BioShock® 2

good but not as good as first

I actually preferred this over the first game, had it not had crash problems.

If you like frequent game crashes and weird game control, but masterpiece-level plot narrative and main hero abilities that were inspired and refined in Dishonored you should play this.

Still to this day one of the best series ever made. Just replayed the original version instead of the remaster. Holds up incredible and there are decent discord groups for Mp matches.

love this game best game i play

Who doesn't love Plasmids?

a amazing game, a shame some people hate it

they have made SO many improvments lat,ey, like fixing crashing issues and removing the stupid 2k launcher, i experienced some minor bugs, but overall a very good experience and a 10/10 game

Totally excellent. Great storyline and great characters

good game drill goes brrrrzzzzzzaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzrrrrrrrrr

Extremely fun, and story can be quite sad at times

A Masterpiece in the Steampunk Genre

Controversial take, I think I prefer Bioshock 2 compared to the original.

Ridiculously good. That’s how I’d describe Bioshock 2. This game—and the series as a whole—has been one of my greatest gaming discoveries in a long time. It’s an underrated gem, especially when you compare its modest popularity to some of the more overhyped franchises out there.

Coming straight from Bioshock, I’ll admit it took me a little while to adjust to the new gameplay mechanics. But once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. The story in Bioshock 2 somehow manages to be even better than the first, which is saying something. There are so many moments that stuck with me. The emotional connection between Delta and Eleanor, his Little Sister, adds so much depth to the world and makes the Bioshock universe feel even more alive.

The levels are super fun, and the battles with Big Sisters are unforgettable. The maps feel bigger and more complex than in the first game, and the addition of side quests—like adopting and working with Little Sisters—brings a fresh layer to the gameplay. Sure, the Vita Chambers make the game feel a little easier, but if you play on Hard and pretend they don’t exist, you’ll find yourself in for a real challenge.

Visually, the game isn’t going for realism, but it’s beautiful in its own way. The colours, the lighting, the atmosphere—everything about Rapture feels haunting and captivating.

Honestly, Bioshock 2 is an incredible game, and anything I add feels obvious at this point. It’s easily a 10/10 for me.

PROS
The plot and characters are just amazing.
The bond between Little Sisters and Big Daddies still hits hard emotionally.
Big Sisters are an awesome addition—those fights are a blast!
The maps are bigger and more detailed than in the first game.
You can finally equip a weapon and a plasmid at the same time—so satisfying.
They fixed two major issues from the first game: the loading times are super quick, and the subtitles are perfectly synced.
Tons of new plasmids and gene tonics, with upgrades that actually change how they work instead of just boosting damage.
ADAM is more plentiful now, which means you can really dive into experimenting with plasmids and gene tonics—it’s one of the most fun parts of the game.
The research system is way more challenging and rewarding this time around.
At one point, you even get to see the world through a Little Sister’s eyes. Seeing Rapture as a fairy-tale castle while corpses appear as “angels” was such a unique and haunting moment.
The final stage and ending are absolutely phenomenal.
Your moral choices influence Eleanor’s personality and the ending you get. There are four possible endings, which makes it so much more replayable.

CONS
Movement is slower than the first game, but upgrades eventually fix that.
The controls feel a bit clunky at first, but they’re fine once you adapt.
The maps are a little harder to understand initially, but you figure it out after some time.
The hacking system is different now. The minigame doesn’t pause the action anymore, but you can hack from a distance, which is a nice trade-off.
I really missed being able to revisit previous levels and find them just as I left them. Also, enemies’ bodies tend to disappear more quickly in this game.

Final Thoughts
Bioshock 2 took everything I loved about the first game and added even more. The story is stronger, the gameplay is deeper, and the emotional moments hit harder. Whether it’s the tense battles with Big Sisters or seeing Rapture through a Little Sister’s innocent eyes, this game delivers an unforgettable experience.

If you haven’t played it yet, do yourself a favour and dive in. You won’t regret it.

Better than the remastered version, no crash at all

worth it buying this on Christmas "old but goodies" 10/10

good game.

Joya de juego con una trama interesante y mecanicas muy buenas. 10/10

10/10 but because of crashes 9/10

harder than the first game, be warned

I love the bioshock series, always have. Terrific game to play, almost wish Rapture does exist so I can live there.

Games' fun.

Hard to recommend duo to constant crashing

This is by far my favourite Bioshock game, not only to you get to experience the unique perspective of the Big Daddy, you get an emotional story of a father desperately trying to save his daughter.

The gameplay is much the same as the original but improved in some places, there are new cool plasmids to use and you get to bond with the Little Sisters, they help you harvest Adam then you rescue them.

This is a fantastic FPS that doesn't disappoint <3

I like it when you call me Big Daddy, wave your sea slugs in the air like you just don't care.

If you're wondering what life would be like as a Big Daddy I highly recommend that you play Bio Shock 2 or what I like to call Big Daddy Simulator.

Have just finished BS1; a fantastic and totally worthwhile game.

Sadly, BS2 does not run reliably at all, I have crashed 7 times within the first 30 mins of the game. Various fixes have been posted over the years, and some have helped but I still crash every 10 minutes or so.

Such a shame. And it shouldn't be sold in this state.

cant remove the game from my account cause it came with my purchase of the remaster.

Great game but i recommend the remastered version.

one of the most fun games of my childhood

For the entirety of 2024 the first two Bioshock games original and remastered all CRASH at startup. I bought the first two games multiple times across 3 providers to see if I could find a working installation but none of them work! Even after the 2K launcher was removed they now still did not work... and then after the last year of trying every fix I could find, just this evening I found the fix that worked, and it was the most ridiculously simple fix:

delete all your save games and don't let Steam download the synchronised saves from the cloud - if it does, delete those after you start the game up.

Suddenly the Remastered games worked again... now I would recommend these games again.

daddy simulator

Same as with both first bioshock games remastered and not remastered ones . Idk why it took me so long to write a review for both bioshock 2 games remastered and not remastered one . I like unremastered bioshock 2 less than remastered bioshock 2 simply , because mutiplayer is almoast dead and getting bioshock 2 multiplayer achievements now in 2024 is almoast impossible and pretty hard . And that is main reason why same as bioshock 1 i like bioshock 2 remastered better than not remastered bioshock 2 . And they removed launcher on 25 th november finally so that's not an issue for bioshock 2 remastered anymore . And i have played through bioshock 2 multiple times like idk 6 - 8 times even the hardest difficulty obviously and yeah bioshock 2 is underrated and very good maybe not as good as the first , but still good . And bioshock 2 in my opinion is more sadder especially the ending and game in general than first bioshock and i love it . And the ending is so sad i almoast cry every time . And it's a perfect bittersweet ending in my opinion i'm talking about the good ending not the evil / bad ending that is sad too , but in a different less way than good / wholesome ending . And for some reason bioshock 1 has 4 difficulties , but is easier on hardest difficulty than bioshock 2 on it's 3 difficulty system which is a bit weird . And i think bioshock 2 is a pretty good sequel to first game it shows you what happened after downfall of ryan's regime and ideology and the start of new ideology and new dictator tyrant leader in rapture . And it also introduces fun new mechanics and fun new weapons and fun minigame protector trials similar to bioshock 1 minigames . That about it on not remastered bioshock 2 . Oh and as said before Minerva's den is so underrated and good dlc . And i'll give this game 8 / 10 because bioshock 2 remastered better and similar as with bioshock 1 has some buggs and crashes sometimes .

Its a great game but it crashes constantly making it unplayable

Daddy Day Care 2

this game is just good

i screamed when my little sisters got attacked. 10/10, best dad.

If only they tried to expand further on the story of this game by releasing a new one.

this games make me feels adopted daddy

Best campaign of the trilogy. The multiplayer experience is also very solid.

Amazing game, but play remastered instead

Of all the games I played, why is this the one that goes crashing, it had fun mechanics like the drill going brrrr, big sad

this was a fantastic game i would play again

This shit is a masterpiece buy it and play it NOW.

If you love fps games with story, this is the game for you. I love the Bioshock series and this is my second playthrough of it.

Juntou tudo o que tinha de bom no primeiro e melhorou.
10/10.

Great gameplay and characters. Though, I felt less tension playing as a Big Daddy, as opposed to a (seemingly) normal human in the first game

the gamr keeps crashing, do not recommend no one to play this game

I wasn't a big fan of the Bioshock series at first but I've grown to like it. Bioshock 2 is a great sequel to the first one and adds some new pieces to the story and gameplay. I really like the vintage steampunk style of sci-fi that makes up the game world.

This is probably my favorite game of all time. I would recommend this timeless masterpiece for everyone.

Classic

In 2007, BioShock shook up the gaming world with its unique universe and exploration of dark philosophical themes. Two years later, BioShock 2 plunges us back into the fallen city of Rapture, but this time, with a new perspective: that of a Big Daddy, these imposing and terrifying protectors that we feared so much in the first opus. This game, developed by 2K Marin, offers a new story, new characters, and above all a new gameplay dynamic. But, does it manage to match the magic of its predecessor? Or is it simply an "encore" in troubled waters? Let's dive into this review and see if this second chapter succeeds in capturing the essence of Rapture.

Good points
Playing a Big Daddy: We play as Subject Delta, one of the first prototypes of Big Daddy. From the beginning, this perspective changes everything. You feel more powerful, but also more vulnerable than ever before. The combination of brute strength and agility gives you a new way to approach combat, with the iconic drill and the ability to use Plasmids alongside traditional weapons. 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.

Enhanced gameplay mechanics: Refines the gameplay of its predecessor with more fluid and dynamic combat. The ability to use Plasmids and weapons simultaneously makes for more intense and strategic encounters. Additionally, new weapons, such as the drill and harpoon launcher, are tailored to Big Daddy’s style and provide a brutal and satisfying combat experience. The sequel also features a more robust enemy variety, with foes like Brute Splicers and the terrifying Big Sisters providing a unique challenge and adding a constant level of danger.

Introducing the Big Sisters: While the Big Daddies are protectors, the Big Sisters are their female counterparts—agile, aggressive, and downright fearsome. They appear to defend the Little Sisters you adopt or free, and each encounter with them is an intense ordeal. These fights are some of BioShock 2's most memorable moments, as the Big Sisters are fast, vicious, and unpredictable, forcing you to use all your skills and resources to survive.

More emotional and touching story: Unlike the original BioShock, which dealt with philosophy in a more theoretical manner, BioShock 2 explores more emotional themes, including parenthood and sacrifice. Subject Delta is searching for Eleanor, his original Little Sister, in a quest for redemption and protection. 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. This exploration of family ties and human nature offers an emotional depth that enriches the experience.

Surprising and innovative multiplayer: Tried something bold: a multiplayer mode in the universe of Rapture. This mode, although often overlooked, is actually very well integrated. Set during the fall of Rapture, it allows players to take on the role of a citizen in the midst of despair, with epic PvP combat using Plasmids and iconic weapons. Although this multiplayer mode did not mark as much as the single player, it brings a touch of novelty and replayability.

Bad points
Less mysterious city of Rapture: One of the pleasures of BioShock was the discovery of Rapture, this place both fascinating and terrifying. In BioShock 2, this effect of discovery is less strong, because we are already familiar with the places and the atmosphere. Although the game introduces new areas, such as flooded districts and less explored sections of the city, the mystery has lost its luster. The nostalgia is still there, but for players of the first opus, this sequel does not offer the same wonder.

Less complex and philosophical story: Although the story of BioShock 2 is touching, it is perceived as less rich in philosophical themes than the first. The story is more linear, with a clear motivation to find Eleanor and thwart Sofia Lamb's plans. The themes of Lamb's collectivism versus Ryan's individualism are less developed and less subtle than the ideals of freedom and power explored in the first game. This lack of philosophical depth may disappoint those expecting a new dose of existential musings.

Little artistic innovation: Graphically, BioShock 2 takes up the style of the first game with a few minor improvements, but without any real artistic changes. While the technical quality is slightly better, the environments are relatively similar to those already explored, and the general aesthetic of Rapture remains unchanged. For those who were hoping for a marked visual evolution or more varied areas, the game can seem a little repetitive in terms of atmosphere.

Sometimes frustrating AI: Enemy AI in BioShock 2 can be uneven. The Splicers, while terrifying in idea, sometimes act erratically or inconsistently, throwing themselves headlong into attacks or getting stuck in scenery. This unpredictability breaks the immersion a little and harms the fights that should be more tense. The Big Sisters, while formidable, can also show some AI weaknesses, especially if they get stuck on obstacles or don't always react logically.

Redundancy in gameplay Like the first game, BioShock 2 follows a repetitive structure with exploration, combat, resource gathering, and skill upgrading sequences. The Little Sisters' quest can sometimes become mechanical: you fight a Big Daddy, adopt a Little Sister, and then protect her while she collects ADAM. While the concept is interesting, it can feel repetitive after a while, especially for players looking for variety in gameplay.

Summary
BioShock 2 is a sequel that manages to deliver a satisfying experience without necessarily reaching the philosophical heights of its predecessor. With refined gameplay, more dynamic combat, and a touching narrative about family ties, the game explores a more emotional and intimate side of Rapture. Playing as a Big Daddy is a game changer, giving the player a sense of power while adding emotional vulnerability. While the discovery effect is less and the story is simpler, BioShock 2 is still a captivating adventure for those looking to extend their stay in Rapture.

85/100