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BioShock ps3 Game Reviews
BioShock
Critic Score
Metascore: 94 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.9 out of 10
based on 51 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 125 votes
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Rate this game

Going beyond "run and gun corridors," "monster-closet AIs" and static worlds, BioShock creates a living, unique and unpredictable FPS experience. After your plane crashes into icy uncharted waters, you discover a rusted bathysphere and descend into Rapture, a city hidden beneath the sea. Constructed as an idealistic society for a hand picked group of scientists, artists and industrialists, the idealism is no more. Now the city is littered with corpses, wildly powerful guardians roam the corridors as little girls loot the dead, and genetically mutated citizens ambush you at every turn. Take control of your world by hacking mechanical devices, commandeering security turrets and crafting unique items critical to your very survival. Upgrade your weapons with ionic gels, explosives and toxins to customize them to the enemy and environment. Genetically modify your body through dozens of Plasmid Stations scattered throughout the city, empowering you with fantastic and often grotesque abilities. Explore a living world powered by Ecological A.I., where the inhabitants have interesting and consequential relationships with one another that impact your gameplay experience. Experience truly next generation graphics that vividly illustrate the forlorn art deco city, highlighted by the most detailed and realistic water effects ever developed in a video game. Make meaningful choices and mature decisions, ultimately culminating in the grand question: do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture...or save them? [2K Games]

PUBLISHER: 2K Games
DEVELOPER: 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia, Digital Extremes
GENRE(S): First-Person Shooter
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: October 21, 2008

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
A remarkable achievement, a triumph of gameplay and narrative that everyone should choose to play. [Nov 2008, p.70]
100
GamePro
There's no doubt that Bioshock is one of the finest FPS games ever made and the PS3 port is stellar through and through. [Nov 2008, p.103]
100
Meristation
Bioshock is a masterpiece and it has not lost its shine. It´s one of the most visually amazing games you can find in PS3, Rapture is still a breathtaking scenario, the combat mechanic is rich and demand the player to be creative and think on a tactical way instead of the usual mindless approach, and overall, is one of the most magnificent games you can add to your collection.
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100
1UP
BioShock remains one of the most impressive and (if you never had the chance to play spiritual predecessor "System Shock 2") fresh first-person shooters around.
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100
GameSpy
It's perhaps most telling that although we have already played BioShock a bunch of times on other platforms, it's still every bit as intoxicating on the PS3. In fact, the temptation to complete additional playthroughs proved too much to bear as we immediately began a new game after finishing it the first time around.
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100
Eurogamer
Is BioShock the greatest game of all time? I honestly don't know, but it's one of the most interesting and immersive experiences to grace our beloved medium.
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100
G4 TV
A classic in every sense of the word.
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100
Gamervision
BioShock presents moral choices that haven’t been successfully achieved in gaming before. It takes risks, demolishes taboos, and is still one of the most impressive titles ever released. While the game is not perfect I cannot bring myself to give it any less than a perfect score. It is easily one of the best games ever made, and one of the most entertaining experiences ever created. The plot rivals great novels and the voice acting and animation trump some of the best movies.
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100
Gaming Age
The game plays wonderfully -almost to a literal pick-up-and-play extent.
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100
Playstation Official Magazine UK
It's a triple lightning strike of character, freedom and sound. [Dec 2008, p.90]
100
Gaming Nexus
Last year’s spectacular action/shooter/RPG-lite finally makes its way to the PS3. If you haven’t already tried this on a different platform, do yourself a favor and pick it up.
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100
Game Revolution
Bioshock is that rare game where the plot, environment, and combat are all steps above the normal video game experience. Games at their very best, like this one, can create amazing alternative worlds for us to inhabit, doing those things we can't do in real life. This is one product the free market should be very happy to have.
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100
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
An improved version of the blockbuster game can’t get anything else then 10 out of 10. A stylish world, uneasy atmosphere, different options to solve different problems, super-abilities... plus mad and nightmarish opponents. [Dec 2008]
100
PTGamers
BioShock PS3 stood the test of time and maintains all the qualities that made the previous versions a classic. Not to be missed by anyone.
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100
Game Chronicles
With stunning visuals, immersive sound, and an epic story, BioShock hearkens back to a time of fantasy and wonder, blending elements of Jules Verne and John Carpenter into a cinematic masterpiece of sci-fi horror that you won’t want to miss. I said it last year on the Xbox and I’ll say it again this year on the PS3 - I can’t think of any game more deserving of a perfect ten than BioShock.
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98
Play.tm
This is still the Big Daddy of action games, the benchmark by which stories and environments will be measured. An essential purchase.
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95
Kombo
BioShock is still the game it was a year ago and is an amazing entry for the PlayStation 3's line-up.
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95
Playstation Universe
Despite being over a year old, Rapture shines through the dark sea like a lighthouse on a foggy night. 2K Games has delivered on its promise in providing PS3 owners with an equally impressive port as the original.
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95
ZTGameDomain
The game is a masterpiece that deserves to be experienced by everyone who calls themselves a gamer. If you have already been through the vistas of Rapture there is little here to warrant a return visit, however if you have managed to remain closed off from the story it is definitely worth the trip.
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95
WonderwallWeb
Only a slight improvement on the Xbox original, but if you have not played that yet then this is the perfect opportunity to see what all of the fuss has been about over the past year.
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95
3DJuegos
Bioshock is one of the best video games for PlayStation 3. As simple as that. Its duration of 10 hours and its absence of multiplayer mode do not cloud one of the most frightening and at the same time captivating experiences that can be lived at this moment. This is an innovating, funny and exciting game. Technologically very advanced, it is a new attempt to get to the highest degree of videogaming.
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95
GameZone
This is a game that melds story and action, philosophy and insanity, gives pause for introspection while urging you along a designed course. It is the high-bar in the field, on one hand, but on the other, it creates its own genre.
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95
TotalPlayStation
It's unfortunate that the game is a year late coming to the PS3 in a hectic season full of fantastic games, but it's still up there with the best of them and is most certainly worth playing if you haven't yet experienced it.
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94
IGN
If you never experienced the halls of Rapture and have been waiting for its appearance on the PS3, there really is no discussion to be had. Go out and get your hands on Bioshock -- you will thoroughly enjoy exploring the incredible story and the excellent action that the game is known for.
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94
GamingTrend
Containing all of the downloadable content from the other two versions, as well as a fantastic story to boot, Bioshock is an incredible title.
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94
Cheat Code Central
BioShock for PS3 may not be as impressive as I thought it was going to be, but that’s not to say it isn’t the definitive version; it is. And the definitive version of one of the best console games ever made spells “must-buy” for the uninitiated. Nevertheless, the lack of Challenge Rooms was rather disappointing, but, thankfully, many of the glitches have been resolved.
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93
Extreme Gamer
Bioshock is still one of the best shooters ever released and it goes without saying, if you haven’t played Bioshock yet, you need to experience what the hype is all about.
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93
Play UK
After another year of middling shooters, BioShock is as complex and hypnotic as it was in 2007. It’s an imperfect first-person shooter, and the quality swerves erratically towards the end, but the PS3 port has been handled gracefully.
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93
PSM3 Magazine UK
With so much invention, intrigue and genuine brilliance packed into twelve hours of game-play, you just can't afford not to (pick up a copy). [Nov 2008, p.22]
93
PSX Extreme
Bioshock is one of the most superbly haunting and unique gaming experiences you will play for a long time...With an amazing story, diverse gameplay, brilliant atmosphere, solid visuals, and incredible audio, Bioshock is one of the most complete adventures out there.
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92
Games Master UK
Unless you own a Wii, there's no excuse not to enjoy one of the best games in years. [Dec 2008, p.82]
92
Worth Playing
Bioshock will undoubtedly become one of the classic games that define this generation of gaming.
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92
DailyGame
It's tempting to dismiss the game since it's been on the Xbox 360 for a year, but when the experience is this rewarding the second time around, the core game is definitely worth your attention, even if the downloadable content may not hold it.
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92
GameFocus
If you’ve played the 360 version then you know exactly what you’re getting. If you’re new to the franchise, prepare yourself for one of the most satisfying and immersive first person shooter out on the market today. BioShock is a great game but what makes it incredible is its brilliant approach to making you emotionally invested in the game.
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90
PS3bloggen.se
PlayStation 3 players are in for a treat when they descend into Rapture for the first time. The story may be linear, but it's extremely engaging, and the 1950's design is sublime.
Read Full Review
90
Gamers' Temple
BioShock a year later is still a fantastic experience, and its still a game that every gamer should play.
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90
Gameplanet
No major graphical updates here, nor has the story been modified in any meaningful way. But, it's BioShock, and therefore a must-buy for any platform it's available on.
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90
DarkStation
Bioshock is an absolutely fantastic game and one of the best of this generation first on the 360, and now just as good on the PS3.
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90
Eurogamer Portugal
Still, we stand before a memorable and highly recommendable game to the lovers of quality. An amazing story like few nowadays and a mixture of very well recreated elements that once again make Bioshock a game to have in mind.
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90
GameSpot
Intriguing moral choices and a chilling story make BioShock a must-play adventure, even a year later.
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90
NZGamer
One of the best survival action adventures you’ll come-across. To be experienced with dimmed lights, the sound cranked up and a pair of diapers handy.
Read Full Review
90
Game Informer
BioShock was undoubtedly the best game of 2007, but after a year with so little extra polish, its luster has diminished slightly.
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90
TheSixthAxis
Bioshock is one of those once-in-a-lifetime games. Think "Super Mario World"; "Legend of Zelda"; "Ocarina of Time"; "Halo," genre defining classics that are still just as stunning years later. It’s a richly constructed, lavish game which wraps you up from the first second to the last, and yes, the PS3 version is every bit as brilliant as 2007’s Xbox 360 version.
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90
Gamer.nl
BioShock's arrival on the PS3 is long overdue, but it's still a lot of fun to play through. BioShock is still a must-have for every PS3 owner. The graphics haven't aged that well, but it's not that much of a problem, because if you start with the game you'll have a hard time putting down the controller.
Read Full Review
90
VideoGamer
BioShock is still as powerful an interactive experience as it was a year ago. It's lost none of its freshness, its newness or its impact. It's the thinking man's shooter and poster boy for the 'games are art' brigade. On PS3 it still is.
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90
Games Radar (in-house)
Really, though, the only glaring weakness we can find in BioShock is that it may be too unusual, too original, too artistic and too genius to be embraced by the general public. Please don't let this game become that forgotten, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. We need sequels. We need more.
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90
GameDaily
With the addition of PS3 trophies, all of the Xbox 360 version's downloadable content and a bonus Survivor Mode (which makes enemies tougher and ammo harder to come by), BioShock is a must play.
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88
GamingXP
Before you know what is going on, you are a witness to a murder. From this point on in the story, the only motto of the game is: Survive or die! Great gameplay guaranteed!
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85
PALGN
For those who haven't already been down to Rapture, Bioshock is an experience not to be missed.
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80
Playstation Official Magazine Australia
And while 2K make up for this downgrade via added content, this isn't as extensive as we had hoped. [December 2008, p.64]
80
Level7.nu
Bioshock for the PS3 is, like it was on Xbox 360, one heck of an fps-adventure. It's also still a tad bit linear and monotonous at times. But despite these minor flaws this is still a game where design and atmosphere sets the mark for other developers to aim for. Everything from your moral choices to the interconnected mythology of Rapture is intriguing and a must have for those who haven't experienced the Xbox 360 counterpart yet since this version is just as good in every way.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 125 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

MysticStrummer gave it a9:
Wow... how could this game have a user review score of 7.9 (at the time I post this)??? This game is one of the greatest of all time, unless you just hate shooters. I guess linear, color by numbers FPS are what you people want. Bioshock has great atmosphere, cool story, fun gameplay that's full of options, and some nice eye candy. I'm very burned out on FPS in general, but Bioshock is one that I still hold in high regard. It's not perfect so can't give it a 10, but I'd rather give it a 9.5 than a 9.

[Anonymous] gave it an8:
A little too dark and gruesome for me, but overall engaging and fun. Draws you in.

Scott P gave it a10:
Story and character developement in videogames have become so easily passed on by developers that it almost seems strange to see one come out that has a storyline that does not seem either familiar or clicheic. I'll be honest however the game is certainly not perfect (but what game is...? *cough* Ocarina of Time *cough*) The game can seem a bit linear and repetitive at times, and the idea of the Vita Chamber system was an incredibly bad idea (which makes dying in the game have little consequence unless you want to get a specific trophy). However, that those are my only qualms with the game, this is cinematic storytelling at the top of its class and will become the landmark game that future pretenders are compared to. This game's controls and combat are spot-on and absolutely fantastic (especially the awesomeness that are the plasmids). The game's length is also noteworthy, your first playthru should be about 15-20 hours (that is if you're not just rushing thru everything). All in all, this is not just a game of the year contender, it is more than a game, it is more like an experience that makes that idea that games will never fully be respected as a noteable medium in storytelling, completely crash and burn. In other words, this is a classic in every sense of the word. Bring on the sequel!!

Evan S gave it a7:
The demo got me really excited for this game. The atmosphere is by far the bast part of Bioshock. The story was pretty good. However the combat just wasn't really fun. The guns just dont feel right, and the plasmids never really give satisfying results after the first time you use them. This is a good game worth a playthrough, but I dont know how it got so many 100's.

Cody B. gave it an8:
Some people either don't like this game or are just don't understand what this masterpiece has to offer, or maybe they just didn't take the time to get deep into it. These graphics are so fucking beautiful and the whole game is like going through a haunted mansion or a six flags roller coaster ride! The ONLY problem in this game is the repetition at certian points, otherwise this game is worthy of a perfect score (remember, game informer is always right). This graphical bonanza can't be missed (just remember to SAVE the little sisters)!

Eric W gave it a7:
This game was very pretty and seemed to have a very enticing story. When I played the demo I was absolutely blown away. This seemed like the first true next gen fps. However once I actually bought the game the amazement wore off fast. The game becomes extremely repetitive (hop in the elevator, take photos, save/kill little sisters, repeat), and about halfway through I lost motivation to do anything at all. I really wanted to like this game. I would keep returning to it hoping that maybe this time I would get back into the game, but after 5 minutes turn the game right back off again. The game is well made and very good looking, but the game really loses its fun after the first couple of hours. Hopefully the pacing is fixed in the sequel, but I'll rent it first this time.

Tom M. gave it a10:
Probably the most stylish and interesting game i've ever played. Is it perfect? probably not. many people here have been complaining about the "way too easy" end boss fight, but does that detract from the overall package? no ways! the eerily decrepit art deco environment and interesting characters that inhabit the world of rapture is truly fascinating. you will see the difference in class after playing the game compared to other generic shooters on consoles. are the shooting mechanics as good as call of duty 4 or halo? probably not, but the attention to style, story and characters will eclipse anything seen in those other shooters. oh and did i mention plasmids are freakin awesome? The little nuances visible in rapture is truly outstanding and quite frankly mind boggling, provided you actually spend time exploring and learning all you can about this defunct utopia, you'll really get an idea of how much time and love was put into 2k Marin's lovechild. I'm a little tentative that the sequel isn't being developed by the original creators, but i still have high hopes for it. Enough gushing, buy this game. if you enjoy exploring a genuinely creepy world inhabited by plausible interesting charcters as opposed to contrived 'scary' set pieces (AHEM Fear, dead space) then go pick this game up.

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