Bioshock 2 gets tested, leaves us undecided

Value
As games continue to sit at the $50 mark I am beginning to expect more and more from them. I have found that the last three we have looked at have not been worth the price when you consider what you are getting. As for Bioshock 2 I am not convinced that $50 [even on steam] is the way to go here. I like the game so far but after 30 minutes of game play I am undecided. If the game does not open up and become less linear and scripted then I would say it is not worth the money right now. If it does, well we will see at that time.

Conclusion
I am completely undecided about Bioshock 2. On the one hand I love the familiar look and feel of the game. The new AI is great and adds to the new combat capabilities of your character. The environment and game setting is well done and adds a sinister and oppressive feel to the game. Unfortunately the background music does kill it for me after a few minutes, but if you turn it down that is ok. The gore and rather creepy [and almost inappropriate] imagery and content do not bother me though they may others; instead I felt they added a sense of brooding and stifling evil to the game.

On the other hand the game appears to be very linear with a heavily mission based style and is scripted to a great extent. The constricted view and sluggish movements of the main character also do not help to win my favour; as I play longer the more annoying it becomes [Although you could argue that they add realism to the game]. The need to use Windows Live is annoying and makes me not want to play [to be perfectly honest].  

For now, if you are a big fan of the first or do not mind linear games and creepy horror driven environments then Bioshock 2 is probably right up your alley. For the rest of you, you may want to wait until the price drops or we get a better feel for the direction of the game.