Review: Bioshock 2

In Bioshock 2 we return to the deep sea dystopia and this time play as a Big Daddy, one of the first Big Daddy’s in fact. The emotional bond between yourself and your little sister means that unless you find her you will slip into a coma due to one of the fail safe mechanisms created to keep you in check. This is how your adventure starts, many of the game mechanics that existed in the Bioshock are back including the Big Daddy’s you’re used to; the plasmids and gene tonics as well as some old and some new weapons, which you can now dual wield with plasmids.

The story was enjoyable, and the references to the original game are there if you are willing to look for them. There are some twists to the story that while the events themselves aren’t that predictable the timings are. However the visuals and soundtrack are much the same as the first with the 50’s/60’s art deco style in disrepair throughout. The locations despite being new to the player feel the same as in the first game and that’s pretty much how the game entire game feels.

Now don’t get me wrong I’m not saying the game is bad, but it does feel like slipping into the same old cardigan and slippers that we’re used to and not in the good way. The locations and some of the tasks are really familiar. However some things have changed, the weapon system now lets you use your plasmids and weapons at the same time meaning you’re not wasting time swapping out your Electrobolt plasmid for your solid slug shotgun just in time to blow off a Big Daddy’s helmet before he skewers you on his arm drill. You can zap and blast to your hearts content. The hacking mini game is better this time round instead of playing the pipes mini game you have to stop a waving pin in the middle of the “safe” zone, and the game isn’t paused while doing this, so you need to keep your wits about you.

Overall I would say get Bioshock 2 if you enjoyed the first one, if you’ve not played the first one then I would say play that rather than head straight in with this sequel. I personally would have liked a little more of a new feel to the game but enjoyed what was on offer, and those changes that have been made do help.

I have tried the multi player and found it really enjoyable. It’s your basic online multiplayer games, capture the flag, domination, last person standing and all out war that you’re used to if you play games like COD etc, however each has a Bioshock twist. The flags are sisters and you play as normal splicers. There is a back story for each of the characters that you can choose, and you level up according to how well you do in the games. You don’t get experience points but ADAM instead, with higher levels unlocking more plasmids, gene tonics and weapons as well as masks and melee weapons as well.

The thing the multiplayer was missing for me was my friends, but I think that can be said about any multiplayer game like this. My favourite thing about this mode was that all the locations and weapons in this mode were from the first game. So you could be running around the farmers Market with the cross bow, or through arcadia, or be camped up in Eve’s garden waiting for an unsuspecting victim.