BioShock 2
BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams
Release Date: February 9, 2010
Action, FPP, science fiction, FPS, RPG elements, dystopia, shooters, 60s and 70s, immersive sim, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN
Steam
A sequel to 2007's action game BioShock. BioShock 2 was developed by 2K Marin, with the support of Digital Extremes, 2K China, Arkane Studios and Darkside Game Studios. The story is set in the underwater metropolis known as Rapture in year 1968 (eight years after the events of the original game). The player assumes the role of Subject Delta - a Big Daddy prototype. The protagonist has to find the his Little Sister.
BioShock 2 for PC, X360 and PS3 is an extensive first-person action game featuring elements of different genres. It is a sequel to the bestselling BioShock released in 2007, Several years after the events shown in the original game, the player visits the underwater city of Rapture again. The mysterious metropolis was supposed to become a utopian paradise for scientists tired of limitations brought by fear or morality. The original game gave an insight into what Rapture actually did turn into. This time, the player takes on the role of the first Big Daddy prototype in order to face Rapture's new leader.
Mechanics
Assuming the role of a powerful Big Daddy, the player gains access to all the specific skills he has. The player's basic weapons are a huge drill and a rivet gun - a powerful pneumatic cannon. The player makes use of different tonics and plasmids, which appeared first in the original game. These improve certain parameters describing the protagonist and offering new, incredible abilities, allowing the player to set the enemy on fire for example. Different mutations of this kind can be upgraded, increasing their effectiveness. In contrast to the original game, the player is allowed to use plasmids and firearms simultaneously, which constitutes a significant change. A flashlight attached to the protagonist's helm is a useful addition, for it activates automatically several times during the playthrough.
In BioShock 2 for PC, X360 and PS3, the player encounters different types of enemies that made their presence first in the original game, including the mutated inhabitants of Rapture. An important role is played by somewhat frightening Little Sisters again - each of them is accompanied by a different Daddy, Having defeated one of these powerful guards, the player can either sacrifice the girl to obtain the substance known as ADAM or adopt her. In the latter case, the Little Sister continues the search for the valuable material by the player's side, whose task is also to protect her. From time to time, the player faces a new enemy type - the so-called Big Sister, who is incredibly agile and capable in combat. She appears each time the player has dealt with all the Litte Sisters in a given level.
BioShock 2 for PC, X360 and PS3 borrows certain mechanics from the original game. Again, the player stumbles on audio recordings acquainting them with different aspects of the plot and stories of Rapture's inhabitants. Vita-Chambers resurrecting the protagonist after death are of high importance here as well. The game features many additional options serving the purpose of gameplay modifiers, thus the player is free to adjust the experience to their liking. To illustrate, the player can hack and repair gun-towers and bots in order to use them to their advantage, as well as combine traps with plasmids in order to create even more powerful tools.
The second installment in the BioShock series extends the city of Rapture significantly, adding several new locations as well. Among these, Fontaine Futuristics is present for instance. It is a research lab where ADAM is processed. Apart from that, the player is given an opportunity to take a walk on the bottom of the ocean, when travelling to subsequent buildings and chambers. Both in terms of the visuals and city architecture, BioShock 2 is an impressive game. A great single-player campaign is complemented here by an extensive multiplayer.
Last updated on May 2, 2016
Last Update: March 16, 2010
Bioshock 2 Game Guide & Walkthrough
This BioShock 2 guide contains a throughout walkthrough of the game, with detailed maps of each level. I’ve also put many icons onto them, increasing their informational value.
September 18, 2022
What Made BioShock Special? Here's At Least 14 Things
The first BioShock just turned fifteen. It's a good time to reminisce what we loved this series for: storyline, style, gameplay, characters and much more. Here are fourteen things that made Irrational Games' series so special.
Videos and Screens
[1:33] BioShock 2 Protector Trials DLC
[1:10] BioShock 2 Kill 'Em Kindly
The main pros of the game
- Engaging Gameplay: Many users praised the refined gameplay mechanics, highlighting the ability to use Plasmids and weapons simultaneously, which leads to more dynamic combat. The introduction of new weapons like the drill and harpoon launcher also received positive feedback.
- Playing as a Big Daddy: The perspective of playing as Subject Delta, a Big Daddy, was noted as a significant and enjoyable change, offering a sense of power and vulnerability while adding emotional depth through the character's connection to the Little Sisters.
- Emotional Storyline: The narrative exploring themes of parenthood and sacrifice resonated with several players, who appreciated the emotional depth compared to the original game.
- Visual and Atmospheric Design: While some criticized the visuals, others found the vintage steampunk style and environmental storytelling captivating, maintaining the eerie atmosphere of Rapture.
- Multiplayer Mode: The inclusion of a multiplayer mode was seen as a bold addition, offering a fresh experience, although it didn't overshadow the single-player campaign.
The main cons of the game
- Frequent Crashes: A significant number of users reported issues with the game crashing frequently, making it unplayable for some and detracting from the overall experience.
- Less Complex Story: Many players felt that the story was not as rich or philosophical as the first game, with a more linear plot that lacked the depth and subtlety of its predecessor.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Some reviews mentioned that the gameplay structure became repetitive over time, particularly the mechanics involving the Little Sisters and the quest for ADAM.
- Artistic Limitations: Critics pointed out that while the graphics were slightly improved, there was little artistic innovation, with many environments feeling similar to those in the first game.
- AI Issues: The enemy AI was described as inconsistent, sometimes leading to frustrating encounters that broke immersion.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Exploration and Discovery: Players noted that the sense of discovery in Rapture was diminished compared to the first game, as familiarity with the environment reduced the thrill of exploration.
- Philosophical Depth: Many users expressed a desire for a more complex storyline with deeper philosophical themes, similar to those found in the original BioShock.
- Variety in Gameplay: There were calls for more variety in gameplay mechanics, as some felt that the core loop of combat and resource gathering became monotonous.
- Improved AI: Players wanted a more reliable and engaging enemy AI that could enhance the challenge and excitement of combat.
Summary
- Overall, while BioShock 2 has its strengths, particularly in gameplay mechanics and emotional storytelling, it also faces criticism regarding its stability, story complexity, and repetitiveness.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 2622 votes. 1028 players anticipated the game.
7
GAMES
in BioShock Game Series
Game Series
BioShock Series
BioShock is an action game series set in a dystopian science-fiction universe, with elements of first-person shooter (FPS) and cRPG. The series was created by Ken Levine and the development team of Irrational Games studio.
7 video games
BioShock 2 Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Xbox 360
PlayStation 3
BioShock 2 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz, 3 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 8800 GT or better), 11 GB HDD, Windows XP/Vista
Xbox 360
Supports: Xbox Live
BioShock: The Collection page appeared at 2K’s website
BioShock: The Collection, an unannounced bundle of remastered BioShock games which has been rumored to be in works, has appeared for a brief time on 2K’s official website. Some screenshots were leaked, as well.
video games
June 30, 2016