Did Bioshock really need a sequel?

Games come in all flavors of win and fail. You’ll have the “don’t even rent this game” game, the rental, the great multiplayer game; and finally – the masterpiece of a single player experience. As it may go without saying, a small amount of games fall into that last category. 2K Games achieved this badge for the original Bioshock. When it was released in 2007, Bioshock made a lasting impression on reviewers and gamers alike. It stood out with its perfect blend of first-person shooting and RPG gameplay. On top of the game mechanics being perfect, the story really carried this game home. Without spoiling anything, I can personally say that the twists in Bioshock had me compelled up until the final boss fight. The city of Rapture really set the dark and ominous mood as well. Bioshock is a near perfect game, and the story ended pretty conclusively. All loose ends were tied up, and the fates of our characters were all basically given to us. At least I had no questions about what would happen next, because the ending pretty much told me. Yet here we are; almost 3 years later, and Bioshock 2 is released.

The game was originally rumored to be a prequel – which I was extremely excited for. What would be better than exploring and fighting in an underwater city filled with mutants and biomechanical monsters? The answer: seeing how this underwater city became filled with mutants and biomechanical monsters, of course! Later we’d learn that Bioshock 2 takes place in 1968 – eight years after the original Bioshock. There is no continuity from the original storyline; you play as an entirely new main character. The player is to assume the role of Subject Delta – the original “Big Daddy”. While some characters from the original game were worked into the new story, it seems clear that Bioshock was never intended to be a series. The story almost comes off as a spin-off rather than a sequel. Most of the formula remains the same, aside from some new abilities and the use of a gigantic arm-drill; but is the magic of the first game once again captured, or is 2K just trying to squeeze this franchise dry?