*No longer official* Bioshock thread.

[DAPUNISHER]

No discussion of piracy, as it will result in your posting privileges being suspended. If you wish to discuss the DRM used in Bioshock (within the bounds of forum policy), checkout the SecuROM Discussion Thread.


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

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

Pixel Shader 2.x and older cards are not supported.

A FOV hack is available that works under DX9, thanks to Racer_S and the other awesome folks at widescreengamingforum.com link

They also have FOV settings available-link

Thanks to the awesome people over at Tweakguides.com, the various forced AA solutions are available there- link

Nvidia Bioshock beta drivers are available at NZone-link Also includes download link for the Bioshock demo. (be warned that the free demo installs Sony's SecuROM DRM on your system as well, similar to F.E.A.R.s demo, the steam demo may not install it, but the full version of the game on steam (and the retail version) put SecuROM on your system). We have a thread discussing SecuROM

AMD has a hotfix for both XP and Vista-link AMD dual-core owners are also advised to install the latest Processor driver.

UPDATE: Thanks go to painman for the following info-

CORRECT SUPPORT NUMBERS FOR BIOSHOCK
August 23, 2007
It has come to my attention that the support phone numbers were incorrectly printed in the BioShock manual. If you encounter an issue with BioShock, please refer to these numbers for all your support needs:

US Support
Phone: 1-866-219-9839
Email: usa@take2support.com


Canadian Support Phone: 1-800-638-0127
Email: canada@take2support.com

and also

Starting immediately, we will be upping the activation count to a 5 by 5 plan. We will be raising the maximum amount of computers a user can have BioShock installed on simultaneously from 2 to 5, and allowing a user to reinstall BioShock on each of those computers from 3 times to 5 times. Also, we have in the works a revoke tool which you will be able to run on your machine if you want to free up that key and move it to to another computer (this works very much like Steam or iTunes system). We are also working with SecuROM and 2K customer service, so that when you do need to call in support problems, you get answers to your questions faster, without much waiting or being bounced around. SecuROM has been given much more autonomy to help fix your problems quickly and effectively. I am personally sorry for anyone who got bounced around in the past couple days (I even think I contributed to this problem) and we're going to make sure that does not happen in the future.

link to full update


Thanks go to Mem for pointing out the following issue with the retail game-

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.

Thanks go to postmortemIA for a good download link for the Bioshock demo- link (be warned that the free demo installs Sony's SecuROM DRM on your system as well, the steam demo might not, but the full version of the game on steam (and the retail version) will put SecuROM on your system). We have a thread discussing SecuROM going as well.






Added SecuROM thread notice - Schadenfroh

 

[Canai]

what about my thread, which I made at the same time you did?

Well fine then. Just delete it. I don't care :brokenheart:

Anyway, what difficulty is everyone playing on? I'm on medium, and it seems to be rocking back and forth between me rocking and me running for my life.

edit: I still think my new official bioshock thread was better

and just so it doesn't get lost, here is waggy's thread in the 2k forums about 'Where to contact 2k for a refund'

I made a post that I think sums up my feelings about the game there.

 

[postmortemIA]

This thread has no info...

... it should have started with requirements, demo, info, etc.

 

[Canai]

Originally posted by: postmortemIA
This thread has no info...

... it should have started with requirements, demo, info, etc.

Aye. Premature thread posting? I hear they make medicine for that nowadays...

edit: DAPUNISHER, I just noticed your sig... :thumbsup: for discing!

 

[gorcorps]

There's now a WIP patch for running Bioshock on SM2 cards:
http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5680

Many of the textures are still way off, but it's an improvement.

 

[Mem]

Specs taken from readme file in Bioshock.

) 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

Yes the game runs fine on Vista x64 too.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

The game is out, the discussion is an on going one, hence the new thread. But if you guys really think it should start with a wiki type Bioshock post, write it up and one of us will C&P it to the first one.

 

[Canai]

So far 81% of the people in waggy's poll say they would not have purchased Bioshock if they had known about all the DRM issues. That's just amazing to me, how a company could include that kind of user-alienating components in their releases.

 

[postmortemIA]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
The game is out, the discussion is an on going one, hence the new thread. But if you guys really think it should start with a wiki type Bioshock post, write it up and one of us will C&P it to the first one.

I learned about all hype about this game just today, and probably many are like me... we know nothing, now if this is only Bioshock thread... draw your conclusions.

 

[JD50]

Is anyone else having problems with the sound, meaning, no sound?

 

[Canai]

Originally posted by: JD50
Is anyone else having problems with the sound, meaning, no sound?

I've seen a couple posts in 2kgames' forum about it, but no resolutions yet.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: JD50
Is anyone else having problems with the sound, meaning, no sound?

I had that happen at start of Rapture,just restart your game and it should be fine from then onwards.

 

[imported_Imp]

Just got my copy in the mail today. Sitting beside me right now, but I can't bare to install it... had to hump around 20 boxes today, then went biking when I got off work. My concentration is crap, so gonna have to wait.

 

[Canai]

An interesting post over in 2k

I was able to return my copy of Bioshock to Gamestop today. Sorry, I just couldnt deal with the crap associated with it right now. Maybe a few months down the road, I'll rebuy a copy.

Anyways, if you are one of those who wishes to return it for actual money of how you paid for it for whatever reasons (securom/2k screwed you with the crappy no valid installation, unbearable crashes, .exe wouldn't start up, etc), you can tell them the following:

By law and according to 2K EULA agreement you agree to the terms and conditions regarding the installation of the product.

Under these set of rules, it is perfectly legal to uninstall the said product and reinstall it on another machine that is owned by the buyer of the product. Typically, one needs multiple products to install on multiple systems but one only needs one product and if he or she wished to uninstall the product, the consumer has every right to reinstall it onto another machine that is owned by him or her.....indefinetely.

Securom, hinges on your rights as the buyer. Securom, in general, does not; however, the practice of allowing only two installs do hinge on the right. It is the same as buying a Ford Mustang. True, you cannot advertise your Ford Mustang on TV to make profit as you would violate their buyers contract. HOWEVER, if you fully bought that Ford Mustang, it is yours until you deem fit to get rid of it. Ford cannot limit your driving or years of ownership if fully paid by you.

With your rights as a consumer both by US Consumer standards and by the very EULA contract on page 34 of Bioshock manual, 2K are in violation of their own contractual agreement with the buyer.

I'm not talking about the game being crappy for you to give the game back. Im talking about the violations that has occured under securom. Now, if 2K were to altar Securom so that you still need the DVD to play but allows you to receive unlimited installs, then their contract to you will be fulfilled.

But, right now, 2K is in violation of their User End Agreement.

Trust me when I say this. I graduated from Regent Law School in Virginia Beach, Va in 2006 and I received my license in Oklahoma after passing my Bar Exam in Feb. of 2007.

Explaining those violations will give you your refund back by the store you bought it from (with a receipt) or by 2K actual company.

Good luck.

**this post was locked by Elizabeth2K yesterday but I felt that every consumer had the right to know this; whether you love the company or was indifferent about it.

What do you guys think?

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

I just read the 9.0 Gamespot review. I'm not sure how they justified that high a score given the complaints they had

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Originally posted by: JD50
Is anyone else having problems with the sound, meaning, no sound?

People have reported issues with sound in Vista, I don't think there's a fix yet.

 

[Mem]

Full readme file info.

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/nz...ioshock_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".

In 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 for the user 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: usa@take2support.com

For Canadian Support
Phone: 1-800-638-0127
Email: canada@take2support.com

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: take2@europesupport.com

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.

 

[pcslookout]

Originally posted by: Canai
So far 81% of the people in waggy's poll say they would not have purchased Bioshock if they had known about all the DRM issues. That's just amazing to me, how a company could include that kind of user-alienating components in their releases.

Wow. I wonder how much that equals in profit if everyone is able to return it ? :Q

 

[ArchAngel777]

Well, the game just doesn't like me... I tried to download it two times, it complete both times but said the zip file was corrupted :-(... Grrr... Well, I will give it ONE more shot... I really want to play the demo and see if the gameplay outshines the other short comings...

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Well, the game just doesn't like me... I tried to download it two times, it complete both times but said the zip file was corrupted :-(... Grrr... Well, I will give it ONE more shot... I really want to play the demo and see if the gameplay outshines the other short comings...

Normally if I download a demo and get corrupted files ,I go to a different site for the redownload.

 

[gizbug]

So this game is only single play?

 

[pcslookout]

CNN doing a story on Bioshock DRM problems now.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: gizbug
So this game is only single play?

Yes single player.

 

[pcslookout]

Originally posted by: gizbug
So this game is only single play?

Yes.

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Well, the game just doesn't like me... I tried to download it two times, it complete both times but said the zip file was corrupted :-(... Grrr... Well, I will give it ONE more shot... I really want to play the demo and see if the gameplay outshines the other short comings...

Try Gamers Hell, I've never had a corrupt download and they have fast servers :thumbsup: