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2K Responds To Claims That Mafia II PS3 Is Graphically Inferior

John-Shepard 141 Comments

Although the dark days of frequent inferior ports on the PlayStation 3 are behind us, every once in a while, a multiplatform effort falls a little short on Sony's machine.

The latest appears to be Mafia II . Although supposedly optimized for each of the three major platforms – PS3, Xbox 360, and PC – reports of lesser visual polish and detail in the PS3 version have begun to surface. Multiple sources are saying both the PC and 360 versions look better in terms of clarity and ambient effects, and such complaints haven't gone unnoticed by 2K. If you check the publisher's forums , it seems a PR spokesperson has responded with the following post:

"When designing Mafia II, we optimized for each of the three different systems the game would run on to make sure the core experience was the best it could be. Because of this, there are some differences from one platform to the next. In terms of the PS3 version, I wanted to clarify a couple points you have been asking about: There will not be highly detailed grass or large pools of blood, the cloth movement is less noticeable than, for example, the PC version, and the visual fidelity in the demo is generally representative of what you’ll see in the full game.

Our aim is to make a cohesive and immersive experience and optimize the game for each platform so that it could run its best. And while there are some differences between each version, I’m sure you’ll find that the core gameplay and the heart of Mafia II remains no matter whether you play on PS3, 360, or PC."

That's a fair explanation but we do have one question: if we consider that the PS3 is superior in terms of technical capability and raw power (at least in comparison to the 360), how can an "optimized" version of a multiplatform game come up lacking in so many areas? 2K typically produces multiplatform titles that are indeed pretty darn similar on all platforms so perhaps the real explanation is this: Mafia was a series originally designed for PC, which translates easier to the 360's architecture. Guess it's that simple.

We'll take a look at the PS3 version when it arrives at our doorstep. Graphics aren't everything, so if the gameplay manages to be engrossing, we'll still recommend it. If not…oh well.

Related Game(s): Mafia II

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Bioshock Infinite Unveiled: Ocean Replaced By Sky

Ben-Dutka 46 Comments

Anything called "Bioshock" instantly has our attention, especially if it's a brand new breed of the franchise.

After Bioshock 2 released, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick said 2K was working on "an original title that could become another franchise," while other rumors said a third undersea adventure was planned. Well, the result is sort of a combination: a game that's in a completely different environment but is still called "Bioshock." It's Irrational's Bioshock Infinite , which was formally unveiled this afternoon. It's set to include many of the elements fans of the series know and love (Plasmid-like power-ups, guns, a surreal atmosphere, etc.) but will take place high above the ground.

Yep, they've pulled a 180, it seems; instead of the depths of the ocean, Infinite will take place in a giant floating city called Columbia. Constructed by the US as a demonstration of the nation's immense technological capability, it eventually runs into similar problems as Rapture…i.e., the constant drive forward resulting in mutations and lots and lots of insane weaponry. You will play as Booker DeWitt, a former member of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, the largest security company of the late 19th century.

Bioshock Infinite is slated to release for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in 2012. We'll bring you more media and info as it becomes available.

Related Game(s): Bioshock Infinite

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Bioshock Creator On Why He Didn’t Work On Bioshock 2

John-Shepard 23 Comments

Bioshock Infinite has been officially announced , but you may have noticed that 2K Marin – Bioshock 2 developer – isn't at the helm.

In fact, it's Irrational Games. But hey, that sort of makes sense because Irrational's founder is the creator of the Bioshock series, Ken Levine. He did not have anything to do with Bioshock 2 because, as he told Eurogamer , "he'd said all he wanted about underwater city Rapture." With Infinite , they'll be able to avoid repeating things, as it's in an entirely different setting: the floating metropolis of Columbia. Said Levine:

"For us I think the guiding principle is: if they never stopped making horror movies where everything was a house on a haunted hill with lightning going in the sky, you'd never have The Shining, that antiseptic bright look. How do you create horror in that? That's what we're doing. We're always trying to challenge ourselves. We've done that, we've done the dark rooms, but that's a crutch, eventually, for a team."

Levine went on to say that the time frame given for the sequel that launched back in February, along with 2K's insistence to make another game in Rapture, sort of turned him off of doing it. That's not to say he didn't like Bioshock 2 ; he said in regards to developer 2K Marin: "I think it's a very talented team, and I think it fulfilled the mission of completing the story of Rapture." We certainly loved the game, as did many others, but now is certainly the time to move on to something new. And we can't wait .

Related Game(s): Bioshock Infinite , Bioshock 2

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2K Announces New Bioshock 2 DLC: Minerva’s Den

Ben-Dutka 14 Comments

So we ask for more single-player DLC and lo and behold, we get it.

Well 2K has been expanding on the single-player of Bioshock 2 for a while now, and they've announced yet another single-player-oriented piece of downloadable content: Minerva's Den. It will introduce new characters, new locations and an all-new angle on the atmospheric mystery of Rapture, and it'll be coming to all three platforms (PS3, Xbox 360 and PC). Perhaps most enticing is the fact that we'll be controlling a new character this time around; this character has teamed up with Brigid Tenenbaum to unravel a dictator's control over a major district in the underwater city. Said 2K president Christoph Hartmann:

"Minerva’s Den is a substantial addition that will give players more of what they’re looking for: more story, more narrative, more gameplay and more of Rapture. The core team has created an exciting product that further enhances the mystery and allure of the world of Rapture. Minerva’s Den will be a fitting conclusion to the BioShock 2 saga."

Yep, this is exactly the kind of DLC we want. It expands on what we already know, certainly doesn't feel as if it should've been part of the original narrative, and doesn't require an Internet connection and other random players to enjoy it. Besides, Bioshock 2 has a big focus on the story so it would make little sense to ignore it in regards to DLC. Minerva's Den will be ready to go this fall.

Related Game(s): Bioshock 2

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