Info about BioShock™ 2 Remastered:

Official game description:
BioShock 2 provides players with the perfect blend of explosive first-person shooter combat and compelling award-winning storytelling. The halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. Players step into the boots of the most iconic denizen of Rapture, the Big Daddy, as they travel through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and their own survival.
Features:
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*   High Resolution Textures, Models and Interface Art  
*   4K Resolution Support  
*   The Protector Trials  
    *   You receive the call: Tenenbaum desperately needs you to steal as much ADAM as possible, to help thwart Sofia Lamb's insane plan. Enter the Protector Trials: frantic combat challenges designed to push your mastery of weapons and Plasmids to the limit. The goal in each Trial is simple: get your Little Sister to an ADAM-rich corpse and keep her safe while she gathers precious ADAM. Opposition mounts as your Little Sister nears her goal -- will you survive the onslaught?  
        Each Trial features three unique weapon and Plasmid load-outs, keeping the challenge fresh, as well as a fourth bonus load-out the player receives when all previous load-outs are completed.

Release date: Sep 15, 2016

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Character Progression, Action Horror, Exploration, Single-player, Story-driven Gameplay, Environmental Storytelling, Survival Horror

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 60; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The game has been criticized for its monetization practices, particularly the need to purchase additional DLC to fully experience or complete the game. This has led to user frustration and a perception of predatory monetization.
- Mods: score 40; verdict: Buggy but Playable; summary: The analysis of user feedback for 'Mod Tax' (Reliance on Community Fixes) reveals significant issues with game stability and the necessity of unofficial patches. Many users report frequent crashes and the need for community-created mods to fix these issues. The reliance on these mods and patches is high, indicating that the game may not be fully playable or enjoyable without them. This reliance on community fixes suggests that the game has underlying stability problems that need to be addressed.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Technical Issues; summary: Users are primarily experiencing technical issues such as crashes and stability problems. They are relying on external resources like mods and wikis to resolve these issues.
- Proton/Linux: score 30; verdict: Works Well with Minor Tweaks; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux with Proton, with many users reporting a stable and crash-free experience. However, some initial tweaks and launch options are often required to achieve optimal performance and stability. The overall sentiment is positive, with users favoring the performance on Linux over Windows.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience of the game reveals several critical issues. The most prominent problems include frequent game crashes and issues with the 2K launcher, which significantly disrupt gameplay and user experience. Additionally, there are specific compatibility issues with the Steam Deck, such as the need to use desktop mode and potential bricking. Privacy and security concerns related to the 2K launcher and anti-cheat software were also highlighted. Despite these issues, some users reported positive experiences with the game's performance on certain hardware configurations.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with lower VRAM configurations experiencing frequent crashes and higher VRAM setups reporting fewer issues.
  - Sample size: 37 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 20 reports): Frequent crashes and freezes are reported, but many users find the game playable with crash fixes.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 9 reports): Users report constant crashes making the game unplayable despite high VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 5 reports): Fewer crashes reported, with users recommending specific fixes for stability.
  - Caveats: 37 of 3328 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that while the game is considered worth playing, many users recommend buying it on sale due to technical issues such as frequent crashes. This indicates that the community finds the full price of $19.99 to be high given the game's stability problems. However, some users still find the game worth the full price, suggesting that the fair price range is somewhat lower than the current base price but not excessively so.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 11.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided includes direct mentions of playtime and session lengths. One user mentions playing for 3 hours in a session, and another user mentions completing the game in 11 hours. Additionally, there are multiple mentions of frequent crashes, which imply that players need to save their progress frequently, suggesting shorter session lengths due to instability. The evidence of frequent crashes and the need to save progress often suggests that players might have shorter play sessions to avoid losing progress.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is initially exciting and engaging with improved level design and pacing, but it becomes repetitive and less enjoyable in the latter parts, with the most fun occurring in the last few hours of gameplay.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Completion of the main story
  - Time to anchor: 12h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive gameplay elements; Game crashes and instability; Tedious mechanics like defending Little Sisters
  - Unlock drivers: Improved level design; Better pacing; Interesting story
  - Conditions: Better level design; More interesting story; Improved pacing; Engaging initial gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - Frustrated Technical Player (deep sale)
    - Motivation: To experience the game despite technical flaws.
    - Playstyle: Frequent manual saving and cautious gameplay to avoid crashes.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: Technical Player; Crash Victim
    - Reference games: BioShock 1; Resident Evil 4
  - Series Fan (sale)
    - Motivation: To enjoy the continuation of the Bioshock story and gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Engaging with the story and gameplay mechanics, often comparing to the first game.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Bioshock Fan; Story Enthusiast
    - Reference games: BioShock 1; BioShock Infinite
  - Gameplay Customizer (buy)
    - Motivation: To experiment with different gameplay styles and builds.
    - Playstyle: Customizing and experimenting with different plasmids, tonics, and weapons.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Gameplay Enthusiast; Build Experimenter
    - Reference games: BioShock 1; Deus Ex
  - Multiplayer Enthusiast (no buy)
    - Motivation: To experience the unique multiplayer mode.
    - Playstyle: Engaging with the multiplayer mode and appreciating its uniqueness.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: Multiplayer Fan; Competitive Player
    - Reference games: BioShock 2 (original); Call of Duty


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Enjoyable and engaging gameplay (weight 0.2): Players found the game highly entertaining and enjoyable, with many praising its gameplay and overall fun factor. The concept of being a protector and the well-made mechanics contributed to a positive experience.
- Excellent Minerva's Den DLC (weight 0.15): The Minerva's Den DLC was praised for its high quality and engaging story, with many players considering it on par with the main game. It was seen as a great addition with excellent storytelling.
- Stunning visuals and art (weight 0.14): The game was praised for its excellent art direction, visuals, and ambiance. The stunning graphics and artistic strength were highlighted as key features.
- Unique Big Daddy gameplay (weight 0.11): Playing as the Big Daddy character was a standout feature, providing a unique and satisfying gameplay experience. Players enjoyed the emotional weight and power associated with this character.
- Improved hacking mechanics (weight 0.11): The hacking system was redesigned to be faster and more dynamic, making it less tedious and more enjoyable. Players appreciated the improved hacking mechanics.
- Memorable and well-written characters (weight 0.09): The game's characters were noted for being interesting, well-written, and memorable. This contributed to the overall great experience of the game.
- Diverse and interesting enemies (weight 0.09): Players enjoyed the variety of new enemies and found them to be well-done and interesting. The expanded enemy roster added to the game's challenge and excitement.
- Powerful and diverse plasmids (weight 0.09): The plasmid system was well-developed and offered a range of powerful abilities. Players appreciated the impact and diversity of plasmids, which added to the game's excitement.
- Improved over the first game (weight 0.07): Many players felt that the game was an improvement over the first part, with better story, presentation, and gameplay. It was seen as a consequent development of the first game.
- Unique and interesting atmosphere (weight 0.07): The game's atmosphere was described as unique and interesting, with great settings and locations. This contributed to the overall immersive experience.
- Better level design (weight 0.07): The game featured improved level design with larger and well-designed levels. Players appreciated the better progression and detail in the levels.
- Best in the Bioshock series (weight 0.06): Many players considered this game to be the best in the Bioshock series, praising it as a perfect mix of underwater horror, over-the-top weaponry, and moral dilemmas.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.06): The game was noted for its low PC requirements and small install size, making it easy to run on various systems without needing high-end hardware.
- Simultaneous use of plasmids and weapons (weight 0.06): Players enjoyed the ability to use plasmids and weapons simultaneously, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay.

Common complaints:
- Weak and underdeveloped story (weight 0.3): The main story is considered weaker and less gripping compared to the first game, with an underdeveloped plot and uninteresting characters, including the main antagonist.
- Lack of autosave feature (weight 0.16): The game lacks an autosave feature, requiring manual saving, which can be tiresome and may result in progress loss if not saved regularly.
- Poor remaster quality (weight 0.11): The remastered version is criticized for its poor quality, frequent crashes, and lack of significant upgrades, making it a subpar experience.
- Technical issues and bugs (weight 0.09): The game has various technical issues and bugs that have not been fixed, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Repetitive gameplay elements (weight 0.05): The game features repetitive level design and gameplay elements, leading to a feeling of monotony.
- Poor port quality (weight 0.04): The game is criticized for being a terrible port with poor gameplay quality.
- No New Game Plus mode (weight 0.04): The game lacks a New Game Plus mode, which was a feature present in the first Bioshock game.
- Save file deletion issues (weight 0.04): Players have reported issues with save files being deleted, leading to loss of progress.
- Weak weapons and character (weight 0.04): The weapons in the game feel weak and look silly, contributing to a sense of the character feeling weak as well.
- Short game duration (weight 0.03): The game is criticized for being too short, which may not provide enough content for players.
- No weapon/plasmid selection menu (weight 0.03): The game lacks a dedicated menu for selecting weapons and plasmids, which can be annoying for players.
- Lack of originality and innovation (weight 0.03): The game is seen as less original and innovative compared to the first Bioshock, lacking the narrative depth and thematic challenges.

Gameplay feedback:
- Enhanced plasmid and weapon mechanics (weight 0.24): The game introduces significant improvements to the plasmid and weapon systems, allowing players to use them simultaneously without switching. This dual-wielding mechanic enhances combat strategies and provides a more dynamic gameplay experience.
- Expanded RPG and gameplay options (weight 0.13): The game introduces more RPG elements and gameplay options, providing players with a wider range of choices and strategies. This includes action-driven gameplay and expanded morality choices.
- Big Daddy gameplay and lore (weight 0.12): Players can explore Rapture as a Big Daddy, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. This includes adopting and protecting Little Sisters, as well as engaging in battles with Big Sisters.
- Improved hacking and combat systems (weight 0.11): The hacking system has been improved to be more dynamic and less tedious. Additionally, the combat systems have been refined to provide a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
- Introduction of new enemies and mechanics (weight 0.1): The game features new enemies and combat mechanics, adding diversity and fresh challenges. This includes new enemy types and locations, which enrich the gameplay and keep it engaging.
- Creative weapon design and variety (weight 0.08): The game features a variety of creative and unique weapons, including the drill arm. This adds to the diversity of combat strategies and enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- Similarities to the first game (weight 0.06): The gameplay and combat mechanics are similar to the first game, maintaining a consistent experience for fans of the series. This includes familiar gameplay elements and a continuation of the story.
- Environmental storytelling and interaction (weight 0.04): The game emphasizes environmental storytelling and interaction, allowing players to immerse themselves in the narrative and explore the world more deeply.
- Comparison to Bioshock 1 (weight 0.04): The game is often compared to Bioshock 1, with many players noting improvements in gameplay and mechanics. This includes refined combat systems and enhanced gameplay options.
- Difficulty balance and adjustments (weight 0.04): The game offers three difficulty levels, providing players with options to tailor the gameplay experience to their skill level. This ensures a balanced and enjoyable experience for all types of players.

Performance notes:
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.11): The game suffers from various performance issues, including optimization problems and frame rate fluctuations. These issues affect the overall stability and smoothness of gameplay.
- Instability and freezing (weight 0.08): The game is reported to be unstable, with instances of freezing at random times, including at startup. This instability leads to a poor gaming experience.
- Audio and visual issues (weight 0.08): There are reports of audio balance issues and visual glitches. Some players have also mentioned blurry graphics on 4K TVs and menu cropping issues.
- Save file issues (weight 0.07): Players have reported problems with saving progress, including slow saving times and save file corruption. There is also no autosave feature, requiring manual saves frequently.
- Mods and troubleshooting (weight 0.06): Some players have found that installing mods can fix crashes and improve performance. Troubleshooting steps, such as fixing INI files and capping frame rates, have also been mentioned.
- Positive performance on specific systems (weight 0.04): Despite the issues, some players report that the game runs smoothly on certain systems, such as M1 Macs and Steam Deck, with good graphics and performance.
- Review bombing (weight 0.04): Some players express frustration with the game's crashes and instability, using strong language to convey their dissatisfaction.
- Compatibility issues (weight 0.03): The game has compatibility issues with certain systems and configurations, such as hybrid GPU modes, DirectX, and specific operating systems like Windows 11.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for fans of the series (weight 0.14): The game is highly recommended for those who enjoyed the first game or are fans of the Bioshock series in general. It is particularly appealing to fans of action/RPG games with a strong narrative.
- Frequent saving advised (weight 0.1): Players are advised to save their game frequently to avoid losing progress. This includes using manual saves and quicksaves to ensure game progress is not lost.
- Worth playing and purchasing (weight 0.09): The game is considered worth playing and purchasing, especially when it is on sale. It offers good value for the price and time invested.
- Consider the original version (weight 0.06): Some players recommend playing the original version of the game instead of the remastered version. This suggestion is for those who might prefer the classic experience.
- Mods for stability improvements (weight 0.06): Using mods like Luma-Mod or specific crash fix mods can improve the game's stability and mitigate issues such as crashing and freezing.
- DLC recommendations (weight 0.04): The DLC, particularly Minerva's Den, is highly recommended and considered as good as the base game. Players are encouraged to experience the DLC content.
- Part of the Bioshock Collection (weight 0.04): It is suggested to buy the game as part of the BioShock: The Collection for a comprehensive experience.
- Avoid specific versions (weight 0.03): Some versions of the game, such as the PC version or BioShock Infinite, are not recommended due to various issues or negative reception.
- Not recommended without reservations (weight 0.02): The game is recommended with reservations, particularly for those who are prepared to do code editing to fix issues.

Other player notes:
- Save frequently (weight 0.02): Players are advised to save their progress frequently to avoid losing their progress.
- Separate Korean language patch (weight 0.02): The game requires a separate patch for Korean language support, which may be an inconvenience for some players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.58): The primary cause of frustration among players is the frequent game crashes, which are often accompanied by the lack of an autosave feature, leading to significant progress loss. Additional frustrations stem from technical issues such as poor optimization, bugs, and the absence of certain gameplay features like a radial menu, which detract from the overall gaming experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.24): Players enjoy the game for its engaging story, unique atmosphere, and improved gameplay mechanics, including combat and hacking systems. The experience of playing as a Big Daddy and the introduction of new enemies and locations also contribute significantly to the enjoyment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment arises from the lack of significant improvements in the remastered version, including graphical downgrades and persistent crashes. Players also express dissatisfaction with the story and characters, which they find less immersive and original compared to the first game.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players are satisfied with the overall quality of the game, including its storyline, world description, and enemy diversity. The improvements in combat, visuals, and gameplay mechanics, as well as the smooth performance and rewarding gameplay, contribute to a satisfying experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.09): Excitement is generated by the game's fresh gameplay elements, intriguing story, and the unique setting of Rapture. The engaging combat, exploration, and the variety of new weapons and plasmids add to the thrilling experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Nostalgia is evoked by the return to Rapture and the iconic status of Big Daddies, bringing back memories of the original Bioshock game. Players appreciate the remastered version for its ability to rekindle fond memories and emotional connections to the game's world and characters.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Joy comes from the overall positive experience with the game, including its fantastic gameplay, story, and the emotional depth of its characters. Players enjoy the improved gameplay mechanics, battles, and the immersive world of Rapture.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Admiration is directed towards the game's artistic and narrative qualities, immersive atmosphere, and improved gameplay variety. Players admire the depth of the protagonist Delta and the thematic elements, as well as the detailed and articulated world of Rapture.
- Love (weight 0.03): Love for the game is expressed by players who consider it a favorite in the franchise or even of all time. The overall experience, including gameplay and the world of Rapture, as well as specific elements like playing as a Big Daddy, contribute to this deep affection.
- Praise (weight 0.03): Praise is given for the improvements over the first game, including story, lore, graphics, and combat systems. Players appreciate the atmospheric visuals, engaging boss fights, and new mechanics, as well as the heartfelt scenes and the concept of playing as a Big Daddy.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is primarily caused by the game's crashing issues and the lack of a proper save system, leading to lost progress. The poor quality of the remastered version and unplayable state due to crashes also contribute to players' anger.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief is felt by players who have found solutions to the game's crashing issues, either through mod fixes or other means. The absence of crashes during gameplay also provides a sense of relief.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is shown for the game's dynamic combat system, visual quality, and immersion. Players value the game as a great sequel and remaster, highlighting its positive aspects and improvements.
- Positive (weight 0.02): Positive feelings are derived from the enjoyable gameplay experience, including the improvements and the unique experience of being a Big Daddy. Players appreciate the gameplay improvements and the engaging plot and universe.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom stems from the repetitive nature of the game and its lack of interest, particularly in the prologue. Players find the gameplay repetitive and boring, leading to a lack of engagement.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): Nostalgic feelings are evoked by comparisons to the first Bioshock game and the emotional reactions associated with returning to Rapture. Players appreciate the remastered version for bringing back memories and the emotional story of the original game.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is elicited by the emotional endings and the tragic character stories within the game. Players feel an emotional attachment to the characters and their stories, which can be heart-wrenching.
- Empathy (weight 0.01): Empathy is felt through the emotional connection with the protagonist and the story, as well as with the Little Sisters. The engaging and tragic characters evoke a strong emotional response from players.}