BioShock

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 12,077 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
BioShock Game Cover
Despite being over a year old, Rapture shines through the dark sea like a lighthouse on a foggy night. 2K Games has delivered on its promise in providing PS3 owners with an equally impressive port as the original.
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In BioShock, players explore the underwater city of Rapture and fight off enemies using an array of weapons and genetic modifications. The game features a unique blend of shooter and RPG elements, with a heavy emphasis on customization and strategy. With a morality system, multiple endings, and a rich, immersive story, BioShock offers a deep and engaging experience.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 12,077 reviews
story2,840 positive mentions
stability129 negative mentions
  • story5,063 mentions

    The story of Bioshock is widely praised for its intricate narrative and compelling themes, exploring concepts such as objectivism and the consequences of unchecked ambition within the haunting underwater city of Rapture. Players are drawn into a richly detailed world where environmental storytelling and audio logs reveal the tragic backstory of its inhabitants, culminating in a memorable plot twist that significantly impacts the player's experience. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and pacing, the game's narrative depth and emotional resonance make it a standout title in the first-person shooter genre.

    • “Bioshock is a masterclass in storytelling, merging a unique, atmospheric setting with a gripping narrative.”
    • “The story is so good, and for a game that's nearly 20 years old, it's still incredible and breathtaking.”
    • “The story keeps you hooked, and the fights are super fun.”
    • “The remaster removes a lot of gore and other environmental storytelling aspects.”
    • “The ending felt rushed and the story should have taken a more vital part; you spend the whole game and you don't even hear the protagonist say absolutely anything.”
    • “The story is flawed, as many have pointed out, but Bioshock outshines its own shortcomings with relevant commentary, the human condition, and some of the best voice acting in gaming.”
  • gameplay2,335 mentions

    The gameplay of Bioshock is widely praised for its innovative blend of first-person shooter mechanics and RPG elements, particularly through the use of plasmids that grant unique abilities. While many players appreciate the strategic depth and variety in combat options, some criticize the gameplay for becoming repetitive and clunky, especially in later stages. Overall, the game is recognized for its engaging mechanics and immersive atmosphere, making it a classic in the genre despite some dated elements.

    • “The gameplay blends FPS mechanics with RPG elements seamlessly, and the plasmid system provides a creative twist to combat.”
    • “Overall, the core gameplay is really solid, as all of the weapons and plasmids are viable and unique.”
    • “The combination of traditional FPS mechanics with the use of plasmids, genetic modifications that grant superhuman abilities, adds a layer of strategy to combat.”
    • “Gameplay is very monotonous and boring.”
    • “However, you can't deny the fact that it's very weird to have a dystopian post-apocalyptic style game that isn't that fun to play gameplay-wise, with a story which more or less revolves around helping or killing little girls (called "little sisters"), killing their "daddies" to save them, and killing every single other character because they are either a psychopath-turned-rabid-animal, or a literal crack addict cannibal.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive from within itself, go here, do this, kill the big daddy, get some more juice and pump yourself up.”
  • atmosphere1,355 mentions

    The atmosphere in *Bioshock* is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively bringing the underwater city of Rapture to life. Reviewers highlight the game's unique art direction, sound design, and environmental storytelling, which create a rich, dark, and eerie ambiance that enhances the narrative experience. Many consider the atmosphere to be one of the game's strongest aspects, contributing significantly to its status as a classic in the gaming world.

    • “Bioshock is a masterclass in storytelling, merging a unique, atmospheric setting with a gripping narrative.”
    • “The atmosphere is unique and also really dark/spooky at times, taking place in an underwater city.”
    • “The atmosphere created by the underwater city of Rapture is so engrossing and detailed you cannot help but get sucked into this world.”
    • “The atmosphere of despair in a city under the sea is one of the best and most awesome experiences of the 2000s decade, one of the best shooters ever made.”
    • “The atmosphere is chilling, and the story itches the same spot as other works of literature, such as 1984, and many other dystopian diesel punks.”
  • graphics1,305 mentions

    The graphics of Bioshock, released in 2007, are widely praised for their artistic style and atmospheric design, with many reviewers noting that they still hold up well even by modern standards. The game's unique art deco aesthetic and attention to detail create an immersive experience, contributing significantly to its storytelling and overall atmosphere. While some players acknowledge that the graphics show their age, they appreciate the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and maintain visual appeal through its distinctive art style.

    • “The graphics, even on the original, are gorgeous.”
    • “The graphics still hold up surprisingly well for a game released in 2007.”
    • “The art style is absolutely amazing, the 20's art deco combined with the sci-fi/mechanical aspects results in a sense of confusion, not knowing if you're in the past or future, which adds to the mysterious tone of the ruined city.”
    • “I honestly cannot recommend due to the graphics issues of the games.”
    • “Do not get me wrong, I love the game itself, but the conversion over to PC caused some serious graphics issues that I just cannot overlook.”
    • “The graphics are dated, but they get the job done.”
  • music425 mentions

    The music in Bioshock is widely praised for its exceptional ability to enhance the game's immersive atmosphere, featuring a blend of haunting original scores and nostalgic licensed tracks from the 1930s to 1960s. Reviewers highlight how the carefully curated soundtrack complements the art deco setting and contributes to the eerie, dystopian feel of Rapture, making it a standout element of the overall experience. Many consider the music to be not only fitting but also integral to the game's emotional impact and storytelling.

    • “The stunning art deco architecture, hauntingly beautiful music, and the haunting echoes of Rapture's former glory create an unparalleled sense of immersion rarely seen in video games.”
    • “The atmosphere created by carefully chosen music, decaying art-deco landscapes, and the mumbled cries of adam-ravaged residents creates an eerie, heartbreaking world under the sea that you must explore, repair, and destroy to find out who you really are.”
    • “The music, both composed for Bioshock and the period music that plays throughout Rapture, is incredible.”
    • “The music adds to the creepy atmosphere sure, but unlike games such as 'Everybody's Gone to the Rapture' where you'll end up standing still, just taking in the music, Rapture never really has such a moment.”
    • “I logged in and the menu had music, but as soon as I played the game, there was no sound at all.”
    • “Don't get me wrong, the music, guns, people, and voice acting all sound perfect, but it seems my game just doesn't want to overlap them into a single sound and instead decides to cut one sound off when another starts playing.”
  • stability136 mentions

    The stability of the game is widely criticized, particularly on PC, with many users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that can significantly hinder gameplay. While some players have managed to enjoy the game without major issues, the overall consensus is that the original version is often buggy, especially on modern systems, making it less reliable than the remastered edition, which is also plagued by its own set of problems. Despite these stability concerns, many still find the game enjoyable and worth playing, albeit with the caveat of potential technical difficulties.

    • “The original runs great for me and the graphics hold up surprisingly well.”
    • “It's very well made and runs great on most computers, and that's high quality.”
    • “Sorry I don't have much to say but it runs great, looks great, plays great, and doesn't feel outdated.”
    • “The game is buggy and has design flaws.”
    • “Incredibly buggy, so bad it's unplayable.”
    • “Buggy and full of progression stoppers; if you can even get it to load past the main menu, you are lucky.”
  • replayability109 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers multiple builds, character choices, and different endings, others find it lacks significant replay value due to its linearity and story focus. Some reviews highlight the enjoyment of experimenting with various gameplay styles and the desire to explore the rich narrative, while others feel that once completed, the game doesn't offer much incentive to return. Overall, it seems that replayability is contingent on individual player preferences and playstyles, with some finding it immensely replayable and others considering it limited.

    • “Another strength of the game is its replayability and longevity.”
    • “The game's multiplayer modes also provide a high level of replayability, as players can team up with friends or join online communities to compete against other players from around the world.”
    • “The open-world nature of the game and the sheer brilliance of the story give it a very high replayability value; if you aren't replaying to improve your skill, you're replaying to gain just that much more insight into an incredibly rich, multilayered story that will find you in both artistic and philosophical awe.”
    • “Which means--for me--this game has low replayability.”
    • “It won't have a high degree of replayability for everyone as there really isn't player 'choice' and the secrets aren't terribly well-hidden.”
    • “It's an interesting story with an interesting environment, but the game has no replay value at all.”
  • emotional100 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with many players reporting intense feelings ranging from joy to heartbreak, particularly during the climactic endings. The intertwining of personal stories with the game's dark atmosphere and rich lore creates a deeply immersive experience that resonates on a human level, often leading to tears and a strong emotional connection to the characters. The voice acting, music, and environmental design further enhance this emotional depth, making it a standout experience in gaming.

    • “The way their stories intertwine with the city's history adds depth and emotional weight to the narrative.”
    • “The atmosphere created by carefully chosen music, decaying art-deco landscapes, and the mumbled cries of adam-ravaged residents creates an eerie, heartbreaking world under the sea that you must explore, repair, and destroy to find out who you really are.”
    • “The storytelling is superb, the atmosphere gets under your skin when it needs to, the pacing never drags, and the emotional attachment to the little sisters grew unintentionally in the end.”
    • “The story was incredibly boring and failed to evoke any emotional response.”
    • “I found the narrative to be dull, lacking the depth needed to connect with the characters.”
    • “The emotional impact was nonexistent; I felt detached from the entire experience.”
  • humor73 mentions

    The humor in the game is a blend of dark, satirical, and absurd elements, often providing a comedic contrast to its serious themes. Players appreciate the clever in-jokes, funny dialogue, and the absurdity of certain gameplay mechanics, such as the hacking mini-game and the antics of enemies like the Big Daddies. Overall, the humor adds a unique layer to the experience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    • “Bioshock manages to cover themes from dark and gloomy to funny and thoughtful, and that wide array of emotions is the best way to describe the story of the game.”
    • “The pointlessly silly and tonally out of place hacking mini-game is as tedious as it is funny, and it's funny as hell.”
    • “Some of the things the splicers say are hilarious.”
  • grinding72 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding certain elements, such as hacking mini-games and combat, to be tedious and repetitive, especially in the latter stages. While some appreciated the initial fun and variety, they noted that the gameplay often becomes monotonous, requiring excessive backtracking and resource farming. Overall, the game is described as having enjoyable mechanics but suffers from pacing issues and frustratingly tedious segments that detract from the overall experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It can be a bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “It can be a bit grindy.”
    • “For me, this was where the game became tedious and repetitive.”
    • “The latter half of this game is just a total nosedive and is one long, drawn out 'bruh' moment with some super annoying, really frustratingly designed areas that are artificially difficult and tedious at their best.”
    • “The final area of the game is a pain, having to go through a tedious section with really slow pacing is probably the lowest point of the game.”
  • optimization65 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting excellent performance on modern systems, while others experienced significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and low frame rates, particularly on low-end PCs. Many users recommend the remastered version for better performance and modernized graphics, as the original version struggles with compatibility and optimization on newer operating systems. Overall, while some players found it playable, others could not recommend it due to persistent performance problems.

    • “Performance is obviously superb on any gaming hardware from the last four or five years - even with the DX10 option enabled.”
    • “Extremely well optimized.”
    • “Great graphics and runs smoothly.”
    • “Important notes before I start reviewing this game: despite this being an old game, it can still have performance issues on low-end PCs, such as low frame rate and stuttering.”
    • “I love this game, but I can't recommend it due to a range of performance issues.”
    • “If you do end up trying this out for the first time, be prepared to be frustrated, as the game is extremely poorly optimized for modern systems.”
  • character development30 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its depth and engagement, with many reviewers highlighting the well-rounded characters and immersive storytelling that enhance the overall experience. The fluidity of character movement and design contributes to a captivating atmosphere, while some critiques point to inconsistencies in character development, particularly regarding the protagonist. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong character arcs, memorable NPCs, and the emotional impact of player choices.

    • “I am a huge fan of games like The Last of Us and Beyond Two Souls for their extensive effort on storytelling and downright brilliant character development, plus incredible gameplay, and this series still takes the cake over the rest.”
    • “Moreover, the well-designed character development leads to interesting and idiosyncratic NPCs that are infinitely more intriguing than the usual forgettable clichés.”
    • “All in all, BioShock is a game that is beautiful to look at, contains great character development with excellent voice acting, difficult yet rewarding combat, and a fun city to explore along with great customization and moral choices.”
    • “My second issue with it is the atrocious character development.”
    • “Another minor shortcoming is the lack of any character development, or really any character from the protagonist at all.”
    • “Without any character development, killing or saving the little girls becomes based on the reward.”
  • monetization14 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, particularly for the introduction of microtransactions and a launcher that disrupts gameplay, leading to frustration among players. While some appreciate the nostalgic advertisements and immersive art style, many feel that recent updates have turned the game into a cash grab, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the balance between enjoyment and monetization practices appears to be a contentious issue among users.

    • “First of all, let's just begin by saying that this game is for those who know what a good game is, so... not cash grab games.”
    • “There was a positive review here, and then 2K added a 'quality of life' update, breaking the game on Linux and Windows so you can be force-fed to buy microtransactions with a launcher.”
    • “A mod which has existed for ten years has only now become the focus of legal action due to Take-Two's efforts to increase monetization.”
    • “The remastered versions got ruined by the addition of a 'quality of life update' in the form of a launcher riddled with microtransactions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

96% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
12hAverage play time
12hMain story
23hCompletionist
4-13hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 32 analyzed playthroughs

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