second installment of the series. I was cautious as to purchasing this game when I first heard of its announcement, this was due to the first game being so groundbreaking and bringing so many changes to the genre that I believed this game wouldn't be able to match my own expectations. First of all it does this and more. The combat has been improved because of one simple inclusion, dual wielding plasmids and weapons. The tension of Splicers stalking you from the shadows is increased tenfold, the battles with them frantic and much more claustrophobic than the original.Ken Levine's leave from 2K has not changed what could have been, everything is possible in this super sequel. Characters are still as engaging and believable in this once utopia and Rapture is just as much a character as the inhabitants and story.Looking at the story, you play as Subject Delta, a Big Daddy prototype seemingly killed by new antagonist Sofia Lamb only to wake up a decade later; a decade too late it seems, what remaining population is left have stripped Rapture bare and insanity has clouded their minds for far too long. The viciousness of these people is only strengthened by Lamb (now the ruler of Rapture) brainwashing the Splicers into believing in a social unity so strong, they will rise to aid the world with the help of a former Little Sister, Eleanor. It just so happens Eleanor was under Subject Delta's protection and now it's his job to find her, not to mention the Big Sister's...Graphically, the game is astonishing, with dreary visuals of this paradise turned hell, 2K have created a noir like vision of life under the sea. Physics based combat also ups the ante and the ever-enjoyable Telekinesis and Incinerate plasmids remains joyous within gun battles. It's this spontanaeity and strategy which means no fight is ever the same, constant experimentation or basic blasting will suffice, yet the former is the best way of getting the most out of the game.Finally, the online modes, you would think BioShock would be comfortable with its deep single player, yet online is surprisingly competetive and newbie friendly. When you begin, you're given a backdrop of 1950's, pre-civil war Rapture to flex your plasmid muscles in. Andrew Ryan makes a cameo and introduces you to what is surely a brutal blood sport. From there, you can choose your avatar and customise their looks, weapons, tonics and, crucially, plasmids. When you enter your first game, it does seem to take a while to set up when compared to Call of Duty's swift matchmaking system but once you begin it offers a more satisying and cerebral game. For example do you search out the player in the Big Daddy suit alone and armed to the teeth? Or will you lure them into traps and your teammates? Whatever the choice, the online modes are sure to bring you back to Rapture for months to come.Overall, BioShock 2 is an amazing feat of programming and what a well established franchise can throw up for the consumer. I can't recommend this higher if only as an alternative to Call of Duty's hyperactivity or Flashpoint's stat heavy menus. A triumph in game design: 5/5

27.6.2010

the problem with bioshock 2 is the inevitable comparison to the first one. this is somewhat unfair in the sense that the first was a fairly original concept. to follow up with somthing original would by definition not be bioshock in any real sense regarding gameplay or setting as that too would also have to be original.one of the things i found regarding the little sisters was the graphics of them had been adjusted somewhat. instead of being quite cutesy and twanging on my parental heart strings at the thought of killing them to retrieve maximum slug juice, i found them quite scary looking and fairly ugly. the consequence of this was that i wasnt so bothered about the morality of letting them die as i was in the first game.ugly kids just dont have the emotional impact of cute ones!!the game itself is still fun. the images given of rapture prior to its downfall are quite stunning too adding a nice dimension.with regard to the online gameplay, i did play this when i first recieved the game as i preordered it and it arrived before the official release date. this added a little extra for me as i got to play with those others who had the game early too. other than this i am not such a fan of online play anyway so it dosnt bother me too much having it at all. i guess its a little bit of childlike snobbery whereby my system states the last time i played it was prior to its release.on to the package.it arrived in a fairly big box which is always nice to open a BIG present!!the little handprints in the form of a butterfly on the inner box is a very cool touch and i wish i had thought of it to do as an art project myself.the posters are a nice touch, as is the vinyl LP (that means long play to anyone born within the cd era). i cant say i have listened to it because i have no record player, however, the retro feel is nice and it is a heavy grade vinyl too just like the old 78's.the biggest dissappointment for me was the music cd. whilst i appriciate the talents of modern classical composers, for me the excitement was around listening to the old time bands such as the inkspots. the period music was a huge part of the atmostphere for me yet not one on the cd whatsoever.i understand these are availible for ipod download. such a shame as i dont have an ipod. one redeeming feature is that the cd looks like a tiny vinyl record which is quite fun.the art book is pretty if you like art books. not really my thing but i do appriciate the effort and talent involved.overall it is an extremely nice package with a good follow up game. i paid full price thinking these packages would be swept up very quickly. had i known there would be some availible now i would have waited. saying that though i was pleased with what i received for what i paid, therefore this is an absolute bargain to which i am tempted to buy another one and leave it sealed in its box for my grandson to sell on when he is older.....hmmmmm time to place an order i think. speculate to accumulate...

15.2.2010

I almost never play first-person shooters, but this one has an impressive-looking protagonist and an interesting back story in the ruined underwater 1950's city of Rapture, so I thought I'd give it a go. I've not finished it yet, but so far it's been an absolute blast and I'm enjoying it enormously. The rather creepy story rolls along at an exciting pace, the game mechanics are well done and the atmosphere is very effective, being eerie, sad and hauntingly beautiful all at the same time. The city of Rapture is well realised and has a distinct and characterful 1950s feel. Overall, the graphics are excellent, with lots of moody lighting and detail. I haven't played Bioshock 1,but the game takes you in from cold and brings you up to speed very quickly with some neat cut-scenes and in-game information. The game can definitely be played as a pure stand alone without having had to have played No. 1.Playing the Big Daddy is every bit as fun as you might imagine. There is a range of ingenious weapons and special powers (plasmids and gene tonics) that keep combat fast, diverse and adrenaline-fuelled. The "deep-sea diver suit with glowing faceplate" character has a delicious Scooby-Doo ghost feel about it and it would be nice if there were more chances to see your own reflection or shadow to remind you of just how cool you look. However, the game really does deserve the 18 certificate because it's very violent and bloody right from the outset. A lot of your opponents are quasi-human and you spend quite a bit of time interacting with them by bashing, gouging, drilling, shocking, shooting, clubbing, freezing, incinerating, electrocuting, mangling, crushing, exploding and riveting.The game performance is brisk on a good PC. I'm running it at 1600 x 1200 on an old Iyama CRT monitor and on my quad-core CPU/GTX285 games PC it runs at the refresh-rate limit of 75 FPS all the time. Goodness knows how fast it would go with vsync off. I had been a bit concerned on hearing that the game engine apparently prevents anti-aliasing, but in fact, with a fast pace of action and a reasonable resolution I can't say I've noticed its absence at all. I haven't tried the multiplayer, but I guess that if you like that sort of thing you will like it.There are some reviews rating the game poorly because it needs a Games for Windows Live account. I didn't have one (spending most of my time playing flight simulators), but it was actually very simple to set up and took about 5 minutes. Once done it is totally unobtrusive and the game signs in automatically once you start. It's hard to see what all the fuss is about, really.Overall, this is good, spooky fun.Now where's my giant conical drill gone...?

11.4.2011

I played the first Bioshock and was amazed by the depth and quality of the game, it had it all, great story, lots of twists in the storyline that kept you intrigued and there was the choice of being good or bad in the rescue of the "Little Sisters", the scenery of Rapture was awesome.With Bioshock 2, you are experiencing Rapture from a totally different viewpoint, you get to be a "Big Daddy"! Now, some of you mau think that this is going to be a breeze as they were tough in the first game. This is not the case, you do not start with the full power of a Big Daddy, e.g. you need to find plasmids to use in battles and to gain access to certain areas, e.g. incinerate for getting past frozen areas.

26.3.2010

First of all I just want to state that I am not a hardcore gamer, but when I do get into one, its hard for me get off the PC lol also I have not played the first bioshock so I had no expectations. To me it was just another game to play.Bioshock 2 is a fresh experience for any bored gamer, sick of the same storyline on other FPS shooters,(like war on a strange planet). The storyline is based on earth, and you are a big daddy (big metal bouncer - in simple terms) who is fighting to find his daughter. In the underwater city of rapture.Armed with the big metal diving suit from the 1950s, and a drill you quickly get used to the controls.In one hand you have your drill/weapon and in the other you

31.8.2015

IM A MASSIVE BIO SHOCK FAN! however I will try to remain as non-bias as possible!To start off though the game did have a lot to live up to in terms of the standards we (the players) expected!Players need to understand this is not bioshock 1 continued!! it is a story of its own ! however, the trilogy all link together but thats a whole different story!The graphics and gameplay are fantastic, and a fantastic balance of story and action throughout! Not too many cut scenes or long droaning speeches ! The story is also brilliant too, plenty of audio logs laying around for the avid fans keen on learning more about rapture and its inhabitants!A feature I do like is the new "hacking" system,

25.2.2010

Its good to be in Rapture again!At first i was a little worried that your a Big daddy this time round and wasnt sure how it would work out.But theyve managed to craft such a good storyline about bigdaddys and little sisters that everything is totally believable, this game progresses what Rapture is all about so much, so its definetely worth getting if your a fan of the first bioshock!Decisions you make in the game affect the outcome of events later on in the game, a bit like the first game but more in depth, i wont delve in too much as i do not want to spoil the game, but they are interesting choices to make morally...The graphics are great but i cant help but feel some of the textures have

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