Plasmids are special upgrades that players can purchase by acquiring the genetic substance known as Adam. There are two kinds of Plasmids: Abilities and Gene Tonics. The Abilities are special powers the player can use at will as long as they have Eve, which is essentially Plasmid fuel. As in the last game, players gain with the Electro Bolt Plasmid early in the game, which allows them to shock their enemies and activate certain machines. As they progress through the game, they’ll gain access to all kinds of new Plasmids granting the ability to throw fireballs, create decoys, bypass security, project an incorporeal scout, charm enemies, and command a swarm of stinging insects among others. The Gene Tonic Plasmids are equipped separately and offer passive benefits while equipped, like increased damage resistance, stronger melee attacks, and faster movement speed.
Subject Delta won’t be able to use these fantastic abilities without Adam, which is essentially a currency used to purchase these Plasmids. Adam can only be acquired from Little Sisters. Players must choose whether Delta protects the Little Sisters as they gather Adam, and ultimately releases them from their genetic enslavement, which results in a small amount of Adam; or kill them, which allows Delta to harvest a much greater amount of Adam each time. Killing the Little Sisters pays off immediately, but saving them has its own benefits in the long run.
All of the tactical combat takes place in massive, highly detailed environments. While there is a linear path through the game, players are given a huge berth for exploration. A bit of exploration will reveal hidden caches of health items, ammo, and money which can be used to buy useful things from vending machines scattered around the game. Particularly industrious players can hunt for secret areas which contain valuable items, including rare and powerful ammo and sometimes even new Plasmids. However, these areas are also littered with security cameras, turrets and other hazards; but it’s not all bad, because clever use of plasmids and a bit of hacking can turn these security measures and hazards in the player’s favour. There are also plenty of voice recorders, which are essentially audio diaries kept by Rapture’s many residents. These monologues are very interesting and paint a picture of what it must have been like to live in this secret underwater paradise.
All of these elements combine to make Bioshock 2 an engrossing and in-depth shooter with buckets of atmosphere and excellent art direction. Strangely, 2K Games decided to include a multiplayer mode, which was really unnecessary. It’s OK, and the highlight of it is one player taking on the role of a Big Daddy while the others trying to bring him down with coordinated attacks – but I don’t think anyone will be buying Bioshock 2 for the multiplayer.
Some players have made issue about Bioshock 2 being too similar to the first game, but I really have a hard time seeing that as a bad thing. Yes, it is more of the same, but there are plenty of great improvements and new additions, not to mention an entirely new and engrossing story to play through. Honestly, what more could you want?
