BioShock 2: Rapture Metro Pack
Score: 80% Publisher: 2K Games Developer: 2K Marin Media: Download/1 Players: 2 - 10 (Online) Genre: First Person Shooter/Online
Introduction: I'm starting to notice a trend involving BioShock 2 DLC and player complaints. After the Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack dust up, the latest DLC pack, Bioshock 2: Rapture Metro Pack, seems to be causing a stir of its own. In the case of BioShock 2: Rapture Metro Pack, the issue involves access to the six new multiplayer maps. Even if you buy them, there's a chance you won't get to play them. Rather than allowing players to choose which maps they get to play, the new maps are added into the normal rotation. In order to play the maps, everyone in the game has to have them. If at least one person doesn't, the new maps won't show up in the rotation. When I looked at Sinclair Solutions, I attempted to stay out of the line of fire. Sometimes players just need to accept that videogames are a business. But with the recent issues, it's a little harder to sit on the sidelines.
"Only when we are free from it do we know ourselves. ": Rebirth Mode is similar to Modern Warfare's Prestige Mode. Once players hit the level cap of 50, they are given the chance to restart back at level 1. Players hang on to their stats and unlocked weapons, but earn a special mask for their character, as well as an Achievement. The mode is more-or-less around just for bragging rights, but it's pretty cool if you've hit the cap and want to keep playing. Another (free) addition is the new "Kill 'Em Kindly" game type. The mode is free for everyone, regardless of whether or not they purchased "Metro," and offers a new variation of Deathmatch. The new play type replaces arsenals with golf clubs and allows players to chase each other down in melee battles. It's a fun mode.
"Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow?": With Sinclair Solutions, 2K wanted to avoid splintering the player base between those who had the pack and those who didn't. With BioShock2: Rapture Metro Pack, 2K is using the same reasoning -- sort of. In order to make sure everyone gets the best multiplayer experience, new maps are only loaded if everyone owns them. It's a noble idea, but the player base will be segregated either way. Only, instead of the game telling people they can't play, it's players. Though I completely understand the reasoning behind the decision, it feels more like a punishment for those who bought it rather than for those who didn't. Chances are, the hardcore players will have it anyway - so chances are good you'll get to play the new maps - but it's a lofty assumption based on the amount of flack Sinclair Solutions generated. One solution is to start up a private game with people who also have the pack. The downside is you won't unlock two of the three new Achievements. Looking at the actual maps, they're a fun bunch. I'm by no means a master when it comes to multiplayer, but really enjoyed the original maps. They allowed even lower-skilled players a chance to survive, but were still challenging enough for experts. The new maps keep the same pacing.
Value: On the bright side, based on feedback on the official message boards, 2K is actively looking for a fix for the map rotation issue. More than likely, this will mean dedicated spaces for those who have the pack and those who don't. It's not the nicest thing, but it seems like the fairest solution. I'm keeping an eye on the situation and will let you know once something is official. Map issues aside, BioShock 2: Rapture Metro Pack is a good deal. Rebirth Mode is a great option for players who've already hit the level cap and are still hungry for more, and the new maps are cool. Considering similarly priced maps usually come in packs of two or three, six is a steal. Until the kinks are worked out, Rapture Metro is a "your choice" deal. Then again, one more download is another chance for the maps to come up.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: GameVortex's Review of BioShock 2: Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack on Xbox 360 Game Vortex's Review of BioShock 2 on Xbox 360 Official 2K BioShock 2 Multiplayer Boards
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