BioShock 2 system requirements revealed

Image credit: *RedDevil00

Through the game's new Steam page, BioShock 2's system requirements have been revealed. As when its predecessor was launched, these are fairly steep, although not top-tier steep.

Minimum and recommended system requirements

Processor AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+ 2.4Ghz or better, Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0Ghz Processor or better AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core 2.60Ghz, Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Dual Core 2.13Ghz 

RAM 2GB 3GB 

Graphics NVIDIA 7800GT 256MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon X1900 256MB graphics card or better NVIDIA 8800GT 512MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon HD4830 512MB graphics card or better 

OS Windows XP, Vista, 7 Windows XP, Vista, 7 

Hard Disk 11GB 11GB 

Other Requirements: 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; software installations required including Microsoft Visual C++2008 Runtime Libraries, Games for Windows LIVE client, Games for Windows LIVE Client Patch, Sony DADC SecuROM, Microsoft DirectX.

Note a 15-activiation limit is listed, however the five on the original BioShock was eventually removed as promised, so we expect the same for the sequel.

There appears to be a lot of misinformation surrounding the game's DRM, so allow us to clarify a couple of things.

First, the Internet activation is for the Steamversion. While versions from other digital outlets or retail copies may require it, details aren't announced yet, and many publishers require such things for digital versions only -- raw data seems to make them uneasy. We've got our ear to the ground though, so keep a lookout if you're concerned about such things.

Second, Games for Windows LIVE has an offline account option, so while it is required to login to save, you don't need to be online for it.

All clear?

Source:BioShock 2 on Steam

Section:PC Games

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Braid headed to PC retail

Casual games publisher MumboJumbo has told the world its putting the beloved adventure title Braid out on retail shelves this month -- the PC edition that is.

For those that haven't played yet, Braid is an enchanting platform-style game with time-warping mechanics and a moving story and music. Some call it pretentious -- we think you should play it anyway, and there's never a better time than now, as the box version will no doubt be sporting some lovely artwork.

Braid will be available for 20 dollars at retailers across North America sometime this month, so keep a lookout.

Source:Press release

Section:PC Games

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Just Cause 2 'Multi-path' Trailer

Also available for download tonight is a new gameplay trailer for Avalanche Studios' upcoming open-world Action title, Just Cause 2. Clocking in at just over a minute long, this clip highlights some of the different ways you can approach a mission. Gotta love open-world games! Enjoy:

The above stream is courtesy of the official JC2 YouTube channel.

Just Cause 2 is scheduled for release in North America on March 23rd and Europe on March 26th**.

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Hellgate: London Returning To North America & Europe

Creating a little buzz this afternoon, HanbitSoft has announced that they've acquired the worldwide publishing rights to Hellgate: London from NAMCO BANDAI for an undisclosed amount, and are planning to relaunch the popular Action-RPG in North America, Europe and Japan later this year. Here's the official word:

Seoul, Korea – January 18, 2009 – HanbitSoft Inc., announced today that the company has obtained the publishing rights for Hellgate in North America, Europe and Japan from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.. HanbitSoft and NAMCO BANDAI Games America, the formal owner of the publishing rights in these regions, have entered into an agreement for the game to be distributed by HanbitSoft in the future.

Since October 2007, the sensational 208apopularity of Hellgate: London has attracted many RPG gamers. When Flagship Studios closed its doors, the online portion of the game was suspended indefinitely in the relevant regions. Through this agreement, HanbitSoft now owns the worldwide publishing rights for the Hellgate franchise. HanbitSoft will roll out the launch of Hellgate overseas in 2010, starting with China, Taiwan, and South East Asia followed by North America, Europe, and Japan.

"We would like to thank NAMCO BANDAI Games America for allowing us to acquire the Hellgate publishing rights and are thrilled to have eager gamers worldwide return and enjoy the franchise," said Kee-Young Kim, CEO of HanbitSoft, and added "Hellgate: Resurrection is heading towards success in Korea such that we decided to push ahead with launching the game overseas next year. We will do our best to get the game to the fans as soon as possible."

"We are pleased to participate in the revitalization of Hellgate through this agreement and are deeply gratified to allow Hanbitsoft to take the lead on this franchise and bring this game to the people who seek it," said Zack Karlsson, senior director of business development at NAMCO BANDAI Games America.

In July 2008, T3 Entertainment acquired HanbitSoft which held Hellgate¡¯s IP and publishing rights in Asia. In collaboration with Hanbitsoft, T3 Entertainment utilized its team of excellent developers to continuously improve Hellgate. For over a year, the development team consistently provided a game with strong online features and user convenience systems. Recently, HanbitSoft launched a new, upgraded version of Hellgate called Hellgate: Resurrection in Korea which includes a free-to-play model. HanbitSoft also announced that the Korean gamers are welcoming the return of the new Hellgate, and the rapidly increasing number of users shows that Hellgate is in good hands.

I wonder if there's still a userbase to return to. :/

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Star Trek Online subscription models announced with lifetime option

Subscription models for Star Trek Online have been announced, with one option for the particularly dedicated (and loaded).

First we'll start with the regular rates:

 USD CAD GBP EUR DKK 

1-Month Recurring 14.99 16.49 8.99 12.99 82.45 

3-Month Recurring 41.97 46.17 25.17 35.97 230.84 

6-Month Recurring 77.94 85.73 46.14 65.94 428.67 

For those really into the Star Trek MMO thing (perhaps you've been enjoying the beta like our readers?), a lifetime subscription option is available for a whopping $300. However, from now until February 2, you can grab it at $240, or a 12-month subscription for $120. There's no mention of a regular price for the 12-month, so it sounds like that one won't be on offer after the cut-off date.

If you are wealthy and passionate enough to drop the $300, you'll be given two extra character slots and a playable Starfleet captain who's been reclaimed from the Borg. The 12-month plan will include the two extra character slots only.

In addition to that, 60-day "Game Time Cards" will be available at retail, and those who purchase a box copy will be granted a free 30-day trial.

Head to the source for more.

Source:Subscription Options | Star Trek Online Official Site

Section:PC Games

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Ubisoft to take focus off licensed games

Though Avatar has made records at the cinema, Ubisoft's video game adaptation hasn't done so well, despite fair critical reception. As a result, the publisher says it's going to invest less in licensed property in the future.

“The goal is to reduce [that], and put more emphasis on making our brands bigger and to release them more often, with very high quality,” Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot told investors. “It doesn't mean we will stop, but we are going to spend less on licenses in the future.”

Part of the problem with Avatar, Guillemot says, was the film's December release. This put the studio in a tough spot with the game, one he alluded resulted in a lack of polish.

“The pressure of the release of the movie is always difficult in our industry, so I would say our goal in the future is to make sure we can have those games ready a long time in advance.”

Source:MCV

Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles, Nintendo Consoles, Handheld Games

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Aliens vs. Predator 'Killmoves' Trailer

Getting our adrenaline pumping tonight, Rebellion has released a brand new teaser trailer for their upcoming first person shooter, Aliens vs. Predator. Running exactly a minute long, this clip shows off some of the different ways you'll be able to finish off your enemies. Pretty cool stuff! Check it out:

Thanks to GameTrailers for the above stream. Mirrors are also available at the FileShack and WorthPlaying.com.

Aliens vs. Predator is scheduled for release in North America on February 16th and Europe on February 19th.

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