Joystiq

XCOM delayed again, beyond Q1 2013

JC Fletcher — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:27:00 EST

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the strategy game, is still coming on October 9, but XCOM the shooter is growing ever more distant. Take-Two's latest earnings report gives the game a "fiscal year 2014" date, which puts it between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014.

The previous release window announcement put it in the previous fiscal year - and that announcement was, itself, a delay from a proposed March 6, 2012 release date. At this point, 2K is racing against science; if engineers of the future develop a method to contact and interact with alien life for real, this game will suddenly seem less exotic.

XCOM delayed again, beyond Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello

Richard Mitchell — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST

Someone tried to tell us this was a character from the BioShock universe, but we think we recognize Bomberman when we see him.

Seen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST

2K Marin is busy busting some alien assignations with the first-person version of XCOM, but apparently it has plenty of artillery to throw around. J.R. Hogarth de la Plante, one of the founders of 2K Marin in 2007 and the lead artist/level architect on the BioShock series, lists an "Unannounced Title" for which he is the art director, right on his resume.

Hogarth de la Plante doesn't describe the new title itself, but does explain that it's a brand new IP that he and four other directors are inventing and pitching internally. If it's still open to improvisation, Mr. Hogarth, may we suggest a stylized, top-down 2D adventure, played as a Little Sister as she fights her way through the terrifying realm of 1980s high school? You're welcome.

2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown mixes strategy and turn-based combat, first screens

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Looks like we were right again -- Firaxis' XCOM: Enemy Unknown isn't a remake of the original game, but is more of a re-imagining, Firaxis told Game Informer. Enemy Unknown will mix real-time strategy on a global scale with turn-based combat, making it less of an RTS in the classic sense, Firaxis said.

Strategically, players will handle all the holistic aspects of conducting extra-terrestrial warfare, including directing research into alien technology, mollifying nations worldwide to secure funding, attacking UFOs with jet fighters, leveling up soldiers, recruiting new ones and directing the Skyranger transport to battle aliens on the ground.

Enemy Unknown isn't copying the functions of the 1994 original -- soldiers will have different stats, for example -- and it gets rid of much of the "tedium and uninteresting mechanics," while keeping gameplay challenging, Firaxis said. Enemy Unknown takes place in the thick of the alien invasion of Earth, while 2K Marin's first-person shooter XCOM covers the first alien attacks on the US. This is interesting, considering Enemy Unknown may end up launching before 2K Marin's title.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (1/9/12)

XCOM: Enemy Unknown mixes strategy and turn-based combat, first screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST

It's been nearly two years since BioShock 2 first came out on consoles and PC -- but, oddly enough, the game's still not finished being released. Next month, the game finally gets ported to Mac OS X and, like the first BioShock, the work is being done by Mac dev Feral Interactive, who will also handle distribution of the game online.

Maybe you're staunchly opposed to buying games from Feral Interactive's website, for fear of the game being untrainable and potentially disease-ridden? Gamersgate will also be offering the game as a bundle with the first, so you can totally chill out. BioShock 2 for OS X will become available at some point next month, but if you really want to give Feral your money early the company is already accepting pre-orders.

BioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM delayed beyond Q1 2012

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:10:00 EST

A tired but resourceful former cop delays an alien invasion. It sounds like the eventual outcome of the never-ending Die Hard franchise, but for now it's the picture of Take-Two's first quarter of 2012. We didn't think there'd be room for Max Payne 3 and 2K Marin's overhauled XCOM in the same month, and now the latter project has been bumped into the publisher's fiscal year 2013.

Originally scheduled to launch on March 6, 2012, the promising tactical shooter is expected sometime between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. XCOM's public invasion has moved ahead in jolts since it was first announced, but has grown quiet in recent months following rumors of layoffs at 2K's Australian studio.

At least it's a chance for humans and aliens to agree on something: these things are never easy to plan.

XCOM delayed beyond Q1 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: 2K Marin in Australia hit by layoffs

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST

2K Marin's studio in Canberra, Australia, has allegedly gone through a round of layoffs. Kotaku AU reports that the studio, previously known as 2K Australia, cut 15 employees. The studio is currently assisting in the development of XCOM, which is scheduled to launch March 6, 2012. Requests for 2K to reconfirm that date, especially in light of recent announcements that would have titles from the same publisher competing against one another, have gone unanswered.

We contacted 2K to confirm the layoffs, but were informed it's company "policy not to comment on rumors or speculation"

If true, this is just the latest in a string of bad news for Australia's troubled development scene.

Rumor: 2K Marin in Australia hit by layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM developer diary discusses game world

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:15:00 EST

If you couldn't find the patience to watch the 22-minute XCOM E3 demonstration, you'll find the game's first developer diary trailer covers the basics of XCOM's world in about six minutes.

Continue reading XCOM developer diary discusses game world

XCOM developer diary discusses game world originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM's E3 demo declassified

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST

XCOM version 2.0 was revealed at E3 this past June. The tweaked demonstration we saw kept the setting of socially and politically turbulent 1960s America, but took a significantly different approach to the gameplay. Gone was the clearly BioShock-infused game we'd seen the prior year, twisted into something more strategic with many more gaming influences, not the least of which was Mass Effect.

The demo video has everything we saw at E3, covering squad selection, use of skills in combat and alien technology reclamation. XCOM will supposedly be ready to hire new recruits on March 6, 2012.

Gallery: XCOM (E3 2011)

XCOM's E3 demo declassified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM Preview: Mass affect

Christopher Grant — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:08:00 EST

2K Marin creative director Jordan Thomas wasted little time in addressing XCOM's year-long absence after E3 2010. "We're here to pull back the curtain on what we've been up to for a year," Jordan told us during a demo last week. "We've kind of been flying under the radar for a long time, and I wanted to start by talking about why that was."

The studio was comprised of plenty of talent from Irrational who had worked on BioShock (including Thomas) and then developed BioShock 2 at 2K Marin. In other words, BioShock was their comfort zone, Thomas said. "Our first crack at XCOM kind of had a run-and-gun feel. It was very BioShock. It was contiguous first-person, it had a creepier, splicer-like alien enemy, and so on," Thomas said. Over the last year, they've tried to get away from that, making "several key alterations" to the XCOM reimagining we first saw last year.

XCOM was a strategy game, the new XCOM is a first-person shooter, and that incongruity seems to be responsible for much of 2K Marin's second draft. "The main reason for that is that we are strong fans of the original XCOM series," Thomas said. "Basically, XCOM was about being the best of humanity repelling an alien invasion through cleverness and dynamism. Through taking the enemy technology and subverting it, to remove their strategic edge." Lucky for you, the "best of humanity" are on your team.

Gallery: XCOM (E3 2011)

Continue reading XCOM Preview: Mass affect

XCOM Preview: Mass affect originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM inducing singularities on March 6, 2012

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST

After months of secrecy, XCOM's release date has finally been declassified by publisher 2K Games. The first-person relaunch of the XCOM series will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC on March 6, 2012, according to 2K. The nearly nine month window between now and then does, of course, give plenty of extra time to delay it, should that be necessary. Not that we hope it gets delayed, but it does stand to reason that we won't see BioShock Infinite in the first quarter of 2012 if XCOM sticks to the release date, as 2K Games is unlikely to drop two major shooters so close to each other.

The game's E3 2011 trailer was also loosed, showing off a much more direct example of XCOM's first-person action gameplay. A press release accompanying today's release date news speaks to the game's setting as well, explaining that XCOM will put players into the shoes of Special Agent William Carter who, employing a crack team of veteran XCOM officers, will "strike surgically against the alien menace" in an effort to turn the tide of war against them. It's kind of like Halo, basically, except in 1950's America. And no Master Chief (as far as we know). And the aliens are way more inky, of course.

Okay, it's not that much like Halo. Fine.

Continue reading XCOM inducing singularities on March 6, 2012

XCOM inducing singularities on March 6, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finally, Minerva's Den coming to BioShock 2 PC

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:30:00 EST

BioShock 2 add-on "Minerva's Den" will finally make its way to PC on May 31 for 800 MSP ($10) -- that means you'll need to be hooked up to Games for Windows Live. The BioShock 2 DLC became available on consoles late last year, and in our review we found it to be a "very interesting and value-packed single-player expansion."

The road to a PC release of "Minerva's Den" has been long and awkward ever since it was announced late last year. The last time the DLC's potential PC release popped up on radar was January. Repeated requests for an update had 2K Games explaining it had "no new information at this time." So, while it may be seriously late, at least it wasn't canceled. (Why not just say so, 2K?)

Finally, Minerva's Den coming to BioShock 2 PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Australia studio head resigns in the middle of XCOM; 2K responds

Christopher Grant — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST

Earlier this month, internet snoop supererogatory noticed 2K Australia's studio head Martin Slater resigned, right in the middle of development on the upcoming XCOM reboot. That news was paired with another tweet saying, "FWIW, there's a rumor that XCOM's undergone some big changes since it was announced." Sounds plausible, especially if the studio head of one half of 2K Marin (yeah, it's confusing) is no longer with the company.

"Over the course of a project, development teams do change and evolve from time-to-time," a 2K spokesperson told Joystiq. "While we can confirm that Martin Slater is no longer with the studio, there have been no changes to the way in which XCOM is being developed. The project continues to involve strong collaboration between our California and Australia locations and continues to be led by creative director Jonathan Pelling, a longstanding member of the talented team that worked on BioShock, BioShock 2, Freedom Force and Tribes."

While Slater's departure may not have caused changes in the way, or the process, that XCOM is being developed, that doesn't mean the game itself hasn't undergone changes since we saw it last, at E3 2010. We'll know for sure the next time we get our hands on the title. Probably E3 this year, right 2K?

2K Australia studio head resigns in the middle of XCOM; 2K responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 PC DLC comes out before it's ready

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST

Well, we've got good news and bad news for folks who've long awaited the PC version of BioShock 2's downloadable content. The good news? According to a few users on the game's official forum, the Protector Trials expansion was released on the Games for Windows Marketplace earlier this week for $5.75. The bad news? It ... um, doesn't work. Like, at all.

It seems like the PC version of the game needs to be patched before the DLC will become compatible. A 2K representative confirmed on the forums, "wait till my word before you go grab it - it's not ready yet." But when will it be ready? If we were to wager a guess, we'd say anywhere from "soon" to "six months ago."

BioShock 2 PC DLC comes out before it's ready originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bioshock 2 DLC and patch back in development for PC

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST

You may recall the manner in which the internet exploded earlier this month, when 2K Games explained that no single-player BioShock 2 DLC or future patches were in development for the PC version of the game. It's time for these oft-scorned gamers to take back all the mean things they said upon hearing that news. 2K Games reversed its position in light of the passionate response from its community and has "resumed development" on the excellent "Minerva's Den" and "Protector Trials" DLC, as well as on the game's final patch.

A 2K representative said on the game's official forums that the patch and Protector Trials should get through certification in December, at which point they'll both be released to the PC community for free. The company has no idea when Minerva's Den will be finished, but 2K has allocated resources to completing its PC version. See? Everything's going to be fine. Just ... put down that giant, deadly drill, okay?

[Thanks Andrew!]

Bioshock 2 DLC and patch back in development for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 DLC marked down this week on XBLM

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:40:00 EST

Though the deals don't cover what is arguably the game's best expansion, Minerva's Den, you should still look to the Xbox Live Marketplace this week if you're looking for some BioShock 2 supplementals. Check out the full list of temporary discounts on DLC and Avatar items below.

Continue reading BioShock 2 DLC marked down this week on XBLM

BioShock 2 DLC marked down this week on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Games has no plans to bring Bioshock 2 DLC to PC

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you're a PC gamer that's been waiting to get your feet wet in BioShock 2's pair of DLC expansions, the "Protector Trials" and "Minerva's Den," you're in for a disappointing next few minutes. A 2K Games representative recently commented on the game's official forums, explaining that "we will also not be offering Protector Trials and Minerva's Den on the PC in the future," citing "timing and technical issues" as the reason for the expansions' non-appearance.

The representative went on to apologize for "the disappointment this will cause to PC players out there," though we wouldn't worry too much about that, as PC gamers are almost certainly used to it by this point.

2K Games has no plans to bring Bioshock 2 DLC to PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2: Minerva's Den review: Turing Rapture

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:15:00 EST

I don't care much for video games -- well, not when I'm playing them inside another video game. I can appreciate the recursive wink and what it says about the hours we devote to entertainment as life continues around us, but in the wrong context it can dissolve a game's sense of urgency. It's classic Shenmue syndrome. If you have the time and impulse to pet a cat, get a haircut and play a computer game, then maybe your quest isn't all that important.

Gallery: BioShock 2 - Minerva's Den (DLC)

Continue reading BioShock 2: Minerva's Den review: Turing Rapture

BioShock 2: Minerva's Den review: Turing Rapture originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Minerva's Den' BioShock 2 DLC Preview: Stomping around as Sigma

David Hinkle — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Minerva's Den is the final piece of BioShock 2 DLC you'll ever get. Taking place in parallel to the main story of the game, this $9.99/800 MS Point add-on puts players in the huge, metallic boots of Subject Sigma, another Alpha-series Big Daddy who just isn't having a great day in the underwater metropolis of Rapture. Instead of dealing with Sophia Lamb, Sigma has his own nemesis to contend with: Reed Wahl.

You see, Reed Wahl holds the keys to the kingdom of Minerva's Den, which itself houses one of Rapture's greatest assets: The Thinker. It's a gigantic super computer unlike any other controlling the Rapture Central Computing district. Aiding Sigma is a character you may have forgotten about, because she kinda just disappeared at the beginning of the game: Brigid Tennenbaum.

Gallery: BioShock 2 - Minerva's Den (DLC)

Continue reading 'Minerva's Den' BioShock 2 DLC Preview: Stomping around as Sigma

'Minerva's Den' BioShock 2 DLC Preview: Stomping around as Sigma originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin on the cross-oceanic development of XCOM

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Speaking to Gamasutra, 2K Marin's Jonathan Pelling discussed the state of development on the upcoming reboot of XCOM. The game has already raised something of a fuss with longtime fans, as the new game eschews the turn based strategy in favor of first-person shooting. Still, Pelling insists that the new XCOM will retain the "feeling" of the series and that it includes plenty of strategic elements.

We've heard all of this before, of course, but Pelling did reveal the interesting fact that each of 2K Marin's teams -- one in Australia, the other in California -- is focused on a different section of the game. According to Pelling, the California team is "dedicated to leading the design side of the field operations -- the FPS combat and stuff," while the Australian team is focused on the story and campaign. He added that the studio is making sure neither team diverges from the other. Still, Pelling noted that the game has "a very strong concept behind it and so it's really just a matter, at this point, of executing."

2K Marin on the cross-oceanic development of XCOM originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Levine: Why Irrational didn't do BioShock 2; What he thought of it

David Hinkle — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

With the announcement of BioShock Infinite, you may be asking yourself, "Well, why did you bow out of doing Bioshock 2, Irrational Games, only to come back to the BioShock universe?" According to comments from IG head honcho Ken Levine during our recent interview, he "felt like we said what we wanted to say about Rapture." He went on to say, "that's one of the reasons BioShock 2 wasn't the right project for us and, as we agreed with the company, we didn't have the timeframe or the scale to make the product of the ambition we had."

The sequel, which was developed mainly at 2K Marin and launched earlier this year, was also brought up by Eurogamer during its interview with Levine, though it was more concerned with his thoughts on how the sequel came out. "I think it's a very talented team," he said of developer 2K Marin, "and I think it fulfilled the mission of completing the story of Rapture."

Ken Levine: Why Irrational didn't do BioShock 2; What he thought of it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Single-player BioShock 2 add-on 'Minerva's Den' coming this fall

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

"Minerva's Den" will be BioShock 2's final piece of downloadable content when it arrives on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC this fall. 2K Games announced the single-player focused expansion will have you taking control of an "all-new character," who teams up with Dr. Tenenbaum (looks like the game didn't completely forget about her) to "unravel a dictator's stranglehold" on the Rapture Central Computing district.

Developed by 2K Marin, the expansion -- which has yet to receive a price -- will feature a "never-before-seen" type of Big Daddy, new plasmids and additional weaponry. Existing BioShock 2 DLC includes the multiplayer-focused "Metro Pack" and the "Protector's Trials" pack that surfaced earlier this week on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Single-player BioShock 2 add-on 'Minerva's Den' coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 single-player 'Protector Trials' DLC due in August

Justin McElroy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:43:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Some of the most intense moments of BioShock 2 had the Proto-Daddy defending a Little Sister as she sucked precious ADAM from one of Rapture's many corpses. They were great fun, especially when integrated organically into the story. Never one to pass up exploiting something that's working well, 2K has announced that it'll turn those moments into "Protector Trials" DLC, six new single-player maps that are "based on favorite locales from BioShock 2" (so, new-ish?). In addition to the Little Sister-defending action, you'll get seven new Achievements or Trophies.

2K also claims another forthcoming add-on will "expand the narrative" of BioShock 2 -- but let's get the shooting monsters thing out of the way first. Protector Trials will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace (for 400 MS Points) and PlayStation Store (for $4.99) on August 3.

BioShock 2 single-player 'Protector Trials' DLC due in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: XCOM

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST

Many longtime gamers, including me, were disappointed by the news that the new XCOM is a first-person shooter. Having witnessed a hands-off demo of the game at E3, I can tell you two things. One, it's definitely a first-person shooter. Guns, grenades, sprinting; you know the drill. Two, the game actually has much more in common with the original X-COM games than you may think.

Gallery: XCOM (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: XCOM

Preview: XCOM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debut XCOM trailer is an inky black treat

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

At last, 2K Games has unleashed the debut trailer for 2K Marin's upcoming FPS relaunch of the XCOM franchise. Though the suburban, 1950s aesthetic smacks familiar of the underwater metropolis of BioShock, the extraterrestrial enemies you'll be tasked with eradicating look like no aliens you've ever had to fight off before. Okay, maybe if you're Spider-Man, you'll find yourself on familiar ground. Everyone else is screwed.

Check out the trailer after the jump, and imagine how unpleasant it must be to have one of these gelatinous, violent blobs force feed themselves to you. That cannot be delicious. Or sanitary.

Continue reading Debut XCOM trailer is an inky black treat

Debut XCOM trailer is an inky black treat originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM, Spec Ops: The Line opt for 2011 release

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Tucked away in its E3 lineup announcement, Take-Two shed the tiniest bit of light on the release dates for Spec Ops: The Line and the upcoming XCOM reboot. According to the release, both games are slated for a 2011 release, though it doesn't get any more specific than that. Spec Ops had previously been announced for Take-Two's fiscal 2011, offering the hope of a November 2010 release at the earliest. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.

If only there were other games that let you blast aliens and enemy soldiers.

XCOM, Spec Ops: The Line opt for 2011 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 on sale for $30 on Amazon today

David Hinkle — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST

There are plenty of ways to get to Rapture: You could survive a plane crash in the middle of an ocean; or be abducted by one of its citizens as a child. Heck, if you're a really good swimmer and can hold your breath for a long time, you probably have a decent shot. We're in favor of a safer, more practical alternative: Buy a copy of Bioshock 2.

We're also in favor of the most frugal alternative: Amazon's Deal of the Day. Bioshock 2 is half-off today from the online retailer, available for $30 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 -- and the PC version is even cheaper: $26.

Now, there's our idea of the perfect summer vacation: babysitting our little sister.

BioShock 2 on sale for $30 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC coming to PC tomorrow

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:15:00 EST

The expansive (and somewhat irreverent) "Metro Pack" DLC for the multiplayer portion of BioShock 2 will be available for the PC version of the game tomorrow. The pack includes six new maps, three new Achievements and a "Rebirth" feature which lets level 50 players restart their careers, and will be available on the Games for Windows Live Marketplace for 800 ($10). Players can also grab two new multiplayer characters for 160 ($2), and all players can grab the (sigh) golf clubs-only "Kill'Em Kindly" deathmatch mode for free.

Of course, this expansion caused a handful of game-crashing issues for folks who purchased it on 360 and PS3 two weeks ago. Not to worry -- a patch for the game is also set to go live tomorrow, which we hope will preempt these issues.

[Via Big Download]

BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC coming to PC tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K responds to BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC complaints

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:28:00 EST

Joystiq has received numerous reports from BioShock 2 players who have been unable to play the new multiplayer maps since purchasing the Metro Pack DLC last week. Elizabeth Tobey, senior manager of interactive marketing for 2K, has responded to this issue on the 2K forums. It's not a glitch, but a design choice: 2K has not yet created a DLC-only online multiplayer playlist.

Said Tobey, "We couldn't assume all players would purchase the new maps, so we made a design decision to unify the player base and make sure no one got split up." In order to play a new map in a public match, explained Tobey, all players in the match must own the DLC (obviously). If anyone doesn't have the DLC, the match automatically reverts to base maps. Tobey noted that the easiest way to play the new maps would be to set up a private match and indicated in a separate thread that the development team is considering the creation of a playlist exclusively for the Metro Pack maps.

In the same thread, Tobey addressed another complaint about the new DLC involving the included Rebirth option, which lets rank 50 players reset their level in exchange for a special mask item. The feature is apparently wiping players' leaderboard ranking and online stats. Tobey assured that the BioShock 2 team is "looking into" the Rebirth issue.

[Via Eurogamer]

Source - 2K Forums
Source - 2K Forums

2K responds to BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC complaints originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 multiplayer patch coming soon to all platforms

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:29:00 EST

Are you sick and tired of all the freezing and crashing going on while you're freezing and smashing opponents in BioShock 2 multiplayer? We can't say that we blame you. Fortunately, 2K is rolling out patches for the all three -- Xbox 360, PS3 and PC -- versions of the game that should alleviate connectivity issues, as well as a few other miscellaneous snafus. The patches are currently "in the final stages of testing," meaning we should be seeing them fairly soon. Click past the jump to see the full list of changes for each platform.

[Via CVG]

Continue reading BioShock 2 multiplayer patch coming soon to all platforms

BioShock 2 multiplayer patch coming soon to all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K on the challenge of marketing BioShock 2

Richard Mitchell — Sat, 08 May 2010 06:02:00 EST

Speaking with the[a]listdaily, 2K Games' Matt Gorman and Tom Bass discussed the marketing strategy behind BioShock 2. With BioShock being one of the best games of 2007, Bass saw its legacy as both "a blessing and a curse" for the sequel. The challenge was twofold, according to Bass, who said that 2K had to sell the game to fans who "weren't convinced that they needed a sequel" and also to newcomers who might not have been familiar with the original.

At the same time, BioShock 2 was given much more attention from retailers thanks to the success of its predecessor. "With the second one, retail was super stoked for it and just the level of presence we were given was amazing," said Gorman, adding that the community built around the original helped to "evangelize" the sequel. Finally, Gorman said that the team was happy with the reception of BioShock 2, noting, "There were few times you could turn around and not see BioShock 2 during February."

2K on the challenge of marketing BioShock 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 May 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make an in-game BioShock 2 video, win the most dangerous prize ever

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST

2K Games is currently holding a contest to see who can capture the "craziest" occurrences while playing BioShock 2. Mind you, the contest's definition of "crazy" isn't referring to that time you found a hilarious bug, or that time you got a 20-kill streak while playing online. Rather, the contest is looking for "I froze a Big Daddy, levitated him into the air, stuck a rocket on him, and sent him flying into a group of unaware Splicers." For a hint as to what your entries should look like, watch the video posted after the jump.

The prize for the craziest video is a crisp, presumably novelty-sized check for $5,000, as well as a life-sized Big Daddy suit. Yes, the suit from this video. Yes, it's probably covered in the blood of 2K Marin's programmers. No, they probably won't clean that off for you.

Continue reading Make an in-game BioShock 2 video, win the most dangerous prize ever

Make an in-game BioShock 2 video, win the most dangerous prize ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 DLC trailer shows off new venues for mayhem

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST

Want to see what won't be available this week in BioShock 2? 2K's new trailer for the downloadable Rapture Metro Pack, due sometime in the indefinite future, gives us an idea of what the new content will be like whenever it deigns to make an appearance.

All six new multiplayer maps are highlighted in this trailer in gameplay footage -- hectic, hyper-violent gameplay footage depicting BioShock 2 multiplayer sessions. In fact, 2K seems intent upon filling every moment of this trailer with brutality, even to the point of showing someone blowing himself up by accident. Way to sell that content!

Without any indication of a release date, we'll just play it safe and say that you'll be able to get your hands on these new maps sometime this year.

BioShock 2 DLC trailer shows off new venues for mayhem originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just Cause 2 and BioShock 2 getting DLC April 29

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST

The latest Xbox Live Newsbeat update included release dates for two pieces of downloadable content that we didn't even know existed. We typically don't care for surprises, but we're willing to make an exception if it means we get more maps for the multiplayer component of BioShock 2 and more things to explode in Just Cause 2.

On April 29, six new multiplayer maps will be added to BioShock 2 as part of the "Rapture Metro Map Pack." For 800 ($10), players get the new arenas, three new masks, a "Kill 'Em Kindly" Melee deathmatch mode, and three new Achievements. Just Cause 2 will receive the "Black Market Aerial Pack," a 160 ($2) booster which adds the chaingun-toting F-33 DragonFly Jet Fighter, a multi-lock missile launcher and a parachute thruster which extends your airtime whilst leisurely sailing across the Panauan landscape. How... unexpextedly soothing!

Just Cause 2 and BioShock 2 getting DLC April 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin working on XCOM, '2K Australia name is no longer used'

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST

Earlier today, we reported that the development of the recently announced XCOM was being handled by 2K Marin's sister studio in Canberra, Australia -- 2K Australia. As it turns out, that isn't the entire story. When we contacted 2K Games representative Charlie Sinhaseni for follow up, we were told, "2K Marin, both the Novato, California and Canberra, Australia arms of the studio, are collaborating on XCOM. The two function as sister studios now." Notably, this new relationship is very similar to the the previously existing one between Irrational Games/2K Boston and Irrational Australia/2K Australia functioning as sister studios.

We also confirmed that, aside from BioShock 2 DLC, the California arm of 2K Marin is working exclusively on XCOM, effectively refuting the idea that it's working on BioShock 3.

Further, we were told, "The 2K Australia name is no longer used." It appears that the southeast Australia-based studio will no longer be known by its former moniker and will instead fall under the "2K Marin" label. Guess the Marin County School District's gonna have some major budget restructuring to do with all that new geography under its belt, eh?

2K Marin working on XCOM, '2K Australia name is no longer used' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM being developed by 2K Australia [update]

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:18:00 EST

Update: As it turns out, 2K Australia is actually part of 2K Marin. We've got the full story right here.

Original Story: Though 2K Games' middle-of-the-night XCOM announcement heralded 2K Marin as the studio heading up development of the title, 1UP reportedly clarifies that 2K Marin's "Canberra, Australia arm" (read: 2K Australia) will be in charge of the project. For those of you playing along at home, 2K Australia was the Australian counterpart to BioShock developer Irrational Games before it split to work with 2K Marin on BioShock 2, while Kenny L and company got to work on a separate (still unannounced) project.

That said, this news frees up 2K Marin's core team for other projects. And if we were betting men, we'd put our money on the California arm of the company working on a third entry in the BioShock series. When reached for comment, a 2K Games rep told us we'll hear more specifics about XCOM and 2K Marin "over the next couple of months."

XCOM being developed by 2K Australia [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XCOM re-imagined by 2K Marin for Xbox 360 and PC

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:19:00 EST

Click to XPAND

In a surprise late night announcement, 2K Games has revealed that 2K Marin (responsible for BioShock 2) is working on a re-imagined version of XCOM. Like the first BioShock game, this "strategic" and "suspense-filled" first-person shooter will debut exclusively on Xbox 360 and PC.

Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K, addressed the switch to a first-person perspective in a press release: "Players will explore the world of XCOM from an immersive new perspective and experience firsthand the fear and tension of this gripping narrative ride."

According to the release, players will assume the role of an FBI agent "tasked with identifying and eliminating the growing threat" from an "unknown enemy." If the story stays true to the original franchise, expect aliens, global conflict, and lots and lots of dead, incinerated humans.

XCOM re-imagined by 2K Marin for Xbox 360 and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hey, you got your BioShock in my Doom 2!

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST

Professional level designer J.P. LeBreton's creativity can't just be contained by the BioShock franchise which his work has appeared in for the last three years. So, he recently exercised his craft in a fairly peculiar way -- by designing a Doom 2 map modeled after the two areas on which he served as lead designer for 2K's underseas adventure: Arcadia and the Farmer's Market.

You can download the map directly from LeBreton's site. It comes bundled in a handy little .ZIP file which includes instructions on how to get it up and running on your modern gaming rig. If you're having trouble, just put the original BioShock in, and smear a thick sheen of petroleum jelly on your monitor.

[Via Big Download]

Hey, you got your BioShock in my Doom 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 'Sinclair Solutions Test Pack' coming March 11

David Hinkle — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST

Next Thursday, those entrenched in The Great Splicer Uprising of '59 will get a chance to beef up their arsenal in Bioshock 2's multiplayer mode with the Sinclair Solutions Test Pack on March 11. Here's what you'll get for your 400 ($5) on Xbox Live and Games For Windows - Live, and $4.99 on PSN:

Rank Increase to level 50 with Rank Rewards
New playable characters Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca
20 new trials (some only available after a player achieves a rank of 41 or higher)
A third weapon upgrade for each weapon
Five additional masks (some only available after a player achieves a rank of 41 or higher)

Happy Splicer hunting! (Splunting?)

BioShock 2 'Sinclair Solutions Test Pack' coming March 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bioshock 2 has shipped over 3 million units

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:29:00 EST

Take-Two has revealed in its latest fiscal earnings report that Bioshock 2 has managed to ship more than three million units worldwide since releasing on February 9. The report also says the first game has now sold over four million copies worldwide across all platforms, "bringing the total sales of the franchise to 7 million units." Of course, the important distinction here is that "shipped" does not equal "sold," as Take-Two infers above.

Still, getting three million copies out there into the world is a pretty noteworthy feat. Get yourself a couple more million and you'll be able to finance construction on your own underwater metropolis -- not that any good could possibly come of it.

Bioshock 2 has shipped over 3 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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