You have mostly the same selection of plasmids as you did in the first game, and your genetically aided superpowers are upgradeable. “Incinerate” allows you set a single target on fire, “Incinerate 2” allows for multiple targets – by the time you upgrade it to level 3 though, you’re able to discharge a hell-sent inferno from your fingertips. There is however an abundance of supplementary Gene Tonics . It adds welcome variety,  although it can be overwhelming.

Plasmids cost ADAM, the gene splicing resource so sought after by the splicers of Rapture. Your main source of ADAM in BioShock 2 is the Little Sister. Like in the first game you’re given the option of either harvesting or rescuing the subverted little girls – but there is a significant change. Instead of taking down a Big Daddy and instantly reaping the rewards, you’ll now have to dispense with the Big Daddy and adopt the little girl having her extract  ADAM from corpses. While she’s gathering the ADAM, you’re tasked with off waves of splicers, using your repertoire of weapons, traps and plasmids. It’s chaotic and frenetic – and most importantly, fun.

So you’re bigger, badder and more badass – What’s left to be afraid of in Rapture? Well, plenty. In the ten years since you’ve seen its water-damaged decaying halls , its citizens have evolved – not only are regular splicers more prone to attack you in packs, the Big Daddies have learnt new tricks and there are large, hulking Bruiser Splicers amongst the new enemies – but there’s one new adversary that’ll fill you with fear – the Big Sister. She’s fast, agile, able to use plasmids of her own and tougher than nails.

As a shooter – in particular with regards to gameplay – I have to admit that BioShock 2 is a better game than its predecessor. It’s tighter, more focused and more accessible. BioShock though is about the narrative – the ability to tell a story.  There is no way  BioShock 2 could live up to, or surpass the lofty narrative of the first game. How could it? Part of BioShock’s story was the story of Rapture itself – and as its a dystopia revisited much of the mystique is lost to familiarity.

That’s not to say that BioShock 2’s narrative is lacking; It’s still an engaging, emotional story, that although more straight forward is still incredibly well told. It chugs along for a while – but in the final act when you take sum of the moral quandaries presented to you, you’ll realise that BioShock 2 is indeed a worthy successor.

In the end, it’s more of what made BioShock amazing – and that’s not a bad thing.

The Multiplayer

The multiplayer is interestingly presented – and has a minor narrative of its own. It’s set before the first game, in the time of the Civil War, before the fall of Andrew Ryan’s prospective utopia. You play as a splicer in the search for ADAM, playing through standard multiplayer fare like free-for-all, capture the flag and team based modes.

Unfortunately my attempts to tackle the multiplayer have been fruitless. In the hour and a half I tried to find a match, I found not a single one. Whether this is an issue with the game that needs patching or just one of ping time – meaning the multiplayer scene should heat up tomorrow once the game’s available locally – I can’t say.

Thing is if you’re getting BioShock 2 for multiplayer, then you’re buying the wrong game. Think of it rather as a disconnected bonus that neither detracts from, nor significantly enhances BioShock 2.

For Fans Of: BioShock, System Shock, Drilling people in the face

Scoring

Gameplay: 9.0

The changes in gameplay, subtle and otherwise are for the better.

Presentation: 9.0

Rapture, although familiar and decaying, is still enigmatically beautiful. The implementation of UE3 is starting to show its age though. Looks much like the first game/

Sound: 9.0

Ambient and creepy as ever. Excellent voice acting

Value: 8.5

The single player portion should take you about 10 hours on normal, but looking for all the audio tapes and the inclusion multiplayer should increase its longevity.

Despite my apprehensions, BioShock 2’s proven to be excellent , and a worthy successor to one of the finest games this generation.

[Reviewed on Xbox 360]