BioShock

 Xbox 360
BioShock Image
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 88 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2710 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Metacritic's 2007 Xbox 360 Game of the Year] 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[Metacritic's 2007 Xbox 360 Game of the Year] 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]… Expand
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BioShock Official Trailer 1

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 88
  3. Negative: 0 out of 88
  1. GotNext
    100
    Enthralling from beginning to end, and the fact that it deserves its place alongside some of the greatest games ever made is achievement enough.
  2. Deeko
    100
    While Bioshock doesn't necessarily do anything remarkably new once looked at from afar, what it does achieve is a literal masterpiece of all the elements presented. Most shocking of all is the deep customizable weapon system which gives it an almost RPG feel.
  3. GameDaily
    100
    The first-person shooter's great looking, has an engrossing storyline, a perfect balance of action and exploration and a totally customizable combat system that can be described as nothing less than video game rapture.
  4. IGN
    97
    There is art here, despite what many would say isn't possible with games, from Roger Ebert to game designers like Hideo Kojima...BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience.
  5. Xbox World Australia
    95
    The atmosphere is second to none, the action frantic and fun, and the ease of access means you can play the game however you want without being punished for it.
  6. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    94
    Bioshock leaves you to figure things out for yourself. It's a gruelling game of resource management, and as the ammunition dries up, you end up having to improvise. And more often than not, Bioshock will reward you heavily for thinking outside the box.
  7. Edge Magazine
    80
    If only the mechanics matched the atmosphere. If only Rapture was a less linear world to move through. If only BioShock was the wholly brilliant experience you know, from your moments within it, it could have been.[Oct 2007, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 88 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 524 out of 634
  2. Mixed: 57 out of 634
  3. Negative: 53 out of 634
  1. pasifik
    Jun 1, 2011
    10
    Original and refreshing, has an amazing storyline aswell as an amazing atmosphere and setting. Enjoyable combat, maybe a little bit repetitiveOriginal and refreshing, has an amazing storyline aswell as an amazing atmosphere and setting. Enjoyable combat, maybe a little bit repetitive for some, the game paces well too.… Expand
  2. mowino
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    One thing you take from playing Bioshock is its shock value and its degree of uncertainty in its story. Kevin Levine has produced aOne thing you take from playing Bioshock is its shock value and its degree of uncertainty in its story. Kevin Levine has produced a masterpiece in the making this this project. After the success of System Shock II, 2K Boston now labelled "Irrational Games" has made easily one the most ambitious games to date. This will be remembered in 10-20 Years time in line with Games which changed gaming forever such as Metroid Prime and Golden-eye, The uses of plasmids for combat is a brilliant addition when taking out the "BIG DADDIES". These built machines "(A.K.A.) Mr Bubbles" feel like defeating a boss every time because as your stats increase so do theirs and hence comes down to skill. Easy controls and stunning graphics bring this game to life and with a jaw dropping twist players would be stunned by the events. Simply buy the game and if you feel its too easy, TRY HARD MODE. 10/10… Expand
  4. AnonymousMC
    Aug 25, 2007
    10
    The story and the setting are some of the best in any game I have ever played. It is like playing a character in a book sort of, except mostThe story and the setting are some of the best in any game I have ever played. It is like playing a character in a book sort of, except most the information you find is through audio diaries detailing the life and downfall of rapture as it happened.

    For people who are claiming that the gameplay is lacking or that combat it repetetive it is all your fault. The games combat is mostly limited to your creativity in how you want to take out enemies, sure you can run in there with a wrench, get a few kills and then respawn at a vita chamber the whole game but why? The games combat is incredibly fun if you mix it up as much as possible.    … Expand
  5. TrevorM.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    This is one of the best games that I have ever played. The story is immersive and has numerous twists and turns. The graphics, music and This is one of the best games that I have ever played. The story is immersive and has numerous twists and turns. The graphics, music and gameplay all exceptionally well done and really draw you into the story. This game rasises the bar for what a video game can be. A must have.… Expand
  6. Sarian263
    Mar 15, 2021
    9
    This is a very big classic that I can play over and over again. It has pretty much everything you would expect and it does not hold back inThis is a very big classic that I can play over and over again. It has pretty much everything you would expect and it does not hold back in sucking you into the underwater city of Rapture. This game is so unique for its time and is truly special.

    The story of Bioshock is simple in concept, You play as someone whos plane crashes in the middle of the sea and following the light to a lighthouse, decends into the underwater city of Rapture run by the ruler/bad guy Andrew Ryan. What follows is a epic story/quest to not only escape but help those who want out as well. I don't want to say anymore than that as this is a game you really need to experience first hand yourself. Audio diaries scattered throughout the world flesh out what the city USED to be like and adds a extra layer of depth to the story and game.

    Gameplay is also excellent in bioshock. It is a First Person Shooter, However what makes this unique is the special powers you can get in your arsenal or "Plasmids" as they are known in game. These powers allow you to do crazy things like shooting electricity at your foes or freeze them or use telekinesis to throw objects at them. You don't get all these powerups at first so as you progress you get stronger and stronger! To maximize your power and potential though you need to go after the big brutes knows as Big Daddies...These brutes are the hardest creatures to take down but if you can take them down and rescue or harvest the Little Sister (Which also detemines if you have the good ending or the bad ending) you get your ADAM (Currency) and get even more powerful. What makes this so clever is that if you want to go for the good ending, you dont get alot for it but you get the good ending, however if you want to make the game easier for yourself, you can go for the bad ending and get powerful BUT you will be bad in the process. It is the constant battle of good v evil which makes it just superb.

    Final thing to mention I think is the world of rapture itself. This city is very immersive, one of the most immersive worlds I have played in. The way the city is falling apart and parts where the water seeps into the environment is very well put together. Overall well designed and a BIG part of the game. It is almost as if the city itself is its own character.

    In conclusion, I think it is safe to say this is one of the all time greatest games that came out on the Xbox 360/PS3 era of consoles. There is a remaster which includes all 3 games in this series together in one bundle. If you have never played this game or series, I would say...Would You Kindly?    … Expand
  7. Ravenous
    Nov 19, 2010
    8
    Very good game. The story is clever and unique, and the gameplay is "riveting", so to speak. While I am not typically into straight-upVery good game. The story is clever and unique, and the gameplay is "riveting", so to speak. While I am not typically into straight-up shooters, this game keeps you on your toes the entire time, and you never get bored. I found it odd that some reviewers found this game to be too hard... it isn't really that hard at all, and you can easily beat the entire game without dying.… Expand
  8. SaudAlmoayed
    Aug 16, 2007
    0
    Actually, i prefer super mario than this fucking stupid ugly game.. its much fanfooneeta
    it must be Chekidom and WeeWeePoM like the HuN HuN    Actually, i prefer super mario than this fucking stupid ugly game.. its much fanfooneeta
    it must be Chekidom and WeeWeePoM like the HuN HuN PeeP PeeP.. but most of all and as DJ Meeki says: sex is so good!
    anyway am leaving now i have 2 shave my big hairy Ass..!
    and for my fans, I love u all and thanks for everything...
    and if Zaina is reading this.. (i really wanna fuck u baby..!! can we do it in Mambo Cafe next time)

    see u all after BIOSHOCK 2's Review
    bye bye bye    … Expand

See all 634 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007