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The first thing pointed out to me as I collected my copy of Bioshock 2 from the porter was how bloody big the damn thing is, having ordered the special edition (I like cool useless pointless extras with my games). A 13"x13" box with the game, some posters, quite a large artbook (larger than I expected), soundtrack samples on CD and the original Bioshock soundtrack in the pure nostalgic form of a 12" Vinyl. I don't care what you say, complete value for money.

Anyway, time to talk about the game. Set in the fictional underwater city of Rapture you play as 'Subject Delta' the prototype of the Big Daddies, genetically modifed armour-clad guardians of the city. You wake up in 1968 without any recollection of the last 10 years and set out on a mission to find your Little Sister (One of many genetically altered girls needed to ensure a constant supply of the materials needed to fuel various genetic powers the cities inhabitants have).
The single player campaign so far is very similar to the original, containing its strengths as well as its weaknesses, this however can be made up for the fact in this game you have a giant drill attached to your right arm, something that makes quick work of enemies. However the narrative remains almost exactly the same. Start game > no idea what's going on > someone tells you to help them against tyranical overlord > you follow and nearly die a couple of times etc...
Yet one of the things that made Bioshock 1 so good was the narrative and focus on story telling, so it's no fault to the developers, why fix it if it isn't broken? However when Bioshock 3 comes around I'd like a bit more variety to the story. Just a thought.

On to multiplayer then, something new in Bioshock 2. Set in 1959 just before the whole city went to hell, you're a tester for the new brands of genetic weaponry being developed and blah blah blah, you fight, you gain experience, you level up. If you've ever played online multiplayer before say with Call of Duty or Halo, don't expect to find much different. It's not really unique and doesnt stand out above other multiplayer modes but hey, at least it's not worse.

Overall I'm enjoying playing Bioshock 2 and hoping the enjoyment lasts throughout my playtime. Being similar to the first, which did keep me entertained while I meandered around the maps earning Achievements, Bioshock 2 holds great promise to once again do the same.
(However I'd just like to point out that my copies of Bioshock 1 and 2 both have the same odd smell other games do not, what the heck's that all about?)