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Tag: BioShock Infinite

  • Fox News Defends the Homeland, Copies Bioshock Infinite Logo

    Bioshock Infinite, the third installment of the Bioshock series, was released to nearly universal acclaim in 2013. The game, widely regarded as a return to glory for the series after a bit of a stumble on Bioshock 2, has entered the pop culture lexicon with its striking visual design and compelling storyline.

    Much of the action in Bioshock Infinite takes place in Columbia, a pseudo-Christian “utopian” society where racism (the white supremacy type) and classism is pretty much institutionalized. The city, floating in the sky, was built on a platform of American exceptionalism by a religious zealot who is worshipped as a prophet. The city is littered with over-the-top American iconography – even to the point of having the Founding Fathers held up as religious figures.

    Hold that thought.

    Earlier this week, Fox News decided to run this graphic for a segment concerning immigration reform entitled “defending the homeland”

    That image comes from the Facebook page of Ken Levine, creator of Bioshock Infinite.

    Hm. That kind of looks like…

    In order to steer clear of political commentary, I’ll just let Ken Levine handle it:

    Image via Ken Levine, Facebook

  • Final ‘BioShock Infinite’ DLC Out Today

    Final ‘BioShock Infinite’ DLC Out Today

    2K and Irrational Games today released the final DLC installment for BioShock Infinite. The content is the second episode of the Burial at Sea story DLC and wraps up the dimension-spanning tale of BioShock Infinite.

    BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode Two continues right where Burial at Sea – Episode One left off. The DLC puts players back into Rapture, the underwater city first introduced in the first BioShock game. The content mixes character made famous in that first game with the protagonists from BioShock Infinite in a swirled mix of alternate history and science fiction.

    In Episode Two players will take on the role of Elizabeth, as she desperately attempts to save a little sister named Sally. A few glimpses of what the finale might hold were released today via a launch trailer for the DLC:

    “I think the work the team did on this final chapter speaks for itself,” said Ken Levine, creative director at Irrational Games. “We built something that is larger in scope and length, and at the same time put the player in Elizabeth’s shoes. This required overhauling the experience to make the player see the world and approach problems as Elizabeth would: leveraging stealth, mechanical insight, new weapons and tactics. The inclusion of a separate 1998 Mode demands the player complete the experience without any lethal action. BioShock fans are going to plotz.”

    This final story for BioShock Infinite may also wrap up the entire BioShock franchise. Last month Irrational Games announced that it would be shutting its doors for good.

    Instead of leading the large studio, Levine has taken less than two dozen former Irrational employees and founding a “smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavor at Take-Two.” The team that Levine has created will be making smaller titles for a core gaming audience, suggesting that the spectacle that was the BioShock franchise may now be a thing of the past.

  • Monster Hunter Is Free For PlayStation Plus Members This Week

    Has your PS Vita or PSP felt a little lonely lately? Well, it won’t be lonely anymore if you happen to be a PlayStation Plus member and a fan of monster slaying.

    Sony announced this morning that this week’s PlayStation Plus update will feature only one new addition – Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. The title was originally released on the PSP a number of years ago, but it’s now free for PSP and PS Vita owners. If you’re new to Monster Hunter, Freedom Unite would be a good place to start for those wondering what Capcom’s super popular series is all about. I can assure you – it’s more than just hunting monsters.

    Here’s some of the features players will find in the game:

  • The biggest Monster Hunter title to date with over 500 hours of gameplay.
  • Huge variety of character customizations including 1400 weapons and over 2000 armor sets.
  • Players can form a team of up to 4 players through Ad-Hoc play and experience the social gaming phenomenon.
  • AI Felyne companion, who will accompany players on quests and provide aid through the challenging battles.
  • Fans of the series can transfer their data from Monster Hunter Freedom 2.
  • If Monster Hunter isn’t your jam, there’s a number of other games going on sale this week for PlayStation Plus members. The standouts include the entire BioShock franchise and Fez. The latter is launching on Tuesday for the PS4, PS3 and Vita, and PlayStation Plus members can get a small discount as part of the Spring Fever sale. Here’s everything going on sale:

    Monster Hunter Goes Free On PlayStation Plus

    Sony would also like to remind gamers that Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition for PS4 and Tomb Raider for PS3 will both leave the Instant Game Collection on April 1. If you have yet to download either game, you’ll want to download them before the start of the month.

    Image via PlayStation/YouTube

  • Irrational Games Shutting Down, Levine To Form Smaller Team

    Irrational Games is one of the most celebrated developers of all time. Its most popular games – System Shock 2, BioShock and BioShock Infinite – are always brought up when discussing narrative in first person shooters. Its games also happened to be major blockbuster hits so a new game from the studio was assumed to be a sure fire thing. Well, not anymore.

    Ken Levine took to the Irrational Games front page today to announce that the studio he founded 17 years ago would be “winding down Irrational Games as you know it.” In other words, Levine is shutting down the studio in favor of a “smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavor at Take-Two.” He says that this means laying off all but 15 of Irrational’s staff as he forms a small team that makes games “for the core gaming audience.”

    As you can imagine, the news was quite a shock. You usually only hear about studio closures when the games they make perform badly. Irrational’s last game – BioShock Infinite – was quite the opposite as it was one of the best selling games of 2013. Irrational Games’ owner Take-Two had no reason to shut down the studio so it appears that this is a decision made by Levine. He himself says as much by revealing that he contemplated leaving Irrational and Take-Two to form an indie studio, but was told by Take-Two that they would support any endeavor he wanted to pursue.

    So, what does this mean for the BioShock franchise? Levine says it’s now in the hands of Take-Two. That means that we may see a new BioShock game in the future, but it won’t be made by any of the guys at Irrational. Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened as the generally well received BioShock 2 was developed by 2K Marin as Irrational worked on BioShock Infinite.

    This is definitely a weird situation and feelings regarding the closure are all over the board. Some are wishing Levine the best while others are questioning the logic of shutting down a successful studio just because its head wants to pursue smaller, more personal projects.

    Image via Irrational Games

  • Bethesda, 2K Team Up To Offer Bundles Of Their Best-Selling Games

    Over the last few years, 2K Games and Bethesda have become two of the biggest publishers in gaming with hits like BioShock Infinite and Borderlands 2. Now the two publishers are combining their power to offer bundles that feature their best selling games for those who never got around to them.

    2K Games and Bethesda announced this morning that it will be releasing two bundles on Xbox 360 and PS3 today. The first includes Borderlands 2 and Dishonored while the second features Skyrim and BioShock Infinite. As an added bonus, the PS3 version of the Skyrim and BioShock Infinite bundle also includes the original BioShock.

    Both publishers are quick to point out that these four games are often cited as being games of a generation. In other words, they feel that these are the games people will look back on as the crowing achievement in game design on the Xbox 360 and PS3. It also probably means that you’ve already played them.

    “When you think of the best games of the modern era, you think of Skyrim, BioShock Infinite, Borderlands 2, and Dishonored,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Combined, these four instant classics have sold tens of millions of copies worldwide, and have been recognized by hundreds of critics as the best in the industry, and now 2K and Bethesda Softworks are offering these games at an incredible value.”

    If you’ve not yet had the chance to play these games, 2K and Bethesda really hope you do. It would seem the focus of this joint endeavor is to gain new fans while wringing out the last bit of value found in these titles.

    “Not only have these games been critical successes, but they have also won the hearts of gamers everywhere,” added Vlatko Andonov, President, Bethesda Softworks. “Each of these games has an extraordinarily passionate fan base and we look forward to seeing those grow even larger as more people get to explore these fully-realized worlds.”

    Both bundles are available today on the PS3 and Xbox 360 for $30 each. The bundles include only the base game so you’ll have to buy all the DLC that’s been released for all four titles.

    Image via Business Wire/2K Games/Bethesda Softworks

  • ‘BioShock Infinite’ DLC Coming March 25

    Just last week 2K released a new preview for its upcoming BioShock Infinite DLC. The preview teased returning BioShock characters and a new, intriguing situation but was light on the details when it came to the content’s release. Today that oversight has been remedied.

    2K today announced that BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea episode two will be released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC on March 25. The content will be available for $15 or as part of the BioShock Infinite DLC season pass.

    Of course, March is the worst possible month for gamers to have more content announced for. The month is already packed with South Park: The Stick of Truth, Dark Souls 2, TitanFall, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, Infamous: Second Son, and a few other great-looking niche games. It might be easy for gamers to forget the second half of the Burial at Sea story in the midst of such a big month for gaming, especially given the lackluster reception of the first half of the story.

    Even so, BioShock fans who paid up for the season pass will get the conclusion to Burial at Sea and get the opportunity to spend even more time in rapture. 2K is promising that the new DLC will involve aspects from both BioShock and BioShock Infinite, providing a piece of fan service worthy of the BioShock series’ twisted storyline.

    “In Burial at Sea episode two, we are delivering a story that involves nearly every major character from the original BioShock and BioShock Infinite,” said Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games. “It is a story that will give gamers a new perspective on the BioShock universe and conclude the story of BioShock Infinite and Burial at Sea.”

  • New ‘BioShock Infinite’ DLC Previewed

    It has been nearly one year since the release of BioShock Infinite. Since that time the game has received numerous mentions on game-of-the-year lists and just this month was one of the free games features through Sony’s PlayStation Plus service.

    Back in November, around the time new consoles and big annual titles were making their debut, 2K released Burial at Sea episode 1. The content was the first real story DLC for BioShock Infinite and brought players back to the undersea world of Rapture seen in the original BioShock.

    Fans of the game have been waiting months for the second installment of Burial at Sea, and 2K today released a new video to tease them. The video shows a cut scene from the second episode, depicting both Elizabeth and Atlus in a BioShock mash-up packed with fan service:

    In episode two of Burial at Sea players will take on the role of Elizabeth as she tracks down a little sister named Sally. The DLC features new areas of Rapture for players to explore and, according to the video, should be out “soon.”

  • PlayStation Plus Gets BioShock Infinite, Don’t Starve In January

    It’s the day after Christmas, and you’re already downloading all the free games you can get from PlayStation Plus after your parents, friends or significant other purchased a year’s subscription to PlayStation Plus for you. While there’s plenty of great content to be had on the service already, January is going to be a stellar debut for PlayStation Plus in 2014.

    Sony announced today that a total of six games will be hitting PlayStation Plus in January across the PS4, PS3 and PS Vita. Starting with PS4, indie survival game Don’t Starve will debut on PS4 and be free right out of the gate for PlayStation Plus subscribers. So, what’s it about? Here’s the official synopsis from Sony:

    Don’t Starve: Console Edition is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. You play as Wilson, an intrepid Gentleman Scientist who has been trapped by a demon and transported to a mysterious wilderness world. Wilson must learn to exploit his environment and its inhabitants if he ever hopes to escape and find his way back home.

    If brutal survival games aren’t really your thing, you still have plenty of other options on PS3 and PS Vita. For PlayStation 3, BioShock Infinite, DMC Devil May Cry and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons will all go free during the month of January. All three are fantastic titles that any PlayStation 3 owner should pick up.

    As for PlayStation Vita, those hoping for something a little more exciting might be a little let down. The handheld is getting brain trainer Smart as… and lumbricid combat sim Worms: Battle Islands. Both games should provide gamers with something a little different from the norm, but those waiting for Persona 4 Golden to go free will have to keep waiting.

    If you want to see next month’s games in action, check out the below video:

    Image via PlayStation/YouTube

  • ‘BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea’ Episode One Out Today, Launch Trailer Released

    Nearly eight months after the release of BioShock Infinite, 2K and Irrational Games have released the first campaign DLC for the game. Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea part one is now available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

    Players will once again take on the role of Booker DeWitt, though this time they will navigate the underwater city of Rapture. In the noir style, DeWitt is now a private eye who is hired by a sultry, mysterious woman named Elizabeth. In a parallel to the full BioShock Infinite game, DeWitt sets off in search of a girl with many questions still unanswered.

    For anyone who’s still unsure about the content, 2K today also released a launch trailer for Burial at Sea. The preview suggests that the add-on will bring back at least some of the characters and extra-creepy elements that made Rapture such a memorable setting:

  • First ‘BioShock Infinite’ Campaign DLC Out November 12

    When BioShock Infinite released earlier this year, publisher 2K Games also began selling season passes for upcoming DLC for the title. Fans waited months before a stop-gap challenge map pack DLC was released. The first DLC may have been disappointing to BioShock fans, but 2K also used that occasion to tease what players really wanted – a new story-based campaign, complete with a nostalgic return to Rapture.

    Today 2K finally revealed that gamers have less than one month until they can dive into the Burial at Sea DLC. The first of two episodes in the Burial at Sea story will appear on consoles and PC on November 12. The episode will cost $15 by itself, or gamers can get it as part of the BioShock Infinite Season pass, which costs $20 and will come with the eventual second episode of Burial at Sea, in addition to the Clash in the Clouds challenge maps.

    The new content will take players back to Rapture, though a semi-functioning Rapture as it was before the events depicted in the original BioShock. Booker and Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite will be back, though their roles will be significantly different from those in the full game. The story has been teased as a noir-style mystery, with Booker now a private dick and Elizabeth the sultry woman who comes wandering into his office with an odd request. 2K teased in today’s announcement that the second episode of the story might take place from Elizabeth’s point of view, with an emphasis on stealth.

    “This is a love letter to the fans, but it’s also the beginning of a story that will give gamers a new perspective on the BioShock universe,” said Ken Levine, creative director at Irrational Games. “With Burial at Sea, we built a Rapture not from BioShock and BioShock Infinite scraps and pieces, but with environments almost entirely crafted from scratch.”

  • See a Functioning Rapture in New BioShock DLC Clip

    Though BioShock games can certainly be fun to play, the titles are lauded more for their story than their first-person-shooting. The two episodes of BioShock Infinite‘s Burial at Sea DLC, then, are much more anticipated than the already-released Clash in the Clouds.

    The story DLC will take player back to Rapture, the setting of BioShock and BioShock 2. A teaser mockumentary released last week shows that the characters may play just as big of a part in Rapture as they did in Columbia.

    Irrational and 2K today released a five-minute, un-cut look at the beginning of the first episode of the DLC. It shows an alternate-universe Booker as he is approached by the sultry alternate-universe Elizabeth. She leads him on a short tour of a pre-disaster Rapture, complete with bystanders throwing out Randian quips. On close inspection, however, not everything seems perfect and it becomes clear that Burial at Sea might just detail how Rapture fell in the first place.

  • ‘BioShock Infinite’ DLC Video Teases Return to Rapture

    Early this year, Irrational Games released two Mockumentaries previewing the world of Columbia, the floating city that served as the setting of BioShock: Infinite. The docs were made in the style of old 70s documentaries on paranormal or mysterious topics. The series was titled “Truth From Legend” and subtitled “Columbia: A Modern Day Icarus?”

    Now, with an all-new DLC story campaign set to take gamers back to Rapture (the underwater-city setting of the original BioShock), Irrational has brought back the “Truth From Legend” series with a new topic: “Rapture: A Modern Day Atlantis?” The video teases a noir-style poster of Booker and Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite, both re-cast in 1950s roles in Rapture.

    The release date for BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea has not yet been announced. The add-on will come in two parts, and will tell the story of Booker as a private eye in Rapture. Elizabeth will play the classic role of the sultry woman who sets the case in motion – a case that appears to be linked to the eventual fate of Rapture.

  • Bioshock Infinite DLC Launches Today, Next Up Is a Return to Rapture

    Bioshock Infinite DLC is here, and more is coming. Starting today, the decidedly less-exciting Clash in the Clouds will be beginning its rollout. And soon, episode 1 Burial at Sea will launch, taking us back to the underwater city of Rapture right before the fall.

    “This first add-on pack puts an intense focus on BioShock Infinite combat. Combine weapons, Vigors, Gear, Tears, and Sky-Lines in ways you never thought possible as you square off against impossible odds. This pack features 60 challenges in four brand-new environments. Complete Blue Ribbon Challenges and unlock concept art, Voxophones, Kinetoscopes, and more in The Columbian Archeological Society. Climb the Leaderboards and earn new Achievements and Trophies,” says an Irrational Games blog post.

    This DLC is beginning its rollout today – but you’re asked to be patient. It may take a few days for it to hit all platforms.

    If this looks a bit underwhelming to you, fear not. A much more immersive, narrative experience is one the way. Burial at Sea will be launching soon (specific date TBD), and it takes Booker and Elizabeth back to Rapture – a couple of years before its epic collapse.

    We’re promised new plasmids/vigors, tears, Big Daddies, and even some Rapture-based sky-lines.

    “Gameplay has been modified to give the player an original BioShock combat experience that merges the best parts of BioShock and BioShock Infinite,” says Irrational.

    Check out its trailer:

    Both packs will be $14.99, and Burial at Sea will be included in the Bioshock Infinite Season Pass.

  • That Logan’s Run Remake May Finally Be Going Somewhere

    Hollywood must remake every classic sci-fi film from the 70s and 80s. It’s some kind of unspoken rule or something. Warner Bros. has been trying to do its part with a remake of Logan’s Run, but the project has been stuck in development hell for years. Progress is finally being made on the film, however, with the addition of a new writer.

    Deadline reports that Ken Levine has been tapped to write the Logan’s Run remake. Gamers may know Levine better as the writer behind games like System Shock 2, Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite. Those games share a lot in common with Logan’s Run so it seems like a good fit.

    What makes all of this an even better fit, however, is that Levine is a trained screenwriter and playwright. In fact, he was initially pursuing a career in Hollywood where he wrote two screenplays. Soon after, he began working at Looking Glass Studios on Thief and then moved on to found Irrational Games where he wrote the critically acclaimed System Shock 2.

    Going back to Logan’s Run, it seems that Levine was only recently tapped to write it. He’s doing it because the film is a “passion project” for him. He’s also the best chance the film has at actually being good.

    Fans of Levine may be worried that he’s leaving games behind to pursue his original career in Hollywood, but that will not be the case. It’s more like he’s doing this on the side as he continues to work on projects at Irrational Games. His team is currently working on Bioshock Infinite DLC, but his team is undoubtedly already forming a plan for their next game.

  • BioShock Infinite Trailer Reminds You That It Launches Tomorrow

    BioShock Infinite – one of the most anticipated game of 2013 – finally launches tomorrow.. To make sure that you don’t forget, Irrational Games have thrown together one final trailer for the title:

    There’s not much new in the trailer as we’ve already seen pretty much everything that doesn’t fall within spoiler territory. The game still looks incredibly fun though, and the reviews so far are confirming it as the first must-have game of the year.

    BioShock Infinite will be available tomorrow, March 26, for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Those who have preordered the game on Steam will be able to start playing it tonight when it unlocks. GameStop is also holding a number of midnight release events across the country for those who can’t wait to start exploring Columbia.

  • BioShock Infinite Dev Diary Details The Creation Of Elizabeth

    Elizabeth and her role in BioShock Infinite is still largely one big question mark. That’s not going to change until the game launches next week, but the developers are providing an in-depth look at how the developers brought her to life. More specifically, this latest dev diary focuses on the four women who helped bring Elizabeth to life.

    BioShock Infinite will launch across the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on March 26.

  • Skyhooks May Prove More Deadly Than Guns In BioShock Infinite

    Painkiller wouldn’t be what it is without its titular weapon – the Painkiller. It’s a small device with three spinning blades that causes all kinds of havoc on the battlefield. I’m not saying that BioShock Infinite flat out copied anything, but its Skyhook, which up until now was used to traverse the sky rails of Columbia, has proven itself to be just as deadly as the Painkiller.

    BioShock Infinite continues to look more and more polished each time we see it. It’s making the wait until its launch later this month that much harder to bear.

    BioShock Infinite launches across the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on March 26.

  • BioShock Infinite Gets Three DLC Packs, Available Via Season Pass

    BioShock Infinite seems like it will be a complete experience when it launches. It’s hard to see what DLC can do to expand the world created by Irrational Games, but the ever alluring temptation of making money off DLC ensures more content will be created.

    Irrational Games announced this morning that BioShock Infinite will be getting three DLC packs in the future. All three packs will provide “hours of additional gameplay and continue the player’s journey in the sky-city of Columbia with new stories, characters, abilities and weapons.” Each pack will cost $10 upon release.

    If you want to save a bit of money, all three packs will be bundled into a season pass that will go on sale on March 26. The season pass will cost $20, and be available across all three platforms. Those who buy the season pass will also receive “Early Bird Special Pack” for free. Here’s what you’ll get:

    This bonus pack contains four pieces of exclusive gear, a Machine Gun Damage Upgrade, a Pistol Damage Upgrade, a gold skin for both weapons and five Infusion bottles that allow players to increase their health, their shield durability or their ability to use Vigors by increasing the quantity of Salts they can carry.

    While you wait for BioShock Infinite and its DLC, check out the wonderful mockumentary series from Irrational that explores the origins of Columbia and the Songbird.

    BioShock Infinite launches on March 26 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

  • Learn More About Elizabeth In New BioShock Infinite Trailer

    Besides the wonderful mockumentary series currently running, there’s not been a traditional trailer for BioShock Infinite since the end of January. That all changed today with the longest trailer for the title yet that hopes to provide some answers regarding the game’s most mysterious character – Elizabeth.

    For those who may not know, Elizabeth is the young lady that BioShock Infinite’s protagonist, Booker DeWitt, was sent to save. Like any good trailer, it raises more questions to keep players hyped until release. There will undoubtedly be plenty of discussion regarding the game’s still mysterious plot until then.

    The latest trailer confirms yet again that she will be a valuable asset in battle, but her existence will hopefully not be reduced to that of a glorified escort quest. Many promising partners in games have had their reputations destroyed by being tied to a gameplay system that should have died off years ago. Here’s hoping Irrational Games gets it right by making Elizabeth integral to the core game without resorting to archaic design sensibilities.

    BioShock Infinite launches across Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on March 26.

  • New BioShock Infinite Mockumentary Delves Into The Origins Of The Songbird

    Late last month, the folks at Irrational Games started up a mockumentary series about Colombia, the fictional floating city in BioShock Infinite. The first episode covered the origins of Colombia as a marvel of American engineering gone rogue.

    The second episode, released this morning, delves into the origins of the Songbird and what it means to the people of Colombia. Those wary of spoilers need not worry as the mockumentary keeps things intentionally vague while offering small clues as to its purpose to the overall world of BioShock Infinite.

    With this latest “trailer,” I think we can say that the hype train for BioShock Infinite is reaching all new heights. This is the kind of world building that gamers like myself absolutely adore, and I can’t wait to see more.

    BioShock Infinite will release on March 26 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

  • New BioShock Infinite Trailer Brings Blood, Drugs, and a Fallen Angel

    The first teaser trailer for BioShock Infinite was tantalizing. After spending two games traipsing around below the ocean in Rapture, seeing the sunlight through the clouds surrounding Columbia was a shock.

    Now, with the release of the game less than two months away, 2K and Irrational are spilling all of the game’s secrets. The entire opening scene of the game can be viewed, and the mockumentary trailer released earlier this week reveals some of Columbia’s origins and history.

    The latest trailer for the game shows off even more of the city in the sky. It shows, more than past videos, just how the political and religious factions of Columbia will influence the game and deepens the mystery of who or what Elizabeth (“the girl”) might really be.