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"... Ain't life in Rapture grand?" : Bill McDonagh

That's a partial quote from the first game, Bioshock.
I remember hearing the buzz about it, people saying that they thought it was awesome.

I'm going to stop myself right there and save the rest of that story for my thoughts on Bioshock. I just wanted to begin by saying that I greatly enjoyed the first game.
Now... As for it's successor... Bioshock 2 : Sea of Dreams, I've got mixed feelings.

Now, I realize that Bioshock 2 : Sea of Dreams isn't officially the game's title... However I believe that the game deserves it. Especially due to a part in the main game's story. You have to pay attention... however, once you hear her say it, you'll understand my reasoning.

As with anything, here's the skinny. (In case you haven't heard.)
Your character is what is known as a "Big Daddy." Essentially a tougher than average man in a heavy diving suit that protects little girls whom collect genetic material to use in genetic augmentation. You awaken in an underwater city known as "Rapture" approximately around the early 1970s. You are told that you've got to find the girl you used to protect from 11 years ago. Thus begins your journey.

The word of Rapture is creepy at times due to the little fact that it's citizens have digressed into "things" as opposed to the humans they once were.
Many of the enemies from the first game are back... however they're not the same losers you fought previously. They've had 10 years since the last game to grow even more sick, twisted, and in a way, sad to see. If you play the first game, you'll understand what I mean. The story of Rapture is tragic due to the loss of humanity on more than one level.

At the same time... there are moments where it's beautiful to look at the scenery. While the city is terrible, beauty and elegance can be found if you take a moment to look. Despite how deadly and annoying they are, I find that watching the "Big Sisters" swim around is quite pleasing.

The music is an orchestral decency. The solo violin is the prominent instrument in the arrangement. It perfectly defines the bitter/sweetness Rapture brings, as well as the tense moments brought on by fright and battle. The touching moments of a "Father" and his "Daughter" are beautiful.

The multiplayer mode needs a revision. While it's interesting, Bioshock does not feel like it was meant to be a multiplayer game. Maybe, and only maybe, it could have been fine as a co-op game. However, the multiplayer mode just doesn't fit well with me. I've played it 3 times. My initial round, an hour of rounds, and finally one last bit with a friend. My main issue is the twitchyness that the online game has. I also have to note that both a friend, and my own's XBoxes froze hard during the experience at least 2 times within that hour. Hopefully others are having better luck.

Overall... I have to admit that the game left me a little disappointed. While each stage is vast, the overall flow of the game is solid. The story did twist a little, however not as much as the first did. While it did not have to twist as much as it's predecessor, I would have preferred that the game had more to it. Currently, it is my belief that the development time spent on multiplayer should've been spent on extending the game and the story to a length that at least feels like it's predecessor.


The Good : You return to Rapture, and are treated to... For the most part a decent story.
The Bad : You may go only one way... forward. You can explore areas to your heart's content, but once you've left a main level, you're gone.
The Ugly : The multiplayer needs an overhaul. XBoxes shouldn't be freezing.

I do recommend this game... however... FIRST be sure to play BIOSHOCK.
I'd love to recommend you play Bioshock 2 : Sea of Dreams first... however you do risk spoiling parts of Bioshock in the process. So please don't. :O

: Addendum :  (3/2/2010)

One thing I forgot to mention was my reaction to the ending.
For the most part, the ending was bitter / sweet for me. I liked it, yet, at the same time I'm not sure I felt the same warmth that I'd felt from the original Bioshock's ending.
While I understand that Bioshock 2 : Sea of Dreams is it's own story, I find myself wondering, how I would've done the game differently.
The more I contemplate the ending however... The more it becomes apparent that this was the end. At least, with the ending I achieved, there was a little light at the end of the tunnel for our hero.

I loled hard at that.
 (>:() *fanits* THEY FROZE!?!?!!?
Off-Topic:
of course are's wouldnt play sonic unleashed but after 3 try's it finaly worked.
How do you explian a xbox 360 dieing in one mounth?
On-Topic:
Good review and indepth.
(My dad has this game)