It's been two years since Mafia developer Hangar 13 confirmed it was working on a new entry in its open-world crime series, and the time has finally come for it to be revealed to the world. It's called Mafia: The Old Country and is heading to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC next year.
While 2016's Mafia 3 shunted the series forward in time to the late 60s (the first two games spanned the 1930s, 40s, and 50s between them), The Old Country is going backward, presenting players with a "gritty mob s
It's been two years since Mafia developer Hangar 13confirmed it was working on a new entry in its open-world crime series, and the time has finally come for it to be revealed to the world. It's called Mafia: The Old Country and is heading to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC next year.
While 2016's Mafia 3 shunted the series forward in time to the late 60s (the first two games spanned the 1930s, 40s, and 50s between them), The Old Country is going backward, presenting players with a "gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily."
"Fight to survive in this dangerous and unforgiving era," teases the scant bit of blurb accompanying today's teaser trailer, "with action brought to life by the authentic realism and rich storytelling that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for."
Sony is pulling Horizon Forbidden West from its PS Plus subscription service in the coming weeks.The first-party Sony game is now listed under the 'Last Chance to Play' section on PS Plus, along with the likes of NieR Replicant, Marvel's Midnight Suns and Alien Isolation.This upcoming removal of Forbidden West comes just a few months after Horizon Zero Dawn was also removed from the service, which as Tom wrote at the time seemed a surprising move by Sony. Read more
Sony is pulling Horizon Forbidden West from its PS Plus subscription service in the coming weeks.
The first-party Sony game is now listed under the 'Last Chance to Play' section on PS Plus, along with the likes of NieR Replicant, Marvel's Midnight Suns and Alien Isolation.
After several rumors and reports, publisher 2K and developer Hangar 13 announced the upcoming Mafia installment, Mafia: The Old Country. It will launch sometime in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Mafia: The Old Country is set in 1900s Sicily and covers the origins of the Mafia. More information about the game will also be announced in December. A cinematic teaser trailer was also released.
The game’s details via 2K:
Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: Th
After several rumors and reports, publisher 2K and developer Hangar 13 announced the upcoming Mafia installment, Mafia: The Old Country. It will launch sometime in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Mafia: The Old Country is set in 1900s Sicily and covers the origins of the Mafia. More information about the game will also be announced in December. A cinematic teaser trailer was also released.
The game’s details via 2K:
Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily.
Fight to survive in this dangerous and unforgiving era, with action brought to life by the authentic realism and rich storytelling that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for.
Mafia: Definitive Edition’s details:
Part one of the Mafia crime saga—1930s, Lost Heaven, Illinois.
Re-made from the ground up with a new game engine, an updated script, new cutscenes, additional gameplay sequences, and more, you’ll rise through the ranks of the Italian Mafia during the Prohibition era of organized crime. After a run-in with the mob, cab driver Tommy Angelo is thrust into a deadly underworld. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri crime family, Tommy soon finds that some rewards are too big to pass up.
Key Features
Remade Classic – Faithfully recreated from the ground up, with a new game engine, expanded story, new and refined modern gameplay features, re-recorded orchestral score, and more. This is the Mafia you remember, only much more.
Play a Mob Movie – Live the life of a Prohibition-era gangster and rise through the ranks of the Mafia in a cinematic experience, with new story elements like a revised script, brand new cutscenes, and re-recorded voice acting.
Lost Heaven, Illinois – Recreated 1930s cityscape filled with interwar architecture, cars, and culture to see, hear, and interact with.
Publisher 2K has announced the fourth installment in the Borderlands series, Borderlands 4. The title will launch sometime in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. A short cinematic teaser trailer was also released. According to the trailer’s description, the upcoming game will be set in an all-new planet and players play as a vault hunter “in search of new treasures”. The latest title in the franchise, New Tales from the Borderlands launched on October 21, 2022.
Borderlan
Publisher 2K has announced the fourth installment in the Borderlands series, Borderlands 4. The title will launch sometime in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. A short cinematic teaser trailer was also released. According to the trailer’s description, the upcoming game will be set in an all-new planet and players play as a vault hunter “in search of new treasures”. The latest title in the franchise, New Tales from the Borderlands launched on October 21, 2022.
Borderlands 4 details via 2K:
In this next installment of the definitive looter shooter, players will assume the role of a legendary Vault Hunter as they blast their way through hordes of enemies in search of new treasures to loot on an all-new planet.
The definitive looter shooter arrives in 2025.
See if you have what it takes to go down in history as a legendary Vault Hunter as you search for secret alien treasure, blasting everything in sight.
New Tales from the Borderlands details:
Take a stand against ruthless corporate overlords in this narrative-driven adventure!
Within the perpetually war-torn metropolis of Promethea, you’ll control Anu, Octavio, and Fran on the worst day of their lives. Help these three lovable losers as they endeavor to change the world (and maybe even save it)! Face down a planetary invasion, vicious vault monster, and cold-hearted capitalist in this cinematic thrill ride where what happens next is up to you! Meet a motley cast full of misfits, assassin bots, and talking guns in this race to the top!
It’s time to fight back against exploitation and corporate greed. It’s time to make Mayhem your business.
2K and Hangar 13 closed out Gamescom Opening Night Live with the announcement of Mafia: The Old Country, an upcoming new entry in the Mafia series. Set in 1900s Sicily, the game will explore the origins of the mafia through a linear narrative and a classic mob movie atmosphere described as bringing the series back to its […]
2K and Hangar 13 closed out Gamescom Opening Night Live with the announcement of Mafia: The Old Country, an upcoming new entry in the Mafia series. Set in 1900s Sicily, the game will explore the origins of the mafia through a linear narrative and a classic mob movie atmosphere described as bringing the series back to its […]
Publisher 2K and developer Hangar 13 have announced Mafia: The Old Country, a new prequel in their beloved Mafia franchise. Mafia: The Old Country is in development for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 with a release set for sometime in 2025. Here’s a brief blurb on the game, plus its […]
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Publisher 2K and developer Hangar 13 have announced Mafia: The Old Country, a new prequel in their beloved Mafia franchise. Mafia: The Old Country is in development for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 with a release set for sometime in 2025. Here’s a brief blurb on the game, plus its […]
Publisher 2K and developer Firaxis Games have announced a release window for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII alongside revealing a first look at gameplay for the long-awaited sequel. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is in development for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PS4, and PS5 with a release now set February 11th 2025, roughly eight […]
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Publisher 2K and developer Firaxis Games have announced a release window for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII alongside revealing a first look at gameplay for the long-awaited sequel. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is in development for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PS4, and PS5 with a release now set February 11th 2025, roughly eight […]
Publisher 2K and developer Gearbox Software have announced Borderlands 4 for multiple platforms, though a release is a ways off. Borderlands 4 is in development for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 with a release set for 2025. Here’s a brief blurb on the game, plus a teaser trailer: The definitive […]
Source
Publisher 2K and developer Gearbox Software have announced Borderlands 4 for multiple platforms, though a release is a ways off. Borderlands 4 is in development for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 with a release set for 2025. Here’s a brief blurb on the game, plus a teaser trailer: The definitive […]
The release date for the next entry in the long-running and beloved Civilization series is due to be shown tonight at Gamescom, but the game's release date has been leaked ahead of that.
The release date for the next entry in the long-running and beloved Civilization series is due to be shown tonight at Gamescom, but the game's release date has been leaked ahead of that.
Today, during Gamescom Opening Night Live, 2K Games and Hangar 13 announced Mafia: The Old Country, the next main entry in the long-running open-world series about gangsters.Read more...
Today, during Gamescom Opening Night Live, 2K Games and Hangar 13 announced Mafia: The Old Country, the next main entry in the long-running open-world series about gangsters.
Další titul Mafia nabízí nový, lineární, příběhový zážitek a je popisován jako prequel odehrávající se na Sicílii.
Další hra Mafia byla konečně oznámena, jak v posledních měsících naznačovaly úniky informací. Titul se jmenuje Mafia: The Old Country a byl oznámen společností 2K a vývojářským studiem Hangar 13 na závěr přehlídky Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Jak se uvádělo před vydáním, Mafia: The Old Country je prequel zasazený do devadesátých let minulého století a zavede hráče na Sicílii, kde bu
Další titul Mafia nabízí nový, lineární, příběhový zážitek a je popisován jako prequel odehrávající se na Sicílii.
Další hra Mafia byla konečně oznámena, jak v posledních měsících naznačovaly úniky informací. Titul se jmenuje Mafia: The Old Country a byl oznámen společností 2K a vývojářským studiem Hangar 13 na závěr přehlídky Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Jak se uvádělo před vydáním, Mafia: The Old Country je prequel zasazený do devadesátých let minulého století a zavede hráče na Sicílii, kde bude vyprávět příběh o počátcích organizovaného zločinu. Zda to znamená návrat Dona Salieriho z původní hry, jak tvrdily úniky, se teprve uvidí.
Níže se podívejte na krátkou upoutávku na oznámení hry. Společnosti 2K a Hangar 13 potvrdily, že se v prosinci podělí o další informace o titulu.
Hra Mafia: The Old Country je ve vývoji pro PS5, Xbox Series X/S a PC. Hra by měla vyjít v roce 2025, přičemž společnost 2K potvrdila, že vyjde během fiskálního roku 2026, což znamená, že bude uvedena na trh nejdříve v dubnu.
V dalším díle série looter shooterů od společností 2K a Gearbox se hráči opět vžijí do role lovců sklepení na nové planetě.
Série Borderlands se na filmové plátno nepřevedla zrovna nejlépe (mírně řečeno), ale i tak se mají fanoušci série na co těšit. Po opakovaných teaserech, které naznačovaly totéž, bylo Borderlands 4 oficiálně oznámeno, přičemž looter shooter odstartoval Gamescom Opening Night Live jako první oznámení výstavy.
Filmový trailer toho moc neprozradil, ani společnost 2K nebo Gearbo
V dalším díle série looter shooterů od společností 2K a Gearbox se hráči opět vžijí do role lovců sklepení na nové planetě.
Série Borderlands se na filmové plátno nepřevedla zrovna nejlépe (mírně řečeno), ale i tak se mají fanoušci série na co těšit. Po opakovaných teaserech, které naznačovaly totéž, bylo Borderlands 4 oficiálně oznámeno, přičemž looter shooter odstartoval Gamescom Opening Night Live jako první oznámení výstavy.
Filmový trailer toho moc neprozradil, ani společnost 2K nebo Gearbox nesdělily žádné konkrétní informace o titulu, místo toho pouze potvrdily, že se hráči opět vžijí do role Vault Hunters a ponoří se do dobrodružství na zcela nové planetě. Kromě toho je podrobností málo, ale níže se můžete podívat na oznamovací trailer.
Hra Borderlands 4 vyjde někdy v roce 2025 pro systémy PS5, Xbox Series X/S a PC. Konkrétní datum vydání zatím nebylo oznámeno. Zůstaňte naladěni na další aktualizace a informace v následujících týdnech a měsících.
NBA 2K25 Improvements to The W Mode are Underwhelming - Main Image2K has announced all of the improvements coming to The W in NBA 2K25, and unfortunately, they aren't that great, or even unique, with NBA 2K once again not capitalizing on the mode potential. The new features aren't that new, as they already were a part of a very popular game mode in the past, which left many fans disappointed, and rightfully so. Recycled Features Can't Change a ModeThe biggest addition to The W in NBA 2K25 is the
NBA 2K25 Improvements to The W Mode are Underwhelming - Main Image
2K has announced all of the improvements coming to The W in NBA 2K25, and unfortunately, they aren't that great, or even unique, with NBA 2K once again not capitalizing on the mode potential.
The new features aren't that new, as they already were a part of a very popular game mode in the past, which left many fans disappointed, and rightfully so.
Recycled Features Can't Change a Mode
The biggest addition to The W in NBA 2K25 is the "Become the GOAT" feature. This is the same feature that was introduced in last year's MyCAREER mode, where players need to climb the goat leaderboard.
It even works in pretty much the same way, with milestones earning you goat points, which help you climb the rankings, and surpass other legends of the game.
So 2K simply picked up the feature on which the MyCAREER mode was built around, in NBA 2K24, and implemented it in The W, like it's some revolutionary new feature, that will make The W the best it has ever been.
Spoiler alert, it isn't, and doing things like this is a detriment to The W, as it makes the mode seem like the little brother of MyCAREER, getting its older brother clothes, features in this case, when they don't fit on them anymore.
This also applies to the second biggest feature coming to The W in NBA 2K25, which is "fully voiced press conferences", a feature that has been in MyCAREER mode for ages. In a way, calling them new features is somewhat disingenuous, as there is a mode, in your game, that had these features previously.
The best feature coming to this game mode in NBA 2K25 is the addition of a new court to The W Online, which is good, but let's be honest, it's not going to be a game-changer and captivate players to the mode.
On top of that, we still won't have female characters in The Park, which doesn't make sense. Why can't users play with their female characters in The Park? Where many game modes allow players to compete against each other, showcasing their skills, and having a great time while doing so.
This is a huge missed opportunity by 2K and something that would, even if indirectly, make The W a better, and more popular game mode.
If 2K really wants to make The W stand out, as it should, then they need to introduce actual new features, that improve the gaming experience, and make the mode more immersive, entertaining, and unique.
Make The W something unique, not an inferior version of MyCAREER, which unfortunately is what the mode currently is, but something the fans have a reason to play.
NBA 2K25 MyNBA New Features Have a Chance at Injecting Some Life into the Mode - Main ImageWith the release of NBA 2K25 getting closer and closer, more information about the game has been released, and this time 2K revealed all the new features coming to MyNBA. MyNBA is arguably the most popular offline mode in NBA 2K, but there hasn't been a lot of innovation in past years. However, 2K is adding some great features to the mode this year, as well as bringing back the beloved MyGM mode to current
NBA 2K25 MyNBA New Features Have a Chance at Injecting Some Life into the Mode - Main Image
With the release of NBA 2K25 getting closer and closer, more information about the game has been released, and this time 2K revealed all the new features coming to MyNBA.
MyNBA is arguably the most popular offline mode in NBA 2K, but there hasn't been a lot of innovation in past years. However, 2K is adding some great features to the mode this year, as well as bringing back the beloved MyGM mode to current-gen.
MyGM is Back and Better than Ever!
That's right, the MyGM mode is back, for current-gen, and it's completely revamped, introducing many features that will significantly improve the player's immersion.
Now players can choose their backstory, which will affect their initial attributes, and provide users with different ways to play MyGM.
There are five different backstory options and all of them improve a specific attribute, which is great, as it makes MyGM more of a roleplaying mode, and provides every player with a unique gaming experience.
How players allocate their attribute points is very important, as it will make their character excel in a specific area, which in turn impacts their playstyle, and journey in MyGM.
MYGM now also has perks, which boost players' skills. Players will be able to select the perks they want and will unlock new perks by reaching milestones. Furthermore, perks will impact a GM's skills on and off the basketball court.
This is yet another feature that makes the mode more RPG-like and allows players to customize their experience. It will definitely impact how users play the mode, as different milestones will force players to focus on different aspects of the game.
But perhaps the biggest feature of this revamped MyGM mode is dynamic conversations, which allows users to talk with players and staff, something that is key when it comes to running a real-life basketball franchise, so it's good to see that is also on the game.
There are fewer conversations now, but they have a bigger impact. This is a good decision by 2K, as no one wants to be overwhelmed by conversations that aren't that important, as previously they would become quite boring, and even annoying, with players just skipping through them.
2K is also introducing the MyGM building, for current-gen that is, which can be somewhat of a polarizing feature.
Being able to walk around the building, and having to go to the office of a specific staff member to talk to them makes the mode more immersive, but in the long term, it can also start to feel like a shore, as it makes things take longer to do.
All in all, the mode has all the features to be immersive and provide a unique and entertaining gaming experience. Most MyGM fans will certainly be happy with these changes, and its return to the current-gen consoles.
A Lateral Move for MyNBA
While the MyGM additions were fantastic, the new MyNBA features feel like a lateral move and not something that will really move the needle, or massively improve the player's experiences.
The Steph Era was added and will allow players to relive the golden days of the Golden State Warriors. That's an okay new feature and an interesting Era to have in the mode, however, allowing players to start their MyNBA save in the exact year they wanted would be a much better addition.
League Expansions and Contractions were revamped, and the NBA Cup now has "more in-depth integration into MyNBA modes". These aren't big changes, and there is an argument to be had if they even have an impact on the game mode.
While the MyGM changes were exciting and interesting, the MyNBA features were underwhelming, making players feel it's just another year of slight improvements, that don't really make the mode more enjoyable, entertaining, or immersive.
What do you think of the return of MyGM, and the new features coming to MyNBA? Let us know in the comments below.
NBA 2K25 MyCAREER & MyPLAYER New Features Are A Mixed Bag Filled With Untapped Potential - Main Image2K has announced all the new features coming to MyCAREER & MyPLAYER mode in NBA 2K25, and while some of them are good additions, others, well, not so much. It's clear that 2K wants to make the game accessible, and intuitive, as some new features accomplished that, but others just feel like a lateral change or even a huge missed opportunity. Let's find out why!The Best MyPLAYER Builder Eve
NBA 2K25 MyCAREER & MyPLAYER New Features Are A Mixed Bag Filled With Untapped Potential - Main Image
2K has announced all the new features coming to MyCAREER & MyPLAYER mode in NBA 2K25, and while some of them are good additions, others, well, not so much.
It's clear that 2K wants to make the game accessible, and intuitive, as some new features accomplished that, but others just feel like a lateral change or even a huge missed opportunity.
Let's find out why!
The Best MyPLAYER Builder Ever
In NBA 2K25 the MyPLAYER builder will look better, and more detailed, than ever.
A plethora of new archetypes for players to choose from were introduced, but that was already expected, the real big change is that players now have way more access to information about their build.
Players can now preview all assets of their build, such as badges, takeovers, jump shot animations, dunk packages, and signature animations. These last three are massive, as players can now know if their build allows them to equip a specific jump shot or dunk package, which is great.
In NBA 2K24, many players were locked out of good jump shots because their builds didn't have the required mid-range, or three-point attributes to equip it, and this solves that problem. It also makes the game more accessible for new players, as most would struggle when creating their character, and this makes it much easier.
A new Takeover system was also introduced, with a total of 72 Takeovers, and 14 Takeover abilities, all targeting different attributes. Every Takeover now has five levels, and by performing well on the court, players' Takeovers will gradually increase in level, boosting their attributes.
This is a welcomed change that gives more depth to the Takeover feature and makes it more impactful, as players' attributes will be boosted at every level. It might not be game-changing, but it's a positive change, at least on paper.
The badge system was also revamped, with NBA 2K25 having only 40 badges, but with each one of them being much more impactful than in previous years, the badge progression system also remains pretty much unchanged.
This is a great change, made even better by the fact that badge regression was removed from the game, something the community was asking for. The community complained about this feature a lot on NBA 2K24, and for good reasons, so it's great to see it gone.
It made no sense to put in many hours just to progress a badge to a certain level, and then see it regress because you didn't use it that much in a handful of games.
NBA 2K25 is also introducing Badge Elevators, which can boost players' badges, and increase the attribute ratings of players' certain attributes, above the ones shown in the MyPLAYER builder.
A higher badge level than Hall of Fame was also introduced, with the Legend badges arriving at the game. However, there still isn't a lot of information about this badge level, apart from the fact they have the highest attribute requirements to unlock and provide players with incredible boosts.
Badges being more impactful sounds great, and maintaining the progression system is good while getting rid of badge regression is the best decision 2K has made in a long time. Badge Elevators seem like an interesting addition, but it's hard to judge it.
So Much Missed Potential for MyCAREER
When it comes to MyCAREER in NBA 2K25, the only change is the addition of the Hear of a Dynasty feature, which basically replaces the G.O.A.T ranking, as players will battle to win championships and climb the Dynasty rankings.
This is literally a lateral move and doesn't add anything groundbreaking to the game. 2K simply changed a ranked system for another, and that's about it.
But there is a new feature in MyCAREER that has a lot of untapped potential. Players will be able to relieve their character journey to the NBA, relieving their high school and Fiba games.
However, this is simply part of a flashback story, which begs the question, why not give players the chance to create their journey from high school, or overseas to the NBA?
It would make the game mode more immersive and enjoyable, and 2K certainly has the resources to make this come to fruition. This feature had a lot of potential, but it felt short, which is a big shame, as MyCAREER would benefit a lot from a feature such as this one.
What do you think about these changes? Let us know in the comments below!
Get ready for an action-packed August with exciting updates and events for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, brought to you by 2K and Firaxis Games. Here’s what you need to know: August 20 @ 11:00 AM PT: Watch the world premiere of Civilization VII gameplay at Gamescom Opening Night Live on Twitch.tv/gamescom. August 20 @ 1:30…
The post Civilization VII August Events Update: Gameplay Reveals and More! appeared first on Invision Game Community.
Get ready for an action-packed August with exciting updates and events for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, brought to you by 2K and Firaxis Games. Here’s what you need to know: August 20 @ 11:00 AM PT: Watch the world premiere of Civilization VII gameplay at Gamescom Opening Night Live on Twitch.tv/gamescom. August 20 @ 1:30…
NBA 2K25 Introduces New Gameplay Features and Improves Existing Ones - Main ImageNBA 2K25 is one of the most anticipated games of 2024, as NBA 2K fans are hoping this can be a return to the golden days of the franchise. When it comes to the gameplay, NBA 2K25 will introduce some important new features, while making significant enchantments to existing ones, which is a good step in revitalizing the series. But will these changes be enough to make NBA 2K the great game it once was? Let's find out!
NBA 2K25 Introduces New Gameplay Features and Improves Existing Ones - Main Image
NBA 2K25 is one of the most anticipated games of 2024, as NBA 2K fans are hoping this can be a return to the golden days of the franchise.
When it comes to the gameplay, NBA 2K25 will introduce some important new features, while making significant enchantments to existing ones, which is a good step in revitalizing the series.
But will these changes be enough to make NBA 2K the great game it once was? Let's find out!
The Three Pillars of NBA 2K25 Gameplay
The NBA 2K25 gameplay stands on three important pillars, authenticity, customization, and accessibility.
This year's title aims to deliver the most realistic basketball experience in video game history, making the title incredibly immersive but also entertaining to play.
To do that, NBA 2K25 will introduce new gameplay features, while also making improvements to existing ones. These changes will impact, the defense, offense, shooting, dribbling, and the game AI.
A New Drible Engine!
After 15 years, NBA 2K is changing its dribbling engine, making it one of the biggest changes done in the past decade.
The new dribble engine will generate motions from the NBA footage, by using the ProPlay feature, which was also vastly improved. This will make the player's dribble movements incredibly more realistic, and add more authenticity and immersion to the game.
A Significantly Improved ProPlay Feature
As mentioned above, the ProPlay feature is getting a lot of improvements, even if they aren't massive ones.
More than 9k new animations were added to the game, with new dribbling, shooting, rebounding, passes, dunks, and off-ball animations. All of these animations were taken from NBA game footage and then added to the title.
So the ProPlay feature still serves the same purpose, it just includes a plethora of new animations that will make the gameplay feel more realistic, authentic, and immersive.
After all, signature moves are something very important in basketball, be it a shooting move or a dribble one, so having this being as accurate as possible goes a long way towards making the game more enjoyable.
Major Changes to Shooting
In NBA 2K25, there are a lot of new shooting features that will heavily impact the player's experience, and play a huge role in making NBA 2K25 more accessible.
Most players will have a signature shot, which is a signature move players usually do before entering their shooting motion, like the crossover Harden performs before going to his famous step-back.
Players will be able to perform a signature shoot byholding the right stick up, getting a move that goes directly into that player's jump shot. This is yet another feature that makes the gameplay more immersive and adds another layer of authenticity.
NBA 2K25 will also introduce the shot canceled feature, which will allow players to cancel their signature shot or any type of shot mid-animation, and immediately transition to another move.
The shot timing feature is also coming to the game, and it determines how the player's timing will affect shots in-game. This feature allows players to choose the risk-reward that shot-timing has.
There are five different shot-timing options, based, real player %, low risk-reward, normal risk-reward, and high risk-reward. In Real player % shot-timing won't have an impact, as everything is about making smart shots with players who are great at making those types of shots.
Low risk-reward will make your shot-timing have a small impact, meaning that if you release the button too early or too late, it will affect the chances of your shoot going in, even if just a little.
In the Normal risk-reward option your shot-timing will have a bigger effect on the outcome of your shots, while in high risk-reward the window to hit your shot is quite small, but if you hit it the shoot is going in no matter what.
After that, we have the custom visual cues feature, that lets players set their visual cue at any point in the shooting motion, making it way easier for players to know when they have to release their shot. This feature is more geared towards new players.
But that's not all, as we still have the Pro Stick Rhythm shooting, which is yet another feature that aims to make the gameplay more realistic and immersive.
With Pro Stick Rhythm shooting, players will need to hold the pro stick, and once the player reaches its shooting set point, they will need to push the pro stick in rhythm with the player shooting motion, completing it when the ball is just about to leave the player's hand.
This is a high risk-reward shooting option, but it's one that once mastered will become automatic, and help players take their shooting percentages to new levels.
A More Realistic Defense
A new defensive system will be introduced in NBA 2K25, called the defensive cutoff system, which allows players to change the direction their player is moving to quickly slide laterally, and cut off an offensive attack.
If timed perfectly, players can bump into the offensive player, making him fall back or even lose his dribble. Players can choose to quickly attack the ball handler, or even fall back to give him space.
This feature gives the on-ball defenders more tools to deal with dribblers, making defense more dynamic.
NBA 2K25 is also introducing major changes to the contest system, with the height of players impacting shots, making it much harder to shoot over the taller players, and also taking more into consideration the defensive ratings of players.
An AI Revolution!
The AI received some major improvements in NBA 2K25, in all aspects of the game, offense, defense, court spacing, coaching, and AI difficulty.
AI players will be much better at finding an open spot and spacing the floor, as the spacing system was massively improved. The AI will be much faster to react to double teams, rotations, and countering players' game plans, especially on higher levels of difficulty.
Learn 2K
As mentioned further above, accessibility was one of the pillars of NBA 2K25, and that's where Learn 2K enters.
Learn 2K is a new tutorial game mode, that will help players understand the basics of NBA 2K, but also provide advanced tutorials for veteran players. It includes mini-games, practice, a plethora of drills, and much more.
It's very similar to the TopSpin Academy, in TopSpin 2K25, as it helps players get familiar with the game, and is a great way for beginning players to not feel overwhelmed.
These are all the gameplay changes coming to NBA 2K25.
What do you think of these changes, and are they enough to revitalize the franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
Netflix's BioShock adaptation has been "reconfigured" to be a "more personal" film with a tighter budget.That's according to producer Roy Lee, who told fans at a panel at San Diego Comic-Con that changes at the top of Netflix's movie department have seen the budget streamlined."The new regime has lowered the budgets," Lee added, as reported by Variety. Read more
Netflix's BioShock adaptation has been "reconfigured" to be a "more personal" film with a tighter budget.
That's according to producer Roy Lee, who told fans at a panel at San Diego Comic-Con that changes at the top of Netflix's movie department have seen the budget streamlined.
"The new regime has lowered the budgets," Lee added, as reported by Variety.
Od NBA 2K25 se neočekává příliš mnoho radikálních změn oproti svým předchůdcům, ačkoli vývojář Visual Concepts stále provádí několik vylepšení samotné akce na hřišti.
S nově nahraným videem se zprávou na kurtu nabídl herní režisér Mike Wang nové podrobnosti v této oblasti.
NBA 2K25 pro začátek představí nové animace ProPLAY s více než 9 000 novými animacemi, včetně driblování, typických střel, pohybu mimo míč a dalších. Kromě toho se letošní hra může pochlubit také zcela novým driblovacím engi
Od NBA 2K25 se neočekává příliš mnoho radikálních změn oproti svým předchůdcům, ačkoli vývojář Visual Concepts stále provádí několik vylepšení samotné akce na hřišti.
S nově nahraným videem se zprávou na kurtu nabídl herní režisér Mike Wang nové podrobnosti v této oblasti.
NBA 2K25 pro začátek představí nové animace ProPLAY s více než 9 000 novými animacemi, včetně driblování, typických střel, pohybu mimo míč a dalších. Kromě toho se letošní hra může pochlubit také zcela novým driblovacím enginem, který byl postaven od základů a je nabízen jako největší herní změna, kterou série NBA 2K za poslední roky udělala.
Ve spolupráci s ProPLAY se nový driblovací engine NBA 2K25 zaměří na dynamické pohyby a pohyby v reálném čase spíše než na předrenderované a naskriptované animace jako v předchozích hrách.
Kromě toho se hráči mohou těšit na několik dalších vylepšení, jako je zrušení výstřelu, charakteristické výstřely, nový obranný systém cutoff, různá vylepšení AI, nový výukový režim nazvaný Learn 2K a další. Další podrobnosti najdete ve videu níže.
NBA 2K25 vychází 6. září pro PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch a PC.
Společnosti 2K a Gearbox Entertainment začátkem tohoto roku potvrdily, že na další hlavní hře Borderlands aktivně pracují, a přestože nikdy nebylo pochyb o tom, že se Borderlands 4 chystá, oficiální oznámení dalšího dílu série zůstalo v nedohlednu.
Podle zakladatele a generálního ředitele společnosti Gearbox Randyho Pitchforda tomu tak však již příliš dlouho nebude.
V rozhovoru pro GamesRadar Pitchford sice Borderlands 4 výslovně nejmenoval jako další velký projekt Gearboxu, ale přiznal, že se s
Společnosti 2K a Gearbox Entertainment začátkem tohoto roku potvrdily, že na další hlavní hře Borderlands aktivně pracují, a přestože nikdy nebylo pochyb o tom, že se Borderlands 4 chystá, oficiální oznámení dalšího dílu série zůstalo v nedohlednu.
Podle zakladatele a generálního ředitele společnosti Gearbox Randyho Pitchforda tomu tak však již příliš dlouho nebude.
V rozhovoru pro GamesRadar Pitchford sice Borderlands 4 výslovně nejmenoval jako další velký projekt Gearboxu, ale přiznal, že se svými prohlášeními v minulosti netajil tím, na čem studio pracuje, a dodal, že projekt bude oznámen spíše dříve než později.
„Neumím dokonale skrývat, že pracujeme na mnoha věcech a že pracujeme na velkých věcech,“ řekl Pitchford. „Jsem přesvědčen, že naši fanoušci budou velmi, velmi spokojeni s dalším videoherním projektem, až budeme připraveni ho oznámit. A řeknu vám, že nebudeme lidi nechávat dlouho čekat, než ho oznámíme.“
Zajímavé je, že Pitchford také naznačil, že se pracuje i na pokračování spinoffu Tiny’s Wonderlands inspirovaného hrou Dungeons and Dragons, což už dříve tvrdily i úniky informací.
Podle úniků ze začátku roku se vývoj hry Borderlands 4 blíží k cílové čáře a v rámci projektu došlo také k výměně vedení, aby se projekt dostal do závěrečné fáze.
Po pěti letech od oficiálního potvrzení společnosti 2K, že Cloud Chamber Games pracuje na dalším dílu BioShocku, se stále nedaří hru oznámit, ale zdá se, že jsme se dočkali prvního (poměrně krátkého) pohledu na hru a to méně než oficiální cestou.
MP1st tvrdí, že se jim do rukou dostal screenshot z BioShocku 4, který prý získali od anonymního tvůrce vizuálních efektů z 2K. V dolní části obrázku je zmíněn název „Parkside“, což je podle dřívějších zpráv kódové označení, pod kterým je hra ve vývoji.
Po pěti letech od oficiálního potvrzení společnosti 2K, že Cloud Chamber Games pracuje na dalším dílu BioShocku, se stále nedaří hru oznámit, ale zdá se, že jsme se dočkali prvního (poměrně krátkého) pohledu na hru a to méně než oficiální cestou.
MP1st tvrdí, že se jim do rukou dostal screenshot z BioShocku 4, který prý získali od anonymního tvůrce vizuálních efektů z 2K. V dolní části obrázku je zmíněn název „Parkside“, což je podle dřívějších zpráv kódové označení, pod kterým je hra ve vývoji. Obrázek údajně pochází z demoverze hry z roku 2021, která se objevila v interním ukázkovém filmu, a ukazuje hráče držícího zbraň nazvanou Ricochet Shotgun.
Uživatelské rozhraní na screenshotu naznačuje, že hráč může mít u sebe celkem tři zbraně, přičemž symboly vlevo dole zřejmě představují schopnosti, které pravděpodobně běží na cooldownech, nikoliv na měřičích plazmy a síly, jak tomu bylo v předchozích dílech BioShocku. Symboly přesýpacích hodin a stopek na uživatelském rozhraní také zřejmě naznačují, že hráč bude mít přístup ke schopnostem založeným na čase.
Je ovšem třeba mít na paměti, že pokud tento obrázek skutečně pochází z raného sestavení hry starého zhruba tři roky, je velká šance, že se od té doby mnohé změnilo.
Předchozí zprávy naznačovaly, že se BioShock 4 (nebo jak se nakonec bude jmenovat) bude odehrávat v antarktickém městě v 60. letech 20. století, které se jmenuje Borealis. Začátkem tohoto měsíce společnost Cloud Chamber Games uvedla, že vývoj titulu „nabírá na obrátkách“ a studio hledá zaměstnance na několika pozicích. Více informací o tom najdete zde.
NBA 2K25 Introduces New Gameplay Features and Improves Existing Ones - Main ImageNBA 2K25 is one of the most anticipated games of 2024, as NBA 2K fans are hoping this can be a return to the golden days of the franchise. When it comes to the gameplay, NBA 2K25 will introduce some important new features, while making significant enchantments to existing ones, which is a good step in revitalizing the series. But will these changes be enough to make NBA 2K the great game it once was? Let's find out!
NBA 2K25 Introduces New Gameplay Features and Improves Existing Ones - Main Image
NBA 2K25 is one of the most anticipated games of 2024, as NBA 2K fans are hoping this can be a return to the golden days of the franchise.
When it comes to the gameplay, NBA 2K25 will introduce some important new features, while making significant enchantments to existing ones, which is a good step in revitalizing the series.
But will these changes be enough to make NBA 2K the great game it once was? Let's find out!
The Three Pillars of NBA 2K25 Gameplay
The NBA 2K25 gameplay stands on three important pillars, authenticity, customization, and accessibility.
This year's title aims to deliver the most realistic basketball experience in video game history, making the title incredibly immersive but also entertaining to play.
To do that, NBA 2K25 will introduce new gameplay features, while also making improvements to existing ones. These changes will impact, the defense, offense, shooting, dribbling, and the game AI.
A New Drible Engine!
After 15 years, NBA 2K is changing its dribbling engine, making it one of the biggest changes done in the past decade.
The new dribble engine will generate motions from the NBA footage, by using the ProPlay feature, which was also vastly improved. This will make the player's dribble movements incredibly more realistic, and add more authenticity and immersion to the game.
A Significantly Improved ProPlay Feature
As mentioned above, the ProPlay feature is getting a lot of improvements, even if they aren't massive ones.
More than 9k new animations were added to the game, with new dribbling, shooting, rebounding, passes, dunks, and off-ball animations. All of these animations were taken from NBA game footage and then added to the title.
So the ProPlay feature still serves the same purpose, it just includes a plethora of new animations that will make the gameplay feel more realistic, authentic, and immersive.
After all, signature moves are something very important in basketball, be it a shooting move or a dribble one, so having this being as accurate as possible goes a long way towards making the game more enjoyable.
Major Changes to Shooting
In NBA 2K25, there are a lot of new shooting features that will heavily impact the player's experience, and play a huge role in making NBA 2K25 more accessible.
Most players will have a signature shot, which is a signature move players usually do before entering their shooting motion, like the crossover Harden performs before going to his famous step-back.
Players will be able to perform a signature shoot byholding the right stick up, getting a move that goes directly into that player's jump shot. This is yet another feature that makes the gameplay more immersive and adds another layer of authenticity.
NBA 2K25 will also introduce the shot canceled feature, which will allow players to cancel their signature shot or any type of shot mid-animation, and immediately transition to another move.
The shot timing feature is also coming to the game, and it determines how the player's timing will affect shots in-game. This feature allows players to choose the risk-reward that shot-timing has.
There are five different shot-timing options, based, real player %, low risk-reward, normal risk-reward, and high risk-reward. In Real player % shot-timing won't have an impact, as everything is about making smart shots with players who are great at making those types of shots.
Low risk-reward will make your shot-timing have a small impact, meaning that if you release the button too early or too late, it will affect the chances of your shoot going in, even if just a little.
In the Normal risk-reward option your shot-timing will have a bigger effect on the outcome of your shots, while in high risk-reward the window to hit your shot is quite small, but if you hit it the shoot is going in no matter what.
After that, we have the custom visual cues feature, that lets players set their visual cue at any point in the shooting motion, making it way easier for players to know when they have to release their shot. This feature is more geared towards new players.
But that's not all, as we still have the Pro Stick Rhythm shooting, which is yet another feature that aims to make the gameplay more realistic and immersive.
With Pro Stick Rhythm shooting, players will need to hold the pro stick, and once the player reaches its shooting set point, they will need to push the pro stick in rhythm with the player shooting motion, completing it when the ball is just about to leave the player's hand.
This is a high risk-reward shooting option, but it's one that once mastered will become automatic, and help players take their shooting percentages to new levels.
A More Realistic Defense
A new defensive system will be introduced in NBA 2K25, called the defensive cutoff system, which allows players to change the direction their player is moving to quickly slide laterally, and cut off an offensive attack.
If timed perfectly, players can bump into the offensive player, making him fall back or even lose his dribble. Players can choose to quickly attack the ball handler, or even fall back to give him space.
This feature gives the on-ball defenders more tools to deal with dribblers, making defense more dynamic.
NBA 2K25 is also introducing major changes to the contest system, with the height of players impacting shots, making it much harder to shoot over the taller players, and also taking more into consideration the defensive ratings of players.
An AI Revolution!
The AI received some major improvements in NBA 2K25, in all aspects of the game, offense, defense, court spacing, coaching, and AI difficulty.
AI players will be much better at finding an open spot and spacing the floor, as the spacing system was massively improved. The AI will be much faster to react to double teams, rotations, and countering players' game plans, especially on higher levels of difficulty.
Learn 2K
As mentioned further above, accessibility was one of the pillars of NBA 2K25, and that's where Learn 2K enters.
Learn 2K is a new tutorial game mode, that will help players understand the basics of NBA 2K, but also provide advanced tutorials for veteran players. It includes mini-games, practice, a plethora of drills, and much more.
It's very similar to the TopSpin Academy, in TopSpin 2K25, as it helps players get familiar with the game, and is a great way for beginning players to not feel overwhelmed.
These are all the gameplay changes coming to NBA 2K25.
What do you think of these changes, and are they enough to revitalize the franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
Post Malone is Finally Coming to WWE 2K24! - Main Image2K has provided the first look at the WWE 2K24 Post Malone character, which will be added to the game in the upcoming Post Malone & Friends Pack DLC. This DLC will also add five other new characters to the game, with some of them being wrestling legends. If you have the WWE 2K24 Season Pass, you will get access to this and all the upcoming DLCs. Buy WWE 2K24 todayPost Malone is Coming to the Squared Circle!Post Malone helped curate the
Post Malone is Finally Coming to WWE 2K24! - Main Image
2K has provided the first look at the WWE 2K24 Post Malone character, which will be added to the game in the upcoming Post Malone & Friends Pack DLC.
This DLC will also add five other new characters to the game, with some of them being wrestling legends. If you have the WWE 2K24 Season Pass, you will get access to this and all the upcoming DLCs.
Post Malone helped curate the WWE 2K24 soundtrack and is also a huge wrestling fan, so when it was announced he would be added to WWE 2K24 as a playable character fans, were pleasantly surprised.
The Post Malone & Friends Pack DLC arrives at the game on Thursday 26 June, introducing the music superstar as well as these wrestlers:
Sensational Sherri
Mosh
Thrasher
Honky Tonk Man
Jimmy Hart Manager
This is just the second WWE 2K24 DLC pack, and at least three others will arrive at the game by the end of the year, adding a plethora of wrestling legends and icons to the game's roster.
If you are a huge Post Malone fan, then you will have the chance to use him in WWE 2K24. Creating spectacular matches and storylines, maybe even getting revenge on The Undertaker for chokeslaming him at his concert, and, of course, having a lot of fun while doing so.
Summer Game Fest je za rohem a s přibývajícím časem se každým dnem stále více a více rozšiřuje nabídka her, které se na této akci představí. Minulý měsíc bylo potvrzeno, že společnost 2K představí další díl jedné ze svých největších a nejoblíbenějších sérií, a nyní se zdá, že bylo prozrazeno, co to bude.
Známý leaker Kurakasis se na fórech Exputeru pochlubil tvrzením, že Borderlands 4 bude představeno na Summer Game Festu. Mnozí spekulovali, že 2K představí buď další hru Mafia, nebo nový díl Bio
Summer Game Fest je za rohem a s přibývajícím časem se každým dnem stále více a více rozšiřuje nabídka her, které se na této akci představí. Minulý měsíc bylo potvrzeno, že společnost 2K představí další díl jedné ze svých největších a nejoblíbenějších sérií, a nyní se zdá, že bylo prozrazeno, co to bude.
Známý leaker Kurakasis se na fórech Exputeru pochlubil tvrzením, že Borderlands 4 bude představeno na Summer Game Festu. Mnozí spekulovali, že 2K představí buď další hru Mafia, nebo nový díl BioShocku, ale podle všeho si tyto série budou muset prozatím počkat, až na ně přijde řada.
Vývojářskou společnost Borderlands Gearbox Entertainment koupila na začátku tohoto roku společnost 2K od Embracer Group v hodnotě 460 milionů dolarů. Společnost 2K je samozřejmě vydavatelem série Borderlands od jejího vzniku. Po převzetí vývojáře společnost 2K potvrdila, že na hře Borderlands 4 se aktivně pracuje.
Bylo potvrzeno, že Summer Game Fest, který bude mít premiéru 7. června ve 23:00 hod. a bude mít dvě hodiny. Jeho součástí bude oznámení hry Metaphor: ReFantazio, Monster Hunter Wilds, Alan Wake 2, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO a další.
The next Epic Games Store freebie as part of the company's ongoing Mega Sale promotion will be Marvel's Midnight Suns.
That's according to Dealabs' always-reliable billbil-kun, who notes the game will be available to download next week from Thursday 6th until Thursday 13th June.
If you're yet to give it a go, Marvel's Midnight Suns is a brilliant character-centric role-player with Firaxis' trademark turn-based combat. Actions are made by cards, yes, but don't worry too much about that. It's
The next Epic Games Store freebie as part of the company's ongoing Mega Sale promotion will be Marvel's Midnight Suns.
That's according to Dealabs' always-reliable billbil-kun, who notes the game will be available to download next week from Thursday 6th until Thursday 13th June.
If you're yet to give it a go, Marvel's Midnight Suns is a brilliant character-centric role-player with Firaxis' trademark turn-based combat. Actions are made by cards, yes, but don't worry too much about that. It's fun, it's well-written, and being able to build up a secret base full of interesting Marvel superheroes is a blast.
2K is rumoured to have secured the official FIFA license to develop the next FIFA game.That's according to unverified claims from retailer @mohplay_inc_, which alleges that "the partnership is confirmed, and 2K will be developing a new football game series", albeit without sharing their source.Whilst not confirmed in any official capacity at all – which means we can only take this news has a hefty rumour for now – it does back up prior claims from earlier this year that 2K and FIFA may have bee
2K is rumoured to have secured the official FIFA license to develop the next FIFA game.
That's according to unverified claims from retailer @mohplay_inc_, which alleges that "the partnership is confirmed, and 2K will be developing a new football game series", albeit without sharing their source.
Whilst not confirmed in any official capacity at all – which means we can only take this news has a hefty rumour for now – it does back up prior claims from earlier this year that 2K and FIFA may have been in talks for the former to succeed development of the FIFA series after EA announced it would be taking its football franchise forward without FIFA branding.
Brzy možná odstartuje nová fotbalová série, protože se proslýchá, že společnost 2K uzavřela smlouvu s FIFA a získalo tuto licenci.
Zatímco EA pracuje na vlastních fotbalových hrách v rámci série EA Sports FC, zdá se, že licenci FIFA převezme pro své vlastní fotbalové hry jiná společnost. Prodejce MohPlay Inc uvedl, že společnost 2K získala licenci FIFA a v současné době pracuje na novém fotbalovém titulu FIFA 2K25, jehož vydání je plánováno na letošní rok.
Zprávu zřejmě dále potvrdil Mike Straw
Brzy možná odstartuje nová fotbalová série, protože se proslýchá, že společnost 2K uzavřela smlouvu s FIFA a získalo tuto licenci.
Zatímco EA pracuje na vlastních fotbalových hrách v rámci série EA Sports FC, zdá se, že licenci FIFA převezme pro své vlastní fotbalové hry jiná společnost. Prodejce MohPlay Inc uvedl, že společnost 2K získala licenci FIFA a v současné době pracuje na novém fotbalovém titulu FIFA 2K25, jehož vydání je plánováno na letošní rok.
Zprávu zřejmě dále potvrdil Mike Straw ze serveru Insider Gaming, který na sociální síti X uvedl, že oznámení by mohlo přijít brzy, ale zdá se, že nikdo s ním nechce o hře mluvit na rovinu, takže podrobnosti jsou v současné době skoupé.
Nutno podotknout, že se v žádném případě nejedná o oficiální potvrzení a ani společnost 2K, ani samotná FIFA žádné oznámení neučinily. Pokud se však tyto zvěsti ukáží jako pravdivé, bude to po delší době první skutečná konkurence, kterou EA pro své fotbalové hry uvidí, zvláště když Konami ve své nové free-to-play podobě eFootball nasměrovalo někdejší Pro Evolution Soccer zcela jiným směrem.
Pro představu, poslední fotbalový titul vydaný společností EA pod názvem FIFA byl FIFA 23. Od té doby společnost pracuje na fotbalových hrách s vlastní značkou, přičemž EA Sports FC 24 je prvním vydáním pod novým názvem série. Podle tradiční kadence vydávání se očekává, že EA letos vydá také EA Sports FC 25.
Dlouholeté partnerství společností EA a FIFA skončilo poté, co druhá jmenovaná požadovala, aby první jmenovaná zaplatila přes 2,5 miliardy dolarů za prodloužení smlouvy mezi oběma subjekty o další čtyři roky. EA se místo toho rozhodla partnerství ukončit, načež FIFA potvrdila plány na spolupráci s dalšími vývojáři a vydavateli pro budoucí oficiálně licencované tituly FIFA. V březnu loňského roku prezident FIFA Gianni Infantino prohlásil, že další hra společnosti je ve vývoji.
2K has secured the official license from FIFA to create the next FIFA video game!
The partnership is confirmed, and 2K will be developing a new football game series.
👀✨ FIFA 2K25 is set to launch this year, just in time for the FIFA World Cup 2K26!
More smoke to this. No one is willing to talk to me on the record about it, but we could be getting an announcement of a new partnership sooner rather than later https://t.co/cy6gqGGftl
— Mike Straw of Insider-Gaming.com (@MikeStrawMedia) May 26, 2024
Contents
The Intro
The Game
The Replay
The Verdict
The Replay (continued)
For The Intro, The Game, and the first part of The Replay, see part one of Bioshock on Present Perfect Gaming.
We entered Rapture in part one.
We last left Jack just as he had dealt a blow to Andrew Ryan, the founder of Rapture.
“I chose…Rapture.”
But Ryan was just one half of the power struggle which had festered and then boiled up into an all-out war deep within the depths of Rapture.
Fra
We last left Jack just as he had dealt a blow to Andrew Ryan, the founder of Rapture.
“I chose…Rapture.”
But Ryan was just one half of the power struggle which had festered and then boiled up into an all-out war deep within the depths of Rapture.
Frank Fontaine was the other half.
Fontaine’s fronts—Little Sister’s Orphanage and Fontaine’s Home for the Poor
The second half of Bioshock sees Jack seeking an escape from Rapture. But in seeking an escape, Jack will need to confront the truth behind the Little Sisters.
Science without moral and ethical boundaries
Where the first half of Bioshock introduces and explores Rapture at a macro level, establishing the origin of the city and the tensions that led to its downfall, the second half is more at the micro level, as the narrative explores the psyches of the individuals responsible for the creation of the Little Sisters.
Little Wonders Educational Facility—where Little Sisters are made and conditioned.
The first half explored larger, more public spaces of Rapture, where the second half leads Jack through the residential areas and the abodes of the influential figures, as well as the location of the Little Sister experimentation.
Little Sister laboratory
Tenenbaum becomes a more central figure, as she sees Jack as the saviour of the Little Sisters. Having been instrumental in their creation, Tenenbaum became emotionally attached and came to regret her involvement.
“I made a place for the children here, but it is you who are their savior. Will you stop here, or will you deliver them from this terrible city at long last?”
But Tenenbaum didn’t work alone. She worked closely with another doctor, Yi Suchong. Suchong worked on the mental conditioning of the Big Daddies, so they would act as protectors of the Little Sisters. Unlike Tenenbaum, Suchong never suffered from a crisis of conscience; he was an opportunist, working for the highest bidder, with no moral or ethical boundaries.
Suchong met a violent end due to his experimentation on the Big Daddies.
Leading Jack through the residential areas of Rapture in Bioshock is a disturbing experience, showing the impact the civil war had on the populace.
Tenenbaum’s apartment ransacked
The effects of ADAM and plasmid abuse are evident everywhere you turn.
Lynching in the streets
You also see the contrast between those who were more affluent with those who were less well off.
Hitting the mattresses in the poorer part of townFontaine’s opulence on full display
Jack even enters the house of an “old friend”.
Sander Cohen’s apartment
At this point in Bioshock, the gameplay almost felt secondary to the accelerated, unfolding narrative.
The endgame approaches as you hunt down Fontaine.
But the gameplay continued to be cleverly interwoven into the story, with a particular section seeing Jack’s plasmids going haywire. You’re unable to select plasmids, and they randomly change on you.
Winter Blast plasmid
This gameplay/narrative melding is taken to another level during the endgame in Bioshock, as Jack finds himself needing to become a Big Daddy.
Time to suit up.
The only way out of Rapture is through a door that only a Little Sister can open, and that means Jack not only needs to look like a Big Daddy, but he needs to sound like one and smell like one too.
Pulling on a Big Daddy helmet
This final level of Bioshock sees Jack searching through the research labs used in the creation of both the Little Sisters and Big Daddies. It’s here where Big Daddy candidates were genetically modified and mentally conditioned to perform their bodyguard escort task. It’s here where the little girls were implanted with the sea slugs and converted into Little Sisters.
Humans went in…Big Daddies came out.The innocent room of a Little Sister. The truth is much darker.
Once Jack completes his impersonation of a Big Daddy, it’s time to find a Little Sister to escort.
Follow the leader
Running through a training simulation, you need to protect your Little Sister from very real threats as she harvests ADAM from recently-deceased splicers.
Little Sisters have to harvest ADAM—it’s what they were made for.
Bioshock ends, somewhat inevitably, yet somewhat disappointingly, with a final boss battle. Inevitable because FPS, RPG, and survival horror games almost always culminate in a boss battle. Disappointing, because I think Bioshock deserved better as a game which had for the most part brilliantly blended story with gameplay.
Bioshock is a story about Rapture and its demise, of Little Sisters and Big Daddies, and Jack—not big boss battles.
Fontaine has himself abused ADAM, and confronts Jack as a genetically unstable behemoth.
Extracting ADAM from Fontaine
The final battle does involve ADAM, and it does involve the Little Sisters at the end, but the actual fight felt unsatisfying.
Fighting Fontaine
Thankfully, the ending sequence delivers closure to Jack’s story arc, and reflects the choices you made as a player to harvest or rescue the Little Sisters.
Fontaine falls with a “little” help.
And with that, Jack’s journey ends. But it’s not the end of Bioshock, or Rapture. There are more tales to be told in the sequels.
Jack’s family with him at the end
There is also another tale available, which I hadn’t yet experienced, but unintentionally did while replaying Bioshock. Or perhaps it wasn’t so unintentional. Perhaps it was Rapture, calling me back for more…
What is this tale I speak of? Let’s take a look as I deliver my verdict on Bioshock.
The Verdict
As I played through Bioshock again, I kept looking over at a novel on my bookshelf. A novel that had been on my bookshelf, unread, for a few years now.
Off the shelf
Rapture, written by John Shirley, was released in 2011, and serves as a prequel to Bioshock. For some reason, I picked up Rapture and started reading through it alongside my replay of Bioshock.
Rapture, the novel, details how the city was built.
I’ll state it right now: I highly recommend replaying Bioshock in the same way if you haven’t already read the novel. Rapture almost felt like an extended radio diary, like the many found while exploring Rapture in Bioshock. The novel completes the backstory of Rapture’s existence, from Ryan’s grandiose vision, to Fontaine smuggling himself inside, through to the research carried out by Tenebaum and Suchong on plasmids, Little Sisters, and Big Daddies.
Of course, Rapture also alludes to Jack’s future presence, and ends right where we find Rapture as Bioshock begins.
That fateful plane crash over Rapture
Reading Rapture prior to replaying Bioshock was completely unintentional, but I’m very grateful I chose to read it at the same time I was playing. The novel is really tied to the game, and the combination of both was an immensely satisfying multimedia experience.
And the title of the novel itself resonates with me, as it quite simply identifies and summarises why Bioshock is one of my favourite games of all time.
Bioshock is Rapture.
Reflecting on Rapture, I was reminded of another game where the setting had such a profound impact on my enjoyment. In What Remains of Edith Finch, the family house feels like its own entity, almost like a character in the story. As you explore the house, a variety of interactive cutscenes merge the gameplay and narrative to deliver an unforgettable journey through the Finch family’s death curse.
Unsurprisingly, What Remains of Edith Finch is also one of my favourite gaming experiences.
So what is it about Rapture that keeps drawing me in? Like with the Finch House in What Remains of Edith Finch, I feel a similar sense of morbid curiosity with the dystopian Rapture. I want to go back in. But what am I looking for?
Despite having played both games multiple times now, and despite knowing the major storylines, it doesn’t take anything away from the experience. It enhances it.
It’s an appreciation for why we reread novels, rewatch films, and revisit pieces of art, as subsequent playthroughs have revealed a deeper level of understanding of the characters and the settings in both games. And simultaneously reading Rapture while playing Bioshock added even more context.
Searching for deeper meaning in Bioshock
As a game, I think the strength in Bioshock lies in its integration of the gameplay with the setting. Using ADAM to enhance Jack’s plasmids and gene tonics, hacking Ryan’s police-state security systems, and choosing to rescue or harvest Little Sisters are examples of how playing Bioshock engages you with Rapture.
Choosing to rescue a Little Sister
Despite there being a wide variety of traditional weapons to use and upgrade, I found myself very rarely using anything other than the shotgun or the machine gun. And I never engaged with the invention system, which allows you to collect ingredients to construct ammo and other items.
The classic FPS shotgun—a favourite of mine in Bioshock, just as it was way back when playing Doom.I wasn’t very inventive in Bioshock.
Bioshock also combines elements from the survival horror and roleplaying game genres. At times, Bioshock reminded me of the early Resident Evil games. Being in an underwater city, there are many claustrophobic, anxiety-inducing moments exploring dark and dank areas, fearful of when the splicers are going to jump out. Further, at times I found myself low on First Aid Kits, EVE, and ammo for my favoured weapons.
Dimly lit, shadowy environments brought memories of survival horror in Resident Evil.
The level of customisation available with weapons, plasmids, and gene tonics provides you with many different types of play styles to choose from.
Which weapons do you focus on using and upgrading? Which plasmids do you prioritise? Do you prefer offensive plasmids or plasmids offering deception and manipulation? Do you invest in improving your hacking abilities?
These are all choices and combinations of choices you consider when playing Bioshock.
Choose your plasmids—there’s not just one way to play Bioshock.
Bioshock isn’t perfect. As I’ve mentioned, there were a few sections where the pacing felt off, with some unnecessary repetitiveness. The final boss battle doesn’t sit right with me, as it felt out of place at the end of an incredible narrative journey.
A climactic final confrontation with Fontaine doesn’t have the impact Bioshock deserved at the end.
But these gameplay limitations in Bioshock take nothing away from the overall experience of Rapture. It certainly won’t be my last time delving into its depths.
I’ve left Rapture for now. But I’ll be back.
For those that have played Bioshock, I’ve already recommended reading Rapture if you haven’t already, and ideally at the same time as playing Bioshock. I also recommend reading Bioshock and Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book (2015), particularly if you have also played Bioshock 2 and Bioshock Infinite. It contains a series of articles commenting on the games in areas such as human enhancement technologies, propaganda, metagaming, free will, and developer Ken Levine’s depiction of Ayn Rand’s philosophy.
If you’re curious for more…
For those that haven’t played Bioshock, I’ve deliberately avoided discussing a major plot point (though I have hinted at it throughout…), as I think it’s an experience you must have.
So, would you kindly go and play Bioshock?
Bioshock ends. But there’s so much more to come in the sequels…
3
So, have you decided to play Bioshock?
Be sure to check out my Linktree for some great headphone deals with Audeze, as well as some great gaming deals with Fanatical, and Eneba.
I love Uatu, the Watcher. I love to reference him in conversations. I like to use him in elaborate Marvel-themed analogies when winning arguments. I love to put him in articles, although he often gets edited out. Uatu is one of my favourite Marvel characters. I am Uatu 4 Life.Now, if you play Marvel Snap, the collectible card game based on Marvel's heroes, you'll know that there's an Uatu card in there. He's interesting, too. Uatu comes with one cost, two power, and when he's in your deck he re
I love Uatu, the Watcher. I love to reference him in conversations. I like to use him in elaborate Marvel-themed analogies when winning arguments. I love to put him in articles, although he often gets edited out. Uatu is one of my favourite Marvel characters. I am Uatu 4 Life.
Now, if you play Marvel Snap, the collectible card game based on Marvel's heroes, you'll know that there's an Uatu card in there. He's interesting, too. Uatu comes with one cost, two power, and when he's in your deck he reveals the right-most location to you at the start so you can plan ahead a little. Uatu's one of the first cards people generally get to play with, and he speaks in a cool voice when you use him, and the reveal effect is nice and dramatic. But there's a problem. He's not a junk card, but he's a card you should probably move past pretty early on in most cases. There are better cards out there that do more useful things and give you a bit more bang in the early game.
Here is my specific problem, though. As an Uatu mega-fan, I am never going to not use him. And this means that my deck basically has one fewer functional slots than most people's decks. Call it fan tax: a seat is always reserved for Uatu, and so my other cards have to work around him.
The games industry is in a worrying state of flux right now. Beloved and storied studios are being shut down left, right and centre; others are having their teams gutted from the inside out. It's hard to know which games and teams will even still be around next month, let alone in a year's time, and it must be daunting in the extreme for new, independent developers trying to make their debut games.But XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns designer Jake Solomon is used to dealing with chance and proba
The games industry is in a worrying state of flux right now. Beloved and storied studios are being shut down left, right and centre; others are having their teams gutted from the inside out. It's hard to know which games and teams will even still be around next month, let alone in a year's time, and it must be daunting in the extreme for new, independent developers trying to make their debut games.
But XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns designer Jake Solomon is used to dealing with chance and probabilities. During his 23-year career at Firaxis, Solomon helped transform the turn-based tactics genre into what it is today, teaching us just how dramatic a well-timed overwatch shot could be, as well as how to howl in agony as our gunners repeatedly missed a 99%, point-blank hit chance window. Now, he's taking an even bigger step into the unknown, as today he's not only unveiling his brand-new independent games company, Midsummer Studios, but he's also given us a tease of what he's working on: a next-generation life sim where players "can't help but write an interesting story" as they steer their characters through the ups and downs of modern life.
Well, perhaps it's not too much of a step into the unknown, as Solomon reveals to me that his new base of operations for Midsummer is actually the very same place where he first cut his teeth as a games designer. "This building we're in, these are actually the old Firaxis offices," he says. "This is where me and a bunch of people [at Midsummer] started our careers, and a lot of people at Midsummer are people that have worked with me for a long time." And his first hire? The son of his former mentor, Sid Meier.
Fan-favourite WWE fighter CM Punk is returning to WWE 2K24 for the first time in a decade.Punk marks his return as part of the ECW Punk Pack alongside Terry Funk, Sandman, and The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley.Players can also expect MyFaction Content which includes an ECW Paul Heyman Manager Card and unspecified MyFaction Superstar Cards when the pack drops on 15th May for all platforms. Read more
Fan-favourite WWE fighter CM Punk is returning to WWE 2K24 for the first time in a decade.
Punk marks his return as part of the ECW Punk Pack alongside Terry Funk, Sandman, and The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley.
Players can also expect MyFaction Content which includes an ECW Paul Heyman Manager Card and unspecified MyFaction Superstar Cards when the pack drops on 15th May for all platforms.
Fan-favourite WWE fighter CM Punk is returning to WWE 2K24 for the first time in a decade.Punk marks his return as part of the ECW Punk Pack alongside Terry Funk, Sandman, and The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley.Players can also expect MyFaction Content which includes an ECW Paul Heyman Manager Card and unspecified MyFaction Superstar Cards when the pack drops on 15th May for all platforms. Read more
Fan-favourite WWE fighter CM Punk is returning to WWE 2K24 for the first time in a decade.
Punk marks his return as part of the ECW Punk Pack alongside Terry Funk, Sandman, and The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley.
Players can also expect MyFaction Content which includes an ECW Paul Heyman Manager Card and unspecified MyFaction Superstar Cards when the pack drops on 15th May for all platforms.
WWE 2K24 has unbanned modder WhatsTheStatus following complaints from its community.WhatsTheStatus - who was banned last week for "violation of terms" - revealed on Twitter/X that, after speaking with 2K and the WWE team, they had "come to an agreement, and a fair one at that".Originally, 2K and/or developer Visual Concepts was unhappy with WhatsTheStatus' mods, saying that as they "negatively impact the game experience for other players", the modder was banned in order to ensure there is a "po
WWE 2K24 has unbanned modder WhatsTheStatus following complaints from its community.
WhatsTheStatus - who was banned last week for "violation of terms" - revealed on Twitter/X that, after speaking with 2K and the WWE team, they had "come to an agreement, and a fair one at that".
Originally, 2K and/or developer Visual Concepts was unhappy with WhatsTheStatus' mods, saying that as they "negatively impact the game experience for other players", the modder was banned in order to ensure there is a "positive WWE 2K24 experience for all players".
Contents
The Intro
The Game
The Replay
The Verdict
The Intro
Title: Bioshock
Release year: 2007
Developed by: 2K Boston / 2K Australia
Genre: first-person shooter (FPS)
Platform replayed on: PC
Would you kindly…?
Bioshock begins.
Those three memorable words still haunt me to this day, just as much as they did back in 2007 when Bioshock was released, now almost seventeen years ago.
Haunting imagery in Bioshock
For those that know Bioshock, those three
Those three memorable words still haunt me to this day, just as much as they did back in 2007 when Bioshock was released, now almost seventeen years ago.
Haunting imagery in Bioshock
For those that know Bioshock, those three words will instantly conjure memories of playing not just another first-person shooter, but memories of exploring a utopian vision of a city under the sea gone horribly wrong. A city called Rapture.
Built on the bottom of the ocean—a view of Rapture.
Those three words have become synonymous with Bioshock.
A man chooses. A slave obeys.
And since taking those first few tentative steps in Rapture way back when Bioshock first released, the game and the series (Bioshock 2 came out in 2010, and Bioshock Infinite came out in 2013) have become one of my all-time favourites.
So how did the original Bioshock enrapture me, and why does it keep calling me back?
Would you kindly read on, and join me as I step back into Rapture to find out…
Rapture ominously looms.
The Game
Bioshock begins aboard a passenger plane, flying over the mid-Atlantic in 1960. You join the protagonist, Jack, as he looks over a family photo in his wallet.
A trip back home, perhaps?
Jack looks over a gift from his parents, as yet unwrapped. Seconds later, the plane is going down. Jack resurfaces amid the debris, and looks up upon a foreboding lighthouse, backlit by a full moon.
Jack survives. But what awaits him?
Jack wades through the water to reach the apparent safety of the lighthouse, and takes his first step into Rapture…
No Gods or Kings. Only Man.
What Jack discovers deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean is an underwater city, the brainchild of industrialist Andrew Ryan. Ryan had envisioned a utopia where scientists, artists, and fellow industrialists and visionaries could be free from government interference and religion.
“Where the great would not be constrained by the small. And with the sweat of your brow, Rapture can become your city as well.” – Andrew Ryan
However, Jack discovers Rapture in ruins, the result of a civil war sparked due to a power struggle between Ryan and the leader of an opposing faction, Frank Fontaine.
Revolution in Rapture has taken its toll on the colony.
Jack is kept alive in Rapture by a man named Atlas, who communicates with Jack via shortwave radio. You see, Rapture is not a safe place.
Atlas will lead Jack with his voice.
The gameplay in Bioshock and the story seamlessly integrate as you explore and fight for survival in this once mighty underwater fortress. Rapture is inhabited by seemingly-crazed residents, hellbent on killing Jack on sight.
He doesn’t look friendly…
You soon learn what is behind this behaviour, as Jack finds a mysterious syringe and suddenly plunges it into his veins.
Jack feels compelled to consume.
Jack has injected what is known in Bioshock as a plasmid—a serum providing superhuman powers. The first of which is the ability to hurl lightning.
Lightning strikes.
You uncover many more of these plasmids in Bioshock, allowing you to perform feats with fire, telekinesis, and even insect swarms.
Using telekinesis to grab a key from a wall.
There is a traditional first-person shooter arsenal of weapons also available, and playing Bioshock becomes a balance of combining traditional firepower with plasmids effectively.
Blasting away with the shotgun
But using plasmids has a cost, just like ammunition. To keep using these super powers, Jack needs to keep injecting himself with another serum called EVE.
You spend a lot of time in Rapture scrounging around for ammo and EVE.
Acquiring more plasmids, as well as upgrading them, requires the gene-altering substance known as ADAM, one of the scientific discoveries made within the depths of Rapture.
Evolve Today! 50s-inspired plasmid marketing
And here is where we come back to the crazed residents of Rapture. The discovery of ADAM, and its potential to create super beings, led to high demand and addiction among the populace.
The subsequent civil war that broke out was fought with both sides using plasmid-enhanced humans known as “splicers”.
The remnants of these splicer armies hound Jack at every turn in Rapture.
To escape Rapture, Jack must venture through various levels of Rapture, many of which are controlled by the scientists, doctors, and artists once brought here to help Rapture flourish.
Rapture—home of the weird and wonderful. And crazy.
Security in Rapture is also very tight, so you often find Jack needing to avoid security bots and weapons turrets.
A security bot attacks.
Fortunately, there’s a way in Bioshock to turn the odds in Jack’s favour: hacking.
Hacking security bots, security cameras, weapons turrets, as well as doors and safes, is a minigame within Bioshock. You need to quickly manipulate tiles on a grid to create a path for a liquid to flow through to complete the hack.
Hacking minigame in Bioshock
Hacking the security in Rapture will allow it to aid you instead of hindering you. Security cameras will now target splicers, sending security bots to attack for you, just as hacked weapons turrets will also.
Hack weapons turrets to fight for you.
You can also hack the various vending machines around Rapture, allowing discounts on health items and ammunition.
A hacked vending machine
Further turning the odds in Jack’s favour, it’s not just plasmids that ADAM is useful for, as you can also upgrade Jack with gene tonics. These tonics provide Jack with passive boosts to his offensive and defensive capabilities, his hacking and machine skills, and his physique.
A tonic making hacking easier
The narrative in Bioshock is often delivered via the shortwave radio Jack picked up when he entered Rapture. Often, it’s Atlas navigating Jack through the various levels of Rapture.
Atlas leads Jack to the light.
Other times, some of the residents pick up on Jack’s signal and communicate to him, for better or worse.
Even the great Andrew Ryan has an interest in Jack’s whereabouts.
Jack also finds audio diaries littered all around Rapture, which provide the back story and context of the downfall. These diaries are time capsules, giving voice to those on both sides of the struggle capturing the events leading to the failure of the Rapture social experiment.
Jack discovers an audio diary.
Bioshock features a deep and thought-provoking narrative, so having the story told via conversations and audio messages also keeps the game moving, avoiding the need to stop and read through large amounts of text.
The pause menu allows you to view the map and listen to previous audio messages.
Jack has a lot to deal with as he is guided through Rapture by Atlas, with the splicers attacking him at every opportunity, the genetic mutations coursing through his veins, and the aftermath of the power struggle between Ryan and Fontaine on display all around him.
However, with all that is going on around Jack in Rapture, there is one unnerving question lying just beneath the surface.
Who is Jack?
A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma?
The Replay
We last left Jack just as he had injected the Electro Bolt plasmid into his arm.
Feeling the flow
Atlas doesn’t seem disturbed by this, and merely tells Jack to hold on while his genetic code is rewritten. However, he later explains how plasmids changed everything in Rapture—destroying bodies, and destroying minds.
“The whole city went to hell.”
But that’s not what immediately concerns Atlas, as he’s hoping Jack can reach and rescue his wife and son. To do that, he’ll need to get to Neptune’s Bounty, a port complex in Rapture.
In a relative moment of calm, as Jack is led towards the exit to Neptune’s Bounty, the haunting reality of Rapture is laid bare.
It was not a Happy New Year in Rapture.
Jack also starts seeing ghosts of former residents of Rapture.
Hallucinations—a side effect of plasmid abuse
Bioshock is a creepy experience, with moments of suspense and horror raising anxiety levels, as well as begging the question of just what happened down in the depths of Rapture.
What horrors await within the shadows of Rapture?
But for all the mysteries lurking around each leaky corner of Rapture, nothing in Bioshock quite prepares you for the encounters with the Little Sisters.
A Little Sister cowers from Jack.
Atlas instructs Jack not to be fooled, and that these Little Sisters are not the innocent little girls they appear to be. Little Sisters had been genetically modified and mentally conditioned to harvest ADAM from corpses around Rapture. This was due to the populace’s ADAM addiction, and the use of ADAM in creating the armies of splicers used in the civil war.
An example of the horrifying reality of ADAM abuse
As the Little Sisters carry harvested ADAM around Rapture, this naturally makes them a target. This is where the Big Daddies come in.
A Big Daddy guarding a Little Sister.
This first encounter with a Little Sister and her bodyguard Big Daddy foreshadows an inevitable showdown, but for now, Jack has bigger problems. Andrew Ryan has become aware of his existence in Rapture.
Access Denied to Neptune’s Bounty
With the exit to Neptune’s Bounty now locked down, Jack will need to find a way out. That way out is through the Medical Pavilion. And Dr Steinman.
Dr Steinman controls the Medical Pavilion.
Steinman has a key to override the lockdown to Neptune’s Bounty. Unfortunately, like many in Rapture, Steinman has devolved into depravity.
“Aesthetics are a moral imperative!!!”
A plastic surgeon, Steinman became obsessed with perfection. With the freedom from ethical and moral boundaries Rapture provided, he began to experiment.
Beauty has a price in Bioshock.
It’s a disturbing exploration of a mad man’s psyche, and as you play through Bioshock, these diversions serve to provide the context within which Rapture collapsed.
Caught in the act—Steinman with one of his human experiments on the operating table.
Steinman wasn’t the only doctor in Rapture to influence its demise, as Jack soon encounters Dr Tenenbaum.
Tenenbaum is connected with the Little Sisters. She is trying to protect one as Jack stumbles upon a ravenous slicer thinking there’s some easy ADAM on offer without a Big Daddy protector around.
A vulnerable Little Sister…
Tenenbaum takes out the splicer, and threatens that Jack will be next if he hurts the Little Sister. Tenenbaum then provides Jack with a plasmid which will allow him to free the Little Sisters from their genetic modification and mental conditioning.
More genetic modification for Jack…
From this point on in Bioshock, you will have a choice whenever you encounter a Little Sister. You can either harvest them, receiving more ADAM, or rescue them, and be rewarded by Tenenbaum.
The choice is yours.
There is a lot of freedom available in play styles in Bioshock, due to the options and combinations with weapons, plasmids, and tonics, but there is little agency with the story. The choice to harvest or rescue Little Sisters is one way which does influence the ending.
Of course, future encounters with Little Sisters will also mean getting through their Big Daddies.
Big Daddies are…big.
Each level in Bioshock contains a fixed number of Little Sisters, and it’s also optional whether or not you engage. Without engaging though, you won’t get the access to the ADAM needed to further upgrade Jack.
He’s not gonna like that…
Entering Neptune’s Bounty introduces another optional gameplay element in Bioshock which can influence your play style. To get access to it though, it also requires negotiating with another mercurial Rapture resident.
Peach Wilkins wants something in return for free passage.
A paranoid smuggler hiding out in Fontaine Fisheries by the name of Peach Wilkins wants Jack to acquire a research camera for him, and also to take some shots of what are known as spider splicers. Doing so will allow Jack passage through Fontaine Fisheries, and ever closer to the rendezvous with Atlas.
Acquiring the research cameraTaking research photos in Rapture
Jack keeps the research camera, and from then on in Bioshock you can take photos of the splicers, Big Daddies, Little Sisters, and even security bots. Doing so earns you research progress on the target within shot. The better the shot, the higher the progress made, and the faster you will achieve bonuses against your targets.
“A” grade photo of a Big Daddy in Bioshock
Like the hacking minigame, it’s entirely optional in Bioshock whether you take research photos throughout Rapture. But like hacking, it’s incredibly addictive, and just as thrilling. It’s nerve wracking as you quickly whip out the research camera to take an action shot of a splicer or Big Daddy charging at you before quickly switching to your plasmid or weapon to deal with the threat.
Make it snappy.
Cutting through Fontaine Fisheries, Jack can finally see Atlas, as he stands outside a bathysphere containing his wife and son.
Atlas has led Jack this far.
Without spoiling too much, things don’t quite go to plan, while Ryan radios in and ponders Jack’s presence in Rapture.
“There’s two ways to deal with a mystery…uncover it, or eliminate it.”
A change in plan from Atlas moves Jack onto a collision course with Andrew Ryan himself. But getting there won’t be easy, with another lockdown, another madman, and a bomb to build awaiting Jack.
Next stop—Atlas tells Jack to get to Arcadia.
After the fast-paced introduction to Rapture reached its climax, the next part of Bioshock slows things down, for better or worse.
There’s a lot more Rapture to come in Bioshock.
Ryan locks Jack down again, this time in Arcadia, an experimental forest and botanical garden. Ryan has injected a herbicide into the area, reducing oxygen levels by killing the plant life, and as such triggering the lockdown.
Oxygen levels critical. Lockdown initiated.
Jack must work with resident botanist Julie Langford to build what’s known as the Lazarus Vector, a chemical solution which would revive the plant life in Arcadia.
Herbicide fills the air in Arcadia.
This mission in Bioshock is a bit drawn out, requiring Jack to hunt down a list of ingredients. It’s a bit repetitive from a gameplay perspective, but narratively it’s important as Jack uncovers more about ADAM and his ever-present radio guide, Atlas.
A Tenenbaum audio diary describes how she implanted ADAM-producing sea slugs into little girls—the Little Sisters.Who is Atlas?
Jack escapes the lockdown, but Ryan continues to torment him.
“The one roach I can’t seem to exterminate. Don’t worry. I just need time to find the proper poison.”
But Jack is getting closer. That is, until he meets Sander Cohen.
It’s yet another Lockdown situation, as Sander Cohen has his own plans for Jack in Fort Frolic—Rapture’s entertainment district.
Fleet Hall—theatre in Fort Frolic
Sander Cohen, an eccentric artist, ran Fort Frolic for Ryan. However, Atlas describes him as a lunatic and a psychopath. And this is soon proven to be true, as Cohen won’t let Jack leave without helping him complete his “masterpiece”.
Cohen’s masterpiece is a work in progress—for Jack to complete.
Cohen has also blocked all radio transmissions, so there’s no more Atlas and Ryan for a while.
Just a madman and his moth, as Cohen refers to Jack.
Sander Cohen takes centre stage in Fort Frolic.
It’s a truly macabre experience, as in order to complete Cohen’s masterpiece, Jack must take photos of Cohen’s deceased disciples, and display them.
Kyle Fitzpatrick, moments after Cohen detonated the piano he was playing.
This is another level in Bioshock which doesn’t contribute much to the overall narrative, but further deepens understanding of the level of depravity found festering in Rapture.
An example of Cohen’s “art”
Satisfying Cohen’s extravagant and insatiable lust for revenge, Jack is allowed to leave Fort Frolic.
Atlas then brings Jack ever closer to the endgame: to kill Andrew Ryan.
“Now would you kindly head to Ryan’s office and kill the son of a bitch…”
But Andrew Ryan isn’t about to just let Jack walk through the door.
Unsurprisingly, the Office of Andrew Ryan is protected.
So it’s time to build that bomb.
How does Jack know how to build a bomb?
Like scavenging for the ingredients for the Lazarus Vector in Arcadia, scrounging for bomb parts around Hephaestus, home of the Hephaestus Power Facility, got a little tedious. At one point, I actually got stuck looking for the final piece.
Searching…and searching
I also think that as a player you know Andrew Ryan is so close once you reach Hephaestus, the motivation to run around another level of Rapture facing the same splicers, Big Daddies, and security systems is not there. This is one section of Bioshock where I felt the pacing was slightly off, as you can feel the tension rising as you enter Hephaestus, only to be slowed down with another hunt and gather mission.
Pressure cooker situation in Rapture ready to explode
Completing the mission, building the bomb, and taking out the power core of Hephaestus is worth it though.
Lighting it up
Ryan knows Jack has arrived, now seemingly resigned to the fact he’s been caught.
Ryan says it’s time to talk.
But rather than cowering in a corner, Jack finds Ryan calmly putting golf balls in his office.
“The assassin has overcome my final defense, and now he’s come to murder me.”
Perhaps not quite the introduction one might have expected, if playing Bioshock for the first time. But whether or not it’s your first time or your fifth time playing Bioshock, coming face to face with Andrew Ryan, founder of Rapture, is intimidating.
However, in the end, he’s just a man.
This is not the end of Bioshock, but it is the end of part one of this retro replay on Present Perfect Gaming. I’ll wrap up the replay and deliver my verdict in part two.
NBA 2K24 Season 7 Release & More - Main ImageSeason 7 in NBA 2K24 is only around the corner, and with it should come some exciting content, including cards, rewards, events, and more. Not much information is known about Season 7, but as we get closer to the release, this page will be updated with any new information.Here is all you need to know about the next season coming to NBA 2K24 - which will be one of the last seasons in the game’s lifecycle before the next one.When Will Season 7 Rele
Season 7 in NBA 2K24 is only around the corner, and with it should come some exciting content, including cards, rewards, events, and more. Not much information is known about Season 7, but as we get closer to the release, this page will be updated with any new information.
Here is all you need to know about the next season coming to NBA 2K24 - which will be one of the last seasons in the game’s lifecycle before the next one.
When Will Season 7 Release in NBA 2K24?
NBA 2K24 is set to come to the game on May 17 at 8 AM PDT / 11 AM EDT / 4 PM BST, when the current season ends. There is always a chance this can be delayed, but if so, we will update this page. An announcement would have already come if it had been delayed this close to the season’s end, but you never know.
What’s Expected to Arrive in Season 7
There has still been no announcement regarding the theme for the season, although the NBA Finals are a couple of weeks after the new season drops, so it would make sense for it to tie into the event.
Even this early before release, a new season guarantees some things, including a new Season Pass, new cards, and updates to MyCareer and MyTeam.
Once we near the release, we will update this page with more information. Until then, let us know in the comments what you’re hoping to see from the next season.
Take-Two has successfully defended itself against a lawsuit in which a tattoo artist claimed the publisher had used their copyright without permission when recreating the likeness of Lebron James' tattoo in NBA 2K.Yesterday, Friday 19th April, a jury in Ohio returned the verdict that Take-Two had not infringed on tattoo artist Jimmy Hayden's copyright after Take-Two's lawyers convinced the jury that – as it had secured permission to use James' likeness – that included the basketball star's tatt
Take-Two has successfully defended itself against a lawsuit in which a tattoo artist claimed the publisher had used their copyright without permission when recreating the likeness of Lebron James' tattoo in NBA 2K.
Yesterday, Friday 19th April, a jury in Ohio returned the verdict that Take-Two had not infringed on tattoo artist Jimmy Hayden's copyright after Take-Two's lawyers convinced the jury that – as it had secured permission to use James' likeness – that included the basketball star's tattoos, too.
As reported by Reuters (thanks, VGC), Take-Two's attorney Dale Cendali claimed the case was a victory for "anyone who has ever gotten a tattoo and might have otherwise worried about their freedom to share their bodies with their tattoos".
Take-Two has successfully defended itself against a lawsuit in which a tattoo artist claimed the publisher had used their copyright without permission when recreating the likeness of Lebron James' tattoo in NBA 2K.Yesterday, Friday 19th April, a jury in Ohio returned the verdict that Take-Two had not infringed on tattoo artist Jimmy Hayden's copyright after Take-Two's lawyers convinced the jury that – as it had secured permission to use James' likeness – that included the basketball star's tatt
Take-Two has successfully defended itself against a lawsuit in which a tattoo artist claimed the publisher had used their copyright without permission when recreating the likeness of Lebron James' tattoo in NBA 2K.
Yesterday, Friday 19th April, a jury in Ohio returned the verdict that Take-Two had not infringed on tattoo artist Jimmy Hayden's copyright after Take-Two's lawyers convinced the jury that – as it had secured permission to use James' likeness – that included the basketball star's tattoos, too.
As reported by Reuters (thanks, VGC), Take-Two's attorney Dale Cendali claimed the case was a victory for "anyone who has ever gotten a tattoo and might have otherwise worried about their freedom to share their bodies with their tattoos".
Už je to hodně dlouho, co jsme se naposledy dočkali nové hry ze série Top Spin od společnosti 2K, ale po delší absenci se konečně vrátí, když se koncem tohoto měsíce objeví hra TopSpin 2K25.
Vývojářské studio Hangar 13 odhaluje v období před uvedením na trh spoustu nových detailů o tenisovém simulátoru a v nedávném rozhovoru pro Wccftech také osvětlilo, co můžeme očekávat od výkonnostních cílů hry na všech platformách.
Podle ředitele hry Remiho Ercolaniho poběží TopSpin 2K25 na všech platformách
Už je to hodně dlouho, co jsme se naposledy dočkali nové hry ze série Top Spin od společnosti 2K, ale po delší absenci se konečně vrátí, když se koncem tohoto měsíce objeví hra TopSpin 2K25.
Vývojářské studio Hangar 13 odhaluje v období před uvedením na trh spoustu nových detailů o tenisovém simulátoru a v nedávném rozhovoru pro Wccftech také osvětlilo, co můžeme očekávat od výkonnostních cílů hry na všech platformách.
Podle ředitele hry Remiho Ercolaniho poběží TopSpin 2K25 na všech platformách při hraní v režimu pro jednoho i více hráčů na 60 FPS. Ercolani nevysvětlil, co konkrétně bude kvalifikace „během hraní“ znamenat pro zbytek zážitku, ale vysvětlil, že cíl 60 FPS je pro tým „kritický“ a považuje jej za „důležitou součást pocitu a zážitku z TopSpinu“.
„Hra TopSpin 2K25 běží při 60 FPS v režimu pro jednoho i více hráčů na všech platformách během hraní,“ řekl Ercolani. „Je to důležitá součást pocitu a zážitku ze hry TopSpin, takže pro nás bylo zásadní, abychom tento cíl splnili na všech platformách.“
Hra TopSpin 2K25 vychází 26. dubna pro PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One a PC.
How to remove the turnbuckle in WWE 2K24 - Main ImageWWE 2K24 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. It is the tenth installment of the WWE 2K series released in March 2024. WWE 2K24 is available on all major consoles, including PC, PS4, and Xbox, but not on Nintendo Switch.The game takes users to a wrestling ring, where virtual warriors clash to determine the ultimate champion. Mastering the game becomes crucial when players immerse themselves i
How to remove the turnbuckle in WWE 2K24 - Main Image
WWE 2K24 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. It is the tenth installment of the WWE 2K series released in March 2024. WWE 2K24 is available on all major consoles, including PC, PS4, and Xbox, but not on Nintendo Switch.
The game takes users to a wrestling ring, where virtual warriors clash to determine the ultimate champion. Mastering the game becomes crucial when players immerse themselves in the adrenaline-pumping action.
One such aspect is removing the turnbuckles, which comes with both risks and rewards. Well, continue with the post to learn how to do it.
What is a turnbuckle in WWE 2K24?
A turnbuckle is a padded metal device located in each corner of the wrestling ring. These are used to tension the ropes in professional wrestling and boxing rings.
The turnbuckle padding offers some cushioning to wrestlers coming in contact with them. This can happen during throws and slams, or even intentionally as some wrestling moves use the turnbuckle as an impact point.
When removed, the turnbuckle can become an improvised weapon within the aggressive world of virtual wrestling.
However, it's important to know that exposing the turnbuckle comes with high risks that can be equally dangerous to both the attacker and the defender.
How to Remove Turnbuckle in WWE 2K24?
Here's how you can remove the turnbuckle in WWE 2K24:
Move your wrestler close to the corner post where you want to remove the turnbuckle.
Next press these keys simultaneously according to the device you own:
On Xbox: RT + LB
On PlayStation: R2 + L1
On PC: Space + U
Once you press the buttons, your player will remove the turnbuckle with a swift animation revealing the bare steel beneath.
What are the pros and cons of removing turnbuckles in WWE 2K24?
While removing the turnbuckle can prove helpful, it can also act as a dual-edged sword. Here are some pros and cons of removing it:
Pros:
Exposed turnbuckles can help perform brutal attacks like Irish whips, running strikes, and character-specific finishers. These can offer significant damage and potentially turn the match.
Running attacks especially can be directed towards the exposed turnbuckle for a very brutal impact.
It can intimidate your opponent to play defensive.
Cons:
If the attack gets reversed somehow, the opponent can use the exposed turnbuckle against you causing greater damage and putting you at a disadvantage.
In traditional one-on-one matches, the risk is more than the reward. However, in hardcore or extreme rules matches, it may be more fitting due to the aggressive environment.
Removing the turnbuckle encourages more aggressive gameplay, where users prefer a more systematic approach with calculated risks.
Removing the turnbuckle in WWE 2K24 is a powerful but risky and strategic approach. Users should always weigh all the pros/cons and analyze the match type, opponent style, and your style of playing the game. Always keep in mind that this can be equally dangerous to both the attacker and the defender.
WWE 2K24 Best Community Creations: Sting, Will Ospreay & more - Main ImageWWE 2K24 is here and is already being considered by many the best wrestling game ever. It delivers an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience, and the Community Creations feature plays a big role in that. Community Creations allows fans to give wings to their creativity, and recreate iconic Superstars, arenas, and championship belts that didn't make it into the game. This allows fans to download and play with their f
WWE 2K24 Best Community Creations: Sting, Will Ospreay & more - Main Image
WWE 2K24 is here and is already being considered by many the best wrestling game ever. It delivers an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience, and the Community Creations feature plays a big role in that.
Community Creations allows fans to give wings to their creativity, and recreate iconic Superstars, arenas, and championship belts that didn't make it into the game.
This allows fans to download and play with their favourite Superstar, even if that Superstar is in a different company, in an iconic arena, making the game even more immersive.
So let's find out which are the best Community Creations in WWE 2K24
Best Community Creations in WWE 2K24
The best and also most popular Community Creations in WWE 2K24 are of wrestling Superstars who compete for other companies, or iconic titles that didn't make it in the game.
These Superstars and iconic championship belts are carefully created by some incredibly talented people in the WWE 2K community. These creations are very detailed and allow fans to play with many Superstars that wouldn't make it into the game otherwise.
WWE 2K24 is still on early access, but there is already a plethora of great Community Creations you can download, and that will make your game experience much better.
So let's take a look at some of those.
Sting - NeganTheSavior
Sting is a wrestling legend, with an illustrious career, who had his retirement match just three days ago. The Icon's last match was incredible and I highly recommend you watch it.
It's no surprise to see Sting being one of the most popular Community Creations in WWE 2K24. NeganTheSavior Sting is by far the best one as it nailed everything about the character. It has the correct face pain, the attire, the entrance and even the move set.
If you want to play with "The Icon" then just download this Community Creation and enjoy.
Will Ospreay - DMBGAMING
While Sting had his last match at AEW Revolution, Will Ospreay made his full-time AEW debut with a match against Konosuke Takeshita that left the wrestling world in awe. If you are a wrestling fan make sure to watch it!
DMBGAMING made sure fans were able to replicate Billy Goat incredible in-ring ability in WWE 2K24 with his spectacular custom creation. It's currently one of the most downloaded and upvoted community creations, which tells you everything you need to know.
Now you can finally make that Will Ospreay vs Seth "Freakin" Rollins dream match a reality.
CM Punk - Valoween
The "Best in the World" will arrive at WWE 2K24 on 15 May, as part of the first DLC of the game.
However, most WWE 2K players don't want to wait until then, and they want to be able to play with one of the most polarizing wrestlers of all -time right now.
If you also share that feeling, then Valoween has you covered, since his CM Punk CAW is spectacular and lets you play with the "Best in the World" Superstar right now.
There are plenty of other great creations, so make sure you access the Community Creations menu and take a look at them.
How to unlock all characters in WWE 2K24 - Main ImageWWE 2K24 offers the biggest and most star-studded roster in the franchise's history. However, many of these Superstars are locked when you start the game, leaving many players wondering how they can unlock them. There are different ways to unlock characters in WWE 2K24, with some being free while others will force you to get your credit card out. Without further ado, let's find out how to unlock all characters in WWE 2K24, and get access to le
How to unlock all characters in WWE 2K24 - Main Image
WWE 2K24 offers the biggest and most star-studded roster in the franchise's history. However, many of these Superstars are locked when you start the game, leaving many players wondering how they can unlock them.
There are different ways to unlock characters in WWE 2K24, with some being free while others will force you to get your credit card out.
Without further ado, let's find out how to unlock all characters in WWE 2K24, and get access to legendary wrestlers.
How to unlock all characters in WWE 2K24
As mentioned above, there is more than one way to unlock characters in WWE 2K24.
Some of them are stuck behind a paywall, as is the case of CM Punk, Honky Tonk Man, Jade Cargill, and Diamond Dallas Page, which you can only get if you buy the WWE 2K24 Season Pass.
The same goes for ‘76 Dusty Rhodes or the "Superstar" Billy Graham, which are part of the Nightmare Family Pack, something you only have access to if you pre-order WWE 2K24.
However, there is a very easy way to unlock most of the characters in WWE 2K24 in just a matter of seconds. To do that, you just need to buy the WWE 2K24 SuperCharger, which costs $9.99 and unlocks all the WWE Legends which are available at launch.
Despite that, many characters will remain locked. That's because some of the WWE 2K24 characters can only be unlocked by completing specific missions.
Completing the Showcase of the Immortals will unlock a plethora of characters, such as Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat and many other legendary wrestlers.
Playing through the MyRISE storylines will also unlock some characters, arenas, and even unique championship belts.
If you want to unlock all characters in WWE 2K24 for free you will need to play all the game modes and complete various missions. This might take some time, and can even be boring at some points, but is the only way to unlock characters for free in WWE 2K24.
WWE 2K24: MyRISE trailer revealed - Main ImageWWE 2K24 has just released the MyRISE trailer, which revealed the new features the mode is introducing. These new features have left the WWE 2K community very excited, and players can't wait to try them out. The popular career mode is introducing two new storylines, one focused on the men's division and the other on the women’s. Players will be able to create their unique Superstar and pave their own path to wrestling immortality. So let's find out
WWE 2K24 has just released the MyRISE trailer, which revealed the new features the mode is introducing. These new features have left the WWE 2K community very excited, and players can't wait to try them out.
The popular career mode is introducing two new storylines, one focused on the men's division and the other on the women’s. Players will be able to create their unique Superstar and pave their own path to wrestling immortality.
So let's find out everything about MyRISE in WWE 2K24.
MyRISE has two unique storylines
In WWE 2K24, MyRISE players will have two unique storylines they can choose from. One is tailored for the men's division and is called Undisputed, while the other focuses on the women’s division and is named Unleashed.
Both of them provide a unique experience, with different dialogues, rivals, and a plethora of choices that impact your career. The choices you make will determine if you are a baby face or a heel and with which Superstars you create an alliance.
In Undisputed, you become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, after Roman Reigns vacates the title and leaves for Hollywood, to follow in the footsteps of The Rock.
However, The Tribal Chief doesn't appreciate you taking what he thinks is rightfully his, and will come back to reclaim his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
In Unleashed, the story is very different. You start as a Superstar who founded one of the best wrestling promotions in the indie scene and gets offered a chance to take her talents to the WWE. Whether she thrives or not in the biggest wrestling company in the world, it's all up to you.
Even though it focuses on the women's division, the Unleashed storyline is very likely inspired by Cody Rhodes's story, of being one of the founding members of AEW and leaving for WWE.
Both storylines offer players a plethora of different choices, that impact how their career progresses. They also have more than six hours of original dialogue, with Superstars such as Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio doing voice-overs for their characters.
These two new features make MyRISE feel fresh again and also help the game mode provide a more enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.
A plethora of rewards awaiting to be unlocked
MyRISE doesn't only allow you to tell your story and cement your name in the WWE Hall of Fame. There are also a plethora of rewards you can unlock and use in other WWE 2K24 game modes.
This game mode includes 80 unlockable rewards, such as arenas, championship belts, entrances, and MyFACTION cards among many others.
These rewards help captivate more players to the game mode, especially those who weren't very interested in playing it in the first place but might do it solely for the rewards it offers.
Furthermore, they make the mode even more rewarding to play for the hard-core career mode fans. It seems WWE 2K24 will deliver the best MyRISE version in the franchise's history.
NBA 2K24: MyTEAM promo pack is live - Main ImageSince the launch of Season 5 a plethora of content has arrived at NBA 2K24. This time, a promo pack including 50 of the best MyTEAM cards released so far has been added to the game. The MyTEAM promo pack is already available in the pack market, but will only be up for grabs for 48 hours. This promo pack includes cards from plenty of programs and also has five Galaxy Opals cards.So let's find out everything about the MyTEAM promo pack.A new promo pa
Since the launch of Season 5 a plethora of content has arrived at NBA 2K24. This time, a promo pack including 50 of the best MyTEAM cards released so far has been added to the game.
The MyTEAM promo pack is already available in the pack market, but will only be up for grabs for 48 hours. This promo pack includes cards from plenty of programs and also has five Galaxy Opals cards.
So let's find out everything about the MyTEAM promo pack.
A new promo pack arrives at MyTEAM
It seems 2K isn't slowing down when it comes to releasing new promo packs. After introducing the NBA 2K24: Season 4 Super Pack, Rush and Wild West promo pack in the last eight days, now we have the MyTEAM promo pack.
As mentioned above, this promo pack includes 50 cards, from a plethora of different programs, with five of them being Galaxy Opals. The 100 OVR Galaxy OpalKareem Abdul-Jabbar card is by far the best in this packand has some astonishing attributes and badges.
The MyTEAM promo pack is already available in the pack market, with each pack costing 45K VC. You can buy as many MyTEAM promo packs as you want, but it's worth noting that, there is no guarantee you will get any of the cards included in the promo pack.
In other words, try your luck at your own risk, as it's very likely you spend a lot of VC and don't get any of the good cards.
The NBA 2K community's reaction to the release of this promo pack was mostly negative, as fans think this is just another nail in the MyTEAM coffin. For most players, this is just another way to bait users into spending money on the game.
NBA 2K24: MyTEAM app is live - Main ImageNBA 2K has just launched the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app. This is an app that will allow you to experience everything the MyTEAM mode has to offer on your mobile devices. With the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app, you can play the franchise's most popular mode anywhere. Furthermore, you can sync your console and mobile progress and progress in the reward ladder, no matter where you are. So let's find out everything about the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM appPlay NBA 2K24 most popular mode
NBA 2K has just launched the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app. This is an app that will allow you to experience everything the MyTEAM mode has to offer on your mobile devices.
With the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app, you can play the franchise's most popular mode anywhere. Furthermore, you can sync your console and mobile progress and progress in the reward ladder, no matter where you are.
So let's find out everything about the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app
Play NBA 2K24 most popular mode anywhere you want
As mentioned above, the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app allows you to play the MyTEAM mode on any mobile device. This means you have the most popular game mode of the NBA 2K franchise in the palms of your hands.
The app allows you to create your dream team, make changes to the lineup, open packs, sell or buy players, and best of all, play all the modes MyTEAM offers on your mobile device.
It's possible to sync your console and mobile progress, which makes it easier to complete missions, and agendas and reach new levels in the Season Pass. You can also claim rewards, such as packs, arenas, jerseys and others.
If you are a MyTEAM die-hard fan then this app is perfect for you. It allows you to play the mode anywhere you want, makes it easier to earn XP and progress in the reward ladder, and lets you manage your squad and open packs.
Furthermore, the NBA 2K24 MyTEAM app has some great graphics, especially for a mobile game, and you can also connect your favourite controller by Bluetooth.
This makes the gaming experience more enjoyable and also makes it easier to immerse in the mode. It's almost as if you are playing MyTEAM on your console.
The champ is back? The next entry in 2K’s wrestling series debuted last month, bringing a sharp all-around package with great looks and play.
Note: The following review missed its originally scheduled posting date. The error just came to our attention, and you’ll find it published in full below.
You can’t see me
The WWE-faithful have been on quite a ride for the last few years. While WWE 2K19 didn’t exactly set the world on fire, it was followed up by 2K20, which crashed and burned.
The champ is back? The next entry in 2K’s wrestling series debuted last month, bringing a sharp all-around package with great looks and play.
Note: The following review missed its originally scheduled posting date. The error just came to our attention, and you’ll find it published in full below.
You can’t see me
The WWE-faithful have been on quite a ride for the last few years. While WWE 2K19 didn’t exactly set the world on fire, it was followed up by 2K20, which crashed and burned. The former title took off like crazy after that, pulling in loads of new players and absolutely rolling through the pandemic era, til last year’s release of 2K22.
That game brought the series back to life with a number of improvements, and finally gave fans something fresh to play after the lengthy break. And it appears as though developer Visual Concepts will be getting a title run all its own, because WWE 2K23 is just as good. Actually, in some ways, it’s a bit better.
That’s not to say that you’ll find this year’s WWE game to be all that big of a departure from last year’s installment. There’s a lot in this game that is definitely going to feel familiar, there’s no way around that. But even so, what you will find is a nicely refined and frankly terrifically fun game.
The squared-circle
If you’ve played a wrestling game in the modern age, any wrestling game really, then you know what 2K23 is all about. As with all of the successive “WWE 2K” titles, 2023’s builds on what’s come before, enhances certain elements (like looks and sounds), and revamps the roster so that it more closely resembles the current year WWE.
So in that way, if you’re looking for something really different, you’re going to have to look elsewhere. What you will find here is a full cadre of match-types to play, multiple modes to try out that are both online and off, and an incredibly in-depth create-a-wrestler suite. Then on top of all of that, there’s the Showcase.
This year’s Showcase mode, which spotlights a single grappler and tells the story of his career, centers on John Cena. Yes, I know, he’s been the focal point of a Showcase mode before, but this one’s very different. That’s because you don’t play as Cena.
You don’t play as Cena in the Showcase, you have to defeat him
No, instead of lacing up the boots as the Champ, you’ll instead take him on in a series of matches that spans his WWE run. That means taking on the roles of wrestlers like The Undertaker, RVD, and Brock Lesnar, sometimes even variations of them, in differing time periods.
Each match presents a different set of marks that you’ll have to hit too, like landing certain moves and taking the fight to specific areas of the ring. Doing that unlocks new things, including both wrestlers and parts for the creation suite.
While there is a certain level of monotony to fighting more or less the same guy over and over again, it’s also pretty neat to play as wrestlers that you might not have even glanced at before. I never had the desire to play as Lesnar, or the most recent incarnation of The Undertaker for example. But I genuinely had fun trying out their moves, which again isn’t something I’d have done of my own volition.
It’s kind of a tradeoff I guess, but I took to it a lot more than I have in the past. For once, I actually wanted to complete the mode instead of just giving it a shot, then closing it out to go back to exhibition.
Look at the carnage in the ring
While you’re playing through all of those modes too, you’ll notice that the controls in WWE 2K23 are better than ever. The game is even easier to ‘pick up and play’, giving both newcomers and longtime fans a chance to enjoy some grappling. But at the same time it also has a level of intricacy to it that will cater to those who want to take the time to perfect their play.
I hadn’t played 2K22 in a while, so for me it did take a little while to get back in the swing. Once I did though, it was a joy to time out moves, engage reversals, and chokeslam foes through announce tables. All of which comes via a button layout that’s pretty straightforward… at first glance.
WWE 2K23 gives players heavy and light attack buttons, buttons for running, climbing the ropes, exiting the ring, and a number of contextual options like pulling a weapon from under the apron and clearing off those tables I mentioned. There’s also the all-important grapple button, which has a number of uses after it’s successfully engaged.
Legends are still a big part of WWE 2K23, though the stock roster could be beefier
Once you grapple an enemy, you can dole out a heavy or light wrestling move or hold, choose to carry them and go into a different set of moves, or whip them into the ropes. And even that has options, as you can whip to a corner or whip them over the top rope to the floor too, should you so desire.
I know this all probably sounds like a lot to master for those who’ve never played a wrestling game before, or for those who are lapsed fans. It’s really not though, and once you spend a little time under the game’s learning tree, you should get the hang of things in no time.
King of the Ring
WWE 2K22 already looked pretty good. Of course it had some bugs, I think everybody knows this line has them, but 2K22 was a sharp looking title regardless. 2K and Visual Concepts’ big comeback had both terrific graphics in general and some great animation. So does 2K23 do an even better job of it? Yep.
Now don’t get me wrong, it isn’t head over heels better than its predecessor, but WWE 2K23 does indeed up the ante a bit in terms of the audio/visual package. The cast of superstars have never looked better, as Visual Concepts has created a game that’s likely as photo-real as a sports title can get at this point.
Likewise the arenas look great, reflecting the official shows and pay-per-views of the WWE pretty much perfectly. And on the other side of the presentation-coin, the audio is awesome too. Wrestlers all have their signature themes, and the commentary team does a serviceable job of bringing the action to life. That’s not an easy thing to get done, when you consider all the wrestler names and move-titles that are packed into one of these.
Hollywood-Mania is still runnin’ wild brother
But again that’s not to say it’s perfect. I did notice a few little glitches here and there, some animation seemed off at times (particularly with the ropes), and video tended to have stuttering issues on the PC version. I will note that I did not have that problem at all with the Xbox edition, which I was also able to spend some time with.
I want to also touch upon the creation suite here. This probably could go into another category all by itself, but the creation features are superb in WWE 2K23. The options are ridiculously deep, as the game gives players the ability to build everything from shockingly detailed custom superstars to full shows and arenas.
Along the same lines, Community Creations is back as well, meaning you can upload and download creations. And let me tell you, that continues to be a highlight among highlights for fans like myself. If you want to let the incredibly talented WWE 2K community have at the game for a few weeks, you’re going to be able to grab some of the best-looking created superstars you’ve ever seen. Last year’s game is evident of that, so if your favorite isn’t in the game already, just give it a little time and you’ll probably be able to get him or her anyway.
A minor gripe here though, and it’s a grating one for me at least. But it still bothers me that you cannot upload songs to use for custom entrances. A number of wrestling games had allowed for that in past console generations, and the option seems to have drifted into oblivion completely at this point. It’s aggravating to have a fantastic looking Scott Steiner coming down to ringside, Buff Bagwell in tow, without his signature sirens. Yeah, you can place the NWO theme in there, but it’s not the same.
I don’t know what could be done about that though, given the minefield that is licensing and such, but I felt like I had to whine about it for a second.
Overall
It’s tough not to recommend WWE 2K23 wholeheartedly. Even if you’re solely a fan of bygone wrestling eras, there’s bound to be something here to keep you engaged and entertained. And if you find the roster lacking, remember that you can always download something new, thanks to the game’s incredible creation utilities and online Community Creations features.
A copy of this game was provided by 2K for this review
WWE 2K23 Release date: March 14th, 2023 Platforms: PC (reviewed), Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One Publisher: 2K Developer: Visual Concepts MSRP: $59.99 USD
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