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Difference between revisions of "BioShock 2"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(updated with Steam activation details)
Line 18: Line 18:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Series|BioShock}}  
 
{{Series|BioShock}}  
 +
 +
'''Key points'''
 +
{{++}} All Windows versions can be [[#Activate on Steam|activated on Steam]] as an alternative to [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] and [[SecuROM]].<ref name="Steam">[http://store.steampowered.com/news/11567/ News - BioShock 2 Updated]</ref>
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 
{{mm}} [http://forums.2kgames.com/forumdisplay.php?16-BioShock-Series 2K Games Forum]
 
{{mm}} [http://forums.2kgames.com/forumdisplay.php?16-BioShock-Series 2K Games Forum]
 
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=304 Steam Users' Forums] - for [[BioShock]] and BioShock 2.
 
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=304 Steam Users' Forums] - for [[BioShock]] and BioShock 2.
−
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
  
−
==Availability==
+
== Availability ==
 
{{Availability Table|
 
{{Availability Table|
 
{{Availability Table/row| 1=[https://store.2k.com/Product.aspx?pSKU=GAME-BIOSHOCK2&vSKU=2K-7-10425-31551-0 2K Games Store] | 2={{ID|Steam}} |3=}}
 
{{Availability Table/row| 1=[https://store.2k.com/Product.aspx?pSKU=GAME-BIOSHOCK2&vSKU=2K-7-10425-31551-0 2K Games Store] | 2={{ID|Steam}} |3=}}
 +
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.steampowered.com/app/8850/ Steam] | {{ID|Steam}} | =}}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00475AYUU Amazon.com] | {{ID|Amazon}}  | }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00475AYUU Amazon.com] | {{ID|Amazon}}  | }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083VTNQA Amazon.com] | {{ID|Steam}} | }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083VTNQA Amazon.com] | {{ID|Steam}} | }}
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.steampowered.com/app/8850/ Steam] | {{ID|Steam}} | =}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} All Windows versions [[#Activate on Steam|activate on Steam]].<ref name="Steam"/>
 +
{{ii}} When not using [[Steam]] all Windows versions have [[SecuROM]] [[DRM]] and require [[Games for Windows - LIVE]], which [[#Play without Games for Windows - LIVE|can be disabled]].
 +
 +
==Improvements==
 +
=== Activate on Steam ===
 +
{{++}} All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.<ref name="Steam"/>
 +
{{++}} Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den.
  
−
{{ii}} As of October 3rd, 2013, all versions activate on steam.
+
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Activate on Steam|ref=<ref>[http://support.2k.com/entries/27230976-BioShock-2-Steamworks-Update-Frequently-Asked-Questions BioShock 2 Steamworks Update: Frequently Asked Questions : 2K Support]</ref>}}
 +
# [http://store.steampowered.com/about/ Install Steam], if you do not already have it, and sign into the account you want to attach BioShock 2 to.
 +
# Open the Games menu when the main Steam window appears.
 +
# Choose Activate a Product on Steam...
 +
# Click Next and I Agree, then paste or type in your product key.
 +
# Click Next and wait for activation to complete.
 +
# BioShock 2 can now be installed through Steam.
 +
{{ii}} Achievements and saves are separate from [[Games for Windows - LIVE]]; you will have to start over.
 +
}}
  
−
==Improvements==
+
=== v1.5 Patch (Retail) ===
−
===v1.5 Patch (Retail)===
 
 
{{ii}} The latest patch is [http://www.gamershell.com/download_74644.shtml v1.5]. The Steam version already has this patch.
 
{{ii}} The latest patch is [http://www.gamershell.com/download_74644.shtml v1.5]. The Steam version already has this patch.
−
{{ii}} As of October 3rd, 2013, GFWL has been removed and subsequently replaced by Steamworks as Bioshock 2's DRM.
+
{{ii}} The patch accidentally mutes the Little Sisters (see [[#No Little Sister voice acting]]). It may be advisable to avoid the patch because this is a significant aspect of the gameplay.
 +
 
 +
=== Play without [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] ===
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable GFWL using Timeslip's bioshock2-xlive.7z}}
 +
# Ensure you have the [[#v1.5 Patch|v1.5 Patch]].
 +
# Download xlive.dll from [http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/index.html Timeslip's site] (located on left under "BioShock 2").
 +
# Copy <code>xlive.dll</code> to Bioshock 2's install <code>dir\SP\Builds\Binaries\</code>
 +
# Create a file called <code>xlive.ini</code> in <code>%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\bioshock2</code>.
 +
# Edit the <code>xlive.ini</code> file.
 +
# Type <code>[xlive]</code> on the first line. Options are added below that in an <code>option=value</code> format. The following options are available:<br><code>profile</code>: Pick the name of the offline profile to use.<br><code>loader</code>: Set value to 1.
 +
}}
  
−
==Game data==
+
== Game data ==
−
===Save game location===
 
 
[[File:BioShock_2_Saved_Game_Utilities.png|290px|right|thumb|[http://www.petersouza.com/Software/BioShock2Utilities BioShock 2 Saved Game Utilities].]]
 
[[File:BioShock_2_Saved_Game_Utilities.png|290px|right|thumb|[http://www.petersouza.com/Software/BioShock2Utilities BioShock 2 Saved Game Utilities].]]
 
{{Game Location Table|
 
{{Game Location Table|
−
{{Game Location Table/row|Windows|%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames\}}
+
{{Game Location Table/row|Game Save Folder|%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Bioshock2}}
−
{{Game Location Table/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game Location Table/row|Live Profile|%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} Saves for the [[Steam]] version are separate and not compatible.
 +
{{ii}} Because of [[GFWL]] you must back up both your Live profile and the game saves in order to transfer or restore your saves.
 +
{{--}} Save games generated when signed into [[GFWL]] are not compatible with saves from the [[#Play without Games for Windows - LIVE|GFWL disabling workaround]] and vice versa.
 +
{{++}} Use [http://www.petersouza.com/Software/BioShock2Utilities BioShock 2 Saved Game Utilities] to easily back up the save folders needed for BioShock 2.
  
−
==Video settings==
+
== Video settings ==
 
{{Video settings
 
{{Video settings
 
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/bioshock-2
 
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/bioshock-2
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}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Field of view (FOV)]]===
+
=== [[Field of view (FOV)]] ===
 
{{--}} Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes.  Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.
 
{{--}} Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes.  Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
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}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]===
+
=== [[Anisotropic filtering (AF)]] ===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/instructions|Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X}}
 
{{Fixbox/instructions|Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X}}
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}}
 
}}
  
−
===[[Anti-aliasing (AA)]]===
+
=== [[Anti-aliasing (AA)]] ===
 
There is no native AA support in BioShock 2.  AA can be forcibly enabled, however, through your graphics driver's control panel.  Please consult the user guide for your particular graphics driver on how this is performed.
 
There is no native AA support in BioShock 2.  AA can be forcibly enabled, however, through your graphics driver's control panel.  Please consult the user guide for your particular graphics driver on how this is performed.
 
For Nvidia cards you can force SGSSAA (2x-8x) in DX9 Mode via Nvidia inspector with the AA bit - 0x000010C1 - <ref> http://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9254703&postcount=2348 </ref>
 
For Nvidia cards you can force SGSSAA (2x-8x) in DX9 Mode via Nvidia inspector with the AA bit - 0x000010C1 - <ref> http://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9254703&postcount=2348 </ref>
 
<sub>[http://i.minus.com/iq5TTNuINTLT4.png Example what inspector should look like]</sub>
 
<sub>[http://i.minus.com/iq5TTNuINTLT4.png Example what inspector should look like]</sub>
  
−
==Input settings==
+
== Input settings ==
 
{{Input Settings
 
{{Input Settings
−
|key_remap                  = true
+
|key_remap                  =true
−
|key_remap_notes            =  
+
|key_remap_notes            =
−
|acceleration_option        = true
+
|acceleration_option        =true
−
|acceleration_option_notes  =  
+
|acceleration_option_notes  =
−
|controller_support        = true
+
|controller_support        =true
−
|controller_support_notes  =  
+
|controller_support_notes  =True for Steam version (see [[#Activate on Steam|Activate on Steam]]).
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Disabling auto-aim===
+
=== Disabling auto-aim ===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/instructions|Disabling auto-aim}}
 
{{Fixbox/instructions|Disabling auto-aim}}
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}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
== Audio settings ==
 
{{Audio settings
 
{{Audio settings
 
|separate volume            =unknown
 
|separate volume            =unknown
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}}
 
}}
  
−
==Issues fixed==
+
== Issues fixed ==
−
===Hold to Duck / Hold to Aim Down Sights===
+
=== Hold to Duck / Hold to Aim Down Sights ===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Hold to Duck}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Hold to Duck}}
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}}
 
}}
  
−
===Menu flickering===
+
=== Menu flickering ===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable Vsync}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable Vsync}}
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}}
 
}}
  
−
===Crash on startup===
+
=== Crash on startup ===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Change read/write permissions of save files}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Change read/write permissions of save files}}
Line 185: Line 216:
 
* Move any backed-up save files back into the new <code>Bioshock 2</code> folder under <code>\Bioshock 2\SaveGames\</code>.
 
* Move any backed-up save files back into the new <code>Bioshock 2</code> folder under <code>\Bioshock 2\SaveGames\</code>.
 
* Ensure that any file moved back into the new folder also has the <code>Read-Only</code> checkbox disabled.
 
* Ensure that any file moved back into the new folder also has the <code>Read-Only</code> checkbox disabled.
 +
* Run the game and allow GFWL to update your profile before any further action is taken.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Left Plasmid hand disappears===
+
=== Left Plasmid hand disappears ===
−
{{ii}} This glitch is especially likely when using the Scout-Plasmid. Therefore it is advisable to quick save '''before''' using it.  
+
{{ii}} This glitch is especially likely when using the Scout-Plasmid. Therefore it is advisable to quicksave '''before''' using it.  
 +
 
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Respawn}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Respawn}}
Line 195: Line 228:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Crashing Windows 7 and 8===
+
=== Green Pepper Edition - no product key ===
−
{{--}} The game will periodically crash when installed on Windows 7 or 8.{{CN}}
+
{{--}} The Green Pepper Edition of Bioshock 2 does '''not''' contain a product key. Therefore it is not possible to create a Windows Live Account or add Bioshock 2 to an existing account.
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Create a local profile}}
 +
# [[Games for Windows Live#Create a local profile|Create a local profile]].
 +
# You can now save in singleplayer but multiplayer and DLC are still unavailable.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Contact Green Pepper}}
 +
Contact the Green Pepper Customer Hotline and insist that you rightfully deserve a product key.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable GFWL}}
 +
See [[#Play without Games for Windows - LIVE|Play without Games for Windows - LIVE]].
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
=== Game does not start on Windows 8 ===
 +
{{--}} When installed on Windows 8 Pro x64, trying to run the game doesn't do anything. This is mostly like an issue with GFWL.
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Reinstall GFWL under Windows 7 compatibility mode}}
 +
# Uninstall '''Microsoft Games for Windows  - LIVE Redistributable''', '''Microsoft Games for Windows - LIVE''' and '''Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace'''.
 +
# Install the [http://www.xbox.com/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient Games for Windows Marketplace Client].
 +
# Right click the above installer, choose Properties and go to the Compatibility tab. Here, check the "Run this program in compatibility mode" box and change its mode to "Windows 7". Also, check the "Run this program as an administrator" box. Save and exit.
 +
# Run the installer. After it finishes, try running the game again.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
=== Crashing Windows 7 and 8 ===
 +
{{--}} The game will periodically crash when installed on Windows 7 or 8.  
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Activate DirectX 9 mode}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Activate DirectX 9 mode}}
Line 205: Line 267:
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
=== No Little Sister voice acting ===
 +
{{--}} May occur after installing 1.5 Patch, which causes Little Sisters to become mute.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Download Protector Trials DLC}}
 +
# Download the "Protector Trials" DLC from GFWL (it's free but requires an online GFWL-account).
 +
# Once downloaded and installed just load the single player the Little Sister voices will be working.
 +
}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
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# Right-click on your common sound device > go to the tab "advanced" > set sound quality to lowest (CD quality).
 
# Right-click on your common sound device > go to the tab "advanced" > set sound quality to lowest (CD quality).
 
# After you made your changes, click OK.
 
# After you made your changes, click OK.
 +
}}
 +
 +
=== [[SecuROM]] ===
 +
{{ii}} Error message: Too many activations on different PCs or too many reactivations on the same PC have been performed
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Revoke activations using bioshock2revoke.zip|ref=<ref>https://support.securom.com/pop_bioshock2.html</ref>}}
 +
Use [http://download.securom.com/support/bioshock2/bioshock2revoke.zip bioshock2revoke.zip] to revoke activation.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 223: Line 300:
 
*Edit the line <code>HavokNumThreads=2</code> to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU.  For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to <code>HavokNumThreads=4</code>.
 
*Edit the line <code>HavokNumThreads=2</code> to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU.  For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to <code>HavokNumThreads=4</code>.
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
 
{{System requirements
 
{{System requirements

Revision as of 20:16, 3 October 2013

Template:Infobox game/row/osxporter
BioShock 2
Cover image missing, please upload it
Developers
2K Marin
2K China
Publishers
2K Games
OS X Feral Interactive
Engines
Unreal Engine 2.5
Release dates
Windows February 9, 2010
macOS (OS X) March 29, 2012
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
BioShock 2 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png

Warnings

For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
BioShock
BioShock 2007
BioShock 2 2010
BioShock Infinite 2013
BioShock Remastered 2016
BioShock 2 Remastered 2016

Key points

All Windows versions can be activated on Steam as an alternative to Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM.[1]

General information

2K Games Forum
Steam Users' Forums - for BioShock and BioShock 2.

Availability

Template:Availability Table

All Windows versions activate on Steam.[1]
When not using Steam all Windows versions have SecuROM DRM and require Games for Windows - LIVE, which can be disabled.

Improvements

Activate on Steam

All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.[1]
Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den.
Instructions

v1.5 Patch (Retail)

The latest patch is v1.5. The Steam version already has this patch.
The patch accidentally mutes the Little Sisters (see #No Little Sister voice acting). It may be advisable to avoid the patch because this is a significant aspect of the gameplay.

Play without Games for Windows - LIVE

Instructions

Game data

File:BioShock 2 Saved Game Utilities.png
BioShock 2 Saved Game Utilities.

Template:Game Location Table

Saves for the Steam version are separate and not compatible.
Because of GFWL you must back up both your Live profile and the game saves in order to transfer or restore your saves.
Save games generated when signed into GFWL are not compatible with saves from the GFWL disabling workaround and vice versa.
Use BioShock 2 Saved Game Utilities to easily back up the save folders needed for BioShock 2.

Video settings

Template:Video settings

Field of view (FOV)

Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes. Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.
Instructions

Anisotropic filtering (AF)

Instructions

Anti-aliasing (AA)

There is no native AA support in BioShock 2. AA can be forcibly enabled, however, through your graphics driver's control panel. Please consult the user guide for your particular graphics driver on how this is performed. For Nvidia cards you can force SGSSAA (2x-8x) in DX9 Mode via Nvidia inspector with the AA bit - 0x000010C1 - [2] Example what inspector should look like

Input settings

Template:Input Settings

Disabling auto-aim

Instructions

Audio settings

Template:Audio settings

Issues fixed

Hold to Duck / Hold to Aim Down Sights

Instructions
Instructions

Menu flickering

Instructions
Instructions

Crash on startup

Instructions

Left Plasmid hand disappears

This glitch is especially likely when using the Scout-Plasmid. Therefore it is advisable to quicksave before using it.
Instructions

Green Pepper Edition - no product key

The Green Pepper Edition of Bioshock 2 does not contain a product key. Therefore it is not possible to create a Windows Live Account or add Bioshock 2 to an existing account.
Instructions
Instructions
Instructions

Game does not start on Windows 8

When installed on Windows 8 Pro x64, trying to run the game doesn't do anything. This is mostly like an issue with GFWL.
Instructions

Crashing Windows 7 and 8

The game will periodically crash when installed on Windows 7 or 8.
Instructions

No Little Sister voice acting

May occur after installing 1.5 Patch, which causes Little Sisters to become mute.
Instructions
Instructions

SecuROM

Error message: Too many activations on different PCs or too many reactivations on the same PC have been performed
Instructions

Performance tweaks

Havok

Instructions

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Windows XP SP2 Windows 7
Processor (CPU)
System memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD) 11 GB
Video card (GPU) NVIDIA 7800GT 256 MB
ATI Radeon X1900 256 MB 		NVIDIA 8800GT 512 MB
ATI Radeon HD 4830 512 MB

References