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In 2016, BioShock 2 Remastered arrived to give the title a fresh new lease on life, allowing fans to relive the adventure in a new visual and audio light. So, does this remaster feel like a refreshing dive or just stagnant water? Let’s strap on our diving suits, load up our drills, and explore the depths together in this in-depth review!
Good points
More dazzling and sinister Rapture: Visuals have been enhanced to enhance every corner of Rapture. The textures are sharper, the lighting effects are more polished, and the water... ah, the water! The underwater city seems even more immersive and eerie thanks to the improved visual effects that make the illusion of this claustrophobic abyss more believable than ever. Rapture, under its remastered veneer, is still a place that is both beautiful and oppressive, and this version reinforces the gloomy atmosphere that makes this city a character in its own right.
Playing as a Big Daddy: Reprising the role of Subject Delta, this soft-hearted Big Daddy in search of his Little Sister, is as captivating as ever. The game offers a new and intriguing perspective: being both a powerful protector and a tortured being, haunted by his own memories. The fights against the Splicers and the Big Sisters are even more rewarding with particle effects that make the clashes more intense. You can finally, with one hand, crush your enemies with your drill, while triggering destructive Plasmids with the other, all with renewed fluidity.
Refined and responsive gameplay: Remastering has allowed some welcome adjustments in terms of performance and gameplay. The game is more responsive and fluid than in its original version, which makes the already satisfying fights even more rewarding. Each shotgun shot, each drill swing, and each use of Plasmid has a more impactful and immersive feel. The dual combat system (weapons and Plasmids simultaneously) works wonderfully, and the overall gaming experience is more dynamic and enjoyable.
Amplified sound atmosphere: Soundtrack and audio effects in BioShock 2 Remastered are a rediscovery in themselves. Every Splicer scream, every Big Daddy moan, and every shard of glass shattering underwater are amplified to create an even more eerie atmosphere. Surrounding sounds, such as the murmur of waves and crackling radio bursts, immerse the player in an incredibly immersive soundscape. Garry Schyman's melancholic and eerie score resonates as intensely as ever, accentuating every moment of suspense or emotion.
Bad points
Persistent bugs and glitches: While the remaster brings real graphical and gameplay improvements, it is not without its bugs. Crashes, sudden framerate drops, or texture issues can occur. Some PC players, in particular, report instabilities and random errors that can break the immersion. This is frustrating, because we would have hoped that this new version would be more polished on a technical level.
Story less deep than the original: Offers a touching story around the relationship between Subject Delta and Eleanor, but it does not reach the philosophical heights of its predecessor. Sofia Lamb, while interesting in her collectivist vision, lacks Andrew Ryan's twisted and ambiguous charisma. The themes of sacrifice and family bond are present, but the whole is more linear, more simplistic in its morality. For fans who loved the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas of the first game, this sequel may feel a bit lacking in depth.
Less mystery, more routine: Exploring Rapture in BioShock 2 Remastered remains fascinating, but the sense of discovery is necessarily lessened. Those who already walked the corridors of this underwater city in the first game may find this version more redundant, even a bit predictable. While the remastering beautifies the place, the structure remains largely unchanged, and the initial sense of wonder fades.
Little innovation in gameplay: While BioShock 2 Remastered has refined the gameplay, it doesn't introduce anything radically new compared to the original version. The game mechanics remain largely the same, which can give a feeling of repetitiveness for those who have already played the initial version. The progression is fairly standard, and some aspects, like ADAM's harvest quests with the Little Sisters, can become repetitive.
Summary
BioShock 2 Remastered is a refreshed dive into the unforgettable depths of Rapture. With improved graphics, enhanced sound, and a slightly optimized gameplay experience, this version allows players to rediscover this very special universe in its best light. Fans of the original will appreciate the new visual nuances, while new players will be able to dive straight into a modernized version of this sequel.
80/100