bioshock 2
Latest
Bioshock 2 for Mac (finally) out now
Better late than never, I guess. Bioshock 2 has finally (more than two years after the PC release) arrived on the Mac as a port from Feral Interactive. This one is the sequel to the classic title from Ken Levine (who's currently working on the next game in the series, Bioshock Infinite), and while it's not quite as good as the original, it does add some new elements to the gameplay, and if nothing else, will return you to Rapture, the ruined underwater city that's been one of the most fascinating settings in video games over the last decade or so. This version also contains the Fall of Rapture multiplayer game, so you can face off against other players online if you like. The price is $30.99, and you can grab the game from Feral Interactive directly, or pick it up on the Mac App Store.
BioShock 2 emerges on Mac today
BioShock 2 is out on Mac today, in just enough time for you to enjoy the entire game before playing BioShock Infinite on anything but Mac this October -- although if you enjoy waiting, we hear the Vita version still doesn't have a release date. BioShock 2 on Mac includes the multiplayer component, The Fall of Rapture, as well as the complete campaign.Irrational previously announced BioShock 2 would hit Mac in January, published by Feral Interactive. Turns out half of that statement was true, and BioShock 2 is today available for Mac download via the Feral store, Mac App Store, Gamersgate, Gamefly, Mac Game Store and Macgames.fr.
2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume
2K Marin is busy busting some alien assignations with the first-person version of XCOM, but apparently it has plenty of artillery to throw around. J.R. Hogarth de la Plante, one of the founders of 2K Marin in 2007 and the lead artist/level architect on the BioShock series, lists an "Unannounced Title" for which he is the art director, right on his resume.Hogarth de la Plante doesn't describe the new title itself, but does explain that it's a brand new IP that he and four other directors are inventing and pitching internally. If it's still open to improvisation, Mr. Hogarth, may we suggest a stylized, top-down 2D adventure, played as a Little Sister as she fights her way through the terrifying realm of 1980s high school? You're welcome.
Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012
The Steam Holiday Sale doesn't stop for anyone or anything -- not the end of a year, an era or the world -- and today, New Year's Eve 2011, is no different. The 13th day of the Steam Holiday Sale offers 75 percent off L.A. Noire, Bit.Trip Runner, the Hitman franchise, Magicka, both BioShocks, Hoard, GRID and the Counter-Strike series, and more titles at various other deduction rates. Check out all the deals before the year and our life as we know it ends.
BioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012
It's been nearly two years since BioShock 2 first came out on consoles and PC -- but, oddly enough, the game's still not finished being released. Next month, the game finally gets ported to Mac OS X and, like the first BioShock, the work is being done by Mac dev Feral Interactive, who will also handle distribution of the game online. Maybe you're staunchly opposed to buying games from Feral Interactive's website, for fear of the game being untrainable and potentially disease-ridden? Gamersgate will also be offering the game as a bundle with the first, so you can totally chill out. BioShock 2 for OS X will become available at some point next month, but if you really want to give Feral your money early the company is already accepting pre-orders.
Finally, Minerva's Den coming to BioShock 2 PC
BioShock 2 add-on "Minerva's Den" will finally make its way to PC on May 31 for 800 MSP ($10) -- that means you'll need to be hooked up to Games for Windows Live. The BioShock 2 DLC became available on consoles late last year, and in our review we found it to be a "very interesting and value-packed single-player expansion." The road to a PC release of "Minerva's Den" has been long and awkward ever since it was announced late last year. The last time the DLC's potential PC release popped up on radar was January. Repeated requests for an update had 2K Games explaining it had "no new information at this time." So, while it may be seriously late, at least it wasn't canceled. (Why not just say so, 2K?)
2K Games DLC marked down for Xbox Live Deal of the Week
If you're of the opinion that the respective, already-pretty-massive worlds of BioShock 2, Borderlands and Mafia 2 could use a little expanding, you can do so on the cheap this week. Xbox Live Marketplace has discounted select DLC for the three titles as its current Deal of the Week.
BioShock 1 and 2 prices take a dive to $5 on Steam today
If you've got a fiver, a decent computer and the steely nerves required to navigate a subaquatic, mutant-filled labyrinth, you should turn your eyes to Steam today. The digital retailer has both BioShock and BioShock 2 on sale for $4.99 a piece as part of its "2K Week" promotion.
BioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day
We'll probably never be able to realize our vision for a video game based on a crime syndicate that operates solely out of subaquatic tunnels. However, Amazon's offering the next best thing: BioShock 2 and Mafia 2 are marked down to $11 and $15, respectively, as the Deal of the Day promotion.
BioShock 2 PC DLC comes out before it's ready
Well, we've got good news and bad news for folks who've long awaited the PC version of BioShock 2's downloadable content. The good news? According to a few users on the game's official forum, the Protector Trials expansion was released on the Games for Windows Marketplace earlier this week for $5.75. The bad news? It ... um, doesn't work. Like, at all. It seems like the PC version of the game needs to be patched before the DLC will become compatible. A 2K representative confirmed on the forums, "wait till my word before you go grab it - it's not ready yet." But when will it be ready? If we were to wager a guess, we'd say anywhere from "soon" to "six months ago."
Tons of 2K Games and Rockstar DLC on sale through Xbox Live
Are any of your many, many 2K Games or Rockstar titles for Xbox 360 in need of a little expansion? Maybe you'd like to have an Undead Nightmare on the Zombie Island of Dr. Ned? Perhaps a visit to Minerva's Den to settle Jimmy's Vendetta? Itching to sing The Ballad of Gay Tony in ... um, the Underdome? These analogies are escaping us, but our bloodhound-esque nose for value is not: All the aforementioned DLC, as well as quite a few other BioShock 2, Mafia 2, Borderlands and Red Dead Redemption expansions are on sale through Xbox Live until January 31. There are also a few avatar items discounted, not to mention a few full classic games such as Sid Meier's Pirates and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. You're not likely to see a fire sale of this scope on the platform any time soon -- check after the jump for the full list of encheapened items.
BioShock 2 DLC draws closer to release on PC
PC gamers anxious to extend their BioShock 2 experience should pop a Paying Attention plasmid right now: those add-ons are still coming. The first of the two campaign add-ons offered to console gamers, Protector Trials, is currently on track to be submitted for certification at the end of January. Once approved, there shouldn't be too long of a wait before aspiring father figure types can get to protectin' their younger, creepier sisters. As for Minerva's Den, it'll be a longer wait: 2K Games says it's on track to submit to certification in early March. The delay comes from the fact that the PC port of the acclaimed add-on was only in the earliest stages of development when 2K Games decided it didn't want to pursue a PC release, only to subsequently change its mind. If you want to know more, check out this thread on the 2K forums, where community manager Elizabeth Tobey is promising to answer questions.
Direct2Drive lights a fire sale on 2K titles this week
Direct2Drive has launched a promotion in which it designates a "Publisher of the Week," and then takes a different game from said publisher and cuts its price in twain (or more) each weekday. This week, it's 2K's turn, resulting in mad price cuts on gems like Borderlands and BioShock 2.
Bioshock 2 DLC and patch back in development for PC
You may recall the manner in which the internet exploded earlier this month, when 2K Games explained that no single-player BioShock 2 DLC or future patches were in development for the PC version of the game. It's time for these oft-scorned gamers to take back all the mean things they said upon hearing that news. 2K Games reversed its position in light of the passionate response from its community and has "resumed development" on the excellent "Minerva's Den" and "Protector Trials" DLC, as well as on the game's final patch. A 2K representative said on the game's official forums that the patch and Protector Trials should get through certification in December, at which point they'll both be released to the PC community for free. The company has no idea when Minerva's Den will be finished, but 2K has allocated resources to completing its PC version. See? Everything's going to be fine. Just ... put down that giant, deadly drill, okay? [Thanks Andrew!]
BioShock 2 DLC marked down this week on XBLM
Though the deals don't cover what is arguably the game's best expansion, Minerva's Den, you should still look to the Xbox Live Marketplace this week if you're looking for some BioShock 2 supplementals. Check out the full list of temporary discounts on DLC and Avatar items below.
Alan Wake, Epic Mickey among award-nominated video game scores
Set to be announced in advance of the Hollywood Music In Media Conference running November 18-20, 2010 in -- where else -- Hollywood, CA, the 2010 Hollywood Music In Media Awards nominees include nine video game scores under the category of Visual Media. The bombastic orchestral sounds of God of War 3 and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood are joined by the more moody fare of Alan Wake and -- a bit out of left field -- the score to Disney Epic Mickey. The winning score will be revealed on November 11, 2010, and you can find the complete list of nominees after the break. Cue dramatic end-of-post theme.
2K Games has no plans to bring Bioshock 2 DLC to PC
If you're a PC gamer that's been waiting to get your feet wet in BioShock 2's pair of DLC expansions, the "Protector Trials" and "Minerva's Den," you're in for a disappointing next few minutes. A 2K Games representative recently commented on the game's official forums, explaining that "we will also not be offering Protector Trials and Minerva's Den on the PC in the future," citing "timing and technical issues" as the reason for the expansions' non-appearance. The representative went on to apologize for "the disappointment this will cause to PC players out there," though we wouldn't worry too much about that, as PC gamers are almost certainly used to it by this point.
BioShock 2: Minerva's Den review: Turing Rapture
I don't care much for video games -- well, not when I'm playing them inside another video game. I can appreciate the recursive wink and what it says about the hours we devote to entertainment as life continues around us, but in the wrong context it can dissolve a game's sense of urgency. It's classic Shenmue syndrome. If you have the time and impulse to pet a cat, get a haircut and play a computer game, then maybe your quest isn't all that important. %Gallery-100380%
BioShock 2 'Minerva's Den' DLC hits PS3, 360 Aug. 31 for $10
2K Marin has finally revealed the launch date for BioShock 2's final DLC offering, Minerva's Den. On August 31, the DLC will launch on PSN and Xbox Live simultaneously for $9.99 and 800 MS Points, respectively. Games For Windows Live users will have to wait until "a later date" for the DLC. Minerva's Den adds three new areas to explore in the titular level and runs parallel to the main story, meaning players need not complete the BioShock 2 campaign before struggling with whether they'll decide to harvest or adopt the six new Little Sisters peppered throughout. 2K Marin also revealed that, as an added incentive to those who picked up Protector Trials, players will be given access to the Master Protector tonic in Minerva's Den, which simultaneously increases the harvest times for any Little Sister you're chaperoning and the ADAM they collect. This tonic can be accessed via any Gatherer's Garden. Be sure to read our preview of Minerva's Den, which includes impressions of a new weapon, an all-new Plasmid and the new Big Daddy type, the Lancer.%Gallery-100380%
'Minerva's Den' BioShock 2 DLC Preview: Stomping around as Sigma
Minerva's Den is the final piece of BioShock 2 DLC you'll ever get. Taking place in parallel to the main story of the game, this $9.99/800 MS Point add-on puts players in the huge, metallic boots of Subject Sigma, another Alpha-series Big Daddy who just isn't having a great day in the underwater metropolis of Rapture. Instead of dealing with Sophia Lamb, Sigma has his own nemesis to contend with: Reed Wahl. You see, Reed Wahl holds the keys to the kingdom of Minerva's Den, which itself houses one of Rapture's greatest assets: The Thinker. It's a gigantic super computer unlike any other controlling the Rapture Central Computing district. Aiding Sigma is a character you may have forgotten about, because she kinda just disappeared at the beginning of the game: Brigid Tennenbaum. %Gallery-100380%
