Warning....BioShock 2 Special Edition....reviews

Here are some reviews for BioShock 2 Special Edition.  Check them out before you buy


Christopher Michael "takethekman says:

This is a great edition; it is well worth the extra $ if you are a fan of the game; the book, the posters, and the soundtracks are very cool collectibles and the overall packaging is far from cheap.


Based on single player only!!

As far as the game goes, I really enjoyed it; lots of insight and connections to part 1, and there are also so many upgrades and improvements to this sequel over the original; from the opening scene you know you are in for a unique gaming experience. You get good weapons early on, and from being able to walk under water w/floating corpses all around to fleece, to the hordes of new villains that come at a break neck speed at times, this game recreates itself w/in a familiar framework; it offers a lot of tweaks on what made the original game so great; and while I never found Rapture all that scary, i did find it 'dark and mysterious'...and much like a Silent Hill game, half the fun is walking around and looking. The shrines that litter the world are a nice touch. There are also a lot more items around this time, and money is a little more plentiful.

The graphics are amazing and more colorful that part one; the old school/retro ads are everywhere, and the water effects--whether falling from the ceiling or running down the stairwells--are just cool to look at, not to mention listen to. The detail to all the settings is amazing, and it seems so wrong just to rush through this game. The splintering light through the windows, the sight of a Big Daddy doing work underwater on the outer side of the structure though a window, to the various messages scrawled throughout the hallways...all so detailed and so matter of fact. Even more detailed than part one, Bioshock 2 shows another side of the city not seen before in part one; you are not retreading the same sets or fighting the same people. The splicers are back, but so are a host of tougher and in some cases even freakier splicers and creatures than those in part 1.

There some nice flashback scenes too where the city takes on almost a 'shining' type of feel, w/splicers standing around in masks, sharing drinks and small talk. One level is almost like a dream state harem. The butterflies are a nice touch, but especially of note were all the incredibly detailed pictures of people posted everywhere on the wall; almost real pics it seemed, very interesting just to check them out alone.

In addition to the beautiful, artistic graphics, there is also a good story w/ a nice twist. As in part 1, you can control you ending I think...I got one ending because I saved the little sisters; I imagine there is a different ending if you harvest them instead of helping, like in part 1. I found it different enough than part one, and equally surprising at times. Like coming out of a room to find the city flooded and a huge shark passing over me. Freaky.

The game controls like a dream, too. All buttons become 2nd nature w/in minutes of playing. The sound is just as creepy as part one, and creates a general sense of menace throughout...the distant voices, water effects, & creaking metal can certainly set you on edge.

While some complain this is more of the same, I would have to disagree; the action is certainly ramped up, and the game shows/gives you things early on you had to wait to see/get in part 1; it's like you are taking a faster path thru the unseen places of some place familiar; The colors of the locations are brighter than the previous game; some of the darker settings even reminded me of something you may see in a Silent Hill game.

Needless to say, I was very happy with this game and enjoyed my return to a city that still has a lot to offer, and is still one of the most unique game settings in recent years. I seem to spend much of my time here just looking around...the detail is meticulous, and not to be missed; And while Ms Lamb is not as menacing as Ryan was in pt 1, she serves the purpose.

This is a worthy and original approach in terms of sequels; Fans of part one should not be disappointed, and the game seems like a natural progression from the first. Enjoyable, thrilling at times, and truly a visual masterpiece.

I have read many reviews saying this is more of the same stuff, & that 2K didn't take enough chances; I suppose for people who make their living playing every game that comes out, the standards are probably a little higher to find a new experience. But even if you are and experienced gamer and know you like this kind of stuff, it is more than a so-so retread. After all, when you go back to Silent Hill, you know you are going to spend time in a hospital and a subway, with lots of fog and rabid dogs. But it's still fun to go back and see the old, and hope for the new. Bioshock 2 delivers the perfect balance.

I was impressed with the contents of the SP edition in the first place, but when I put the three posters on my wall and turned on a blacklight (for other posters on my wall) the rapture posters have graffiti on them like in the game! Byfar the coolest gimmick in game swag ever. Try it out.


Alex York says:

I was impressed with the contents of the SP edition in the first place, but when I put the three posters on my wall and turned on a blacklight (for other posters on my wall) the rapture posters have graffiti on them like in the game! Byfar the coolest gimmick in game swag ever. Try it out
 
As far as the game...well come on now, its bioshock how is it not awesome in its own right :)
 
Jason A. Henry says:
 
I have become obsessed with this game. I loved Bioshock and Bioshock 2 is just as good if not better.


The Special Edition has an art book that shows all the work put into all the environments and characters including the genetic splicers who have messed their DNA up. It includes a record album of the first soundtrack for Bioshock and has a Bioshock 2 CD with the score for it included. This edition has lithograph copies of some of the posters from Rapture in it. They are very nice. The game of course is in the box too. Everything comes in a stunning collectors edition box.

Bioshock 2 tells a new story that that started right before the Rapture Civil War but mainly happens 10 years after Jack the main character of Bioshock does his damage kills Andrew Ryan and Fontaine and the war is over. Little girls from all over the Atlantic coast are going missing. Little Sisters and Big Sisters now roam Rapture. The Big Daddies are being produced again. Adam flows and now one Sophia Lamb rules Rapture. Play and find out how Delta the Big Daddy will change Rapture and get back what was stolen from him. Eleanor Lamb needs her Daddy. Only Big Daddy can protect her right.