Bioshock 2

[Felix]

Bioshock 2 system specs are announced. Check out how your system compares to these figures over on our Bioshock 2 game page

Minimum System Requirements
Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+ 2.4Ghz or better, Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0Ghz Processor or better
RAM: 2GB
Video card: NVIDIA 7800GT 256MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon X1900 256MB graphics card or better
Hard drive space: 11GB
Sound: 100% DirectX 9.0C compliant sound card w/ onboard sound

Recommended System Requirements
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core 2.60Ghz, Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Dual Core 2.13Ghz
RAM: 3GB
Video card: NVIDIA 8800GT 512MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon HD4830 512MB graphics card or better

Other Requirements (Retail version)
Initial installation requires one-time internet connection; Ability to save game, earn Achievements, receive title updates and online play requires log-in to Games for Windows LIVE; requires disc-in-drive to play; software installations required (included on disc) include Microsoft Visual C++2008 Runtime Libraries, Games for Windows LIVE client, Games for Windows LIVE Client Patch, Sony DADC SecuROM, Microsoft DirectX.

PERIPHERALS SUPPORTED: Microsoft compatible Keyboard and Mouse.

DRM
Taken from 2K Forum Community Manager Elizebeth
Over the past two days, I’ve fielded a lot of questions and concerns about the DRM for both the retail and digital versions of BioShock 2. Because of this feedback, we are scaling back BioShock 2’s DRM.

There will be no SecuROM install limits for either the retail or digital editions of BioShock 2, and SecuROM will be used only to verify the game’s executable and check the date. Beyond that, we are only using standard Games for Windows Live non-SSA guidelines, which, per Microsoft, comes with 15 activations (after that, you can reset them with a call to Microsoft.)

What does that mean for your gameplay experience? This means that BioShock 2’s new DRM is now similar to many popular games you advised had better DRM through both digital and retail channels. Many of you have used Batman: Arkham Asylum as an example to me, which uses the exact same Games for Windows Live guidelines as us as well as SecuROM on retail discs, and now our SecuROM is less restrictive on Steam.

I know that the variables of PC gaming can be frustrating and confusing, and when you say there is a problem, we listen, and use your suggestions to make things better. Feedback like this does not go unheard, and while this might not be the ideal protection for everyone, we will continue to listen and work with you in the future when formulating our DRM plans.

So what's your thoughts dear gamer chums?

[phat_chopps]

Hooray! Well, at least a very, very muted 'hooray', anyway. They could use the most advanced DRM known to mankind - retina scanning software that blinds you if you're a pirate/have no Internet connection/feels like it - and I wouldn't care. Just don't use Games For Windows Live.

Seriously, what does it do that's beneficial? I mean... "Ability to save game, earn Achievements, receive title updates and online play requires log-in to Games for Windows LIVE". Ability to save game requires GFWL? No internet connection, no save games. Genius. Just genius.

God, I need to lay down.

[jaydude]

sorry, but the win live requirement to even save single player games is rediculous. have to pass on buying based on this requirement. lots of buzz on this in several forums, folks not happy. I also think reasonable installation limits are necessery and would not prevent me from purchasing software. imho.

too bad, i was looking forward to this updated game.

[Felix]

Jaydude definitely calls it as it is. Respect!

[phat_chopps]

Why am I so damn weak? Despite having a good rant above about GfWL, I've only gone and pre-ordered this. What a plum, eh?

[Squee]

See, the man relies on people like you, Chopps, and me. We are weak, and we love good games, WHATEVER THE COST.

[phat_chopps]

And I'll always be only too happy to please the man. Long live the man!

Well, it's downloaded and I've had no trouble with the DRM (although judging by the official forums, plenty of people have been struggling with GfWL) - it installed OK and plays... temperamentally. It crashes more often than my girlfriend driving on ice (if you read this comment, sorry!). It works in DX9 mode, but I'm such a snob that I'm going to wait for an update before playing.

Which is a crying shame as it's looking like a top-notch shooter.