Review: Bioshock 2

Two and a half years ago, 2K mesmerized us all with the original title Bioshock. The game offered a unforgettable mixture of action, storytelling, scenery, moral ambiguity, and above all us, a great game. Bioshock was so well received that it was GOTY in many circles beating out much more high profile titles. Cough, cough Halo 3. 2K now has the impossible task of not only matching Bioshock’s success, but attempting to surpass it in the “what have you done for me lately” world of video games. I can’t believe how long it has been since I last visited Rapture. The minute I fired up Bioshock 2, I realized I had waiting far too long. Welcome Back.

 
Bioshock 2 simply picks up 10 years later after the end of Bioshock. There is no importing game saves and whether you played the first game is irrelevant, though you would be seriously missing out. 2K has not changed much when it comes to the game play mechanic, mostly because they got it right the first time. In Bioshock 2, you get to be a Big Daddy from the beginning. You still get to use plasmids but are granted some other perks as the mammoth Little Sister guardian that I will let you find out for yourself. There is a clearer story this time around where Bioshock had a few more WTF moments. Bioshock2 is more of a narrative and a story that is easier to follow. There are new plasmids to use and a new arsenal of more powerful weapons to take down those creepy splicers that haunt the hallways of Rapture. Throw in a much more sensible hacking mini-game and we have ourselves a complete single player campaign as you could ever want.

The game looks as good as Bioshock did, which though excellent, is a little dated. Bioshock was jaw dropping visually in 2007. Bioshock 2 is just excellent in 2010. Subtle difference, but noteworthy nonetheless. The major addition to Bioshock 2 is the addition of a multiplayer which is strictly on-line. It is addicting, fun, and will add to the game’s replay value immensely. With these 10-14 hour single player games, it can be hard to justify a purchase over a rental because playing through a game again on a harder level doesn’t appeal to many, myself included. The MW2 like multiplayer will garner your attention if you really are hooked on plasmid style combat. You will level up, custom weapon and plasmids arsenals, as well as specific tonics that grant you passive upgrades.

Is Bioshock 2 as much of a breakthrough as Bioshock was? It isn’t, but that does not detract from how much fun this game is. Following up on Bioshock is like trying to make Godfather Part 2. Although amazing, it never will be as good as the original, but standalone, it is a worthy successor. If you at all liked Bioshock, you need to own this game. Plain and simple. The single player is worth the 60 bucks by itself and throw in an engaging multiplayer, you have a complete package that you will dedicate some serious hours to. Rapture is just how I remembered it: A living, breathing Hell a thousand feet below sea level. I just hope we don’t have to wait 2 and half years for the final voyage below the depths.

[A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for review purposes.]