PC Demo - 7pm EST Monday!

[ktimekiller]

can anyone answer me question before I DL it? does it require sm 3.0?

 

[Laivasse]

It does, it's been covered repeatedly in this thread.

 

[Baal]

Jesus ****ing christ. What a waste. I'm not buying a goddamn video card for this game.

This is a couple of pages back, and I'm sure you've already got your fair share of bashing, and rightfully so.

You have a four year old video card. What do you expect, to run every game ever made on that card? The salesman who sold you the card may have told you that this will be the last card you will ever need, but he was probably not being completely honest.

You probably need a whole new upgrade. PC gaming isn't cheap, you should know this already. Jesus, you've been here longer than I have. Don't you remember all of the upgrading talk before HL2 came out? This is the exact same thing all over again. New generations of games means tougher hardware requirements.

This post goes for anyone else who wants to complain about system requirements :|

 

[hool10]

So my system is a quad core, 2GB of gaming RAM, and a 8800GTX. http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=7309927 My mom asked if I wanted breakfast this morning and caught me playing it. I was swimming in the water and my mom was like "wooow! That looks really good! Much better than ping-pong". I had an old system too (X800XL, 1GB of RAM, and a P4 2.8 CPU). I was fortunate enough to get a good Summer job and planned for it almost a year in advance. I have Vista too but it runs poorly so I'm sticking to XP. I think you guys know the settings but the resolution is at 1680x1050. *Kinda bothered about AA though. Also the mobo on-board audio is in HD.

 

[Ravioli]

my specs in sig. It runs perfect, everything on high! I dont know the command to show FPS but im gona check with fraps later.

Loved the intro, and the game was better than i thought it would be.

 

[StardogChampion]

Don't you remember all of the upgrading talk before HL2 came out? This is the exact same thing all over again.

That's not entirely true. Half-life 2 didn't have a cut-off for shader models. So if you had an older card it would still run. Whereas here we have a situation where it won't even run at all.

 

[Shakermaker]

Just played through the whole demo for the first time and I am thoroughly impressed. Great sound, great visuals, great atmosphere.

I've come away from the Bioshock demo (6 or 7 times now, each time noticing and trying something new) with a greater sense of Rapture being an actual place than HL2 managed in its entirety. When Ken rabbited on about each room having a purpose and history I wrote it off as developers spiel, yet when I walk into a restaraunt, see the decor, knocked over tables, blood, I get an eery sense what might have happened here - the bar scene from the Shining springs to mind, you can almost shut your eyes and see people walking about. The detail and consistency of design is enough for it to feel like an actual place.

That's what I like best about this demo: you really have a sense that every encounter and every room is unique. All foes you meet have their own little conversations which are not generic but actually add to the story. Lots of game studios claim that their game is a movie-like experience, while it's just an on-rails shooter with a major scripted event once and a while. For me, this demo finally achieved a level of sustained immersion that made me forget I was playing 'just a game'. Can't wait for the full version.

 

[hool10]

As usual Steam screws up on another release. :hmph: Decrypting 13min after it was "released".

 

[Gorgon]

can anyone answer me question before I DL it? does it require sm 3.0?

=====================================================================
BioShock(R) ReadMe
=====================================================================

Developed by : 2K Australia

Distributed by : 2K Games

=====================================================================
Table of Contents
=====================================================================

1) System Requirements

1.1 Operating Systems
1.2 Minimum System Requirements
1.3 Recommended System Requirements
1.4 DirectX(R)

2) Performance

2.1 Resolution
2.2 CPU speed
2.3 Memory
2.4 Better Performance for your Game

3) Troubleshooting

3.1 Installer Issues
3.2 Video Card Issues
3.2.1 Framerate Stuttering on NVIDIA Cards
3.2.2 Pixel Shaders
3.3 Sound Card Issues
3.4 Control Issues
3.5 AMD(R) Dual Core Timing Issue
3.6 Virtual Memory
3.7 DX10 Issues
3.8 Installation failure

4) Updates to the Manual

5) Game Play Hints for BioShock

6) Web Links

7) Technical Support

8) Copyright Notice

=====================================================================
1) System Requirements
=====================================================================

1.1 Operating Systems
---------------------

Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP (SP 2)
Microsoft Vista(TM)

1.2 Minimum System Requirements
-------------------------------

CPU: P4 2.5 GHz single core.
System RAM: 1GB
Video Card: Pixel Shader 3.0 compliant video card with 128 Meg Ram and floating point frame buffer blending.
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
Hard Drive: 7 GB

1.3 Recommended System Requirements
-----------------------------------

CPU: 3GHz dual core processor
System RAM: 2 GB
Video card: Pixel Shader 3.0 compliant video card with 512 Ram (Nvidia(R) Geforce(R) 7900 GT or better)
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
Hard Drive: 7 GB

1.4 DirectX
-----------

DirectX 9.0c or DirectX 10

=====================================================================
2) Performance
=====================================================================

2.1 Resolution
--------------

It is recommended that when running the game on a minimum specification machine screen resolutions of either 640*480 or 800*600 be used. On a recommended specification machine resolutions of 1152*864 should provide good performance. On a high end machine 1280*1024 on a standard 17 inch LCD monitor will give very good performance.

2.2 CPU Speed
-------------

BioShock is optimized for dual core machines. If the game is run on a single core machine then a processor of 2.5GHz or better is required to get reasonable performance. The higher the clock speed of the processor the better the game will run. Most dual core machines will be optimum for BioShock

2.3 Memory
----------

Memory or RAM can sometimes greatly affect game play. Machines with less memory will access their hard disk more frequently to load data, which causes sporadic pauses in game play. Machines with a lower end processor and video card that has 256 MB of RAM or less, should make sure that there are no active running programs in the background. This will optimize performance and make the gaming experience better for the user.

For good performance we recommend at least 1 Gigabyte of system memory. For optimum performance we recommend at least 2 Gigabyte of system memory.

2.4 Better Performance for your Game
------------------------------------

A faster graphics card on a slower PC may receive significantly increased frame rates and performance benefits when Shadow Maps are turned off and Texture Detail, High Detail Post Processing, and Real Time Reflection mapping is also turned off.

For best performance, we recommend a dual core processor and either a Nvidia 8800 or an ATI(R) Radeon(TM) X1950 or 2900XT equivalent card.

If performance issues are observed then it is recommended that the user selects a lower screen resolution and lower details setting from the video options screen. If the user is not using an EAX(R) compatible sound card then disabling "reverb" from the audio options screen will also improve performance.

=====================================================================
3) Troubleshooting
=====================================================================

3.1 Installer Issues
--------------------

The BioShock installer will automatically patch to the latest version of the BioShock game application as part of the install process. YOU MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE GAME.

A progress bar will show the state of the patch download. Please do not interrupt the download or deactivate your internet connection during the download. If the download does not complete successfully, you can attempt to restart the download using the Start/Restart button.

The downloader uses internet proxy and port settings as set up through Internet Explorer. If you have not set these, you can manually configure proxy and port settings in the BioShock installer. If you're not sure what values to put here, contact your ISP or 2K support at http://www.2kgames.com/bioshock/support/.

Some internet security software may detect this download as a Trojan or other compromisation of internet security.

3.2 Video Card Issues
---------------------

You can determine what video card is installed in your computer by right-mouse clicking on "My Computer" and choosing the "Properties" option. Once the "System Properties" menu appears, left-mouse click on the "Hardware" tab and choose the "Device Manager" option. Select "Display Adapter" to view your machine's video card. Search the web for your card to download updated drivers.

After installing updated drivers you should also reinstall the current version of DirectX. Select "My Computer" and then right click the drive holding the BioShock CD. Browse the CD for the DirectX folder by clicking on the Open option. Open the DirectX folder and click Install.exe to reinstall DirectX 9.0c.

Reboot the computer after installing new drivers or DirectX. This will ensure that any modified Windows files are fully updated or installed properly, prior to playing BioShock.

If DirectX 9.0c isn't the current version of DirectX, you can download the most current version at: www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx

NOTE: Section above is written for Windows XP users. Other Windows Operating Systems may perform differently.

3.2.1 Framerate Stuttering on NVIDIA Cards
------------------------------------------

There are known framerate stuttering problems when running the game on some NIVIDIA graphics cards. If you experience these problems, you should install the latest NVIDIA drivers. You can find drivers that are known to work with Bioshock at:

http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_bioshock_downloads.html


3.2.2 Pixel Shaders
-------------------

BioShock requires support for Pixel Shader 3.0 or higher to run.

3.3 Sound Card Issues
---------------------

You can find out your machine's sound card by right mouse clicking on "My Computer" and choosing the "Properties" option. Once the "System Properties" menu appears, left mouse click on the "Hardware" tab and choose the "Device Manager" option. Select "Sound, video and game controllers" to view your machine's sound card. Search the web for your card to download updated drivers.

After installing updated drivers you should also reinstall the current version of DirectX. Select "My Computer" and then right click the drive holding the BioShock CD. Browse the CD for the DirectX folder by clicking on the Open option. Open the DirectX folder and click Install.exe to reinstall DirectX 9.0c.

Reboot the computer after installing new drivers or DirectX. This will ensure that any modified Windows files are fully updated or installed properly, prior to playing BioShock.

If DirectX 9.0c isn't the current version of DirectX, you can download the most current version at: www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx

NOTE: Section above is written for Windows XP users. Other Windows Operating Systems may perform differently.

NOTE 2: If users experience reduced volume voiceovers during game play while the master volume is turned up, go into the Windows Volume/Playback Controls and set the Wave volume to max. This can be found in the Start/Programs/Accessories/Entertainment/Volume Control.

3.4 Control Issues
------------------

Some PC keyboards can't recognize 3 or more simultaneous key presses; the keyboard buffer for the system overloads and, in some cases, will return a system beep.

3.5 AMD Dual Core Timing Issue
------------------------------

Some older machines that have AMD dual core processors may experience problems running the game. If you have such a system, you should first visit the AMD website and obtain the latest processor drivers. You can also install an AMD provided driver which addresses a timing issue from the BioShock DVD. You should only install this driver if you are confident that it is appropriate for your system (i.e. you have an AMD dual core processor).

3.6 Virtual Memory
------------------------------

BioShock requires virtual memory to run properly. If your virtual memory settings are not correct, you may experience stability problems.

To configure virtual memory:

On Windows XP

- From the start menu, open Settings/Control Panel.
- Double click the System icon.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- Click on the Performance/Settings button.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- Click on the Virtual memory/Change button.
- Select the drive that BioShock is installed on.
- Select the "System managed size" radio button in the "Paging file size for selected drive".
- Click the Set button.
- Click OK multiple times to return to the desktop.

On Windows Vista

- From the start menu, open Settings/Control Panel.
- Select System and Maintenance.
- Select System.
- Select Advanced System Settings.
- Click on the Performance/Settings button.
- Select the Advanced tab
- Click on the Virtual memory/Change button.
- Check "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives"
- Click OK multiple times to return to the desktop.

3.7 DX10 Issues
---------------
If you experience graphics corruption or stability issues on Windows Vista using ATi DirectX 10 hardware (eg Radeon HD 2xxx), please launch the game in DirectX 9 mode. This is done by right clicking the Bioshock icon in the game explorer and selecting "Play-DirectX9".

On some video cards when running DirectX 10, it is possible that the game will start in a non-full screen mode. To reset to full screen mode, go to the options/graphics options screen and toggle windowed mode on and then off. This should rectify the problem.

3.8 Installation failure
------------------------
If the installation fails for some reason then it is possible for the installer to be left in a state where installation can no longer be completed. In this situation it may be necessary to close down windows and restart the computer.




====================================================================
4) Updates to the Manual
=====================================================================

For further information on BioShock please check the official website:
www.bioshockgame.com

=====================================================================
5) Game Play Hints for BioShock
=====================================================================

For further information on BioShock please check the official website:
www.bioshockgame.com

=====================================================================
6) Web Links
=====================================================================

Visit for the latest updates, patches, and game communities:

BioShock Support: www.2kgames.com/bioshock/support

BioShock Homepage: www.bioshockgame.com

Cult of Rapture: www.cultofrapture.com

2K Games: www.2kgames.com

Latest NVidia Drivers: www.nzone.com/object/nzone_BIOSHOCK_downloads.html

=====================================================================
7) Technical Support
=====================================================================

For US Support
Phone: 1-866-219-9839
Email: [email protected]

For Canadian Support
Phone: 1-800-638-0127
Email: [email protected]

For UK Support
Phone: 0870 124 2222 (Calls charged at UK National rate.)
(7 days a week from 8am to 10pm - excluding bank holidays)
Email: [email protected]

www.take2games.com/support

=====================================================================
8) Copyright Notice
=====================================================================

? 2002-2007 Take-Two Interactive Software and its subsidiaries. Developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia. BioShock, 2K Games, 2K Boston, 2K Australia, the 2K logo, the 2K Boston logo, 2K Australia logo, and Take-Two Interactive Software are all trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. in the USA and/or foreign countries. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows Vista Start button, are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All rights reserved. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. The content of this videogame is purely fictional, is not intended to represent or depict any actual event, person, or entity, and any such similarities are purely coincidental. The makers and publishers of this videogame do not in any way endorse, condone or encourage engaging in any conduct depicted in this videogame.

 

[hool10]

LOL! An update that starts at 80% right after it unlocks.

 

[DigiQ8]

LOL! An update that starts at 80% right after it unlocks.

which still stuck at 80% for me

 

[hool10]

I got it all updated and now Steam is saying "Failed to Contact Key Server". Wtf does that mean?

 

[DigiQ8]

I got it all updated and now Steam is saying "Failed to Contact Key Server". Wtf does that mean?

means Steam

 

[hool10]

Ok now it's working. Jeebus Steam. See ya guys later...

 

[Harryz]

I envy you guys.

*Kicks PC*

 

[HunterSeeker]

You make it sound like the game is out allready

The demo was great. It ran smoothly on low but my video card could be newer as well.

 

[hool10]

Aww man is this game great. :naughty: I was at some part and buying guns from some machine I hacked. Then a Windows error popped up. I also lost all my progress for the entire level. :flame: Idk why they didn't put in checkpoints. Also

Spoiler

Be sure to cremate that body. You get some plasmid thing that restores some health/energy when you hack anything.

 

[Evo]

Gargh!

So tempted to show the spoilers....but resist!

D:

 

[hool10]

Oh just great. It resets the control settings too each time you exit the game. :bonce: *Actually all the settings.

 

[The Brick]

Am I the only one that had problems with the 5.1 audio positioning and mouse speeds? The 3 sensitivity steps xboxcontroller mouse movement is terrible. And any sound more than a centimeter left of your crosshair plays solely through the front left speaker, and vice versa. Am I the only one experiencing this?

 

[Asus]

Closing the game properly resets the settings? I wouldn't expect it to hold settings if your game crashes.

 

[Gorgon]

lol the full game out now on torrent site (PC).

**** it, I ain't pirating this game, this is an excellent game which worth spending on ?35.

I'll wait few more days for the UK release. must resist

 

[Septih]

Game crashed for me at:

Spoiler

The bit near the 2nd toilets with the hackables and the security alert

did i miss much after? Also love the retro pipe game for hacking stuff

 

[knut]

Nah, you're pretty much at the end of the demo there.

 

[Septih]

K, I won't rush to replay then

Not sure whether it's better to buy on steam ($55 is ?25ish nowadays yeah?) or get the box delivered for ?24

the forum doesn't support the pound sign, you're kidding!?

 

[Asus]

the forum doesn't support the pound sign, you're kidding!?

#
/kidding

 

[hool10]

Eh that's it for me tonight. It's been a blast and there is too much to do in the game. Now I can photograph stuff and research enemies. The pipe game is often unfair too. They just put dead ends all around the start and it's impossible. Also the Big Daddies are friggn impossible. They literally fly at you and if you walk away to give yourself some dodging room, they got a terrible rivet gun. It's common to find yourself dead 5 times with 1 daddy. I'm saving the girls btw. Also the death system is terrible. You respawn in some electric tube thingy which is instant.

 

[Fliko]

Eh that's it for me tonight. It's been a blast and there is too much to do in the game. Now I can photograph stuff and research enemies. The pipe game is often unfair too. They just put dead ends all around the start and it's impossible. Also the Big Daddies are friggn impossible. They literally fly at you and if you walk away to give yourself some dodging room, they got a terrible rivet gun. It's common to find yourself dead 5 times with 1 daddy. I'm saving the girls btw. Also the death system is terrible. You respawn in some electric tube thingy which is instant.

Are you playing on hard?
I'm on medium, and the pipe game is insanely easy, and the Big Daddy was easy, I didn't die once when I first took him on, and I took on his friend who didn't seem to have a girl around him after I took him on..

But man, it is a blast

 

[StardogChampion]

K, I won't rush to replay then

Not sure whether it's better to buy on steam ($55 is ?25ish nowadays yeah?) or get the box delivered for ?24

the forum doesn't support the pound sign, you're kidding!?

Doesn't steam add tax? So it might be ?30 or so.

 

[hool10]

Doesn't steam add tax? So it might be ?30 or so.

Nope.

Are you playing on hard?
I'm on medium, and the pipe game is insanely easy, and the Big Daddy was easy, I didn't die once when I first took him on, and I took on his friend who didn't seem to have a girl around him after I took him on..

But man, it is a blast

I'm on medium too. I have the slow down ability and easier puzzles too. The strongbox puzzles always are hard but the health stations are easy. Things I have learned when fighting daddies:

1. Don't put them on fire! They don't get hurt much and then you got a flaming falcon punch coming at you!
2. Zapping him gives you 3-4 seconds of time to take a shot at him. He goes back to normal after that one shot though.
3. Electric shotgun ammo does nothing against him.
4. Zapping him in water also does nothing.

It went off the charts...literally.