Demented Splicers fill an underwater city in “BioShock 2.” (2K Games)
Rapture is just as messed up — and as intriguing — as ever.
In "BioShock 2," 2K Games takes gamers back to the giant underwater utopia-turned-hellhole. Gene-splicing junkies still run rampant and a megalomaniac is once again on a power trip. Girls known as Little Sisters still gather ADAM — a substance that allows instant genetic mutations — and they’re still protected by hulking Big Daddies. That’s where you come in.
In this M-rated sequel, you play as Delta, a Big Daddy with a connection to a very special Little Sister. She’s Eleanor, the daughter of Sophia Lamb, the leader of a cult that’s pretty much taken control of Rapture.
The game starts with you being separated from Eleanor in a very traumatic manner. The action picks up a decade later as you seek to reunite with Eleanor — a process that will bring you into violent conflict with the denizens of Rapture.
Those who’ve played the original "BioShock" will find much that’s familiar. You still use "Plasmids" to change your DNA, gaining the ability to hurt bolts of electricity or balls of flame. You still run around collecting goodies from fallen foes, hacking into various machines and purchasing upgrades at goofy vending machines. You still take down Big Daddies to get to their Little Sisters, and eventually decide whether to free them (good) or kill them and take their ADAM (evil).
However, the game benefits from new foes — agile Big Sisters and huge Brute Splicers — and new weapons — spear guns and machine guns. These and a few tweaks to the controls add considerably to the game’s excitement and fun.
The story line is solid, though not quite as gripping as the original — probably because none of the villains are quite as disturbed. The leading baddie, Sophia Lamb, is definitely evil. She’s created a religion that mixes Communist ideals with Christian vocabulary to brainwash Rapture’s residents and she’s messed up her own daughter, but she’s not nearly as creepy as some of the psychos in the first "BioShock."
The graphics are richly detailed. The underwater views are spectacular and the dilapidated interiors obviously have suffered additional wear.
The inhabitants still look like surreal versions of 1950s stereotypes — housewives, scientists, businessmen — with a few additional tumors this time around.
A major addition to the "BioShock" franchise is multiplayer mode. This is set during the initial descent into insanity. You can play as a variety of genetically altered Splicers and sometimes get a shot at fighting as a Big Daddy in various styles of competition. The action is pretty intense and fun. This definitely makes Rapture a place worth a second visit.
Platforms: Xbox 360 (tested), PlayStation 3, PC
On the Web:www.bioshock2game.com