Bioshock 2

Well, that's me done with Bioshock 2.  Unfortunately, when I say done, I don't mean I completed the game.  I mean I won't be playing any further.

The main problem is that I keep running into a save game issue where my save file keeps getting corrupted.  I've restarted the Ryan Amusements level 4-5 times now and at this point, I just can't be bothered restarting again.

In addition to the save file problem, which I could probably get around if I was determined enough, I'm also not enjoying the game that much.  Primarily the reason is that the game itself is too similar to Bioshock - to the extent that I feel like I'm playing Bioshock 1.5 rather than an actual sequel.

The main issue I'm having with the game is actually the narrative - or rather, the fact that the mechanics of the game go completely counter to the games narrative.

In Bioshock 2, you are supposed to be a Big Daddy.

If you're familiar with the game, you will know that Big Daddy's are big monstrous creatures who are fully encased in deep diver suits.  They are big, hulking creatures which are extremely dangerous and extremely hard to kill.

Unfortunately, none of that translates to the actual gameplay.

In game, you are completely squishy - in fact, as squishy as you were at the start of Bioshock when you were just a normal plebby human.  In addition, you don't even feel like a big monstrous creature when moving around.  You zip around just as if you were a normal human.  The game tries to sell how big you are by adding in some sounds but the problem is that it doesn't work because the only thing that is different Bioshock is the sound.  For example, if you drop off some crates onto the floor, you hear a big clang as you land.  But the screen doesn't show how ponderous you are.  It feels like they took the animation from Bioshock and just added in the extra sound effect.

To be fair, I'm probably nit-picking here.  However, the net result is that I never felt like a Big Daddy and I just could't get past that in my mind when I was playing.  Unfortunately, I just wasn't able to immerse myself in the experience.