Cert: 18+
Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
Genre: Action/Adventure

Bioshock 2 is takes place eight years after the events of the first game. This time a mad scientist, Dr Sofia Lamb, has assumed control of the under the sea city of Rapture, with players donning the mantle or diving suit of a Big Daddy.

Big Daddy looks and feels powerful. Every time he jumps or falls there's a satisfying thud and his drill is a morbidly fun way to tear through Splicers. This kind of attention to detail is characteristic of the high production values through out Bioshock 2. The city of Rapture is one of the most realised environments in games today; perhaps only edged out by the Capital Wasteland in Fallout 3. The sound really stands out too. The audio diaries, the retro music and the demented cries of the Splicers add to the atmosphere of the dystopian under water city. The game also features a new multiplayer mode with a ranking system, and even a plot, that extends the life of the title for fans.

Bioshock 2 is not perfect though. There's nothing wrong with sequels being very similar to their predecessors but considering the original Bioshock got repetitive towards the end gamers looking for a totally new experience will be disappointed. And the visuals, while still top notch, don't quite have the same air of freshness as they did when unveiled in first game back in 2007. That aside, Rapture is more enthralling than ever.

Graphics: 4/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replay value: 4/5
Overall 4/5

Reviewed By: Bryan Collins