Topic: Bioshock 1+2 -> Update: PC HD Remasters have some issues...

[MysterD]

NEW -- 9-17-2016:
OWNet - Bioshock 1+2 HD Remasters on PC released and do have some issues.

OLDER:
BioShock 2:
MAJOR Bioshock 2 PC update -> Bioshock 2 keys from retail + digital can activate up on Steam to get Bioshock 2 + ALL DLC; Steam-version drops G4WL & now has full-blown Steamworks support.
Protector Trials DLC for PC coming FREE on March 14th; PC Patch coming March 14th, as well.Joystiq -> Bioshock 2: Protector Trials PC DLC released too early - it doesn't work.
2K Forums -> Update from 2K Elizabeth on Bioshock 2 DLC and upcoming patch for the PC.
2K Forums -> Last two Bioshock 2 DLC and Patch coming to PC - Protector Trials will be FREE.
2K Forums -> 2K Elizabeth announces NO Protector Trials nor Minerva's Den DLC coming to the PC.
Kotaku -> Bioshock 2: Minerva's Den $DLC Review.
Bioshock 2 - Protector Trials Pack SP $DLC announced.
...
PC Games has got some early concept art for Bioshock 2 - it's fake.

[sirean_syan]

Oy. Too soon.

[MysterD]

Oy. Too soon.

You kinda knew 2K Marin was gonna try to pump out a new Bioshock sequel quickly, after their major falling-out w/ Ken Levine in 2K Boston.

[Quemaqua]

I agree.  Way too soon.  I have zero interest.

[gpw11]

I'd play a sequel if it were to come out now.  Chances are we're looking at around 2 years from now, so I think the world will be ready.

[gpw11]

Aparently it's fan art.

[JacksRag(e)]

No apparently.  It is fan art.  Done by a college student.  His assignment was to create images of a sequel or prequel to a video game or movie.  This is what he came up with.  I like how it's definitively Bioshock 2 concept art.  Nice investigative abilities.

[Cobra951]

Somebody has egg on their face.

[Pugnate]

D is like our own little tabloid.

[MysterD]

Oh well... *shrug*

[sirean_syan]

It's not the first time I'm glad D's been wrong.

[MysterD]

Shacknews has word that Bioshock 2 has been announced and is being developed by 2K Marin.

And in some sort of form, Levine will be involved....to what extent, it's right now unknown.

Planned release date: sometime in Q4 2009.

BioShock 2 Officially Announced for Q4 2009 Release; Ken Levine Involvement Confirmed
by Chris Faylor and Nick Breckon Mar 11, 2008 4:09pm CST

Publisher Take-Two Interactive today officially confirmed that a sequel to 2K Boston's underwater shooter BioShock will arrive during the company's fiscal fourth quarter in 2009.

Take-Two's fourth quarter runs from August through the end of October.

BioShock 2 is under development by the Novato, California-based studio 2K Marin. The new development house is rumored to consist of several former 2K Boston and 2K Australia employees.

The publisher also announced that BioShock creator Ken Levine will be involved in the development of the sequel, though his role on the project was not specified. Levine's home studio of 2K Boston is rumored to be working on a new X-COM title.

"[Ken Levine] is critical to BioShock," said a Take-Two representative.

No platforms were announced. The game will likely make an appearance on both Xbox 360 and PC, and comments made earlier in the year by 2K Games president Christopher Hartmann indicate the game could also make an appearance on PlayStation 3.

[MysterD]

Viral Marketing Campaign has begun for Bioshock 2 -- all over the Internet and the streets.

BioShock 2 Teaser Site
   
[Mar 05, 2009, 4:29 pm ET] - Share - 5 Comments
There's Something in the Sea (www.somethinginthesea.com} is online as a viral teaser site for BioShock 2, the upcoming shooter prequel/sequel in the works at 2K Games. The Flash site shows a world map with an X over the UK dated 2/20/67. There are three clues "pinned" to the map, including a newspaper clipping datelined with that date and the location of Liscannor, Co, Clare, so presumably this seaside Irish town is the precise location of that marking. The clipping describes the kidnapping of a young girl, and the other clues are a photo of a Big Daddy doll, and a note speculating this is a clue in the kidnapping, as are "wet footprints" (hmmm).

Kotaku also has a reproduction of a real-life hand-drawn (looking) poster teasing the site taped to a light-pole in some unnamed town.

Thanks Shacknews and nin.

[Pugnate]

http://kotaku.com/5165836/big-sisters-stalk-onto-bioshock-2

This strikes me as a bit unnecessary.

[MysterD]

We got a Bioshock 2 thread going already, which really has yet to grow...

Can we combine these two threads?

Anyways, Big Sisters, eh? Not sure what to make of that, yet...Info is too early.
Though, the more different types of enemies, the better, I'd say...

[Quemaqua]

Merged.

I don't know, but is it just me or is the prospect of Bioshock 2 still pretty underwhelming?  I just can't get excited about it, and I think a big part of that is because Ken Levine isn't a part of it.  I just don't have faith that the game is going to be as special as the first.

[Xessive]

It seems interesting but I too am skeptical since Levine's not involved.

[MysterD]

I don't know, but is it just me or is the prospect of Bioshock 2 still pretty underwhelming?

We're getting teased with info. So, yeah -- way too early to tell, I think.

I think the most interesting aspect of Bioshock 2 is part of it is a sequel (to the original Bioshock), some of it is a prequel (to the original Bioshock). The tying together of all of this is going to be very interesting, storyline-wise.

There's not much  I just can't get excited about it, and I think a big part of that is because Ken Levine isn't a part of it.

I just don't have faith that the game is going to be as special as the first.

Isn't that how it goes with most sequels?

I think that is why we don't see Levine and Irrational 2K Boston involved with doing many sequels to the games and IP's that they decide to make.

I mean, what games from them have had actual sequels? Freedom Force?
I don't think they do many expansions, either -- SWAT4 has an original game and expansion.

[Quemaqua]

I generally have no reason to doubt sequels.  You hear all the time that sequels suck, but with games I find that's rarely the case.  Movies, yes.  Movie sequels are very frequently crap compared to the first, usually because they're shameless cash-ins with no real value (see: Jurassic Park versus it's 2 horrendous, shit-garbage sequels), but game sequels are often good.  Disciples II, Doom 2, Dawn of War II, God of War 2, Killzone 2, Silent Hill 2, 3, 5, for some people Half-life 2... the list could go on nearly forever.  So yes, generally I do expect the thought of a sequel to excite me, and if it doesn't, that is often a very bad sign.

[MysterD]

I generally have no reason to doubt sequels.  You hear all the time that sequels suck, but with games I find that's rarely the case.  Movies, yes.  Movie sequels are very frequently crap compared to the first, usually because they're shameless cash-ins with no real value (see: Jurassic Park versus it's 2 horrendous, shit-garbage sequels), but game sequels are often good.

In gaming, you're right -- more frequently than in movies, games have a chance in a sequel to be better than the original. Though, there have been times were the original's much better than the sequel b/c not much new was really introduced in the gameplay and graphics department.

Usually adding tons of new gameplay features, quests/missions, and upgraded graphics -- that's a winning combo for a gaming sequel. That is why the GTA's and Elder Scrolls get better usually with each installment.
 

Disciples II, Doom 2, Dawn of War II, God of War 2, Killzone 2, Silent Hill 2, 3, 5, for some people Half-life 2... the list could go on nearly forever.  So yes, generally I do expect the thought of a sequel to excite me, and if it doesn't, that is often a very bad sign.

As far as SH goes, I think 1 and 2 are the best ones in the series; followed by #3; and #4 is the worst of the bunch (even though #4 is decent). I ain't played #5 yet, so no comment there on that one....

About HL2 vs. HL1, HL2's the better game.

[MysterD]

Bluesnews reports on that CVG says that like PC Gamer on their 200th Anniversary will have the first preview for Bioshock 2.

Also, for those into the tidbits and viral marketing that been going on with BS2, even more is going on right on their website...

[MysterD]

You will be playing as The First Ever "Big Daddy" in Bioshock 2.

Actual BioShock 2 Details: You Are Big Daddy
by Chris Faylor Mar 13, 2009 3:54pm

Following this morning's brouhaha regarding fake BioShock 2 details, actual information on the game is starting to come out as subscribers receive the latest Game Informer.

The sequel has players assuming control of "the first ever" Big Daddy, according to creative director Jordan Thomas. Players will be armed with a drill, and will also be able to upgrade their weapons and various plasmids.

As you liberate Little Sisters from other Big Daddies, you'll be able to either Harvest or Adopt them. Adoption apparently lets players escort a Little Sister around levels, fighting off splicers as the Little Sister harvests the all-powerful Adam from corpses.

The information surfaced over at the GameSpot Forums, and was backed up by blurry pictures of the article. The posters there and at NeoGAF also a provided wealth of other not-yet-verified details, apparently coming from the same source as the pictures.

Those unconfirmed details are listed below. Shacknews can confirm the validity of the above information, but can't yet say the same for any of the following points:

    * The game is set 10 years after the first BioShock.
    * There will be a multiplayer mode, but no details were given.
    * The Big Sister is a grown-up Little Sister, and she's hunting you.
    * Some levels take place on the sea floor outside of Rapture.
    * The Big Sister will periodically pop up after you kill enough Big Daddies. Her arrival is apparently signaled by a Little Sister singing a song.
    * The Big Sister is described as fast and "the hardest thing in the game." She'll utilize telekinesis to throw objects at you or use them as shields.
    * Your drill overheats, and cannot be used constantly.
    * As a Big Daddy, you'll be able to do that nifty shoulder bash move.
    * Upgrade trees are now more diverse.
    * The Incinerate plasmid allows you to throw a fireball or shoot a stream of fire, depending on upgrades.
    * Using Incinerate on a Cyclone Trap will result in a flaming trap.
    * You can now heal damaged turrets and bots.
    * The game will reveal how Adam is recovered from Little Sisters.

The 2K Marin-developed shooter sequel is set to arrive between August 1 and October 31, 2009, and is "destined" for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The company has yet to state which versions will hit by October's end.

[MysterD]

The PS3, PC, and X360 versions will ALL be coming out at the same time.

Prepare to be pleased, PlayStation 3 owners: BioShock 2 will not be a timed exclusive for the Xbox 360.

A 2K spokesperson told CVG that the company is planning to release the title across all relevant platforms at the same time. “We’re aiming for simultaneous release on all platforms (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC),” said the spokesperson, who added that multiplayer details would be available "soon enough."

The PS3 version of BioShock was released in North America fourteen months after the title made its debut on the Xbox 360. The wait was apparently worth it. Despite some message board rumblings of shoddy texture work and weird game-breaking glitches, videogame critics seemed largely pleased with 2K’s port -- it has a solid 94 average on Metacritic.

So, PS3 owners, how does it feel to know that you’re (probably) returning to Rapture with Xbox 360 and PC crowd?

[MysterD]

Bioshock 2 in-game video

I don't know, guys...I'm not impressed by this video...

[Quemaqua]

Looks exactly like the first game.  Certainly could be worse.  I'm skeptical because Levine isn't leading the project, but if there's cool people working on it, it could still be cool.  Or it might be lame... who knows.  But I thought the video looked great.

[Ghandi]

I got tired of Bioshock after playing a good ways into it. The game itself was great, but for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. Dunno why.

[Pugnate]

The game picks up at the halfway point. If you don't know what I am talking about, then you have to get to that point first.

[MysterD]

Looks exactly like the first game.

That's what probably left me unimpressed. It don't look like the HUD or anything has changed at all.

Certainly could be worse. I'm skeptical because Levine isn't leading the project, but if there's cool people working on it, it could still be cool.  Or it might be lame... who knows.  But I thought the video looked great.

I mean, yes -- the water part did look really good and all...but maybe I'm just looking for the more NEW graphical technologies thrown in here or something?

It just left me feeling like -- "Bioshock 1.5?"

Maybe I expect too much, after some 2 years??

[Quemaqua]

Yeah, it hasn't been long enough.  This is just a new game using the same engine, it looks like.  Which is fine with me.  I don't require a big tech upgrade for every sequel.  Hell, I don't really even want one.  I think too many games wait to and try to bust out impressive new tech for sequels instead of focusing on making a good game.

[MysterD]

Yeah, it hasn't been long enough.  This is just a new game using the same engine, it looks like.  Which is fine with me.  I don't require a big tech upgrade for every sequel.  Hell, I don't really even want one.  I think too many games wait to and try to bust out impressive new tech for sequels instead of focusing on making a good game.

Regardless of being unimpressed w/ graphical stuff, I'll definitely be still looking forward at this one, when it comes out -- I do like that you can be a Big Daddy now and have a drill.

I'm guessing the MP will be probably pretty interesting, as well.

[iPPi]

I got tired of Bioshock after playing a good ways into it. The game itself was great, but for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. Dunno why.

I had the same problem with the game... if you manage to get yourself to the half way point though the game immediately becomes really good because the plot picks up a lot.

[Pugnate]

Yea, what I didn't mention earlier, was that I had the same problem. After the initial excitement, I wasn't really compelled to play until that point.

[Ghandi]

I dunno if I got to that point or not. What happens?

[Pugnate]

See, you aren't there yet. Don't even dare look it up. Just persist and it will be totally worth it. Trust me.

[iPPi]

Agreed.

[Quemaqua]

I don't know what you guys are smoking anyway.  How is exploring the insanely unique environment not compelling enough on its own?  Maybe your problem is not getting immersed enough?  I mean that seriously.  Was something distracting you or were there any outside circumstances that might have gotten in the way?  For me, even if the game had been devoid of plot I think I could have gone through the whole thing just to see more of it.

[Ghandi]

Actually the reason I never finished was because I got Fallout3. And when I tried to get back into it, the game kept locking up every 5 minutes, which was frustrating. Once I get my system fixed I'm gonna finish it.

[MysterD]

See, you aren't there yet. Don't even dare look it up. Just persist and it will be totally worth it. Trust me.

We don't even want to spoil one of the greatest twists and turns in gaming history.

[scottws]

Bioshock was a good game and I did finish it, but I consider it to be very overrated.  The environment was cool and ultimately that is what kept me interested enough to finish, but I found the game to be very repetitive overall.  Except for the end.  That was different, quite vastly different.  Not really in a good way.

[Xessive]

I agree with Scott, it was overrated. The game is good but it's not groundbreaking or anything. I was glad that 2K had focused on making it an action shooter rather than a more complex hybrid like System Shock. I appreciate its simplicity and that anyone can just pick it up and get into it.

I don't know if I'd be very keen about playing as a Big Daddy as shown in that B2 gameplay video. It looks kinda cool but I'm not a fan of big, sluggish movement. In the original I played it like a ninja (much like how I play most games when I can). With plasmids like Chameleon and Wrench Jockey how could I resist?