Don't let yourself miss out on this one!
Bioshock 2 is one of those games that, as much as I tried, I could not enjoy it. I rented it, then returned it. I bought it, then gave it away. Then one day, I said, "Enough, I am going to play this game and I'm going to like it!" At that moment I started noticing all of the great atmospheric effects, the deep customization with the plasmids, and the unforgettable story and lore. I was practically drawn to the game at that point.
Beginning the game, I was thrust into the story and forced through decisions and narrow corridors alike. However, the game is not all hallways and linearity, and that is the main theme with BioShock. The game play, the level design, and the story all have an opening sense of freedom that further compels you to complete it. So, the game plays out a lot like a Fallout 3, or an oblivion, but that the combat actually feels rewarding. The weapons are all unique and feel rightly so. Each new ability adds a new twist to how you can deal with enemy encounters and many weapons and abilities can be combined for satisfying effects. There are even traits, or tonics, that develop your character's basic traits, such as damage-mitigation and speed, in different ways. The story itself is short, but sweet in the way that it never seems to drag alongside the game play.
The graphics and sound are noteworthy for being so helpful in creating the atmosphere of BioShock. The dark, abandoned feelling for the underwater city is propelled by 50's music and elaborate, old architecture. In short, you won't be disappointed in this department.
The only complaint that can be had against BioShock is that there is no immediate replay value, such as Multi player or cooperative game modes. This is valid, but it is not essential to the experience and it remains a must-have game for such a high level of quality. BioShock is a game that has one of the most creative, insane, yet believable worlds found in any video game and is definitely recommended.
