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BioShock PS3 DLC priced at $10, detailed
2K Games today confirmed the November 20th release date of the PS3-exclusive BioShock "Challenge Rooms." The add-on content will be sold through PlayStation Store for $9.99 (in North America) and includes three, self-contained scenarios: A Shocking Turn of Events: A Little Sister is trapped atop a Ferris wheel. Players must create electricity to power the Ferris wheel and bring the Little Sister to safety. The I in Team: Using limited resources, and an even more limited arsenal, players must negotiate traps and find a way to defeat a Big Daddy. Worlds of Hurt: Players must battle through eight rooms of Big Daddies, Splicers and "the worst that Rapture has to offer." Accumulate Adam, build an arsenal of Plasmids, Tonics and Weaponry, and fight through to rescue the Little Sister. While sparse, and seemingly devoid of any explicit narrative tie-ins, the content should provide some insight into 2K Marin's design prowess (plus, it's got Trophies). After wrapping up the PS3 port of the original and this modest expansion, the studio can now be found tinkering with the BioShock sequel. [Update: Wouldn't you know it, a 2K spokesperson just let us know that "the rooms were primarily created by 2K Boston." Looks like we'll be waiting for that sequel for any insight after all.]%Gallery-35950%
BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams trailer in HD, 'destined' for 360, PS3, PC
After forcing us to settle for some blurrycam footage of the BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams teaser stuffed into the PS3 release of BioShock's capacious BD-ROM, 2K Games has finally wised up and released a direct-feed trailer (which we've wrangled into a Flash-prison for you above). If you'd rather check it out on your Plasmatron holovision, you can take a look at the Xbox Live Marketplace and/or the PlayStation Network ... really, we won't mind.Now, as to whether or not the sequel will see a simultaneous release on both consoles (not to mention PC), or be a timed exclusive, a 2K rep told GameSpot that, "BioShock 2 is destined for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC platforms." We'll translate for you, just in case your PR-speak is rusty: "We're waiting for someone to park an eighteen-wheeler full of cash in front of our offices." Download in HD (20MB) [Via X3F]
Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams teaser confirmed
Remember that rumored teaser trailer for BioShock 2 that was reportedly found within the depths of the PlayStation 3 version of BioShock? After a week of speculation, 2K Games has confirmed the trailer is legitimate. Gamers can download the trailer on the official BioShock website and on the Xbox Live Marketplace, now. Considering the trailer can be accessed on the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 it appears that the title will find its way to all platforms but 2K rep Charlie Sinhaseni was a bit cagey on the details in a response to GameSpot, saying only "BioShock 2 is destined for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC platforms." No announcement has been made regarding any kind of release schedule, timed exclusivity or exclusive downloadable content for BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams, which is being developed by 2K Marin and not 2K Boston -- developers of the award-winning original. Time to open that wallet Microsoft! Download in HD (20MB)
Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams teased within the depths of the PS3 original
According to internet chatter, a teaser trailer for 2K Marin's sequel to the critically acclaimed shooter has been discovered. CVG is reporting that a teaser for the upcoming sequel unlocks within the menus of the PlayStation 3 version when the game is completed. The trailer opens with a title card that reads "Atlantic Ocean" and pans away from a Big Daddy stuffed animal being held by, what looks like, a grown up Little Sister as she looks off into the water. Pillars then begin to form around her and the title screen reveals the name "Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams." Joystiq has contacted 2K Games for confirmation on the game and trailer.[Thanks, webster1990]
Upcoming BioShock patch will fix graphical issues
Some of you who've played the BioShock demo may have noticed a number of minor graphical differences between the PS3 and 360 versions. A 2K community manager by the name of 2K Elizabeth made a post on their forums about an upcoming patch that will fix some of those problems, specifically: Fix for an issue where large blocky pixels would show up whenever viewing the Bouncer and Elite Bouncer variants of the Big Daddy. Fix for an issue where white/discolored bars would show up at the right and bottom sides of the screen during the plane crash / water scene at the beginning of the game. There are other problems fixed, but the full patch list will be unveiled at a later time. The patch itself will be released some time after the game's launch, but no specific date has been announced.[Via VG247]
BioShock PS3 gold, ending unchanged
Check off "done" on your BioShock for PlayStation 3 scorecard, along with date, demo, DLC, and disk space. Are we missing anything? Well, for one, a different ending -- but that's been shot down into a flaming pile of sinking wreckage to cut costs [maintain the original production]. "When you get a chance to work on something that was really creative you get the temptation to re-do things," senior producer Melissa Miller told MTV Multiplayer. "We chose not to." Fine, but a simple, "play the original / alternative ending" option would have satisfied purists (and encouraged some of us to buy the game again, too!).Experience the rapturous adventure -- leading up to the faulty, final hours -- when BioShock for PS3 arrives in North America on October 21 and internationally on October 17. The DLC scenarios will be available "shortly after launch" -- pricing will be specified at a later date.%Gallery-23874%
2K Games, would you kindly release BioShock PS3 on October 21?
Well, that was easy. 2K Games has complied with our subliminal request that it release the PlayStation 3 version of sublime, submerged shooter BioShock in North America on October 21. There was some mental resistance to our suggestions of a worldwide release, however, so you international folks will just have to make do with October 24. BioShock comes to the PlayStation 3 sporting the same aquatic utopia-turned-dystopia that made the game one of 2007's best, along with Trophies, a new "Survivor" difficulty level and challenge rooms, to be released as downloadable content "shortly after launch."%Gallery-23874%
Bioshock's survivor mode fully explained
If you've read our latest report on Bioshock, then you're probably inclined to search out for information on the mysterious and PS3-exclusive "survivor mode." What is it exactly? Well, the Cult of Rapture -- 2K's official Bioshock website -- explains that it's a "new, highly challenging difficulty." In other words, it's a fancily named "very hard" difficulty with all the bells and whistles of an excruciatingly masochistic romp through Rapture. "Every fight is a decisive, life-or-death struggle," said 2K. Enemies are tougher and deal more damage. It looks like Bioshock vets who want to give the game another go with the PS3 version have another reason to play through. And look, it has trophies so you can show off those mad skillz. You can read more about survivor mode here.[Via Joystiq]
PS3 BioShock's 'survivor mode' finally explained
After revealing special Trophies a couple days ago for the "survivor mode" in the PS3 port of BioShock, developer 2K Marin finally saw fit yesterday to explain what the new setting is all about. The wait was definitely not worth it as the PS3 "exclusive" mode isn't much more than a very hard difficulty level for the game. 2K's BioShock site, The Cult of Rapture, explains that in survivor mode there are no extra enemies, but the citizens of Rapture are tougher and deal more damage. Vita-Chambers will also provide less EVE back when dying, so there is some penalty. Players are also expected to take their time in the new mode and learn to utilize some of the "hardly-ever-bothered-with-'em" plasmids like Target Dummy and Enrage. All this secrecy over an extra difficulty mode was just so contrived. 2K, would you kindly never do that again?
Bioshock will have PS3 unique trophies
Over at PlayStation.Blog, 2K Marin game designer Tynan Wales assures us there will be unique trophies for the PS3 port of Bioshock. Earlier, a partial list of trophies were made available, with every single one identical to a Xbox 360 achievement. This lead to the assumption the rest of the trophies would follow suit. Not so, apparently. Wales spilled the beans only on two of these unique trophies: a Gold trophy named "A Man Chooses" which requires one to complete the game on Survivor difficulty, and another known as "I Chose The Impossible" which dictates a player must complete the game on Survivor difficulty with the Vita-Chambers turned off. Keep in mind, even though these trophies are technically unique, they are simply upgraded versions of the "Seriously Good At This" and "Brass Balls" achievements of the Xbox 360 version with the new PS3-exclusive Survivor difficulty. And in case you are wondering: yes, the above is the official final cover for Bioshock on the PS3.
2K reveals some PS3 BioShock Trophies; Survivor mode still a mystery
After giving a tiny taste of the Trophies available in the PS3 version of BioShock a couple weeks ago, 2K left people feeling like all Achievements had simply been recycled. Not so, says 2K Marin designer Tynan Wales, explaining on the PlayStation Blog that there are exclusive Trophies for the port. "A Man Chooses" -- Complete "Survivor" difficulty. "I Choose The Impossible" -- Complete "Survivor" difficulty with the Vita-Chambers turned off. So, what's this "exclusive" mode called Survivor for the PS3 version of the game? Beats us! There were murmurings that it was a hard difficulty with the Vita-Chambers turned off, but now that these two achievements have been revealed, that's obviously not the case. We're checking with 2K for an official answer.Update: Supposedly 2K Marin will reveal what Survivor mode is tomorrow.
BioShock's PS3 graphics identical to Xbox 360
For those out there who thought BioShock on the PS3 was going to exploit the full strength of Cell processors and Blu-rays, 2K Games' senior producer Melissa Miller, tells VideoGamer that the PS3 version "looks no different from the 360 version." It looks so similar, in fact, that when we saw it at E3, it never even crossed our minds to do an impressions post on the game. We just reported on the new DLC content and moved on. From what we've seen of it, BioShock on PS3 is the same as it ever was on Xbox 360. There, we've written our impressions post now.
BioShock PS3 receiving trophies, some details given
Adding to the news from last week that BioShock on PS3 will be getting "exclusive" content, the PlayStation Blog reveals that the game will also receive Trophies. Alyssa Finley, executive producer at 2K Marin, explains how the Trophies are being designed and reveals a few of them in the process. Bronze: These trophies will be handed out for exploring the general facets of the game, like "researching, modifying weapons, hacking, and crafting." Silver: These trophies will require more thorough exploration of Rapture. The "Historian" Trophy will require finding every audio diary in the game. Finley says the other trophies are going to be kept secret, but we're guessing if you look at the Xbox achievements, the tougher exploration ones should be found here. Gold: The Trophy "Brass Balls" can be found here, requiring a player make it through the game on hard with the Vita-Chambers turned off. Platinum: ??? BioShock should be available to those who forsake all but the PS3 later this year. We might just have to take a return trip to Rapture for the Trophies alone.
BioShock being 'optimized' for PS3 by Digital Extremes
2K Games has announced a partnership with Dark Sector developer, Digital Extremes, to aid in the completion of the PlayStation 3 version of superb submerged shooter, BioShock. Digital Extremes is the fourth studio to join the project -- 2K Marin, 2K Australia and 2K Boston have already dove in -- and aims to give PS3 players a "fully optimized experience," complete with new features and content. And trophies, probably.James Schmalz, CEO and founder of Digital Extremes, noted that the decision to work on the critically acclaimed project didn't even require a brain. "When 2K approached us to assist with development on BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, it was a no-brainer," he said. "You really can't ask for a more exciting, technically impressive world to work in than Rapture, and the incredible knowledge and talent between the 2K studios and our team at Digital Extremes is unprecedented." Apparently, when it launches this October, BioShock will make the PS3 "sing with Big Daddy goodness and Little Sister 'thank you's'."%Gallery-23874%
PS3 BioShock getting 'as-yet-unannounced' bits
While BioShock's October release on the PlayStation 3 may bring visual parity with versions already available, news from the official PlayStation blog teases that the upcoming descent into Rapture may come with a few unexpected surprises. According to 2K Marin exec Alyssa Finley, the game is being handled by four different studios, with 2K Marin sharing kitchen space with 2K Australia, 2K Boston, and another mystery partner "with some outstanding PS3-specific coding chops." In addition, Finley notes that the devs at 2K Boston are currently banging out code for the version's "as-yet-unannounced components," while simultaneously refining the game's physics to take "maximum advantage" of the PS3's inner voodoo. All said, we're more than interested to see how this latest take on one of last year's landmark releases measures up, even as platform zealots prepare to sling mantra to the effect of 'my Big Daddy can beat up your Big Daddy!'%Gallery-23874%
First screens of BioShock on PS3
Click to "Big Daddy" size 2K Games has released the first (teeny-tiny) round of images from BioShock on PS3, following up on this morning's official announcement of the game. And ... it looks like BioShock. On Xbox 360.As mentioned in our previous post about the game's PS3 debut, developer 2K Marin is looking into ways to enhance the game for Sony's platform, but stopped short of providing any hard details. The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly reports that the game essentially looks indistinguishable from the 360 original, and that the only "enhancements" at present are the plasmid additions and bug fixes that were pushed out to the 360 release via Xbox Live. 2K Marin has told EGM that it is working with Sony on more substantial enhancements, but at present they remain as murky as the sea enveloping Rapture.%Gallery-23874%
BioShock PS3 is official, out by October
2K Games have spoken up about BioShock on PS3 and reconfirmed that the game is due for October 2008. The game will have all the standard port stuff with the additional DLC and patches from the previous 360 version. However, Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K, assures us there's more coming: "Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms." Excellent, we're looking forward to knowing what those "new features and content" are. In the meantime, sit tight everyone and just enjoy this fan made box art.
BioShock surfaces on PS3 this October
During the month of Halloween, you PlayStation 3 owners will finally have the opportunity to wield blunt instruments and bludgeon a pack of masked weirdos. Especially if they're between you and a PS3 copy of BioShock, which has been slated for release in October. Having wrenched free from its Xbox 360 and Windows exclusivity, the waterlogged dystopia sim hopes to win those Game of the Year awards all over again, especially with the aid of "new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms." We're not sure what developer 2K Marin plans to add, but we hope it's less upsetting than our idea of SixAxis-powered Little Sister shakin'.
'Bioshock on PS3' rumor finally confirmed true
After first appearing in February 2007, a full five months before the games release, the rumor that Bioshock would be coming to PS3 has been debunked and revived more times than we can count (and we can count quite high!). Now, however, the time for rumors is over as the cover of UK mag PSM3 has not only confirmed that the title will be made available for the PS3, but that it will be a somehow superior version of the game. We won't find out in what way until the magazine arrives on news stands on June 5th.While it may be a few weeks before we get any details on what makes the PS3 version different, it's nice to finally get some closure regarding this confusing "will it, won't it" rumor. However, the game has been out for over six months now, so we're hoping for some significant changes in order to make the port worthwhile. Let's be honest here, most gamers have played this on the 360 and those who didn't have played it on the PC. Right?
BioShock 'pimp supreme' Ken Levine to keynote PAX 2008
With just a handful of months to go before the annual Penny Arcade Expo opens its doors again, you may be wondering who will be taking to the stage to the deliver the August event's keynote address. Organizers have announced that the opening speech will be given by none other than 2K Boston president and creative director Ken Levine.Says Penny Arcade business mastermind, "Obviously, Ken is pimp supreme...We're super excited to have him open up the show." Given Levine's involvement with one of last year's biggest releases as well as a sequel that already ranks among our most anticipated in 2009, we're sure he'll have plenty to talk about -- and we expect to be left hanging on every word.
