Because BioShock 2 begins without a framework of its history, neither will I. Refer to our review of the original BioShock
(by clicking here) if you're curious about what makes the game so great; I focus on what's new to the series in this review. Mitigating transition, BioShock 2 is immediately familiar, with some minor changes. Picking up 10 years from the original, Rapture is still deteriorating from the oppressive rule under a new dictator, the Communist Sofia Lamb who offsets Ryan's Objectivism, and the incessant hunting of ADAM for diabolic intent. You play as the original Big Daddy and your motivations are the same the original protagonist: protect the weak and punish the large, only now it is personal (Like all good sequels, the stakes are higher and the brawls is bigger). Mechanics are familiar; you rummage in trash for abundant consumables, fight splicers, obtain plot developments and dialogue through radio and melt icy obstacles,and shock faulty electronics with Plasmids. BioShock 2 does vary from the original, but heightens the best parts. The plot and writing is hammy, combat takes the forefront, and the environment is still a marvel to walk through. Initially, aside form your new outfit and drill, not much has changed in the sequel. There is an early scare ripped from the original involving splicers breaking into and setting afire the room you're trapped in.
Plasmids and weapons are unchanged from the first BioShock and the game looks the very similar. A friend said his initial impression was simply "weird" and I agree. The jarring combination of realistic art indicative of the 50s with stylistic design makes an environment that can be boring or appropriately disturbing. Many areas seem identical, but there is a attention to detail and consistency in design throughout. BioShock 2 is not pretty, with the jarring combination of realism and style. It looks as good as it did two years ago, but it is not pretty. Absent this go around is the mystery surrounding the city. Nothing compares to your first Bathysphere ride, as the music swells and Ryan first mentions that word pregnant with anticipation: Rapture. Though the secret behind Rapture has vanished, it remains as prevalently alienating as its inhabitants. Neon aquatic life litters the sea floor, and dilapidated buildings, limbless manikins and streamers of propaganda decorate the rubble and debris. Life is bad in this utopia, but it is difficult to imagine a happy Rapture. And while it is discomforting to move through, the directional arrow and abandoned audio logs guide your way through carefully arranged set pieces like the crazed preachers chapel. Exploration awards an opulence of ammo and health, and the occasional Plasmid, but it still feels like meager.
Thankfully the combat is much more enjoyable than plot and exploration. Weapons and Plasmids can be used simultaneously, and while they are basically identical to the original's versions, they change dramatically once upgraded. Power to the People and Gatherer's Garden's are still intact, improving ammo capacity and damage with a final level augmenting the guns with powers like fire and ice; and increasing Plasmids to a third level, expanding their capacity for damage like electrocuting multiple enemies at once. Add to this several different ammo types and ambush devices like mini-turrets and proximity mines, set against an anarchists heaven of spilt oil and water capable of carrying a spark or charge, and you have a wonderful, creative basis for battle. While the run-of-the-mill screaming, gibbering splicers remain gunfire giblets, the new Big Sisters take conflict much more seriously. One of two additions to the enemy roster (the other a juiced-up Brute) Big Sisters are a more agile version of the Big Daddy, and adept in Plasmids. Sirens and urgent text announces her arrival and the fight usually matches the build-up. Big Sister's jump around the room, rocketing fireballs and debris, and as the additional enemy count rises, fights turn chaotic. They are manageable with a quick-select wheel for weapons, different ammo types, and Plasmid combinations. Yet basic enemy behavior like standing still and Big Sisters lurching in water or next to explosive barrels cheapen the fight.
This feature review continues on the next page, please click below to reveal our final thoughts on BioShock 2 as well as the score.
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