BioShock 2

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,211 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
BioShock 2 Game Cover
BioShock 2 is a worthy follow-up to the critically acclaimed odyssey in Rapture. While there is only a modest amount of updates, the game stands well on its own through a new and exciting story, online multiplayer, and tremendous presentation.
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In BioShock 2, players assume the role of a Big Daddy searching for answers in the decrepit underwater city of Rapture, 10 years after the events of the original game. They will face new challenges and enemies, while uncovering the city's dark secrets. The game also features a multiplayer mode that offers a prequel experience, set during Rapture's fall.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,211 reviews
story1,424 positive mentions
stability77 negative mentions
  • story3,509 mentions

    The story of *Bioshock 2* has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it offers a more personal narrative centered around the relationship between a Big Daddy and his Little Sister, it lacks the depth and impactful twists of the original *Bioshock*. Critics often describe the plot as straightforward and less engaging, with some feeling it rehashes themes from the first game without introducing significant new ideas. However, the emotional weight of the story, particularly in its exploration of sacrifice and redemption, resonates with many players, especially in the context of the game's moral choices and multiple endings. Overall, while the gameplay improvements are widely praised, the story is seen as a weaker aspect compared to its predecessor.

    • “Unlike the original Bioshock, which dealt with philosophy in a more theoretical manner, Bioshock 2 explores more emotional themes, including parenthood and sacrifice.”
    • “The antagonist, Sofia Lamb, brings a vision that is the opposite of Andrew Ryan’s, advocating collectivism over individualism, which adds a new philosophical dimension to the story.”
    • “The story is captivating, the atmosphere is immersive, and the gameplay is both refined and exhilarating.”
    • “The story has nothing to say outside of 'killing people le bad, sparing people le good', the new Andrew Ryan fill-in is completely forgettable and comically evil with a nonsensical 'philosophy' that boils down to le benevolent communism but by force.”
    • “The story is lame and I was not really into it at any moment, I did not find it interesting at all.”
    • “The story is much weaker than the first game, and it feels like a fanfiction; the characters are uninteresting, leaving the only real strengths as the new additions during fights.”
  • gameplay1,891 mentions

    Bioshock 2 enhances the gameplay experience from its predecessor by introducing refined mechanics, such as the ability to dual-wield weapons and plasmids, which allows for more dynamic combat. While the story may not reach the same heights as the original, the gameplay is generally regarded as more fluid and engaging, with improved hacking mechanics and a variety of new enemies and weapons. However, some players noted that the gameplay can become repetitive, particularly during sections involving the protection of Little Sisters.

    • “The gameplay is vastly improved from the first, allowing even greater customization of builds and playstyles.”
    • “Bioshock 2 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor to deliver more satisfying gameplay and a deeper look into the world of Rapture.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics have been vastly improved and new enemies await.”
    • “Bioshock 2 follows a repetitive structure with exploration, combat, resource gathering, and skill upgrading sequences, much like the first game.”
    • “The gameplay loop is mostly the same, find new powers, take pictures of all the drug addicts, homeless people, big brother, big sister, big daddy, not little sister anymore, to such an alarming degree that you get a warrant for public indecency.”
    • “The gameplay is boring and lackluster, as the enemies are less responsive and even though they deal absurd amounts of damage, you can easily kill them with your gun.”
  • graphics638 mentions

    The graphics in "Bioshock 2" are generally regarded as an improvement over its predecessor, with enhanced detail and sharper textures, although many reviewers note that they do not represent a significant leap forward. While the game retains the iconic aesthetic of Rapture, some players feel that the visuals have aged and are not as impressive compared to more recent titles. Technical issues, such as crashes related to high graphics settings, have also been reported, leading some to recommend lowering the settings for a smoother experience. Overall, the graphics are appreciated for their atmospheric quality, but they may not meet the expectations of players seeking cutting-edge visuals.

    • “The graphics are beautiful and the storyline is very engaging and kept my interest till the end.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the environments even more realistic, with an original story that maintains and expands on the mythology of the Bioshock universe.”
    • “The graphics and ambiance were the only worthwhile features of this game.”
    • “Graphically, Bioshock 2 takes up the style of the first game with a few minor improvements, but without any real artistic changes.”
    • “The graphics are ugly for a 2010 game, and environments were practically identical to the original.”
    • “The same low-res textures and effects are intact, and with the exception of new plasmid effects and a few minor tweaks, the technical graphics remain the same as they were in 2007.”
  • atmosphere402 mentions

    The atmosphere in *Bioshock 2* is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the eerie essence of Rapture from the original game. While some players feel that the sense of discovery and intensity has diminished due to familiarity with the setting, many still find the art design, sound, and overall ambiance to be exceptional, contributing to a captivating narrative experience. Overall, the game maintains a strong atmospheric presence, though opinions vary on its impact compared to its predecessor.

    • “The art design remains top-notch, with Rapture continuing to be one of the most atmospheric settings in gaming.”
    • “The atmosphere is some of the best in any game I have ever played.”
    • “The atmosphere, gameplay, level design, and everything else in this game are just top notch.”
    • “In Bioshock 2, this effect of discovery is less strong, because we are already familiar with the places and the atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is not as vibrant as before and it's dark and gloomy.”
    • “The atmosphere lacks a little bit compared to Bioshock 1.”
  • music233 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create an immersive and atmospheric experience, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of era-specific tracks that enhance the game's setting. However, some users reported issues with music bugs, such as looping tracks and volume inconsistencies, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the soundtrack is generally considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the emotional depth and tension throughout the gameplay.

    • “The music is wonderful.”
    • “The soundtrack gives off a very eerie vibe and I can't help but love it.”
    • “The music perfectly matches the atmosphere.”
    • “Sounds sometimes bugged or for the whole level I had to listen to a horror soundtrack as one of the encounters didn't want to end after killing everyone. Bonus points for the fact that it loops every 5 seconds or so.”
    • “The only issue I can point out is that the sound design and music was a bit weird for me... other than that I don't understand why many people just ignore or dislike this one.”
    • “The big sister battle music loops endlessly in Pauper's Drop level. This is very common; either delete this particular music file or hope it will stop as you leave the level.”
  • emotional200 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Bioshock 2" is widely praised for its depth and impact, particularly through the relationship between the player-controlled Big Daddy and the Little Sisters, which adds a poignant layer of parental love and sacrifice. Many players found the story to be more emotionally engaging than its predecessor, with multiple endings that evoke strong feelings, often leading to tears during the conclusion. While some critiques mention a less complex narrative compared to the first game, the heartfelt themes and character development resonate deeply, making it a memorable and touching experience.

    • “Playing as a Big Daddy is both rewarding and nerve-wracking, as you find yourself in charge of a Little Sister, adding an emotional layer that the first game didn’t explore as deeply.”
    • “The story builds to an impactful, thought-provoking, and emotionally satisfying end that should be experienced by any fan of this franchise.”
    • “The good ending legitimately made me cry.”
    • “There is a lot of defending little sisters and fighting absurdly difficult big sisters, but the story is very boring with very little to understand.”
    • “Boring story, but great characters!”
    • “They just reused the assets and packed it along with a boring story and bad gameplay.”
  • stability81 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that significantly detract from the overall experience. Many users have expressed frustration over the game's technical issues, which persist despite years of updates and patches, leading to a recommendation to save often and be prepared for troubleshooting. While some players have managed to enjoy the game despite these problems, the consensus is that its stability remains a major concern, particularly for the PC version.

    • “The original Bioshock 2 runs great, but just a heads up for the remaster, there are a few bugs/glitches I've run into.”
    • “This runs great on my Mac (a 2015 MacBook) and I don't even have to lower the graphics that much.”
    • “The game runs great.”
    • “Thirteen years and a remaster later, this game is still a complete buggy mess on PC.”
    • “It's buggy and keeps crashing.”
    • “This game is a horrendous buggy mess that I have spent far too many hours trying to fix, and eventually I did, but I had to deal with constant crashes and glitches that I should never have had to fix in the first place.”
  • grinding76 mentions

    Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be excessively tedious, often requiring players to engage in repetitive tasks such as gathering resources and defending characters, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. While some mechanics have been improved to reduce tedium, many players still find the gameplay to be a grind, particularly in sections involving the collection of items and the escorting of characters. Overall, the grinding elements are seen as a significant flaw that can hinder the pacing and enjoyment of the game.

    • “Long but not tedious game.”
    • “The little sister and escort sections are not tedious anymore either; they offer a nice break from the monotony of the main story.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Defeating waves of enemies while the little sister gathers Adam is just very tedious and after doing that a couple of times you just can't be bothered anymore; it's time-consuming and just slows the game down.”
    • “However, the means to obtain Adam soon grows very tedious.”
  • replayability61 mentions

    Overall, "Bioshock 2" is noted for its high replayability, primarily due to its multiple endings, decision-making mechanics, and improved gameplay compared to its predecessor. While some players find the single-player experience sufficient for one playthrough, many appreciate the variety of playstyles and achievements that encourage additional runs. The multiplayer aspect, although less impactful, adds a layer of novelty for those seeking more engagement.

    • “The decision-making mechanic regarding little sisters and the multiple endings adds replay value and moral dilemmas.”
    • “Huge variety of weapons, plasmids/superpowers, and passive abilities makes the experience fun and exciting, adding a huge replay value.”
    • “Overall, with its high replayability and excellent execution, it's definitely worth every penny - a fantastic, underrated but worthy entry to the Bioshock series.”
    • “Other than that there are not a lot of mods but yeah the game is still worth buying and playing through despite little replay value.”
    • “I cannot recommend this game any higher, and though for me there is little replay value, only one playthrough is more than enough for me.”
    • “There's very little replay value because the story is so weak.”
  • optimization47 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including crashes and lag spikes, particularly on PC. While some users noted that the gameplay experience was improved compared to its predecessor, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, especially for Windows 10, leading to frustration among players. Recommendations for fixes and performance tweaks are available, but many still find the optimization lacking.

    • “I'd recommend visiting pcgamingwiki for tips on how to resolve any remaining issues, as they have a wealth of information on how to improve performance and fix bugs.”
    • “The gameplay has been streamlined and optimized to near perfection compared to Bioshock 1, in my opinion.”
    • “Graphically it holds up better; things are sharper and it looks like the textures have a higher resolution or are simply optimized better.”
    • “I played for 70 minutes, story, keybindings, action, and uninteresting monsters convinced me to have some sort of expectations... I had medium expectations about the game since it's not the latest one; however, performance and constant lag spikes convinced me to remove this game.”
    • “The game is very good, however the PC port is abysmal in terms of optimization.”
    • “Unfortunately, this game is heavily unstable and performance differs from computer to computer. I was one of the poor saps that crashed after hitting 'new game', and although I've tried several times looking for fixes, it never worked.”
  • humor28 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of dark comedy, quirky character interactions, and amusing gameplay mechanics, such as humorous glitches and exaggerated physics. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, funny taunts from characters, and the absurdity of certain combat scenarios, which contribute to an overall entertaining experience. While some feel it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor, the humor remains a significant and enjoyable aspect of the game.

    • “The biggest draw is obviously that you play as the funny tin daddy.”
    • “Each character has their own kind of taunt or speech system which adds slight humor and personality to each character.”
    • “With all the grim humor, wonderful science, and rich melancholic history, this is one that'll keep you blissfully entertained for hours.”
    • “The humor in this game feels insignificant and often relies on glitches that aren't funny.”
    • “I found the jokes to be flat and lacking any real wit, making the humor fall completely flat.”
    • “The attempts at humor are so forced that they detract from the overall experience.”
  • character development22 mentions

    Character development in the Bioshock series has received mixed reviews, with *Bioshock 2* praised for its emotional storytelling and improved character relationships, particularly between the player and the Little Sisters. However, some players felt that the focus on character development detracted from the overall storyline, making it feel less impactful compared to the first game. In contrast, *Bioshock Infinite* is lauded for its deeper narrative and character growth, enhancing the player's experience through a more engaging story and refined character designs.

    • “While the story isn't so interesting conceptually speaking, the character design and the relationship between you, your little sister, and Sofia Lamb really makes the playthrough worthwhile.”
    • “This is a first-person shooter which emphasizes exploration, story, and character development.”
    • “But it did not have character development, which made the game feel like a sequence of random events.”
    • “Less character development, and it didn't feel as dire as the first game.”
    • “Bioshock 2 brought mixed reviews from the fans, though, with some complaining that it wasn't nearly as good as the first and not liking the change of focus from storyline/gameplay to character development/gameplay.”
  • monetization12 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been heavily criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers feeling it fails to distinguish itself from its predecessor and relies on the Bioshock name for profit. Despite some appreciation for the care put into development, the overall sentiment suggests that the game prioritizes financial gain over innovation, leading to a perception of it as a rushed remaster with minimal added value.

    • “Thank you for the 2K launcher, broken Linux support, and more microtransactions.”
    • “The shameless cash grab of a remaster, if you can even call it that, somehow manages to add even more problems to the mix.”
    • “Her poor writing and weak story show the holes that this game was just intended as a cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy BioShock 2

Play time

11hMedian play time
62hAverage play time
11hMain story
23hCompletionist
7-16hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 38 analyzed playthroughs

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