St. Norbert Times

Issue date: 3/8/10 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: www.playstation.co.uk

In the original "BioShock," the world was introduced to the underwater utopia-gone-wrong city of Rapture. The twists and turns of the plot left the player wanting more and more. It left the gaming media wanting more as well, which resulted in "BioShock" receiving numerous awards. When the sequel was announced, the game's dedicated fans were worried: how could they possibly make a sequel when it offered so much closure?

"BioShock 2" takes place ten years after the events of "BioShock." The citizens of Rapture, the "Splicers," have gone completely insane due to their overuse of the drug "Adam." Sofia Lamb, the new leader of Rapture, has a different philosophy of how to run a city than Andrew Ryan, the founder. Lamb believes in a collectivist society in which everyone contributes to the common good.

The main character this time around is the original Big Daddy. The prototype, known as Delta in the game, awakens from a coma. Sofia Lamb is the cause of the coma ten years prior to the beginning of the game, but I will not spoil what she does. Delta is looking for his Little Sister Eleanor. If he does not find her, then he will go into another coma.

The atmosphere of the original "BioShock" is still there in "BioShock 2," and it is arguably creepier than the first. The creaks of Rapture as it is falling apart, the sounds of the Splicers screaming, and the sounds of Delta as he walks around create an authentic experience for the gamer. While the story is not on par with the first game, it is still very good. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole game, and I received a high level of satisfaction after completing it.

The problems that plagued the original "BioShock" have been repaired and improved in "BioShock 2." Hacking is now more streamlined and efficient. There are a wider variety of plasmids and weapon combinations, creating more customization possibilities. The enemies are much more durable, and there is a stronger emphasis on using the Research Camera to research enemies to gain bonuses and perks.

Even though the story is not as good as the original, "BioShock 2" is still a strong contender for 2010 Game of the Year (even though it is very early). The weapon and plasmid combinations, the gameplay improvements, and the enhanced atmosphere create an authentic experience that will satisfy any gamer's needs. "BioShock 2" lives up to its predecessor and receives five stars.

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