Love this game, it's the best Bioshock game, in my opinion.

Now if only it stops crashing...

I've been on a Bioshock bender, B2 was the only one in the series I never completed until now. While not on the level of Bioshock 1, this is still a great game with fun combat and an enjoyable story.

I think this game is great. While it doesn't reach the storytelling heights of the previous one, it more than makes up for it in terms of gameplay. The Minerva's Den DLC is fantastic and really enhances the experience. Overall, I'd highly recommend this game. The only real downside is the launcher that 2K has made mandatory for all their games, which is a shame.

Not as good as the first or the third one but still unique and fun.

Pros:
- Gameplay mechanics and UI are the same as in the first game, but revamped in a way that adds more ease to gameplay.
- Minor stylistic and graphical improvements compared to the first game.
- Successfully adds to the story of BioShock 1 while keeping true to its values.

Cons:
- This sequel's lore lacks the same level of depth seen in BioShock 1.
- Devs got rid of the "Come back when you have more money, buddy!" voiceline at Circus of Values. This makes me incredibly sad. Almost deleted the game.

This is listed only as Playable . However, I ran into no bugs or issues installing or playing the game.
The gameplay is good, but doesn't vary far from BioShock 1. There's very few differences that I noticed aside from some new weapons (most feel like re-skinned BS1 weapons) and a few new plasmids. I will say it does feel awesome stomping around causing havoc with the drill. However, I guess "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mostly applies here. There are a few new enemies, though not many.
It's not the longest game, I finished it in just over 10 hours. The storyline is linear so (aside from voice logs) you can experience the full storyline in one playthrough. The variety of gameplay styles is still there from BS1, so I imagine I'll pick it back up for another playthrough in the future (but probably not anytime soon).
The story follows an alpha-series big daddy after the events of BioShock 1. The story is interesting, but requires the first game in the series for full context. Voice logs scattered amidst Rapture extend the lore and tell more about its downfall and the events afterward. Although I haven't played it, I understand that Minerva's Den extends this lore even further. The world feels very similar to BioShock 1 (it appears not much changed since the first game). However, we get a look at some areas spoken of in the first game.
The game's almost a decade old, but the graphics still look decent. I was able to maintain stable 60 fps throughout the game and didn't come across and graphics bugs. The voice acting is decent, though nothing of special note in my opinion. The soundtrack fits well, following the same theme of old-timey selections mixed with theatrical scoring (for the main theme).
Not my personal favorite of the BioShock series, but it's still worth a playthrough. I know some people give this game a lot of flak, but try it for yourself before you dismiss it completely. As some said, it feels more like BioShock 1.5 rather than BioShock 2, but I don't necessarily think that's such a bad thing. I'd recommend trying BioShock 1 first. If you're a fan, try picking this one up on sale.

BioShock 2 is a remarkable entry in the BioShock series, maintaining the franchise's signature blend of first-person shooting and rich storytelling while delivering a distinct noir atmosphere. Having revisited the game on PC after years away, I found it evoked a strong sense of nostalgia, especially for those who experienced it during the Xbox 360 era.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay in BioShock 2 has seen significant improvements over its predecessor. One of the most notable enhancements is the ability to dual-wield plasmids and weapons, allowing for more dynamic combat scenarios. This feature transforms encounters with enemies, enabling players to fire guns while simultaneously unleashing devastating plasmid attacks, which adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay. The introduction of the Big Daddy drill-arm as a melee weapon also contributes to a more visceral combat experience, making each confrontation feel impactful.

Moreover, the game's mechanics have been refined to ensure smoother gameplay. The real-time hacking system replaces the previous mini-game, allowing players to engage with their environment without disrupting the flow of action. These changes result in a more cohesive experience that feels modern and engaging.

Story and Atmosphere

Set in the decaying underwater city of Rapture, BioShock 2 explores darker themes through its narrative. Players assume the role of Subject Delta, a unique Big Daddy with a personal stake in the story involving Eleanor, his Little Sister. The plot unfolds against a backdrop of societal collapse and moral dilemmas, with antagonist Sophia Lamb presenting a stark contrast to Andrew Ryan from the first game. While some players may find Lamb less compelling than Ryan, her character serves to deepen the emotional stakes of Delta's journey.

The atmosphere is steeped in a noir aesthetic that enhances the game's overall tone. The environments are beautifully crafted, showcasing both the grandeur and decay of Rapture. Levels like Pauper’s Drop and Siren Alley reveal new aspects of this once-thriving city, immersing players in its rich lore.

Technical Issues and Fixes

Despite its strengths, BioShock 2 has faced technical challenges, particularly on PC. Players have reported frequent crashes that can detract from the experience. However, "Nobody" (profile name) discovered an effective fix: by navigating to %appdata%\BioshockHD, opening Bioshock2SP, and adjusting the TextureStreamingMemoryLimit, I was able to stabilize my gameplay significantly. Setting this value higher (e.g., 16 GB) resolved crashing issues entirely, allowing for uninterrupted play sessions that extended beyond four hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BioShock 2 stands as an underrated gem within its franchise. It successfully combines thrilling FPS mechanics with a compelling narrative set in a hauntingly familiar world. While it may not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, it offers an engaging experience filled with nostalgia for long-time fans. With its improved gameplay mechanics and atmospheric storytelling, BioShock 2 deserves recognition as a worthy sequel that enhances the overall lore of Rapture.

Quase idêntico ao primeiro, sem contar que por algum motivo não para de crashar. Não curti muito, mas é um shooter descente.

The game was going so well. I don't usually post negative reviews and I liked the first bioshock, but I was at the Siren Alley level and recued/farmed adam out of all three Little Sisters and then went to the level's boss chamber.
A horde of enemies came and when I finished them I thought "Well I think that was it, I survived this phase, it would be a good idea to SAVE"

And this was the mistake that locked me into the final boss chamber without the final boss. The other save that I had was waaay earlier at the start of the level leaving me with:
A- Get all the LS and farm the ADAM AGAIN
B - Ge stuck in a locked boss chamber without a boss

I was liking the story, I was liking the improvements of the first bioshock, but this was a quick uninstall and game-immersion breaking for me.

For those that want to give this one a try, start the game with at least 5 o more saves 10min/20min apart of each other.

Must play, as the 1st one of the series.