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Bioshock LE cover art design announced
Over on Bioshock's Cult of Rapture website they've wrapped up and announced the winning design for the Bioshock LE cover art contest. And out of over 150 entries, Adam Meyer's design (as seen to the right) came out victorious and will be etched onto the Bioshock LE metal cover for all to see. Adam will also cash in on the sweet reward, getting not only free copies of Bioshock, but also receiving an all expense paid trip to Bioshock's launch party. Congrats to you Adam, but about you choosing a friend to take with you on your trip. You know how to contact us, we're available anytime in August ... just give us a date.[Via Gaming Bits]
New Bioshock footage makes us happy
As part of last week's X-Play video game Summer Preview they received an exclusive look at Bioshock and got some new in-game footage. And what more can we say? Bioshock is fresh, unique, and one tempting Summer purchase. Hell, the water effects are worth the price of admission and we're not embarrassed to say that the electro-bolt plasmid makes us get all teary-eyed. Actually, our only reservation about the game is that there is no online co-op or multiplayer to speak of, but we're not sure if that really matters in the grand scheme of things. So, where does Bioshock fit on your video game purchase list?[Via Digg]
The Darkness demo slated for early June
A bulletin recently posted by the official MySpace page of the upcoming 2K title, The Darkness, has clarified several details about the new release. The juiciest of these tidbits is the revelation that a demo is slated to be released before the game hits store shelves. The bulletin notes that the demo won't be finished in time to make any magazine covers, so it will download only. Currently, the demo is scheduled to arrive approximately 3 weeks before the title debuts on June 25th, so it should be on Marketplace in the first week of June or so.Also mentioned in the bulletin, a new video has been created, though it has yet to escape the evil clutches of the "certain voluntarily regulatory agencies." We can't imagine what sort of agency would prevent the distribution of horrifyingly violent material, but then again we're to desensitized to judge anymore. The bulletin also reveals that those who pre-order the title from EB or GameStop get an exclusive 2K Sports Darkling that wields a baseball bat. Nice.Here's hoping the demo comes out sooner rather than later.[Thanks, Ben Furneaux]
Rockstar: 360 hindering GTAIV development
Speaking to the Official Playstation Magazine, Rockstar's creative vice president, Dan Houser, noted that the Xbox 360's lack of a guaranteed hard drive poses a challenge for the development of Grand Theft Auto IV. When asked directly about the issue, Houser agreed that the hard drive issue presented limitations. It should be noted, however, that Houser elaborated that both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have their share of challenges. As Houser put it, "both have their own particular pleasures and pains." What exactly these pleasures and pains are is anyone's guess.For what it's worth, the version of Grand Theft Auto IV being shown to the press is running on an Xbox 360. Do with that what you will. [Via Digg]
Bioshock's water is b-e-a-utiful
Bioshock is going to be full of water. Water on the floor, water coming through the walls, water outside the windows, and water in your face. There's a whole bunch of water. And the fine folks at Irrational Games knew they needed to put extra care into making it look perfect. And so, over at the Cult of Rapture website they posted a tech demo of all the water you'll be encountering in Bioshock. Yes, water can be cool to look at and entertaining ... if done right. Now we just need our bubbly soap and a rubber ducky and we'll be golden.[Via 1P Start]
Who's your Big Daddy? BioShock Limited Edition deets
You wanted it, you asked for it, and even though they said you wouldn't get it, now you can: a BioShock Limited Edition for only ten bucks more than the regular version. What does that extra ten-spot score you? Well, we're glad you asked. Inside your embossed BioShock game case, featuring artwork from their cover art contest, will be: the requisite "making of" DVD the soundtrack CD a Big Daddy figurine Not bad for ten bucks. Although does anyone actually watch those "making of" DVDs for games? It's hard to remember if we ever watched the Halo 2 videos in our collector's edition tin. Hmm. The BioShock LE will be available in August, unless it gets pushed again, and will sell for $69.99 only at Gamestop and EB Games locations.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Official details on the Bioshock LE
After getting 2K Games to create a limited edition version of Bioshock, fans then got a chance to vote on what they wanted in their precious LE. And after tallying up all the votes 2K Games just announced the LE specifics. The Bioshock LE will be available the same day as the regular edition (August 21st), sport an embossed case featuring the artwork of the cover art contest winner, and retail for $69.99. The LE will also include a "Making of" DVD, soundtrack CD, and a not so adorable Big Daddy figurine. It's also interesting to note that the Bioshock LE will be exclusively available at Gamestop and EB Games in the US and Canada with European details to come.We're quite impressed with Bioshock's LE offerings, as we haven't seen a LE come this jam-packed with additional content for some time. Do you think all the extra goodies are worth $10 or will you be sticking to the regular edition?
Flying is still in GTAIV (just not in planes)
Among the details revealed about GTAIV a couple weeks back was this little tidbit: "No planes." Many readers were understandably miffed, as flying is one of the more entertaining things to do in Grand Theft Auto. Fear not, fanboys, for we have discovered that flight has not been removed from the series. Game Informer's Andrew Reiner recently spilled the beans whilst speaking to GTANet. According to Reiner, the city is really too small for a plane to make sense, but other craft -- like helicopters -- will definitely make it into the game. That, obviously, is the big news, but Reiner revealed a few other details as well. The camera has been adjusted while driving, making the game feel more like Midnight Club according to Reiner. Also, Reiner was very impressed by the game's visuals (no pop up or loading screens), and notes that retail will look even better than what he saw. He also hints that characters from previous games may make an appearance.Hit the "read" link for the full interview.[Via IGN. Thanks, Rodney]
You're hired! Design Bioshock LE box art
Since it was the people who demanded a Bioshock LE it's only fitting that the people design its box art. From now until May 2nd, 2K Games is asking artistic fans to send in what they think the box art for the Bioshock LE should look like. Yup, they want you to create the box art! If you're the artsy type, be sure to check out all the details after the break. And remember that the designs should be pretty basic and clean (like the example above), because they'll be etching it onto the LE's casing. So, no need to include the Bioshock logo, Xbox 360 junk, or barcode. Oh yeah, the person who submits the winning design will not only see their artwork on the LE, but also get a few copies of the game for free and be flown from anywhere in the world to the Bioshock launch party in August. How can you not love that?
The Big Daddy lurks on Marketplace
Not too long ago, we featured a video that showcased just how difficult it is to take down a Big Daddy in BioShock. To put it bluntly, it's really effing hard. Seriously, the Big Daddy is set on fire, shot multiple times with a variety of guns, and hit with several grenades. All in all, killing the damned thing takes over 5 minutes. The video is now available on Marketplace, so you can watch it from the comfort of your couch on an HD display. Seeing it on a larger screen shows off lots of details that are harder to make out in a streaming video. Go download it and tell us what you think.In particular, do you think you have it in you to take out a Little Sister?
GTA IV scans hit the internet (and run)
Our buddies at Xboxygen nabbed over a dozen scans of Grand Theft Auto IV (GTAIV to the kids) from the latest Game Informer. The screens give a nice idea of the level of detail in the game, as touched upon by the recently released trailer. The shot above in particular is a great example of how alive the game seems to be. In this shot, you can see reflections on the car, realistic shadows, and of course, lots of pedestrians. It's unfortunate that this shot shows off two identical NPCs (the women in white shirts and jeans), but the level of detail is still very impressive. There are also some nice shots of GTAIV's locations, cars, and characters (including some character art). Hit the "read" link to check 'em out. Be sure to head back here and tell us what you think.
GTAIV trailer reimagined in real life
Video games have a way of creating dedicated fans. With the advent of YouTube and viral videos, many video game fans are turning to user created movies. Some films, like the ones produced by Mega64, poke fun at video game conventions. Other films take existing game engines to create new stories, something that has become very popular with Halo and Halo 2. This video, however, brings something different to the table. The video is a recreation of the recently released trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV. The entire video is done in live action. That in itself is worth a look, but what makes it even more interesting is that the video is composed entirely of clips found on YouTube. Has society come so far that we now make YouTube videos from pieces of other YouTube videos? Simply astounding. Give it a watch, check out the original, and tell us what you think.[Via GamePolitics. Thanks, Pedro Monscooch ]
Fan demand prompts BioShock collectors edition
Mark your calendars and take a picture for the grandkids: A video game petition has actually done something. An outpouring of support from fans of BioShock in an online petition has netted a promise of a collectors edition of the game for both the Xbox 360 and PC from publisher 2K Games.The effort picked up steam earlier in the week, when a 2K staffer noticed the petition requesting a collectors edition of BioShock, based on the fan community's love of the unreleased title's "exceptional story, atmosphere, AI and gameplay."Said staffer then wrote on the game's official site that higher-ups in the company told her that 5,000 signatures on the petition would convince them to release a (presumably pricier) collector's edition. A message appeared on the site the following day, saying that the goal had been reached in just 5.5 hours. Approximately 18,500 signatures appear on the petition currently. With the limited edition guaranteed, the fan community is now voting on exactly what they want that special package to contain. (As of now, "art print with team's signatures" is being beat out by "upgraded packaging," which has to be a blow to somebody's self esteem.)So, does this represent a new emphasis on letting fans more directly impact releases? Or is it possible that a limited edition was already in the works and the signing effort was a way to drum up publicity, or deflect any negativity from fans who view collector's editions as nothing more than a cash grab? If 18,000 fans are truly demanding to buy a collector's edition, the move seems to have been a success, no matter what the motives were.
Video: Shivering Isles gameplay
Shivering Isles, the official expansion for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is now available, but what is it all about? Perhaps this video will help explain that. Apparently, Shivering Isles is about monsters, giants, and unrelenting madness. To be honest, that sounds great, doesn't it? You bet your bag of holding it does! The video showcases some of the expansion's psychotic themes as well as some seriously ferocious beasts, including the giant gatekeeper at the end. If you prefer nothing to be spoiled, you'd best skip this video, because it pretty much lays down the entire beginning to the expansion. As for everyone else, enjoy! Don't forget to tell us what you think in the comments.
5,000 sign petition, Bioshock CE possible
Bioshock fans are a vocal bunch and went as far as to demand 2K Games create a collector's edition for their underwater adventure. So, a fan created an online petition to rally support for a Bioshock CE and possibly ruffle a few of 2K Games' feathers in the process. The online petition didn't go unnoticed, because 2K Games posted a response on the Cult of Rapture website stating they'd create a collector's edition if the petition received 5,000 signatures. And we're proud to report that as of this posting the petition has just gone over the 5,000 signature mark! We still recommend signing the petition if your inner fanboy yearns for a Bioshock CE, because more signatures can only help. Now we just have to wait for Gamestop to put up a Bioshock CE preorder page. The ball is in your court 2K Games ... you did make a promise.
2K Games forbids BioShock dev to talk about System Shock
In what is most certainly a misunderstanding spawned from the ignorance of gaming executives, 2K Games has forbade Irrational Games' co-founder and lead designer Ken Levine from talking about his former System Shock games while on a press tour for the upcoming BioShock. The bizarre incident came to light after 1UP's Jeremy Parish tried to interview Levine about his old franchise for an upcoming Retronauts feature. Parish, understandably peeved, explained the situation in his 1UP blog.We would understand if one publisher wishes that their pseudo-employees (2K Irrational Games' publisher) not promote titles owned competitors (in this case, Electronic Arts). However, the System Shock games are well over a decade old, out of print and -- if you could not guess from the cleverly-disguised new title -- directly related to BioShock. It's, in Parish's words, "precisely this kind of insular, close-minded nonsense that makes the games industry look so utterly juvenile next to other media." We are reminded of Epic Games' recent bout of ridiculousness when they issued a cease-and-desist to a fan who made a Gears of War doll as a Christmas present for a cousin.2K's lawyers are probably on autopilot, issuing this dare we say irrational order without thinking. After all, they've got much more severe problems to worry over; parent company Take Two's shareholder massacre meeting is tomorrow. Then again, if 2K Games were to take a more active role in the titles they publish, maybe that would coincide with a corporate philosophy more pleasing to their financial backers.In other news, both Sega and Nintendo have forbidden their employees from talking about half of their upcoming Olympic Games title, respectively, due to its relation to the other company. We're just kidding, but wouldn't that be absolutely ridiculous?
Take-Two saga continues: no buyers yet
It seems Take-Two just can't catch a break. After the golden towers of Take-Two were ransacked by angry shareholders demanding that CEO Paul Eibeler step down, Take-Two announced that it was postponing its annual meeting to come up with alternative solutions. Alternative solutions, in this case, means selling the company. TeamXbox has received word from Take-Two that the company is "unlikely to present alternative courses of action prior to the annual meeting on March 29th." In other words, it looks like Take-Two hasn't managed to find a buyer (not even Microsoft).Expect more Take-Two drama to unfold during the company's annual meeting this Thursday.
BioShock medical pavillion open for business
GameTrailers has posted a new BioShock trailer. The trailer showcases Rapture's Medical Pavillion. Let's put it this way, you'd best hope you never get sick during your travels in BioShock. The Medical Pavillion is dark, dank, wet, and full of creatures that are not of sound mind.Every glimpse of BioShock gets us more excited to play it. August 21st can't come soon enough. Oh, and we completely missed that the Cult of Rapture announced the winner of its screenshot contest. For those who don't remember, the object of the contest was to come up with a solution for a deadly scenario in BioShock. You may view the video of the solution by following this link. Enjoy.
BioShock's Big Daddy as a work of art
BioShock's Big Daddies: awe inspiring, terrifying, and tough to take down, but what about art? A fan art thread has been created over at the Cult of Rapture, hosting some very impressive pieces of art. The above work was created by GH Illustrations and portrays a particularly mean looking Big Daddy trudging through the sea soaked halls of Rapture. Of course, if you prefer something a little more modern, they've got that covered, too. Head over to the Cult of Rapture for some more images and don't forget to visit the actual fan art thread. If you've got the skills, maybe you could submit something yourself. Be sure to let us know if you do.
The Darkness trailer creeps out XBLM
The Darkness trailer that was released on the interweb last week is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. So, if screen-door-quality internet streaming video isn't your cup of tea, you can now download it in glorious High Definition. It's definitely worth checking out in HD, too, as the graphical fidelity is top notch in The Darkness. What we're getting at here is that the game looks nice. Well, nice may not be the proper word. Let's see ... gruesome, that's the word! It looks gruesome. Of course, if you're stuck at work and can't download it now, you can always check out the streaming version we posted earlier. Enjoy.Who's planning on picking up The Darkness?
