Poll: BioShock 2

[nick2150]

Hi, I was wondering what people think of Bioshock 2. I myself absolutely loved Bioshock 1, it was actually the game that sold the 360 for me. I just never really felt interested enough in the second one to bother from what I saw though I know it got decent reviews but they kinda felt forced from what I read. The new Bioshock looks kinda cool though and ill probably get that.

so to cut a long story short, I was wondering if people thought Bioshock 2 was actually worth a go while I?m waiting for Bioshock 3?

 

[Matt_LRR]

Bioshok 2 was about the best sequel we could have hoped for. A solid game in the same world, with a slightly different take on the gameplay.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it didn't quite live up to it's predecessor.

-m

 

[Serenegoose]

Many people felt that bioshock 2 was a considerably worse game from Bioshock 1.

I feel, however, that it's a far superior game, in both gameplay mechanics and plot. I actually finished it in a single fifteen hour long sitting, because I cared about the outcome so much more than I ever did with the first game, which didn't draw me in at all.

 

[Harlemura]

I'm not entirely sure about my own opinion on Bioshock 2. When I was playing through, I thought "This is okay, but I think I preferred the first one".
But once I'd finished it and was going through on another difficulty, I was enjoying it just as much as I was the first time. On the first Bioshock, I did it once but then I'd seen most of what there was to see.

So I preferred the first one but would rather play the second one... slice that however you want.

As for the multiplayer, I actually quite liked it. Until the Electro-Bolt - Elephant Gun combo was discovered and thus used by everyone. Then I didn't like it.

 

[rockyoumonkeys]

I liked it a lot, and I can't really say if it's "better" or not, but I'll just say I had more fun with the first game. Everything was new, and I preferred the wrench.

The sequel just felt too rehashed.

 

[maddawg IAJI]

Not as good as Bioshock one, but a decent stand alone game. It just didn't have the same feel and horror as the first one did. I suspect that may be because you had a giant drill the whole time and had a Plasmid in your other hand.

 

[SplashyAxis]

If you loved the first one, then you'll enjoy the second one. I thought it was passable, but by no means terrible. The gameplay actually improves because of the ability to use plasmids and weapons together, but I was disappointed by the plot, and the characters aren't nearly as memorable as Sander Cohen or Andrew Ryan.

You could find worse games to spend your money on, it kept me entertained enough to see it through to the end, but it's not a game I'll replay again and again like I did with the first.

 

[shwnbob]

It was amazing I mean come on, you get to play as a big daddy! That was freaking awesome!

 

[henrius]

I loved it but I do think its purpose was to squeeze cash out of me.

 

[londelen]

I don't get all the hate for bioshock 2. I liked it a lot.

 

[MiracleOfSound]

Many people felt that bioshock 2 was a considerably worse game from Bioshock 1.

I feel, however, that it's a far superior game, in both gameplay mechanics and plot. I actually finished it in a single fifteen hour long sitting, because I cared about the outcome so much more than I ever did with the first game, which didn't draw me in at all.

I'd agree, afar more playable game with an emotional and touching story.

It was just a pity that Rapture wasn't quite as dazzingly 'holy shit!' the second time around... the areas weren't different enough from the ones in the first game to really have the wow factor.

I think it's a good thing that they've now moved to a completely different location and vibe for the next game. It'll freshen things up.

 

[Fenreil]

I love Bioshock 2. No game has ever made me put so much emotion into it. I really felt connected to Eleanor, and loved seeing that she changed depending on my actions. That girl was IS my daughter.

 

[Tydanubus]

I wish they would have just skipped 2 and gone straight to Infinite. 2 felt a lot like a retread just for the sake of having a sequel.

 

[Serenegoose]

Many people felt that bioshock 2 was a considerably worse game from Bioshock 1.

I feel, however, that it's a far superior game, in both gameplay mechanics and plot. I actually finished it in a single fifteen hour long sitting, because I cared about the outcome so much more than I ever did with the first game, which didn't draw me in at all.

I'd agree, afar more playable game with an emotional and touching story.

It was just a pity that Rapture wasn't quite as dazzingly 'holy shit!' the second time around... the areas weren't different enough from the ones in the first game to really have the wow factor.

I think it's a good thing that they've now moved to a completely different location and vibe for the next game. It'll freshen things up.

Exactly! I thought the story was really heartwarming - I gave a crap about Eleanor, and though bioshock had characters that were great, the often-cited Sander Cohen and Andrew Ryan, I didn't care about them. That was what made it for me, that it was this such a simple story. I think we've had this discussion before. I recall me saying this and someone with a username I recognise as yours responding.

Also, yes, but I think that Rapture not being so dazzling is also consistent with the narrative. I mean, it's not like you were unfamiliar with the place. I think the point was less 'holy crap underwater city' and more 'look how far it's fallen, but somehow still going' which I think it managed really well, even if it's less spectacular. Absolutely agree with you that moving to Columbia should be good for the series though.

 

[JoJo]

While it is certainly a good game, the problem I have with Bioshock 2 is that it recons lots of stuff from the original Bioshock. I think that Bioshock works better as a standalone game and story. Neverless, the second game did have a superior storyline to your average game and introduced some interesting additions/tweaks to gameplay.

 

[teh_Canape]

as a sequel it does it's job pretty properly, it improves pretty much every aspect of the first game, except for the "amazement" and "holy shit where am I" factor (which, really, only counts if you have played the first one), and the plot overall, but I dont really mind the plot, since in it's own, the plot fits perfectly with the character. but the rest is improved, the gameplay especially was improved, allowing you to use both plasmids and guns at the same time, which is better, since you can now zap your enemies while you reload (which was a pain in the ass for me in the first one)

now, as a game on it's own, it's a pretty damn good game

the multiplayer, though unnecessary, is pretty sweet too, and I found everything to be really balanced, especially the plasmids

so yeah, I think you should check it out

 

[Drathnoxis]

Bioshock 2's plot couldn't have more holes if it was permeated with a shotgun. For example before you even kill your first splicer the story's already endeavored to shit all over itself by way of vita-chamber. By making vita-chambers a plot-point, rather than difficulty reducing mechanic, you raise questions as to why Andrew Ryan and every other splicer you kill didn't use them and instantly pop back to life just around the corner. Many other parts of the story, such as your telekinetic connection with Eleanor, were given no attempt at explaination as to why they happened and as a result come off as contrived.

As for combat it flowed better but I found it too easy (though I was playing on medium), the drill arm you get near the beginning seems way over powered and can quickly drain some of the toughest enemies of a large portion of health. Also The game stubbornly refuses to give you a decent boss fight even when one is staring at you from inside a giant test-tube.

Then there's the fact that Rapture just doesn't hold the same suspense and mystery as the first time you stumble upon it and the longer you spend there the more contrived it seems.

So overall I'd say Bioshock 2 isn't worth playing and your better off just waiting for Bioshock 3 which at least will have a new setting.

 

[MiracleOfSound]

Exactly! I thought the story was really heartwarming - I gave a crap about Eleanor, and though bioshock had characters that were great, the often-cited Sander Cohen and Andrew Ryan, I didn't care about them. That was what made it for me, that it was this such a simple story. I think we've had this discussion before. I recall me saying this and someone with a username I recognise as yours responding.

Also, yes, but I think that Rapture not being so dazzling is also consistent with the narrative. I mean, it's not like you were unfamiliar with the place. I think the point was less 'holy crap underwater city' and more 'look how far it's fallen, but somehow still going' which I think it managed really well, even if it's less spectacular. Absolutely agree with you that moving to Columbia should be good for the series though.

Not much I can add to that, you said it all

However... there was one particular environmental 'wow' moment in towards the end of Bioshock 2 that made my jaw drop a bit... I'm sure you know the one I mean! (hint - it was hazy and golden)