It is remarkably a good sequel that has improved a lot of things the first game had flaws with.

With a unique perspective and storyline the emotional train wreck of an experience this one has is as effective as the first one.

Although there are some repetitive parts and formulated scenes that were presented. It is still worthy as proper sequel to the original game.

A strong companion piece to BioShock, and an impressive effort given Ken Levine and the original developer wasn’t directly involved.

I liked that this one put you in the shoes of a Big Daddy and gave you a big ass drill that was fun to use. I also like that 2 separates itself from the original BioShock by giving you a clear objective and personal stakes up front so you end up with a slightly more character driven experience.

BS2 goes for a slightly different type of video game experience. The RPG/immersive sim elements are reduced more into the background so it ends up being a straightforward 8-10 hour shooter. Enemies feel less spongey this time around which is good (though the problem isn’t gone), and the level-to-level environments are more interesting to look at and go through, maybe.

And yet, I might say I think BioShock 1 is better for a few reasons:

1. BioShock 2 is aesthetically like the first game and some themes are reiterated/reinforced plus you get to learn more about this world, but anytime its story tried to say things of its own it came across as muddy with mixed results. The philosophical sharpness just isn't here so much.
2. It’s the second time around in this world so the surprise was reduced some. It also does feel like a "me also" type game compared to the first at times.
3. 2 might be a little too straightforward and pared back for its own good.

Still a great game tho.

The game's claustrophobic, decadent setting is as wonderfully atmospheric as it was in the first game, but the narrative here is too bare-bones to be just as intriguing. Areas are diverse but not quite as tightly designed, and although the rough combat can still be very enjoyable in its improved interactivity and expanded strategic variety, its significant balancing issues persist. Most regrettably, just like its predecessor the game refuses to penalize the player for dying, essentially stripping the game of any real challenge.

PLOT AND CHARACTERS
□Astounding - S+
▣Awesome - S
□Great - A
□Good - B
□Mid - C
□Poor - D
□Poop - E
□Nonexistent - None


GAMEPLAY
□Astounding - S+
□Awesome - S
□Great - A
▣Good - B
□Mid - C
□Poor - D
□Poop - E
□Nonexistent - None


ARTISTIC ART
□Astounding - S+
□Awesome - S
▣Great - A
□Good - B
□Mid - C
□Poor - D
□Poop - E
□Nonexistent - None

RATE: A
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