BioShock™ on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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BioShock is a shooter unlike any you've ever played, loaded with weapons and tactics never seen. You'll have a complete arsenal at your disposal from simple revolvers to grenade launchers and chemical throwers, but you'll also be forced to genetically modify your DNA to create an even more deadly weapon: you.
BioShock™ is a fps, atmospheric and story rich game
developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia
and published by 2K.
Released on August 21st 2007 is available only on Windows
in 5 languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish - Spain.
It has received 30,931 reviews of which 29,127 were positive and 1,804 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. 😍
The game is currently priced at 19.99€ on Steam.
The Steam community has classified BioShock™ into these genres:
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System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
Minimum:
- Operating System: Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) or Windows Vista
- CPU: Intel single-core Pentium 4 processor at 2.4GHz
- RAM: 1 GB
- Video Card: Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 128MB RAM and Pixel Shader 3.0 (NVIDIA 6600 or better/ATI X1300 or better, excluding ATI X1550)
- Sound Card: 100% direct X 9.0c compatible sound card
- Hard Drive Space: 8GB
- Game requires Internet connection for activation
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
BioShock (2007) Review: A Masterpiece That Still Echoes Under the Sea When I played BioShock back in 2007, I did not just start a new game. I stepped into a place that felt genuinely dangerous, unsettling, and strangely beautiful. I remember sitting there in the dark with my hands on the controls, actually hesitating to open the next door because I had no idea what would be waiting for me on the other side. That feeling has stayed with me ever since. From the opening plane crash to the ride in the bathysphere, BioShock does something most games only dream about. It grabs you in the first few minutes and refuses to let go. The first glimpse of Rapture through the glass, Andrew Ryan speaking over the speakers, the slow realization that you are entering a failed utopia at the bottom of the ocean, it all hits with incredible force. Rapture never feels like a simple set of levels. It feels like a real city that once lived, burned out in madness, and then continued to rot in the dark. Walking through those corridors in 2007, I was honestly tense. Not from cheap jump scares, but from that slow and creeping anxiety that builds when the atmosphere is so strong that your imagination starts doing half the work. Distant screams, muffled conversations in the next room, shadows that move just a little too quickly, every little detail made me stop, listen, and second guess my next step. Then there were the Splicers. Those broken voices echoing through empty halls, people mumbling to themselves, arguing with nobody, laughing at things only they could see. It felt like walking through the ruins of a city where everyone had lost their mind in a different way. You do not just fight Splicers. You feel like you are trespassing in their shattered world. More than once I caught myself standing still just to listen to one talking to a corpse or a baby carriage, and it was far more disturbing than any monster suddenly jumping at me. And above them all stand the Big Daddies. The first time you hear one stomping around, that heavy metal rhythm of its steps and the deep moan of its diving suit, your whole body tightens up. They are not scripted boss encounters. They are walking disasters. They will ignore you if you keep your distance, but the moment you decide to challenge one, the game turns into pure chaos. The roar when you anger a Big Daddy, the way it charges across the room, the panic when you get too close to a Little Sister and suddenly the giant guardian comes for you, these moments are burned into my memory. That sound of a Big Daddy bellowing and rushing straight at you is still one of the most intense things I have ever felt in a game. It is not just good enemy design. It is controlled panic. Beneath all that atmosphere, BioShock is also a fantastic game to play. The mix of traditional weapons and plasmid powers gives combat a very tactile and creative feel. You set traps, freeze enemies, shock them in pools of water, ignite oil on the floor. Each encounter becomes a little combat puzzle. You are not simply emptying a magazine into an enemy that soaks up bullets. You are constantly thinking about how to twist the battlefield to your advantage. Even today that sense of freedom still holds up. Other shooters may be smoother in terms of pure gunplay, but BioShock makes you feel like you are experimenting in every fight, and that makes the experience personal in a way many games never reach. What truly lifts BioShock above most games is the way story, theme, and gameplay are tied together. Audio recordings scattered around the city turn Rapture into a living archive of broken dreams. You do not just read about its downfall. You hear it in the voices of the people who built this place, corrupted it, and finally died in it. Andrew Ryan is more than a villain. He is the voice of an ideology that both created and destroyed the world you are walking through. Characters like him, along with the moral weight around the Little Sisters and the illusion of choice given to the player, give the game a depth that goes far beyond simple save the world stories. The way the game questions your role as a player and then hits you with its famous twist was shocking at the time, and it still works even if you know it is coming. In 2007 that twist did more than surprise me. It made me stop and rethink everything I had done since I first arrived in Rapture. It was the kind of moment that sticks with you long after you turn the game off. On a visual and artistic level, BioShock was a work of art for its time and it still looks striking today. The art deco style, the heavy use of light and shadow, water dripping from ceilings, smoke filled rooms, propaganda posters and advertisements on the walls, everything feels handcrafted. Every screen looks like a painting of a world that devoured itself. The sound design is just as strong. The sharp crackle of plasmid energy, the distant shriek of a Splicer, the horrifying metallic howl of a Big Daddy, and that eerie old music playing at the worst possible moments, all of it blends into a soundscape that makes you feel constantly on edge. You never fully relax in Rapture. There is always something in the background whispering that you should not be here. Looking back now, BioShock is not just a good game from the past that I remember fondly. It is one of those rare titles that felt like a real event. It combined atmosphere, storytelling, world building, and gameplay so tightly that reducing it to a simple shooter label feels wrong. For me, BioShock was and still is a complete experience. I remember playing it with genuine fear, real curiosity, and the constant feeling that I was exploring a world built with obsessive care. It is art, horror, philosophy, and action all wrapped in one drowned city. I can point to small flaws like anyone else, but in the larger picture they simply do not matter. The impact of that first playthrough, the way Rapture stayed in my head long after the credits rolled, is why my verdict is very clear. BioShock is not just a great game. It is a masterpiece. My score: 10 / 10
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on my replay when one of the big twists happened in the game one of my friends kept asking me if i understood everything while it was happening, this friend is very dear to me even though he thinks i am a 28 year old stupid person
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Released roughly 10 years after System Shock 2, Bioshock (the 'shock' in the title is on purpose) is the spiritual successor to SS2. Beginning life as another sci-fi horror game set aboard a station, the game would eventually shift themes to an underground Nazi laboratory before settling on the Art Deco underwater motif. Which is quite a trip. From SS2's deep-space to the bottom of the ocean, this started as SS3 before settling on being a 'spiritual successor' with a new world altogether. Bioshock takes place in Rapture, an underwater, man-made city. It's guiding philosophy is best exemplified by a prominent banner the player sees at the very start: “No Gods or Kings. Only Man.' (a fantastically evocative phrase). In other words, Rapture is a Laissez-faire society, where the artist, scientist, doctor, and entrepreneur is free from 'parasites' that would otherwise stifle progress. And who are the 'parasites'? Big government taxation; Communist collectivists, and the poor seeking wealth redistribution. Churches with their moral objections to research. Environmentalists. Etc. Bioshock's world is therefore Ayn Rand brought to life. Err...game. Brought to game. If you're really interested, look into Objectivism-her philosophical work. Bioshock is a Capitalist utopia that is facing some unsavory consequences in its minimal regulation. The poor are taken advantage of and used as stock, with orphans in particular being 'put to work'. Morality would reasonably get in the way of progress at times (think the Nazi experiments on humans). In a society that is unchained from that morality, you have social strife and civil turmoil. As well as extreme wealth and advancements. One of those achievements is the discovery of ADAM, which is a material that allows for the genetic modification of humans. It's the perfect plot device for a society obsessed with progress with no moral limitation: an amazing achievement in genetics, with human suffering as a side effect. ADAM allows the ugly to become beautiful, as well as telekinetic abilities. Like electric shock, levitation of items, etc. In a competitive society suffering from emerging social strife, it plays into the hands of militias, corporate warfare, and the everyday minutae of keeping up with the competition. Everyone eventually becomes 'addicted' to this material, losing their sanity without regular injections of it. If this sounds like I'm spoiling the story, I'm really not. It's all told within the first level. There's a more personal story at play here, with the protagonist's entry into Rapture (unwilling entry, that is). He's thrust into the current civil war and destruction, assisting a character in finding his wife and child. I won't spoil a lot there, but I will note that the game has a very ingenious 'twist' at play. And the main character is much more closely related to the happenings in the underwater city than originally thought. ADAM is not just a narrative element, it's also a game feature. An interesting one, because to me it represents what Psionics in SS2 tried to be. ADAM is much better than Psionics. And it's mostly because it separates the passive abilities from the 'active' ones that are used in battle. Plasmids allow you combat abilities that interact with the environment, whilst Gene Tonics provide passive benefits. Reminder that in SS2 both required activation and only remained for a set period of time. And the combat abilities were few and rather uncreative. Whereas in Bioshock you can set up traps. If Plasmids are Psionics done right, everything else is merely carried over from SS2 with minor enhancements. Ammo types are present once more. Security cameras and turrets. Even hacking. Only the hacking mini-game is more than just RNG. You solve a puzzle whereby you divert a liquid to its proper end-point. Everything from SS2 carries over, only it's done better or more competently. About the only thing I'd argue this game 'lacks' over SS2 is map complexity. SS's map had you backtrack to previous areas. Frequently. They all felt like part of a larger whole, as opposed to levels that exist separately from one another. While you can traverse back to previous levels in Bioshock, you will never have to backtrack between levels to progress. And while there are multiple rooms that require exploration within levels, you'll never get lost. It's simpler. Which isn't to say the level design is bad, but it's a point worth bringing up in the comparison. And since we're on the topic of levels, I should mention how incredible the art is for this game. The levels aren't just corridors. They're art pieces. Seriously. In fact, Bioshock was displayed at Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C (in 2012). In a 'Video Games as Art' exhibit. The game is littered with ads, musical pieces, and glimpses of the ocean surrounding the undersea metropolis. It's wonderfully creative, and evocative of 1920's America. The 'video games as art' argument doesn't just rest on the visual, either. Bioshock is an incredibly unique game in it's themes. Obviously the philosophy of Objectivism wasn't coined by the Bioshock writers, but it's certainly not a common theme in games or any other media of the time. And the implications of such a worldview are brought out in interesting manners in the game world. I recall all the conversations about the underlying philosophy and how it did, or could have, played out in the game world. And it's rare for games to inspire such spirited and substantive debate. But even beyond the 'world lore', there is a well thought out and captivating drama taking place in the background. Of a protagonist living a lie and unknowingly being taken advantage of. Which plays into the larger 'Man as the creator of his own destiny' philosophy, which is ingenious. The only real, objective issue with the game is that it is (supposedly) difficult to launch. Bioshock runs on a heavily modified version of Unreal Engine 2, which is probably why so many people experience technical issues with it. I didn't, but I see all the guides and forum threads asking and offering solutions. And yes, this game looks incredible even today (probably due to good art direction), but it's actually running on an extremely outdated game engine (even for the time). There is a 'remaster' whose purpose is entirely to get the game to run on modern systems. Because it doesn't 'remaster' anything. If anything, it actually looks worse in certain parts. But whatever the case, and however you play the game, it's one of those 'hall of fame' type of games that everyone should play. My praise for SS2 carries over to Bioshock. Only in much stronger terms.
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BioShock is considered an FPS classic, bringing in mechanics and ideas that is today considered typical for most games in that genre. Does it hold up? Both yes and no. The story in Bioshock is mainly told through pre-recorded tapes and radio communications with other characters. At the time it was an interesting way to convey the story in a game that was mostly action, but as more games starting taking after it got old pretty quick. But the world building is still intriguing, you have Rapture which is underground city built by a business man who essentially goes full Ayn Rand, wantingto build his own libertarian society without kings, governments and religion - only man. When you arrive to Rapture however, all of those dreams are crushed. Instead you arrive to the aftermath of an event that occurred on New Years Eve 1959. It is noticable that the devs of Bioshock wanted you to be able to do a lot within the game, following the pattern of its predecessor System Shock. You have various weaponry together with the powers you can acquire through using injectable plasmids (telekinesis, fire and electric powers, etc.). But in the end it feels too much, as there is also a hacking and crafting system thrown in which makes you as the player having to keep up with a lot of different gameplay mechanics and systems. Overall, it is not a bad game by any means but playing it today you realize that both the genre and the way the game wants to do its story telling has progressed beyond it. It is a game that really paved the way though, and for that it should be given the recognisition it deserves. Unfortunately it is one of those games that you probably just play once or twice, and then never again.
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Rating: 10/10 BioShock, released in 2007 by 2K Games and developed by Irrational Games, is one of the most iconic and influential FPS games of all time. Combining deep storytelling, immersive world-building, and unique gameplay mechanics, BioShock delivers an unforgettable experience that blends philosophical themes with tense survival horror elements. Whether you're exploring the haunting underwater city of Rapture for the first time or replaying to catch every detail, BioShock remains an absolute must-play. Why BioShock is a Timeless Classic 🌊 Incredible Setting – Welcome to Rapture The game’s biggest strength is Rapture, a beautifully crafted underwater dystopia, built as a utopia of freedom and innovation but ultimately destroyed by greed, power, and madness. From the moment you descend into the ocean, the game grips you with its haunting atmosphere and stunning Art Deco architecture. 📖 A Deep and Thought-Provoking Story BioShock is more than just an FPS—it’s a narrative masterpiece. It explores themes of free will, objectivism, and morality, heavily inspired by Ayn Rand’s philosophy. The story twists and turns in unexpected ways, leading to one of the most famous plot twists in gaming history. 🔫 Satisfying and Unique Gameplay The mix of guns and Plasmids (genetic powers) creates incredibly fun combat. You can freeze enemies, set them on fire, electrocute water puddles, or turn enemies against each other. This freedom allows for creative and strategic encounters. 🧬 Little Sisters and Big Daddies – A Moral Dilemma Throughout the game, you must decide whether to harvest or save the Little Sisters, which affects the story’s outcome. Protecting or fighting the terrifying Big Daddies, their monstrous guardians, makes for some of the most intense fights in the game. 🎶 Incredible Sound Design and Atmosphere The eerie 50s-era music, distant whale calls, and creepy echoes of insane Splicers roaming Rapture make every corridor unsettling. The voice acting is also top-tier, with unforgettable performances that bring Rapture’s tragic inhabitants to life. Any Flaws? ❌ Some Clunky Combat Mechanics The shooting mechanics can feel a little stiff compared to modern FPS games, but the unique powers and strategy compensate for this. ❌ Hacking Minigame Can Be Repetitive Hacking turrets and vending machines is useful, but the pipe-connecting minigame gets old fast. Fortunately, later games refined this mechanic. Conclusion BioShock isn’t just a great game—it’s a work of art. Its story, setting, and atmosphere make it a must-play for any gamer who loves deep narratives and immersive worlds. 🔹 Rating: 10/10 – A masterpiece that still holds up today. Would you kindly play it?
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Frequently Asked Questions
BioShock™ is currently priced at 19.99€ on Steam.
BioShock™ is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 19.99€ on Steam.
BioShock™ received 29,127 positive votes out of a total of 30,931 achieving an impressive rating of 9.22.
😍
BioShock™ was developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia and published by 2K.
BioShock™ is playable and fully supported on Windows.
BioShock™ is not playable on MacOS.
BioShock™ is not playable on Linux.
BioShock™ is a single-player game.
BioShock™ does not currently offer any DLC.
BioShock™ does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
BioShock™ does not support Steam Remote Play.
BioShock™ is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for BioShock™.
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The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.
Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 21 January 2026 02:21 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 27 January 2026 03:43 |
| Steam price | 28 January 2026 20:46 |
| Steam reviews | 27 January 2026 21:50 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about BioShock™, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about BioShock™
- SteamCharts - Analysis of BioShock™ concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck BioShock™ compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
44
Developer
2K Boston,
2K Australia
Publisher
2K
Release
21 Aug 2007
Platforms