Joystiq

2K sales week kicks off on XBLM

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST

A sizable selection of games and add-ons from publisher 2K Games are now on sale on Xbox Live Marketplace. The deals, which include half-off on the Mechromancer Pack from Borderlands 2 (400 MSP), the same discount for BioShock 2 on Games on Demand ($9.99), and a beefy 75 percent off XBLA games Axel & Pixel and The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom (200 MSP each), all come to an end on January 14.

The full list of on-sale games and add-ons awaits you after the break.

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2K sales week kicks off on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steam Holiday Sale, day 10: Skyrim, BioShock, Grand Theft Auto franchise sales and more

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

Have you guys ever noticed how our money and a Steam Holiday Sale are never in the same room at the same time? Like, the same way that no one has ever seen Bruce Wayne and the Batman together in the same place? It's just weird, is all; almost as if our money was somehow being removed by the sale, or something.

Some mysteries will never be solved, we suppose. Today's Steam Holiday Sale offerings include 50 to 75 percent off of Skyrim, its DLC and its predecessors, 75 percent off various Grand Theft Auto games, BioShock and BioShock 2 for a collective $10, 75 percent off both Witcher games, Galactic Civilizations I and II for $6.24 and Payday: The Heist for $5.

Steam Holiday Sale, day 10: Skyrim, BioShock, Grand Theft Auto franchise sales and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free BioShock 2 for PS Plus members starting tomorrow

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:37:00 EST

BioShock 2, a game whose appreciation is a bit of a slow burn, will be free for PlayStation Plus members following tomorrow's PSN Tuesday update. If you're interested in spending some money on BioShock 2, there's always the well-conceived Minerva's Den add-on.

Other highlights for Plus members tomorrow include Rockstar Game Collection 1 (Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, L.A. Noire and Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition) for 10 percent off at $53.99. There's also Puddle for half off at $3.50 on PS3 and $2.80 on Vita.

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

Free BioShock 2 for PS Plus members starting tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Captain Scarlett hails Mr. Bubbles in Borderlands 2 'Pirate Booty' DLC

David Hinkle — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST

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.

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Captain Scarlett hails Mr. Bubbles in Borderlands 2 'Pirate Booty' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 'Ultimate Rapture Edition' packing first two BioShocks and DLC into one box

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST

BioShock Infinite may not arrive until 2013, but the underwater world of Rapture is getting a re-release, at least in the UK, in the form of "BioShock Ultimate Rapture Edition." A British Board of Film Classification listing was spotted by Eurogamer (since pulled) that outs the bundle, which apparently includes both BioShock 1 and 2, as well as "all its DLC add-ons."

Publisher 2K Games hasn't confirmed the repackaging or given any official details on it, so it's unclear if the bundle will head Stateside or stay in the UK. As BioShock 2 launched with a "Rapture Edition" that was specific to the UK, it stands to reason that this is the UK-specific bundle.

Update: 2K Games reps tell Joystiq, "We have nothing to announce at this time." So, like, soon then, right?

BioShock 'Ultimate Rapture Edition' packing first two BioShocks and DLC into one box originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three ex-BioShock devs form The Fullbright Company

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

Three of the developers behind recent BioShock games have started their own studio, called The Fullbright Company, with the simple goal to "make a great game." The Fullbright Company is Steve Gaynor, Johnnemann Nordhagen and Karla Zimonja. As Gaynor describes it, perhaps their goal isn't so "simple" after all:

"A memorable experience that you'll be drawn into, and keep thinking about after the game's turned off, and want to come back to again someday. An experience that gets away from the constraints of ossified game genres, while relying on what we're good at as a team: creating immersive places to inhabit, and a deep, personal story to explore at your own pace. A nonviolent game in an unfantastical locale; an experience that not many games provide, built out of techniques that only video games can employ."

The trio have worked on BioShock 2, Minerva's Den, BioShock Infinite and XCOM. Gaynor wrote and was design lead on Minerva's Den, if that gives anyone confidence in this new studio. Fullbright promises more updates and information on its site "soon."

Three ex-BioShock devs form The Fullbright Company originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:30:00 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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BioShock 2 emerges on Mac today

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

BioShock 2 is out on Mac today, in just enough time for you to enjoy the entire game before playing BioShock Infinite on anything but Mac this October -- although if you enjoy waiting, we hear the Vita version still doesn't have a release date. BioShock 2 on Mac includes the multiplayer component, The Fall of Rapture, as well as the complete campaign.

Irrational previously announced BioShock 2 would hit Mac in January, published by Feral Interactive. Turns out half of that statement was true, and BioShock 2 is today available for Mac download via the Feral store, Mac App Store, Gamersgate, Gamefly, Mac Game Store and Macgames.fr.

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BioShock 2 emerges on Mac today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:00:00 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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Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST

The Steam Holiday Sale doesn't stop for anyone or anything -- not the end of a year, an era or the world -- and today, New Year's Eve 2011, is no different. The 13th day of the Steam Holiday Sale offers 75 percent off L.A. Noire, Bit.Trip Runner, the Hitman franchise, Magicka, both BioShocks, Hoard, GRID and the Counter-Strike series, and more titles at various other deduction rates.

Check out all the deals before the year ~~and our life as we know it~~ ends.

Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 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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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 Games DLC marked down for Xbox Live Deal of the Week

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:05:00 EST

If you're of the opinion that the respective, already-pretty-massive worlds of BioShock 2, Borderlands and Mafia 2 could use a little expanding, you can do so on the cheap this week. Xbox Live Marketplace has discounted select DLC for the three titles as its current Deal of the Week.

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2K Games DLC marked down for Xbox Live Deal of the Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 1 and 2 prices take a dive to $5 on Steam today

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST

If you've got a fiver, a decent computer and the steely nerves required to navigate a subaquatic, mutant-filled labyrinth, you should turn your eyes to Steam today. The digital retailer has both BioShock and BioShock 2 on sale for $4.99 a piece as part of its "2K Week" promotion.

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BioShock 1 and 2 prices take a dive to $5 on Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST

We'll probably never be able to realize our vision for a video game based on a crime syndicate that operates solely out of subaquatic tunnels. However, Amazon's offering the next best thing: BioShock 2 and Mafia 2 are marked down to $11 and $15, respectively, as the Deal of the Day promotion.

Continue reading BioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day

BioShock 2, Mafia 2 marked down for Amazon Deal of the Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:40:00 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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Tons of 2K Games and Rockstar DLC on sale through Xbox Live

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST

Are any of your many, many 2K Games or Rockstar titles for Xbox 360 in need of a little expansion? Maybe you'd like to have an Undead Nightmare on the Zombie Island of Dr. Ned? Perhaps a visit to Minerva's Den to settle Jimmy's Vendetta? Itching to sing The Ballad of Gay Tony in ... um, the Underdome? These analogies are escaping us, but our bloodhound-esque nose for value is not: All the aforementioned DLC, as well as quite a few other BioShock 2, Mafia 2, Borderlands and Red Dead Redemption expansions are on sale through Xbox Live until January 31.

There are also a few avatar items discounted, not to mention a few full classic games such as Sid Meier's Pirates and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. You're not likely to see a fire sale of this scope on the platform any time soon -- check after the jump for the full list of encheapened items.

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Tons of 2K Games and Rockstar DLC on sale through Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 DLC draws closer to release on PC

David Hinkle — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

PC gamers anxious to extend their BioShock 2 experience should pop a Paying Attention plasmid right now: those add-ons are still coming. The first of the two campaign add-ons offered to console gamers, Protector Trials, is currently on track to be submitted for certification at the end of January. Once approved, there shouldn't be too long of a wait before aspiring father figure types can get to protectin' their younger, creepier sisters.

As for Minerva's Den, it'll be a longer wait: 2K Games says it's on track to submit to certification in early March. The delay comes from the fact that the PC port of the acclaimed add-on was only in the earliest stages of development when 2K Games decided it didn't want to pursue a PC release, only to subsequently change its mind.

If you want to know more, check out this thread on the 2K forums, where community manager Elizabeth Tobey is promising to answer questions.

BioShock 2 DLC draws closer to release on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct2Drive lights a fire sale on 2K titles this week

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST

Direct2Drive has launched a promotion in which it designates a "Publisher of the Week," and then takes a different game from said publisher and cuts its price in twain (or more) each weekday. This week, it's 2K's turn, resulting in mad price cuts on gems like Borderlands and BioShock 2.

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Direct2Drive lights a fire sale on 2K titles this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:00:00 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.

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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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Alan Wake, Epic Mickey among award-nominated video game scores

Randy Nelson — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:30:00 EST

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

Set to be announced in advance of the Hollywood Music In Media Conference running November 18-20, 2010 in -- where else -- Hollywood, CA, the 2010 Hollywood Music In Media Awards nominees include nine video game scores under the category of Visual Media. The bombastic orchestral sounds of God of War 3 and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood are joined by the more moody fare of Alan Wake and -- a bit out of left field -- the score to Disney Epic Mickey.

The winning score will be revealed on November 11, 2010, and you can find the complete list of nominees after the break. Cue dramatic end-of-post theme.

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Alan Wake, Epic Mickey among award-nominated video game scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:30:00 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)

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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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BioShock 2 'Minerva's Den' DLC hits PS3, 360 Aug. 31 for $10

David Hinkle — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST

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

2K Marin has finally revealed the launch date for BioShock 2's final DLC offering, Minerva's Den. On August 31, the DLC will launch on PSN and Xbox Live simultaneously for $9.99 and 800 MS Points, respectively. Games For Windows Live users will have to wait until "a later date" for the DLC.

Minerva's Den adds three new areas to explore in the titular level and runs parallel to the main story, meaning players need not complete the BioShock 2 campaign before struggling with whether they'll decide to harvest or adopt the six new Little Sisters peppered throughout. 2K Marin also revealed that, as an added incentive to those who picked up Protector Trials, players will be given access to the Master Protector tonic in Minerva's Den, which simultaneously increases the harvest times for any Little Sister you're chaperoning and the ADAM they collect. This tonic can be accessed via any Gatherer's Garden.

Be sure to read our preview of Minerva's Den, which includes impressions of a new weapon, an all-new Plasmid and the new Big Daddy type, the Lancer.

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

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BioShock 2 'Minerva's Den' DLC hits PS3, 360 Aug. 31 for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:01:00 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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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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BioShock 2 'Protector Trials' DLC delayed on PC

David Hinkle — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST

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

You probably already knew, considering the Bioshock 2 "Protector Trials" DLC is nowhere to be found on Games For Windows Live, but here it is in plain English anyway: it's been delayed. 2K Games' Elizabeth Tobey confirmed the delay in a post on the official 2K Games forums, citing that no date for the patch has been decided yet, but that we should all "stay tuned."

We've put in some questions to 2K about the delay and when exactly the company hopes to launch the DLC on Games For Windows Live. We'll let you know what we hear back.

BioShock 2 'Protector Trials' DLC delayed on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:00:00 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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Amazon's FFXIII 360 bundle to include UFC 2010 and Bioshock 2 on August 2

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:20:00 EST

Amazon's upping the ante to try and move more units of its recently discounted Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 bundle. According to the retailer's Twitter account, the $300 package will come with free copies of UFC Undisputed 2010 and BioShock 2 when purchased this coming Monday.

Continue reading Amazon's FFXIII 360 bundle to include UFC 2010 and Bioshock 2 on August 2

Amazon's FFXIII 360 bundle to include UFC 2010 and Bioshock 2 on August 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:20:00 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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Take-Two Q2 revenue up to $268M, BioShock 2 sales 'lower than expected'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST

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

Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two has announced its financial results for its second fiscal quarter, which ended April 30, 2010. Net revenue of $268 million represented an increase of 54 percent over the $174.3 million recorded during the same quarter last year; a change that Take-Two attributes to sales of Major League Baseball 2K10, as well as the introduction of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City to PlayStation 3 and PC.

In a related investor call, Take-Two Chief Financial Officer Lainie Goldstein noted that 32 perecent of revenue was driven by the publisher's catalog titles, including NBA 2K10 and Grand Theft Auto IV. And while BioShock 2 contributed to the increased revenue and became a profitable endeavor, Goldstein noted that the dystopian shooter incurred "lower than expected" sales. "The title was well-received by the media and was profitable for us," she said. "However, sales slowed down sooner than we had expected."

Operating income for the quarter rose to $16.9 million (last year's second quarter represented a loss of $10.4 million), while total revenue for the company's first-half financial year totaled $431.2 million.

Take-Two Q2 revenue up to $268M, BioShock 2 sales 'lower than expected' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:00 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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New Gears, BioShock 2 toys coming exclusively to Comic-Con

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:15:00 EST

Worried you'd never get a collectible based on Gears of War comic character Jace Stratton, a gentleman who has yet to put any face time into an actual Gears of War game series? Well quit it, worrywort! (You're only hurting yourself.) NECA recently told Toy News International that it'll be bringing Stratton -- and several BioShock 2 figures -- to the upcoming 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International for sale in limited quantities.

We'd love to tell you more about the BioShock 2 figures, but we're not trying to ruin the end of the game for those of you who might still be wary of spoilers. You can have a look for yourself right here.

[Via Kotaku]

New Gears, BioShock 2 toys coming exclusively to Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irrational releases the original BioShock pitch document

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

Every once in a while, our very plane of existence will be split into two by a major decision affecting the course of history, creating what scientists refer to as a "parallel universe." Less frequently, a window will open up which lets us catch a quick glimpse into the world of what might have been. Irrational Games threw open just such a window yesterday by releasing the pitch document for BioShock, which was planned to be a very different monster from the game we all know and love. Specifically, a sea monster.

Some things in the document stayed true -- genetic modification was a major aspect of the pitch. Most of it ... well, let's just say we're glad things changed the way they did. We're not sure the story of Carlos Cuello, who must infiltrate a remote island run by cultists to rescue a wealthy heiress, would be quite so memorable. Also, those aforementioned genetic modifications give you traits of different sea creatures instead of regular ol' superpowers.

Also, there was supposed to be multiplayer. Multiplayer! In BioShock! Have you ever heard of anything so preposterous?

Irrational releases the original BioShock pitch document originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New game sales up in GameStop's fiscal Q1

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:33:00 EST

GameStop reported earnings for its fiscal first quarter (February-April). Sales are up five percent over the first quarter of 2009, to $2.08 billion.

Some of that growth is no doubt due to strong sales of new games. The retailer announced that new software sales increased 13.3 percent in the quarter -- a trend that the GameStop should be happy to see, now that EA and THQ are taking aim at the used games business.

The company identified five games in particular that drove revenue growth: Battlefield Bad Company 2, God of War 3, Final Fantasy XIII, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, and BioShock 2. We all love buying sequels at GameStop, apparently.

New game sales up in GameStop's fiscal Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:33:00 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 'Metro Pack' DLC re-dated May 11

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:30:00 EST

2K has announced that the erroneously dated BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC now has an actual release date: Tuesday, May 11. The Metro Pack adds six maps to the multiplayer mode and will be available on PSN and Xbox Live for $10. 2K is also releasing some additional DLC alongside the Metro Pack. First up is a $2 character pack, which adds two new characters to multiplayer. In addition, players can also grab the free download for "Kill'Em'Kindly," a new multiplayer mode that has players "fight to the death with golf clubs."

That disturbing, guttural sound you just heard was the collective "ugh" of everyone who has ever played the original BioShock.

BioShock 2 'Metro Pack' DLC re-dated May 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:30:00 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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