Game Review: BioShock 2

How do you follow up the most critically acclaimed, industry changing game of this console generation? The first BioShock introduced players to the beautiful and horrific underwater world of Rapture. The inclusion of Plasmids gave the players options in battle, allowing for a plethora of play styles. The twists and turns in BioShock's plot placed it at the forefront of new video game storytelling. So, how do you add on to such a complete game? Although BioShock 2 can stumble in the face of its predecessor, there's enough excitement packed in to warrant another visit to Rapture. 

The story is set in 1968, eight years after the events of the first game. A new tyrant controls the city in the form of psychologist Sofia Lamb. While the first game's villain, Andrew Ryan, was obsessed with the power of the individual, Lamb spouts the wisdom of the community. If Ryan is the ultimate capitalist and individualist, Lamb is his communist (although never expressly stated) counterpart. Lamb has brainwashed those in Rapture who suffered under Ryan, creating a cult called the "Rapture family." 

The player is put in the rather large shoes of a Big Daddy. As one of the first Big Daddies, the player is linked to one Little Sister for life, who just happens to be Lamb's daughter, Eleanor. The plot twists and turns as the player encounters all types of colorful characters. The method of storytelling through found tape recordings still works brilliantly, as the player can learn as much or as little as he or she wants. Discovering the plot becomes a reward in itself. Although the game makes interesting points about what family means and the nature of community, the story feels flat, mostly due to the unfairly high expectation following the first game's story. There are plenty of emotional and spine-tingling moments, however – ones that in most other games would be considered a flawless success. But BioShock 2 suffers from impossibly lofty expectations, and while the story is solid, it cannot live up to the masterful storytelling of its predecessor. 

The game play is largely the same as in the first game, and that’s not a bad thing. The right trigger controls weapons while the left uses the myriad of Plasmids available. These mechanics are still unique, as they've only been used in one game. The game play truly shines through all the options the player has in combat. The combination of Plasmids, weapon upgrades, and Tonics create an almost infinite amount of ways to approach a fight. As a Big Daddy, enemies sometimes react in fear and attempt to surround and overpower the player. The player can pick up a Little Sister and use her to collect ADAM (the currency for power ups) from corpses. While she's harvesting, the player must take on an onslaught of enemies.

Knowing this hoard is coming, there are tons of trap and distraction ammo types and Plasmids to set up. Preparing for a big fight becomes as interesting as the fight itself and requires the player to seriously think ahead. The player doesn't have to do this, they can simply kill the Little Sister when she's first found, but doing so will prevent the collection of ADAM. This sort of choice does give the player a better feeling of free will. 

Battles in BioShock 2 are just as exhilarating and intense as the first. A well planned out attack will lead to enemies falling domino style, while going in guns blazing can lead to taking massive damage. This time the intense action is broken up with underwater sections. Wandering around the beautiful landscape outside the buildings of Rapture is mesmerizing, and allows players to relax after the overwhelming main story. 

The added multiplayer mode that will be enjoyed by some looking for more of Rapture's story, but it will largely be washed out by the online shooter big boys. Set a year before the events of the first BioShock, the multiplayer allows the player to act out Rapture's Civil War. While it's fun to play a human again, the weapon/Plasmid mechanic doesn't work as well when everyone has them. A good time, but not a lot of new stuff to see. 

BioShock 2 is a welcome return to Rapture. The sets and game play still retain their sparkle and shine. The developers have obviously listened to players' criticisms and have tightened the game considerably. This world is not stale. However the first game was lightning in a bottle, and the second cannot fill its Big Daddy-sized shoes. It may not be first love, but it's worth giving this old flame another go.