Too busy to devote 12+ hours a day to your gaming habit? Here's a review that's sensitive to your needs: Short and focused on just the things that a busy gamer like you really needs to know.
Reviewed On: Xbox 360. Also available for PlayStation 3.
In a Nutshell: Minerva's Den is comprised of three entirely new single-player BioShock 2 levels, including new storyline, plasmids and weapons. The story enhances, but does not exactly expand, the BioShock 2 lore. While the primary characters – namely you plus the people talking to you via radio – are new to the BioShock universe, the story is basically the same. Someone wants to take over, we know what's good for you, are you good or are you evil, yadda yadda yadda, let's go harvest some Adam.
That is, until you get to level 2, when you start to put together just how deeply weird things were getting down there. By the end of Act III, you'll have the full, tragic picture. I should have guessed what was going on, but must admit that I was too immersed to think about it. Had the story played out over 11 levels, I think it would have been obvious. In this case, shorter is better. Savor the final details – you'll know you're there when the voice tells you to "take your time." Check out EVERYTHING, get up close and read. It will break your heart.
Learning Curve: Small, since you've probably beat at least BioShock 2 since it's required to run the DLC. The splicers are a mix of old and new, with one particularly nasty barrel-chested dude adding to the fun. And by fun I mean pain. The first level is especially tough, as you start out without a lot of powers or weaponry and won't find much to help you at first - and you have to deal with the little sisters to get Adam (to pay for most plasmids). Stick with it, once you're powered up it's a (winter) blast. If you haven't played any of the games, well – put your BioShock 2 disk in first and get acquainted. The training in the DLC is minimal.
The Save Game: Gotta love the BioShock series: You can save anywhere, which I recommend doing early and often. You'll have multiple save slots – use them. In addition, you'll find checkpoints throughout the game. If you die, you'll respawn at the nearest checkpoint and the world will be in the same shape you left it. Splicers and fellow Daddies will retain any damage done, although Splicers do have the ability to heal themselves at health stations.
Family Factor: None. As with BioShock and BioShock 2, Minerva's Den is strictly for the grown-ups.
Buy or Skip? If you're even a small fan of the series, I highly recommend this add-on mission. I loved the story, and look forward to having another pass through to pick up some achievements I missed the first time around. If you didn't care much for BioShock 2 or prefer the multiplayer modes, save your money.
On a Personal Note: Another fantastic entry in one of my favorite intellectual properties! While the game is designed to be completed in a brisk 5 hours, I savored it over about 8 by revisiting areas over and over to find missing items, putting together the story and generally enjoying the view. The next BioShock is up in the air (I'm not being vague - it's actually set amidst the clouds!), which makes this journey to the bottom of the sea seem ever more like the watery grave it represents.
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