BioShock 2 is a 2010 science fiction first-person shooter video game developed by 2K Marin, published by 2K Games, and released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Mac OS X.  Eight years after the events of the first game, players control a Big Daddy called Subject Delta who fights through psychotic humans named splicers while attempting to rescue a Little Sister named Eleanor.

Campaign:  The campaign is really good with an extensive single player experience.  The story follows players as the Big Daddy named Subject Delta who attempts to rescue his Little Sister named Eleanor Lamb.  Standing between Delta and Eleanor is a city full of splicers as well as the main antagonist Sofia Lamb. Sofia is actually a pretty sweet antagonist and I like that she manipulates people. The story is really intense and as interesting and twisted as the first game.  The characters are actually pretty good, though not as diverse and memorable as the first game.  Still, there are some interesting people Delta meets along the way.  The game is pretty linear while at the same time flexible enough to allow players to enjoy exploration of Rapture. (3 out of 5)

Gameplay:  Like its predecessor, the game is played as a first person shooter with players controlling Subject Delta, a prototype for the Big Daddies, as he explores Rapture, fighting off splicers.  Combat is really fast paced considering the types of enemies encountered.  During gameplay, players collect plasmids which give them different offensive powers such as telekinesis or electricity.  Between the various plasmids and weapons combat can be diverse, though there can only be one plasmid and one weapon active at any time. Certain enemy types take certain combinations to beat.  Health and EVE can be replenished with medical kits, EVE syringes, and consumables (food and drinks).  Players collect tonics are used as passive abilities including increasing strength, speed, damage resistance, and other benefits.  Dying has players reviving in Vita Chambers.

Players can again hack turrets and security systems to help aid them in combat.  Players have hacking darts that make it easier to hack without having to get close and possibly activate them.  It also helps to get the drop on enemies.  Hacking vendors reduces the cost of recovery items and ammo.  Hacking consist of players stopping a quick moving needle one or more times in the correctly colored areas of a gauge.  The name of the game is timing.  AI combatants are actually really challenging especially other Big Daddies and Big Sisters.  The loading times are good and even offer gameplay tips.

As a Big Daddy, players can adopt little sisters after defeating their Big Daddies.  they can choose to harvest them for ADAM or gather ADAM for the player.  Like other Big Daddies, players escort little sisters as they gather ADAM, protecting them for splicers.  After gathering enough ADAM players can choose to rescue them or harvest them, bother offering their own benefits.  ADAM can be also be obtained after completing certain missions.  ADAM is used to purchase new plasmids, gene tonics, slots, or health/eve upgrades from Gatherer Garden machines. Being a Big Daddy also grants players access to the drill and the rivet gun, as well as allows them to explore underway sections (which is fucking awesome).  Weapons can be used in a close range melee attack as well, which helps when your ammo is pretty low. (4 out of 5)

Graphics:  BioShock 2 is just as good looking as it’s predecessor.  There’s a gloomy look to the environment but it maintains a high level of detail to the various textures, designs, and lighting effects.  The underwater segments look really good especially when looking at the city.  Character designs are detailed, the water effects look realistic, and the environment is active. (4 out of 5)

Score/Music:  It’s safe to say that the score is just as awesome as the first game.  The voice performances are actually done really well.  Between the character interactions and audio diaries, the performances are just enjoyable.  Love the voice actors.  The soundtrack is pretty good, helping to emphasize the gloomy atmosphere of the game.  There are some moments of jumpscares that are really effective.  The sound design is just great with the world is filled with depth. (4 out of 5)

Replay Value:  Much like the previous game, the game does feature some replayability although it is limited.  First, there is the difficulty.  There are several levels of difficulty each bringing with it a great challenging experience.  Enemies will have better benefits as well as players taking on handicaps (scare ammo, take more damage, etc.).  Each level has several collectibles to seek out.  These include collecting all the plasmids and tonics, audio diaries that give exposition, and getting as much ADAM as possible by rescuing or killing the Little Sisters.  There are some in-game choices that effect the story.

The game does feature a story-driven multiplayer mode called Fall of Rapture, which the player chooses from among several characters.  Multiplayer consist of several different modes (some are single-player and team-based) including a free-for-all called “Survival of the Fittest”, a team deathmatch called “Civil War”, a mode where teams compete to defend or capture a Little Sister called “Capture the Sister”, and a mode where teams compete for control of specific areas called “Turf War”.  Unfortunately, at the time of this review I’ve not been able to play it though I thought it important to add.

There’s also the Minerva’s Den DLC which allows players to assume the role of another Big Daddy named Subject Sigma with a plot completely separate from the main campaign.  The DLC adds new levels, new weapons, new enemies, and reveals more about the mysterious Rapture.  So, there’s a lot to offer in terms of replayability. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, BioShock 2 is a surprisingly good sequel.  There’s a lot to like about the game.  Really, the only issues I have with the game is the same with the first one.  The game isn’t fully open world.  However, there is a solid story, good characters, great score and sound design, great voice performances, great graphics, awesome combat, and a good amount of replayability.  BioShock 2 gets 4 out of 5.