BioShock® 2

Many people don't see Bioshock 2 with good eyes... for some reason. The most probable reason for that is the fact that the game had so many changes from the previous one - being made by a different developer (a different branch of 2K Games from the one that created Bioshock) -, though without a doubt it fits well into the Bioshock universe. Still, that didn't prove to be a bad choice in this case - at least, not in my eyes. Some of the weapons and gameplay elements return, partially in different forms, while some are completely new. That is to be expected, seeing as the protagonist isn't an 'amnesiac puppet' like in the first game, but an 'amnesiac father' this time. A big daddy to be more precise (remember these guys from the first game?), that is on a quest of saving his (big) daughter. The plot isn't as straight-forward as you might expect and while perhaps it's not as good and intriguing as it's predecessor, it certainly gets the job done, raising plenty of hard questions and greatly expanding the rapture universe and it's history. Again, there are multiple endings, this time determined by some deeper and harder choices than last time - I'd say even relating to what kind of person the player is - and generally providing more closure than in the previous game's case. I won't talk as much about the gameplay because there is much more to cover than before, and I think it's better if you experience it fresh on your own. Needless to say, it is probably the game's strongest point this time around. You'll probably agree with me, especially after trying the multiplayer that comes with the game, proof that more effort has been put into this aspect for the sequel. The graphics and sound are generally of the same quality, with some changes of nuance to fit the game's newer theme. While the sequel may not be as profound and thought-provoking as the first game, it is definitely a welcome addition to the list of great games, and it should be the same for the list of games you've played too!

Bloody amazing! The original game went beyond those cliched first person shooters and in creating a sequel, the developers have fleshed out the city of Rapture even more but more importantly, have streamlined the gameplay, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Of course, without the detailed characters and story of BioShock 2, it would not have reached these levels and of course, the luscious graphics. Add in dozens of secrets, multiple endings and of course a very sturdy multiplayer engine and the developers have covered all facets in this extraordinary game. From the very first moments, BioShock 2 holds an iron grip over you throughout the entire experience as you're given a violent tour of the legacy of Andrew Ryan's Rapture and the repercussions of his troubled dream. Some may say, it's the same as the previous game but I digress, it's a whole new chapter to this amazing underwater universe and if you don't believe me, rent it first. Highly recommended!

The second establishment of the series is a great game, and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first one. Ok, it is more of the same, but it is really well made. There is not much evolution in gameplay mechanics or anything like you would find later in BioShock Infinite, but the franchise was so good there is no problem in doing such a "straight" sequel. The main feature this time is that you take place as your classic enemy from the first part, the Big Daddy, and you will be in care of the little sisters. Melee attacks will be improved, and you'll face new enemies like the big sisters. Storyline is a bit worse than the first part, but gameplay was kind of better. I know I'm one of the few that actually enjoyed this one more than the first one (maybe I should replay them to be sure), but you can't be wrong if you purchase both of them (actually the three of them).

If you have played the original Bioshock, then Bioshock 2 will seem far too similar to the original, but if you enjoyed the original, then you will enjoy Bioshock 2. In this not-so-pleasant stroll through Rapture, you will be taking the roll of one of Bioshock’s most (in)famous denizens, the Big Daddy. But this is no ordinary Big Daddy you will be controlling, but an early prototype, capable of wielding both numerous weapons and various plasmids simultaneously. And you will need to master this dual wielding if you are to survive, as Rapture has changed, and many new enemies are out to kill you. The atmosphere, combat, and glorious audio tapes make a return, but the same cannot be said of the story. The story sadly suffers mainly due to a loss of the shock value and plot twist the first game had, but the rest is as strong as ever. If you enjoyed the original Bioshock and don’t mind playing a game that is more of the same without adding too much to the lore or world, then you should buy Bioshock 2.

2K Games does it again with a beautiful story, fantastic gameplay, and wonderful internal environment. BioShock 2 has it all and pushes the greatness of the series to new heights. Story: Taking place after the original life has been brought back to the lost, but never forgotten city of Rapture. Professor Lamb has started working to bring young girls back down to the deep city and start cultivating Adam once again. Her idea of a utopia exists unlike Ryan’s which is based on uncontrolled capitalism Lambs is based on true altruism, the idea of the true utopia. You as one of the original Big Daddy’s have been brought back to life to save Eleanor, your Little Sister from a fate worse than death. Will you be able to make it in time? Campaign: There are nine levels: Adonis Luxury Resort, Atlantic Express, Ryan Amusements, Pauper’s Drop, Siren Alley, Dionysus Park, Fontaine Futuristics, Outer Persephone, and Inner Persephone. The levels in this campaign vary in length drastically, some of them being relatively short while others are overly massive. You have varying objectives in each area: find items, fight bosses, activate switches, find little sisters, etc. These keep the campaign interesting and each area has its own spin on how it wants you to play. The campaign is well laid out and each area has its own twists that make it unique. Gameplay: The game plays differently than the original, as you are no longer a mere mortal but rather one of the machines you fought so hard to defeat. You wield all weapons single handedly allowing you to equip plasmids in your other hand. This way you can shoot a gun as well as light a foe on fire, personally I was so used to the first one I forgot half the time I could do this. When I finally realized I still found myself not using it as the menu interface to change between plasmids was not as dynamic. This games combat realistically was drastically improved; no longer did you need to keep pulling out the camera during battle to get the best shot, instead you just clicked and it recorded while you were in combat giving you a score for the battle. The remote hacking tool allows you to actually hack cameras, which you could do in the first one but was very tricky as they would almost always detect you before you started the hack. Plus the wrench was changed to a drill which had multiple attack types making it more dynamic. In BioShock I actually used the Wrench all game, so I decided to only use ranged weapons this time round. There are three key combat elements in this game: Weapons, Plasmids (like spells), and tonics (like buffs). The weapons, plasmids, and tonics really allow you to customize your play style. By choosing specific tonics in combination with weapon choose and plasmid choice you can decide if you want to be a melee master, a total hacker, or gunning madman. Plus each weapon, plasmid, and tonic has upgraded versions which make them even more effective and variable. Minerva’s Den: I wasn't sure about Minerva's Den, usually DLC campaigns are just extra levels and lose the elements that make a game great. Minerva's Den was the complete opposite, in fact this DLC story rivals that of the original. There are three levels: Minerva's Den, Operations, and The Thinker. The first two levels are exceptionally large and have many missions/puzzles invovled and the final level is a boss fight. This DLC adds an exceptional amount of depth including a new weapon (Ion Laser) a new Plamid (Gravity Well), two new tonics, and four new enemies. This is an amazing new campaign which offers a brilliant story and fantastic new elements to the BioShock series. Results: BioShock 2 is an amazing game; although, it doesn’t stand up to the story of the original it still provides an amazing play-through. The story itself is relatively well written, and in comparison to non-BioShock games is actually quite brilliant. The combat is fun and rather in-depth with each weapon having three ammo types including the melee tool gives a huge variety to your combat style. You can even customize your tonics and plasmids to enforce the type of gameplay you desire. BioShock really is the FPS for anyone looking for a great story, invigorating combat, epic boss battles, and cool puzzles. I would recommend this game at full price, but if you’re frugal like me and only buy games on sale then wait as anything below its normal price is a steal. Pros: +Fantastic story +Beautiful game environment +Loads of weapons, with different ammo types +Many plasmids (spells) to choose from with upgraded levels +Loads of tonics (passives) to equip which customize your gameplay experience +Three difficulty settings, for all levels of gamers to enjoy. +New dynamic to the BioShock series revealing the inner sanctum of the Big Daddy. +Offers DLC to extend the experience. Cons: -The game allows you to set the difficulty in the menu. I started the game on “Hard” and somehow it dropped to “Medium” at some point. I didn’t notice until a hint popped up about 1/3 the way through when I thought to myself how easy the game was. I bumped it up again to “Hard” and kept a check on it for the rest of the campaign, but this change resulted in my not being able to get the “Against All Odds” achievement. -The game would crash randomly for no reason, I did a verify integrity check but it said the game was fine. In turn I started saving every five minutes so I wouldn’t lose much if it crashed.