Poll: BioShock 2

[jamesworkshop]

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.

Vita-chambers have always been a plot point you know the whole only tuned to use andrew ryans DNA but were an intentional hint towards jack, bioshock 2 you can use them because Eleanor hacked them.
Psychic powers are hardly plot breaking when you have magic arms that shoot bees or invisibility skin even though we know Eleanor was both a little sister and part of Sophias Utopian project being filled with adam contain trace plasmids from the war plus she was smart enought to even be able to make her own plasmids, it's not a plot hole.

 

[MiracleOfSound]

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.

Sorry to correct you again but they were explained.

Suchong and the scientists worked out a bonding chemical between the big daddies and little sisters, and Delta was the prototype subject for the new, stronger bond which included the telepathic link.

I think you need to play the game again and listen to the audio logs.

 

[Serenegoose]

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)

That bit where you dream about being Scrooge McDuck, swimming in a pool of money? Yeah, it was totally awesome. MUAHAHAHAHA, EAT DRILL, HUEY, DUEY, LOUIE! CHOKE ON MY BEES OF JUDGEMENT!

 

[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.

That's not a plot-hole.

They were coded to Ryan's genetic code.

Spoiler

Hence why Jack could use them

.

A little sister re-keys the chamber to Delta's genetic code in Bioshock 2.

If it was coded to Ryan's genetic code why didn't Ryan come back to life as I previously stated?
EDIT: And on reflection why did he need so many?

 

[MiracleOfSound]

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)

That bit where you dream about being Scrooge McDuck, swimming in a pool of money? Yeah, it was totally awesome. MUAHAHAHAHA, EAT DRILL, HUEY, DUEY, LOUIE! CHOKE ON MY BEES OF JUDGEMENT!

Shock tales! Whoo-hoo!

 

[Drathnoxis]

Whoops, double posted

 

[Zarokima]

I chose the "lifeless cash-in" option, but only because there wasn't anything more scathing. Definitely one of the worst sequels ever.

 

[MiracleOfSound]

If it was coded to Ryan's genetic code why didn't Ryan come back to life as I previously stated?

The Vita Chamber in his room was deactivated.

 

[Totenkopf]

Loved it, great game. A worthy successor I'd say.

 

[Drathnoxis]

If it was coded to Ryan's genetic code why didn't Ryan come back to life as I previously stated?

The Vita Chamber in his room was deactivated.

Then why didn't he fly to a farther back vita-chamber like you do repeatedly in the game?
And if the vita-chambers were only for Ryan, why was there advertising on them? Did Ryan feel capatalism meant he needed to sell things to himself?

 

[MiracleOfSound]

If it was coded to Ryan's genetic code why didn't Ryan come back to life as I previously stated?

The Vita Chamber in his room was deactivated.

Then why didn't he fly to a farther back vita-chamber like you do repeatedly in the game?
And if the vita-chambers were only for Ryan, why was there advertising on them? Did Ryan feel capatalism meant he needed to sell things to himself?

The Vita chambers were all over Rapture, of course he would have advertising on them... they were all prototypes and as far as I know they planned to eventually use them for everyone. But I could be wrong.

Don't ask me for all the answers, I don't know everything!

Go play the game again, and listen to the audio logs!

Or just check the Wiki.

 

[ArcWinter]

I loved Bioshock 1 for the story.
I loved Bioshock 2 for the qameplay.
So when is Bioshock Infinite cominq out, because it looks delicious?

anyway i like bioshock they are fun qames

 

[LazerStallion]

I really liked Bioshock 2. Rapture felt too big for one game, and even if it was a cash-in, I loved it. I went in with low expectations, thinking Bioshock 1 REALLY didn't need a sequel, but B2 was beautiful in the slight changes and similar mood.

 

[Dr. Paine]

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.

Agreeing wholeheartedly with this. Bioshock 1 was fun, but the hacking was annoying and I didn't give a damn about any character save for Tenenbaum. Bioshock 2? Much more fun- dual wielding was fantastic, the weapon changes were very fun, and it actually got emotional responses out of me. It did what a sequel should do- take out and/or fix what didn't work, add more to the world, and at least live up to the original. In this case, it far surpassed the original.

 

[Outright Villainy]

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.

Alright, now I'm convinced; I must buy this game!

Goodbye food budget!

 

[Gethsemani_v1legacy]

I love BioShock 2. It stays consistent with the first game yet expands upon what took place in the first. Instead of trying to pull the same "Wow, look at this underwater city"-card that BioShock did, the sequel shows us what has happened to Rapture and how she is falling apart and being rebuilt both at the same time. The narrative is not as philosophical as the first game, but manages to be more emotional and personal and the gameplay is simply better all around.

A worthy sequel to be sure.

 

[Dr_Steve_Brule]

I consider it to be "meh".
I don't think it sucked or tried to be a cash cow, but it didn't push any envelopes for me.

 

[Antonio Torrente]

Bioshock is an okay sequel but the game is bloody short

 

[mParadox]

I am currently playing Bioshock2 for the third time, on hard difficulty. PLayed it two times on Normal.
I played Bioshock on Normal difficulty 3 times and on hard difficulty 2 times. Make that of what you will.

Bioshock 2 was good. It improved the hacking,gameplay and the weapon upgrades. But the story and the sensation of being in an underwater city Rapture cannot be emulated in this game.

 

[Zhukov]

It was okay. Fun gameplay. Decent story. Good setting (duh). No glaring flaws. Definitely worth playing.

But it's nowhere near as awesome as the first game.