Bioshock - Ken Lavine talks to Gamespot about new upcoming mystery project...

2K Boston frontman Ken Levine talks about how BioShock 2 ended up at 2K Marin, his upcoming mystery project, and how his studio literally went underwater.

The recently announced sequel, BioShock 2, is being developed at 2K Marin, which was founded by a number of original BioShock vets in late 2007.

Meanwhile, Levine and the remaining 2K Boston group are still in Massachusetts, recruiting new talent for an unnamed project that the studio claims will be its most ambitious to date.

Read full post here on Gamespot...

Bioshock 2 may be PlayStation 3 exclusive report magazine

The last time there was much uncertainty or Bioshock 2 now whether or not the PS3 would be. Several sources claimed that Microsoft is a money bag to 2K games had been subject to Bioshock 2 exclusive to the Xbox 360 market.

From today, we can be sure that Bioshock 2 just to the PlayStation 3 is. The page was in the official PlayStation magazine. Very striking are the words PS3 exclusive, most likely a mistake, but there have been crazier things happen in this world.

Read full post with magazine front here...

Bioshock 2 Viral website - Creepy site goes online

There's Something in the Sea...

More stuff being added daily here's a link...

BioShock 2 - Sea of Dreams Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 and PC

BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC
Release summer 2009

There's no denying that BioShock was one of the best games of 2007 with its gripping story and unique blend of game genres. While the sequel's story is a mystery, Sea of Dreams is one of the most anticipated games of 2009.

Set in an alternate history 1960, the game places the player in the role of a plane crash survivor named Jack, who must explore the underwater dystopian city of Rapture, and survive attacks by the mutated beings and mechanical drones that populate it. The game incorporates elements found in role-playing and survival horror games, and is described by the developers and Levine as a "spiritual successor" to their previous titles in the System Shock series.

The game received overwhelmingly positive reviews, and ranks as the twelfth best video game on Game Rankings based on reviews from critics. It was particularly well-reviewed in the mainstream press where its "morality-based" storyline, immersive environment and Ayn Rand-inspired dystopic back-story were all singled out for praise.

BioShock video game of 2007 now on PlayStation 3

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system is now available in stores across the UK. A global smash hit on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows, BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system continues the success by earning a perfect score from Eurogamer.net.

“We are very excited to bring BioShock to an entirely new audience of gamers,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “With its new features and the PS3 exclusive downloadable content, we are confident that players will have even more reasons to fall in love with the unique and unforgettable world of Rapture.”

Developed by 2K Boston, 2K Australia, 2K Marin, and Digital Extremes, BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system contains all-new content that augments and extends the experience in exciting ways. BioShock for PLAYSTATION 3 system contains new features such as the inclusion of the Survivor difficulty mode, Trophy support and the addition of all-new Add-On Game Content that will be available for download on November 20. A free demo that allows gamers to play through the first portion of BioShock is currently available for download from the PlayStation Network.



BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges players’ capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and relationships with the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same way twice, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

BioShock for PLAYSTATION 3 system is available now. The title has been rated BBFC 18. Also available on Xbox 360 and Games for Windows, BioShock has won numerous ‘Game of The Year’ awards including the BAFTA for Best Game.

For more information, please visit the award-winning BioShock experiential website which provides visitors with an interactive experience that brings them into the atmospheric world of BioShock at www.bioshockgame.com.

PlayStation 3 BioShock 2 Sea of Dreams video game teaser trailer

Players who complete the new PlayStation 3 port of BioShock will unlock a teaser trailer for BioShock 2 Sea of Dreams.


What do we learn about the sequel, currently in development at 2K's Marin, California studio? Not so much.

The teaser features a young girl - looking like a slightly grown-up Little Sister - standing on the Atlantic Coast, holding a Big Daddy doll. 

Meanwhile, behind her, a cityscape begins to form in the sand.

Oh, and it's now called BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams. Let the speculation begin.

Watch the trailer here...

Release Date for BioShock video game on PLAYSTATION 3

Genetically enhanced PLAYSTATION 3 system version of BioShock to debut in North America on October 21

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system will be available at retailers in North America on October 21 and internationally on October 24. Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes, BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system contains all-new content that augments and extends the experience in exciting ways.

“We are proud to introduce 2K Games’ showcase title, BioShock, to an entirely new audience,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “With the addition of the new Add-On Game Content we are able to extend the award-winning adventure while maintaining the perfect harmony that millions of players around the world have fallen in love with.”

Headlining the list of new features is the inclusion of the Survivor difficulty mode, Trophy support and the addition of all-new Add-On Game Content. Created exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 system version of BioShock, the Challenge Rooms will test the mettle of new and seasoned gamers by requiring them to utilize the knowledge and skills they have learned while traversing the halls of Rapture. The first Challenge Room will be viewable by appointment at Games Convention 2008 (CCL, Level 0, A02/1 + A02/2) from August 20 to August 24 and will be available for download shortly after launch.


BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges players’ capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and relationships with the inhabitants of Rapture. 

With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same way twice, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

Bioshock First Person Action - Fact Sheet

BioShock

Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia, Digital Extremes
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system
Release Date: October 2008
Web Site: http://www.bioshockgame.com

Product Overview:
Considered to be one the finest games in the history of interactive entertainment, BioShock is a watershed entry into the world of video games. As one of the most lauded franchises in the past decade, BioShock introduces gamers into an exciting world filled with fascinating characters, intelligent enemies and complex moral choices that define the foundation of the game world. With its rich story, meticulous attention to visual detail, tense action and infinite replay value, BioShock delivers the perfect blend of storytelling and first person action.
Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes, the PLAYSTATION 3 system release brings forth new features and content that expands the world of BioShock in new and exciting ways.

Story Overview:
Barely surviving a plane crash, the player lands in icy uncharted waters and discovers an undersea city called Rapture, a failed utopia whose citizens had embraced genetic engineering before the city descended into pure anarchy. Power and greed have run amok and the city has succumbed to civil war. Fans have embraced BioShock’s mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. BioShock is also renowned for its rich visual detail depicting a gorgeous Art Deco world set deep beneath the sea.



Features:

• All-new PLAYSTATION 3 system exclusive content: In addition to the original revolutionary game experience, PLAYSTATION 3 system fans can enjoy a brand new difficulty mode – Survivor – as well as enjoy Trophy support as they explore Rapture. And the experience doesn’t end there – all new exclusive BioShock downloadable content will be available only on the PLAYSTATION 3 system after launch

• Choices and consequences: Make meaningful choices and mature decisions, ultimately culminating in the grand question: do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture…or save them?

• The world is your weapon: Take control of your world by hacking mechanical devices, commandeering security turrets and crafting unique items critical to your survival

• Weapon upgrades provide ammunition for every situation: Upgrade your weapons with ionic gels, explosives and toxins to customize them to take advantage of your enemies’ weaknesses

• Gameplay that evolves around your playing style: Customize your experience by genetically modifying your body through dozens of Plasmid Stations scattered throughout the city and turn your body into the ultimate weapon

• Adaptive AI provides challenges around every corner: Explore a living world where the inhabitants have interesting and consequential relationships with one another that impact your gameplay experience

• Immerse yourself in Rapture: Experience breathtaking visuals that vividly illustrate the forlorn Art Deco city, highlighted by strikingly realistic water effects and meticulously detailed environments

PlayStation 3 owners to get enhanced version of BioShock

2K Games Injects PLAYSTATION 3 System Owners with Genetically Enhanced Version of BioShock

BioShock, the “genetically enhanced“ story-driven action game, is in development for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system at 2K Marin. The PLAYSTATION 3 system title will be released in October 2008 with new features and content that heighten the award-winning experience.

BioShock for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows was released in 2007 and received numerous Game of the Year honors from prestigious organizations including Associated Press, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Game Informer, Spike TV’s VGAs and Paste Magazine. BioShock’s extension to the PLAYSTATION 3 system will bring exciting new content to this amazing title and reach many new players, while giving the title the opportunity to once again be named Game of the Year.

“Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system when it debuts this fall,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “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.”

BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges the players’ capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and commitment to the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

As one of the highest-rated titles of 2007, BioShock was unanimously praised by the editorial industry’s top critics:

“While delivering a level of intrigue you rarely see in games, its most captivating element is its gameplay – which I can easily say delivers the most rewarding and adrenaline-filled experience I have ever had with an FPS.” – Game Informer Magazine, 10 out of 10, Game of the Year

“There’s ample flexibility in the game’s linear storyline that makes a second run through Rapture’s unique brand of madness an exciting prospect.” – Associated Press, 4 stars out of 4

“Why settle for watching the hero in a film have a thrilling adventure when you can all but live a narrative this masterfully woven.” – Paste Magazine, Game of the Year

“BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience.” – IGN.com, 9.7 out of 10, Editor’s Choice Award

“More so than any other game in recent memory, BioShock is dripping with atmosphere and intrigue, and it’s one of those rare titles where story, dialogue and character development are just as important as the action sequences.” – USA Today, 9 stars out of 10

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will be available in October 2008 and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock, visit www.bioshockgame.com.

Resident Evil 5 Famitsu Interview with Jun - Takeuchi in English

Watch interview here on Capcom blog
Note: Capcom trailers before main video

Japan’s Famitsu magazine recently conducted a video interview with Jun Takeuchi, the producer of Resident Evil 5, and we now have the video complete with English subs for your viewing pleasure!

In addition to the interview, the video include a brief introduction into the history of the Resident Evil series, many first-ever shots of actual gameplay, and also includes some behind the scenes development sneak peeks.

Update: You can now download a high-res MP4 version of the interview by - clicking here

The sound of BioShock is here

More in game audio! Elizabeth at 2K Games heard me talking about how I want to post more game audio on my site. Thanks to her, I have a little bit of BioShock audio to share with you. These are nice clean audio files, taken directly from the digital master files used to create the game. The files includes my personal favorite: audio from the vending machine. Longtime listeners of my show will recognize who puts the voice and attitude in said machine

Vending Machine: Circus of Values (long)
Vending Machine: Circus of Values (short)
Vending Machine: Come back when you get some money…
Vending Machine: I’ve got a family to feed
Vending Machine: No Refunds
Gatherers Garden
In the Garden…

All files have been encoded at 256k MP3.

Source: MajorNelson

Top ten games of 2007 - Number Two : BioShock on PC XBox 360

“L-L-look at you, Hacker…” Whoops, sorry – wrong game. This isn’t the seminal System Shock 2, this is its spiritual successor, BioShock.

In development since time out of mind, BioShock was originally about exploring a Nazi bunker filled with zombies and mutants left behind from the dreadful experiments of WWII. The game would have had a firm horror feel to it and was more heavily targeted at the RPG end of the FPS/RPG genre.

My, how things changed...

BioShock ended up as something with much more of a sophisticated and unique feel. The player takes the role of an anonymous character who is aboard a plane when it crashes over the Atlantic. The only survivor, you swim to what you think is a lighthouse – only to find it’s actually the entrance to an extensive underwater city called Rapture, a place in dire need of a hero.

Founded by a man called Andrew Ryan, Rapture was intended to be a capitalist paradise where the best minds of the world retreated to live in harmony and peace, away from governmental pressures. Instead, Ryan dug too deep into the world and discovered a new type of animal which, when... um, processed... allowed the creation of new technology called Plasmids. The Plasmids allow genetic code of users to be re-written, granting new powers and abilities.


The Plasmids carry a high price though and drove substantial portions of Rapture to madness while, at the same time, a civil revolt was in progress against Ryan and his followers.

The story to BioShock is a rarity in itself – something dark and powerful, but also intelligent and well-presented. In a industry littered with simple run and gun shooters, BioShock stands head and shoulders above the rest, marking itself as truly the Thinking Man’s Shooter.

Rapture is a haunting, ruined city littered with audio diaries, posters and the trinkets of those now dead...or worse. It’s a gory place, splattered with blood and littered with corpses. Deformed, crazed denizens lurk in the shadows and every time you kill one you feel a pang of guilt – you know that the person you just killed may have been somebody important. For them to even be in Rapture to start with they must have been a scientist, artist or doctor. It makes every fight vaguely repugnant and uncomfortable.

At the same time though, Rapture is a beautiful place. 1950s jazz floats down the hallways and the art-deco architecture of the building means that it is staggeringly gorgeous to look at. That’s the brilliance of BioShock – the fusion of sweets and sours to form a delicious whole which is perfectly balanced.

At every point in the game there is a choice to be made, be it moral or tactical, and every time the game makes sure you know the full ramifications of your actions. In fact the only action you can be sure you'll feel good about is actually picking BioShock up in the first place!

Source: Bit-Tech

Top Year-End Honors Establish BioShock as a Must-Have Gift for Christmas

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announced today that BioShock, the bar-raising “genetically enhanced“ first-person shooter available exclusively for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows, is a must-have gift for the holidays with extensive year-end accolades to prove it. A wide range of publications have bestowed “Game of the Year” status on BioShock, including The Associated Press, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Game Informer, Spike TV’s VGAs, G4’s X-Play, Amazon.com, The Houston Chronicle and Paste Magazine. Additionally, BioShock has ranked among the top 10 titles on many other “Best of 2007” award lists, including The New York Times, Time Magazine and Maxim.

Beyond “Game of the Year” roundups, BioShock is being championed as a top pick for the holidays, with the top video game enthusiast websites leading the pack. These include IGN, GameSpot, 1UP, GamePro.com, GamesRadar and GameSpy. The honors follow in the footsteps of the game’s stellar performance on the review circuit. BioShock is one of the highest-scoring games this year on Metacritic.com, the popular site that aggregates review scores from the leading video game publications and websites.

"The winter holiday season is the most important time of the year for game companies, so we are excited to have BioShock selected by many of the largest media outlets as the best game of the year and a top pick for gift guides,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "The media have been supportive of the game ever since it launched, so it’s great to see that praise carry on, especially among such a diverse group of publications.”

BioShock is the "genetically enhanced" first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre: turn everything into a weapon, biologically modify their character’s body with plasmids, hack devices and systems, upgrade weapons and craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques.

Players experience the game as a castaway in Rapture, an underwater Utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified “splicers” and deadly security systems, players will have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. No encounter ever plays out the same, and no two gamers will play the game the same way.

BioShock is rated M for Mature and is available now. For additional game details, visit www.2kgames.com/bioshock.

BioShock video game Triumphs at TV Video Game Awards

BioShock, the moody, elegant adventure from Take-Two, continued its romp through the year-end video game awards season on Monday as it took the top prize in the awards presented by “X-Play,” the G4 television channel’s video game program.

BioShock emerged in August with relatively little advance publicity to captivate players with its tense yet melancholy mood, rich voice acting and exciting action. The title, which is available for PCs and the Xbox 360 console, won the top prize at the Spike network’s annual awards earlier this month.

The “X-Play Best of 2007” awards broadcast was scheduled to have its premiere on Monday with the program’s regular hosts, Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb. The network plans to unveil a new format for “X-Play” next month, adding more news and demonstrations to its range of reviews.

In addition to the top prize, BioShock also won the award for best art direction, writing and original soundtrack. The other nominees for best game were Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Halo 3, Mass Effect and Super Mario Galaxy.

Each of those games was released after BioShock, perhaps overwhelming gamers. The industry is usually focused on the holiday season, but by coming out in the summer, BioShock appeared to generate momentum among fans before the autumn deluge.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the G4 awards, which are chosen by staff members of “X-Play,” was that the much-ballyhooed Halo 3 was shut out after being nominated in six categories. Thousands camped outside of stores in September to buy that game when it was first released, and it has sold millions of copies as the flagship title for Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

Yet despite its enhanced graphics, Halo 3 has come to generate a “more of the same” feeling for many players. While Halo focuses on high-octane futuristic combat, BioShock is a more intimate, psychologically engaging experience built around a provocative, intellectually mature story.

In addition to BioShock, two other titles won multiple awards. Activision’s Call of Duty 4 won for best shooter and sound design. The puzzle game Portal (from Valve) won for most original and for best new character.

Source: New York Times

BioShock video game PC Patch and free content download available now

BioShock patch and free content - the BioShock PC Patch and third BioShock 360 Title Update are available for downlo now.

These updates will not only fix some issues remaining with the game, but will also give both PC and 360 fans new plasmids and tonics, as well as another achievement for Xbox Rapturians.

And since you guys have been so patient waiting for this patch, we're giving you all the additional content completely free.

Now you can adjust your FOV, rebind your keys, and walk through Rapture in addition to running. And if you really want to be hardcore, you can turn off Vita-Chambers for added difficulty.

Want to know everything that’s in the patch?

Click the link for a full list of updates, fixes, and features for both the PC patch and the 360 Title Update.

Click here to download the PC patch.

Patch size 27 mb

C PATCH UPDATES, FIXES, AND FEATURES

- Added the following plasmids and gene tonics: Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom 2, Eve Saver, Machine Buster, Machine - Buster 2, Vending Expert, Vending Expert 2
- Added an Option to disable the Vita-Chambers for added difficulty
- Added support for a walk toggle keybind
- Added Horizontal FOV Lock option
- Fixed mouse acceleration issues
- Fixed reserved keys not functioning properly when keys are unbound
- Fixed multiple cases of keys not allowing a rebind
- Re-added the Human Inferno tonic
- Changed behavior of subtitles so that inappropriate queuing does not occur
- Changed functionality of keybinding lookup to only search in the current input context when finding bindings for in-game display
- Added rendering support for TripleHead2Go
- Atlas VO volume increased for German releases
- Fixed issue of subtitles not clearing correctly occasionally
- Fixed issue causing long hitches or hangs when accessing certain interface screens, machines, and the hacking minigame
- Fix for a potential situation in Recreation where taking a picture of Cobb is impossible if his body gets stuck behind a fallen pillar
- Fixed subtitle timings to more accurately match the on screen audio
- Fixed issue causing stuttering audio when using Windows Vista
- Fixed issue with characters squirming and wiggling after death
- Fixed blood decals and other projectors not showing up on ATI hardware
- The "Enable EAX" option is now greyed out when EAX-capable hardware is not present
- Fixed audio issues stemming from having a Speaker Setting in Windows that was invalid for the current sound card
- Removed erroneous "Reload" binding in a no-weapons context
- Fixed incorrect Training Message concerning bots who are friendly to enemy AIs
- Fixed incorrect Training Message when shooting a Mimic
- Fixed refresh rate being locked at 60hz in DX10 mode
- Fixed VSync disabling in DX10 mode

XBOX 360 TITLE UPDATE FIXES AND FEATURES

- Added widescreen option: Horizontal FOV
- Fix for rare case where a partial cache is not cleared
- Increased Atlas’ volume in German
- Fix for GUI sounds not playing during heavy action
- Fix for not being able to take picture of Cobb in Rec
- Changed behavior of subtitles so that inappropriate queuing does not occur
- Fix for switching difficulty breaking achievement
- Fix for small texture streaming bug
- Fix for rare hang when a lot of things are going on at once

XBOX 360 DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT

- Added Disable Vita Chamber option
- Plasmid Pack is included in this DLC (Machine Buster 1 & 2, Vending Expert 1 & 2, Sonic Boom 1 & 2, EVE Saver)
- 100 point achievement for beating game without Vita Chamber called "Brass Balls"
How to do it:
Must beat game on Hard
Must not use a Vita Chamber (you can always roll back to an earlier save)
The Vita Chamber Disabled option can be on or off as long as you don’t resurrect

Source: V3d

Bioshock v1.1 Download Patch (Worldwide)

2K Games has released a patch updating Bioshock to v1.1. It will not only fix some issues remaining with the game, but also includes new plasmids and tonics, as well as another achievement for Xbox Rapturians (on Xbox Live).

FREE Downloadable Content and Enhancements for BioShock

BioShock players can elevate their gaming experience with new Plasmids, achievements and widescreen options for free

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock, its top-rated title exclusively available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows®, has released new downloadable content for players on both platforms. The content includes new Plasmids and Tonics, achievements and interface upgrades, and is now available as free downloadable content from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace, through an Xbox 360 Title Update, and as part of a PC patch.

"As one of the highest rated games of the year, we wanted to continue to connect with the fans that made BioShock such an overwhelming retail and critically-acclaimed hit," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "We are excited to offer new downloadable content that will extend and enhance the replay value of this title."

New downloadable content includes:

Four Plasmids and Gene Tonics:
Sonic Boom: Hurls creatures and objects back with a blast of force
EVE saver: Enables Plasmids to use less EVE
Vending Expert: Reduces prices in the vending machines
Machine Buster: Increases the amount of damage players deal to cameras, bots and turrets

Achievements (exclusive to Xbox 360):
Xbox 360 players can gain 100 points for "Brass Balls," by beating BioShock on the "hard" difficulty setting without dying

In response to gamers' requests and feedback from the Cult of Rapture (www.CultofRapture.com) community forums, fans of BioShock now have a widescreen option, granting a wider horizontal field of vision, as well as additional enhancements to the game. The Xbox 360 Title Update will be automatically applied at the game's startup when users log into Xbox LIVE. PC owners can access both the additional content and gameplay improvements via a downloadable patch, available at www.2Kgames.com/bioshock/support.

Developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia and rated M for Mature, BioShock is a "genetically enhanced" first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre. Gamers enter the game as a castaway in Rapture, a decaying art deco underwater utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified "splicers" and deadly security systems, players have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology, fascinating characters and morality defining choices. To make it to the end, players can turn everything they encounter into a weapon, biologically modify their body with Plasmids, hack devices and security systems, upgrade weapons, craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques. No encounter ever plays out the same and no two gamers will play BioShock the same way.

For more information on the game, please visit www.2Kgames.com/bioshock.

BioShock Downloads Coming Next Week

A patch and a selection of free downloadable content will be available next week for both the PC and Xbox 360 versions of BioShock, developer 2K Games said today.

According to the game’s official Cult of Rapture web site, a PC patch and Xbox 360 title update will go live next week, and both will also include additional content. 2K’s Elizabeth Tobey told IGN that, among other things, the download will include new plasmids and a change to the game’s widescreen field of vision.

A full list of bug fixes and extra content will be posted on the Cult of Rapture site when the patches are ready, 2K said.

In October, BioShock creator Ken Levine told 1up that the game’s future downloadable content would likely take the form of combat enhancements or other gameplay additions rather than new levels. Levine has also said number of plasmids were cut from the final game.

Source: http://www.ign.com

Xbox 360 Greatest video games Release Schedule Ever

2007 offers Xbox 360 owners the greatest range of games yet

2007 will be a year to remember for Xbox 360 players – a packed release schedule offers a wide range of incredible titles including exclusive, genre-defining games such as Blue Dragon (Microsoft Game Studios - MGS), Project Gotham Racing 4 (MGS), Naruto Rise of a Ninja (Ubisoft), Viva Piñata: Party Animals (MGS), Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (Namco Bandai Games) and Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action (MGS), not to mention some of the highest scoring games of all time in the form of BioShock (2K Games), Mass Effect (MGS), The Orange Box (EA) and the legendary Halo 3 (MGS), all of which have already been released or are set to arrive before the end of the year.

From the end of summer to the festive period, Xbox 360 boasts over 60 new releases contributing to a portfolio of over 300 high-definition titles.

Two of the most epic adventures of the year arrived in August in Blue Dragon and BioShock. Role-playing game Blue Dragon casts players as Shu, a young boy, who with a party of four must battle the evil that has invaded their world, controlling phantom shadow creatures ranging from Minotaur, to phoenix and of course, dragon.

BioShock is a “genetically-enhanced” first person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre, in the unique art deco world of Rapture, an underwater utopia torn apart by civil war.

September and October were the hottest months since records began seeing the release of the epic Halo 3 and the turbocharged Project Gotham Racing 4.

Halo 3, the third and final chapter in the “Halo trilogy” smashed day-one entertainment sales records when it launched in September with players finally getting the chance to take Master Chief™ into his most crucial battle yet.

October saw Project Gotham Racing 4 return with another garage-full of the world’s most iconic cars. A brand new dynamic weather system makes for an even more exhilarating experience.

Football fans are enjoying a season of highlights on Xbox 360 with the release of FIFA 08 at the end of September and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 at the end of October.

FIFA 08 brings you closer to the action than ever before with new Pro Skills moves that increase user-control by enabling you to combine tricks and skill moves together to recreate signature moves from the real-world superstars, the new Be A Pro: Offline Training mode, and even greater depths of authenticity, while Konami’s latest edition to the multi-million-selling Pro Evolution Soccer series returns as PES 2008, boasting a proprietary AI system, all new moves and set pieces - and even more realism than ever. PES 2008’s rosters of licensed players enjoy a wide range of flicks, nutmegs, and set-pieces, while the less savoury elements of the game appear in the form of shirt-pulling, ugly fouls and diving.

November offers something for everyone. Mass Effect, the science-fiction action-role playing game offers a whole galaxy full of difficult decisions to make as players lead an elite team to bring down a rogue agent.

Sociable fun is also on the cards - both Viva Piñata: Party Animals and Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action offer their own unique blend of party play – Viva Piñata: Party Animals putting the colourful piñatas into a succession of addictive mini games and Scene It? offering a host of movie-related trivia to answer.

Naruto Rise of a Ninja kick flips into November featuring the perfect blend of adventure, platforming and fighting and enables fans of the show to challenge fellow gamers on Xbox LIVE®.

Finally, top guns will fulfil their aviation dreams in Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, thrusting players into the heat of realistic air combat.

The review scores garnered by many of these titles have been astounding, confirming the excellence of the Xbox 360 line up. Halo 3’s score of 94 at Metacritic and 93 at Gamerankings makes it the perfect conclusion to the Halo trilogy, arriving just weeks after BioShock which wowed critics, scoring 96 and 95 at Metacritic and Gamerankings respectively.

Just when review scores looked like they couldn’t get any higher The Orange Box arrived - five innovative games from Valve®, creators of the blockbuster Half-Life franchise, in one action-packed box - scoring an astonishing 96 point average at both Metacritic and Gamerankings. Finally, Mass Effect is the most recent Xbox 360 release to garner 90+ review averages claiming 93 at both sites and rounding off simply the greatest portfolio of video games ever seen. *

These unprecedented scores demonstrate exactly why Xbox 360 continues to hold the record for highest games attach rate across the globe, at 6.3 games sold per console. With life-to-date sales of 13.4 million consoles worldwide this represents incredible software sales.

BioShock, Blue Dragon, Project Gotham Racing 4, Naruto Rise of a Ninja, Viva Piñata: Party Animals, Mass Effect, Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action, FIFA 08, PES 2008, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, The Orange Box and Halo 3 spearhead the unparalleled selection of Xbox 360 titles that players will be able to enjoy this year.

“This year’s line up of titles on Xbox 360 is without doubt the strongest I have seen, offering incredible Microsoft-published titles such as Blue Dragon, PGR 4, Viva Piñata Party Animals, Mass Effect, Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action and Halo 3, and incredible exclusives from our partners such as BioShock, Naruto Rise of a Ninja and Ace Combat 6. It’s an amazing year for Xbox 360 players,” said Michael Newey, Group Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft.

*Score averages correct as of 21/11/07

StreamMyGame launches Game Streaming

StreamMyGame.com is set to revolutionise the gaming industry. This free to join website provides its members with a free plugin that converts computer games into IPTV channels called Game Streams.

StreamMyGame enables games to be played remotely by converting a game's video and audio into a Game Stream and sending it over a home network to a laptop or second PC. The game can be played on the laptop without any lag and the laptop does not need to have the game installed.

StreamMyGame is compatible with both Windows XP and Vista, with all computer games based on Microsoft's DirectX8, DirectX9, DirectX10 including the latest games such as FIFA 08 and BioShock and OpenGL standards. Game Streams can be created with resolutions up to Super HDTV 3200 x 2400.

"We are embarking on a new paradigm in the gaming industry fuelled by advances in computer hardware, network speeds and the want of gamers to have more freedom," said Richard Faria CEO. "We network the power of their main PC so it can be used to play high end games on other PCs and laptops around the home. I believe the demand for high resolutions will drive the sales of high end PC hardware".

"We will release a Linux version in Q4 2007 which will enable PC games to be played on the PlayStation 3 and many other devices including DVD players, set top boxes, networked media devices and mobile phones," he said.

StreamMyGame will extend its services in Q1 2008 to enable games to be played remotely over broadband networks that have sufficient capacity such as Verizon's FiOS. Publishers will be able to use StreamMyGame to establish Pay-for-Play services.

StreamMyGame also offers its members the ability to record and broadcast gameplay and includes a free MP4 video player. "An easy solution to record your gameplay and upload it to the web has been demanded by gamers and StreamMyGame delivers that. Our YouTube ready MP4 format keeps file sizes low," said Joanna Softly, Marketing Manager, "and broadcasting games at LAN parties so everyone can watch the final from the comfort of their own PC makes so much more sense than crowding around one monitor".

You can try out StreamMyGame for free by simply registering at http://www.StreamMyGame.com/