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BioShock Infinite's PC specs revealed
BioShock Infinite's PC requirements have surfaced from the depths of the development sea, and the minimum specs aren't as tremendously demanding as one might imagine. We'd even wager that most modern-ish non-gaming laptops will be able to run Infinite, albeit at "Low" settings, provided that they run Vista (at least), rock an Intel Core 2 Duo/AMD Athlon X2 processor and have DirectX10 compatible on-board graphics.Irrational Games also dropped news that the PC version of Infinite will include controller support and is compatible with Steam's Big Picture Mode, in addition to supporting multiple monitors for those who really exceed the minimum system requirements. The game also spans three DVDs, due to the size of its textures. The full list of both Minimum and Recommended specifications can be found after the break.
BioShock Infinite Sky-Hook replica now up for pre-order
Those certain the Sky-Hook will be their most beloved BioShock Infinite sidearm will be pleased to learn that pre-orders for NECA's recreation are now open. In the video above, you can see the game-accurate "leather textures" and "highly detailed engravings" of the motorized replica.US gamers can pre-order the 22-inch long, nearly 11-inch tall prop now through GameStop for $79.99. NECA's Sky-Hook will launch ahead of the recently delayed BioShock Infinite, on February 26, 2013.
BioShock Infinite reverse art revealed
Irrational Games revealed the reverse cover art for BioShock Infinite today. The art chosen won 38% of fan votes on the poll posted by studio head Ken Levine earlier this month as the result of displeasure from fans over the game's official box art.The art, the full version of which can be found after the break, will be printed on the other side of the BioShock Infinite cover. Levine noted that other alternate covers will be made available for fans to print.Now hopefully we've all learned our lesson: It's what's on the inside that counts.
BioShock Infinite to be scored by resident series composer Garry Schyman
The man responsible for lending BioShock and BioShock 2 their respective aural atmospheres will be returning to the orchestra pit for BioShock Infinite, creative director Ken Levine revealed during his Reddit AMA."We're proud to announce that Garry Schyman, composer of BioShock 1 and 2 has returned to the composer's chair for BioShock Infinite," Levine said in the comments. "His score is very different from the first two games, yet very much guided by the same aesthetic principles. We were lucky to have him and I can't wait until you get to hear some of his stuff. He's working in a different, sparer style, but it's awesome."Aside from the BioShock series, Schyman's resume also includes work on XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Dante's Inferno, among others, though nothing he's worked on before now has featured such a strong emphasis on psychic horse repair. Well, we assume; we've never seen Horseplayer.Update: This post originally listed XCOM: Enemy Unknown among Schyman's previous work, which is incorrect. In actuality, Schyman has worked on Take-Two's completely different XCOM.
BioShock Infinite's first five minutes
So, obviously: spoiler warning.
Vote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover
Irrational Games is asking the community to vote for BioShock Infinite's reversible cover art. Studio head Ken Levine asks in a post on the Irrational site for fans to vote on one of six covers:"But what's that you say? You want even more choice in covers? We're also going to be arranging a whole mess of MORE alternate covers which will be available to download and print yourself," Levine writes. "Of course, these are free and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the [Irrational] forums as to what you'd like to see."The cover art PR campaign comes a week after the brotastically boring cover for the fantastical Infinite was revealed. Levine mentioned shortly after the cover art drama that the box art was made for uninformed players who don't read news on gaming sites. So, you know, if you're reading this, go vote on what you want the actual cover for BioShock Infinite to be on your shelf.
Super Joystiq Podcast Special: Exploring BioShock Infinite
It's time to talk about the first two hours of BioShock Infinite.Last week, Xav de Matos and Mike Schramm spent a day exploring the world of Columbia, the cloud city-setting of the upcoming game from developer Irrational Games. Rather than inject the discussion into a standard episode – primarily because we understand some gamers would rather skip any and all details related to the game until it launches on March 26, 2013 – we've decided to break the conversation Xav and Mike had into its own special episode.While the pair are only speaking of their experience with the game, this episode does include spoilers for the opening hours of BioShock Infinite. Listen as Xav and Mike discuss exploring the world of Columbia as well as thoughts about the game's themes, which include racism, American exceptionalism, and religion.Listen to the Super Joystiq Podcast: Subscribe to the Super Joystiq Podcast in iTunes Super Joystiq Podcast is also available in the Zune Marketplace Add the Super Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator Download the MP3 directlyDetails about each segment are available after the break.
Ken Levine on tackling social issues: Games should not be 'restricted to a certain set of topics'
One of the most surprising things we discovered when playing through the first few hours of BioShock Infinite was the rampant presence of racism throughout the streets of Columbia, a society seemingly lifted to a higher standard in terms of technology but dragging its knuckles on the wrong side of history. Playing another key role in the narrative of the upcoming Irrational Games title is religion, centered around a self-appointed prophet that rules the skyward city and who stands in the way of allowing protagonist Booker DeWitt to complete his ultimate objective.Along with being the President of Irrational Games, Ken Levine wears the hat of creative director and lead writer on the developer's projects. Speaking with Joystiq, Levine made it clear that he doesn't subscribe to the notion that video games should be restricted from tackling any sensitive issues."For my own personal tastes, I'm not afraid of any topic or I wouldn't walk away from any topic because it was controversial. And I wouldn't run towards any topic because it was controversial. There's a story I want to tell," Levine said. Levine noted that the team at Irrational tests narrative ideas, feeling them out to see how they work. Throughout the development of BioShock Infinite, the story of Columbia was forced to evolve as original concepts didn't work alongside the vision for the universe Irrational was crafting."Originally, the conflict in [BioShock Infinite] was one between technologists and luddites, and it just wasn't very interesting for us. The story didn't go anywhere, because there wasn't a lot of historical precedence for it and it didn't really resonate. And it evolved, and it kept evolving many, many times," Levine told Joystiq. "But it's all about how you do it, not what you do."Watch the complete interview above for more from Levine on the state of writing in games, along with widening the industry's narrative to include more female characters and varying sexual orientation.For more on BioShock Infinite make sure to read Joystiq's recent hands-on preview and watch the first part of our Ken Levine interview detailing the game's evolution and the second part focused on the studio's evolving corporate culture.%Gallery-172852%
Ken Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed
Irrational Games boss Ken Levine talked with Wired recently about the cover art for BioShock Infinite, which was unveiled just over a week ago to the groans of many. Levine compared games to salad dressing when talking about the intentions of the game's box art, saying, "I don't read Salad Dressing Weekly. I don't care who makes it, I don't know any of the personalities in the salad dressing business."Levine said that members of the team went to frathouses to ask if gamers have played BioShock, and "not a single one of them had heard of it." He makes the distinction that the box art for BioShock Infinite is for those uninformed players that don't read news on gaming sites. So, it's not for you, dear Joystiq reader, though Levine addressed you as well, noting that the developer will be releasing a "whole set of alternate covers that you can download and print. We're going to be working with the community to see what they're interested in."Levine added that the BioShock team had to "make that tradeoff in terms of where we were spending our marketing dollars. By the time you get to the store, or see an ad, the BioShock fan knows about the game. The money we're spending on PR, the conversations with games journalists - that's for the fans. For the people who aren't informed, that's who the box art is for."BioShock Infinite will launch March 26, 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Levine also recently spoke with Joystiq about the game's themes of faith and evolution of its central character, Elizabeth.
Irrational's Ken Levine on the faith of BioShock Infinite and evolving Elizabeth
In BioShock Infinite, the world of Columbia is under the command of man who refers to himself as a prophet and savior. Father Comstock and his flock rule the streets of the cloud city, but what kind of world is it? And why is Elizabeth, the woman players are tasked with taking out of Columbia, so crucial to the people of the city?In an interview with Joystiq, Irrational Games boss Ken Levine details the themes of faith, how political and social issues shape gameplay, and how Elizabeth has evolved since we were first introduced to her many years ago.For more on BioShock Infinite – which was delayed to March 26 – read our detailed impressions of the game's first two hours.
Exorcising demons with blind faith in BioShock Infinite
Sat aboard a rowboat, listening to a man and woman bicker at each other as a harsh, dark storm masks the approach to a solitary lighthouse. This is how BioShock Infinite begins. The man is Booker DeWitt, a hired gun sent to take a young woman named Elizabeth from her home. He knows nothing of the place his target resides, but he blindly executes his orders under the assurance that the whole of his debts will be forgiven if he is successful in his goal."Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt," the game hammers into players throughout its first two hours. As DeWitt has faith these promises will be kept, the player blindly follows, unclear of the mess the former solider has stepped in to. Though we, as the player, have no idea what this debt is or how it was accrued, it soon comes into focus how substantial it must be.%Gallery-172852%
BioShock Infinite delayed once again, now launching on March 26
"Let's start with the bad news," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine told a packed room of media this week, revealing that his studio's long-awaited title BioShock Infinite has once again been delayed. The follow-up to 2007's critical and commercial hit BioShock is now scheduled to launch for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 26, 2013."The game has to be the best game it could possibly be," Levine said, relaying the team's feeling – specifically from recent Irrational Games hire Rod Fergusson – that BioShock Infinite would benefit from a few more weeks of polish and bug fixing. According to Levine, the team is getting an extra month. In May 2012, publisher Take-Two announced Infinite was pushed to February 26.As for the good news? You'll have to read our upcoming preview detailing the first two hours of BioShock Infinite for that.
BioShock Infinite cosplayer hired by Irrational to be face of Elizabeth
If you've ever wondered if high quality cosplay could get you a job in the games industry, here's the story for you. Irrational Games hired Anna Moleva, a Russian veterinarian, precisely because her BioShock Infinite cosplay bore such a strong resemblance to its source. Moleva is now the official face of Elizabeth, as featured on the back of the game's box art (see after the break).In case you're wondering if she's some kind of Jenny-come-lately, Moleva has a seven-year history with cosplay, as evidenced by her impressive Flickr portfolio. While Irrational's photos prove she makes an excellent Elizabeth, she's also a decent Alice, Commander Shepard, and Poison Ivy.
BioShock Infinite box art needs to shave
Irrational Games coughed up the box art for BioShock Infinite today, and it features lead character Booker DeWitt and his five o'clock shadow. We're guessing that with the game's lack of multiplayer, DeWitt doesn't feel the need to be presentable.BioShock Infinite is scheduled to launch February 26, 2013 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Check out higher resolution versions of the cover art in the gallery below. %Gallery-172450%
BioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayer, Levine confirms
The game may be Infinite, but the number of players is limited to one. The third BioShock game doesn't include multiplayer, as confirmed by series creator Ken Levine on Twitter.There's been speculation about multiplayer features in Infinite, with reports of modes cut in conjunction with staff changes at developer Irrational Games. BioShock 2 introduced competitive multiplayer to the series, a divisive move given the acclaim for the first game as a story-driven, single-player experience.With BioShock Infinite due in a few months, fans are already looking ahead to the series' future on the next batch of consoles. One Twitter user asked Levine if he'd prefer to work on a new IP, or would he be taking BioShock to next-gen platforms. Levine's reply? "Not sure." Maybe he's stuck on how he'll mathematically number the next one.
BioShock Infinite gameplay trailer is its own beast
This BioShock Infinite "Beast of America" trailer shows off the streets of Columbia and demonstrates Elizabeth's helpful ways in combat.As the first trailer for the game seen in months, this video was the result of a community vote on the game's official Facebook page. BioShock Infinite is slated to launch on February 26, 2013 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Captain Scarlett hails Mr. Bubbles in Borderlands 2 'Pirate Booty' DLC
There's an interesting easter egg in the new Borderlands 2 DLC, Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty. The iconic Big Daddy (AKA Mr. Bubbles) from the BioShock series makes an appearance at some point in the add-on adventure and – well, we don't want to ruin it for you. In the interest of spoilers, we've embedded the video showing off the Pandora version of everyone's favorite child social worker past the break.
BioShock Infinite Premium and Ultimate Songbird editions unveiled
Irrational Games today revealed Premium and Ultimate Songbird limited editions of BioShock Infinite, the latter including the above 9.75 inch statue designed by Irrational concept artist Robb Waters.Both editions include a 64 page mini-edition Art of Columbia art book, a 25mm resin-cast Handyman figure which ties in to the upcoming BioShock Infinite board game, a 5x7 inch lithograph depicting propaganda for Devil's Kiss vigor, a Murder of Crows replica bottle keychain, the digital soundtrack, and three exclusive in-game power-ups. Also included for Xbox 360 are exclusive Booker and Elizabeth costumes, while PC and PS3 owners get BioShock Infinite themes.After teasing a few partial photos of the Songbird, Irrational today finally unveiled the limited editions along with their prices. The Ultimate Songbird edition featuring the statue is priced at $149.99, while the Premium Edition sits at $79.99. Irrational warns that both editions are only available in limited numbers, so if your interest couldn't possibly be more piqued you can head here to set up pre-orders.
Two BioShock Infinite leads leave Irrational for Microsoft
BioShock Infinite's AI lead, Don Norbury, and combat design director Clint Bundrick are now at Microsoft, Superannuation tweets. Norbury's new job at Microsoft is senior software development engineer, while Bundrick is senior designer, their LinkedIn profiles read.Four Irrational employees left the studio in August. The most surprising departure was Nate Wells, who had been with Irrational for 13 years. Irrational Games founder Ken Levine said these employees were part of a normal turnover for a company of 200 employees, and they wanted to "spread their wings." Infinite producer Joseph Faulstick also left Irrational for Microsoft in May.BioShock Infinite is set to drop in February, and the first trailer in four months is set to be revealed on October 21.
The Art of BioShock Infinite wants you to pre-order its propaganda
The Art of BioShock Infinite, a compendium of concept art, character designs and production stills, will launch on February 27, the day after the game itself drops, MTV Multiplayer reports. The art book is published by Dark Horse, who is behind the Hyrule Historia and many other gaming-comics crossovers, such as the Valve and Mass Effect collections.The Art of Bioshock Infinite will feature an introduction from franchise creator Ken Levine. Along with confirmed character designs for Booker, Elizabeth and Songbird, we expect to see a few sketches of the game's notable enemies as well. Amazon has the book available for pre-order, with a list price of $40 and a release date that doesn't yet match up with the official announcement.See the full cover for The Art of BioShock Infinite below.
