BioShock 2 PS3 Has Crazy HDD Req, PC OK
Gamers wanting a little BioShock 2 love on the PlayStation 3 will need 5 GB of space; PC gamers need 11 GB.
It's not uncommon for some PlayStation 3 games to require a modest nugget of the internal hard drive storage. We're not talking saved games or downloaded content--we're talking about the game's actual installation even though it's a console title. This option normally helps reduce the length of time the game takes to load as seen with titles such as Devil May Cry 4 and Bayonetta.
However, VG247 is reporting that BioShock 2, set to hit store shelves February 9, will require a mandatory installation eating up 5 GB of storage space... for a console game. Apparently this shouldn't be a surprise to gamers who picked up the previous installment: the original BioShock required a meaty 4.98 GB of space (or 5011 MB, depending on who you ask). The Xbox 360 version also uses the internal HDD, however there's no indication if it helps speed the load times.
As for PC gamers, BioShock 2 will need a minimum of 11 GB of HDD space. For those who haven't looked up the minimum and recommended requirements, check out what you'll need below (thanks Steam):
Minimum:
- OS: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
- Processor: AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800+ 2.4 GHz or better, Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz Processor or better
- Memory: 2 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA 7800GT 256 MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon X1900 256 MB graphics card or better
- DirectX: DirectX 9.0c
- Hard Drive: 11 GB
- Sound: 100-percent DirectX 9.0C compliant sound card or onboard sound
- DRM Information: SecuROM offers unlimited activations on up to 5 PCs
Recommended:
- Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core 2.60 Ghz, Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Dual Core 2.13 Ghz
- Memory: 3 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA 8800GT 512 MB graphics card or better, ATI Radeon HD4830 512 MB graphics card or better
Other Requirements:
- Initial installation requires one-time internet connection
- Ability to save game, earn achievements, receive title updates and online play requires log-in to Games for Windows LIVE
- Software installations required including Microsoft Visual C++2008 Runtime Libraries, Games for Windows LIVE client, Games for Windows LIVE Client Patch, Sony DADC SecuROM, Microsoft DirectX.
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Hmm..PC still takes much more storage space compared to consoles (which installation not really a necessity). I don't see why. Would someone please explain this to me?
The entire game is installed to the PC's hard drive. The game disk is in no way active except for a security check when starting the game. This reduces load times considerably and is one of the PC's advantages since the PC usually has far more storage space than consoles. It's been this way for a long time and likely won't change.
Because you still need the game DVD/BluRay inside the console, while PC games can be run wholly on the instaaled data. Unless it's DRM infested.
The entire game is installed to the PC's hard drive. The game disk is in no way active except for a security check when starting the game. This reduces load times considerably and is one of the PC's advantages since the PC usually has far more storage space than consoles. It's been this way for a long time and likely won't change.
And besides, with the cost of good mechanical hard drives being so low (caviar black, 7200.12, or F3), it doesn't really matter.
I imagine the larger space requirement for the pc indicates the console versions require the DVD + the installed data to run and/or the level of compression is higher for console versions. much lower max resolution means smaller texture files? also potentially lower quality audio (?) as most people will be listening to it on tinny TV speakers rather than the almost mandatory sound systems PC gamers use when not using headphones...
just guesswork!
@footsoldier
the consoles dont actually store all the data on the hard drive, they leave much of it on the disk. this is necessary when the consoles have so little on-board memory to begin with.
the PC version stores all of the data on the HD because it:
1) the PC has a lot of room
2) it decreaces load times
3) you dont need the disk, just a Steam membership
god... have they improved the visualls at all??
I sware they'd be the same specs as the first game...
DAMN YOU CONSOLES!!!
also, ps3 owners can just buy a cheap 250, 320, 500 gig harddrive, don't care.
"SecuROM offers unlimited activations on up to 5 PCs"
Not as bad as the first but still not acceptable. It will not see my gaming rig.
"SecuROM offers unlimited activations on up to 5 PCs"Not as bad as the first but still not acceptable. It will not see my gaming rig.
You're gonna go through 5 PCs before a crack is available?
Uh, is this article a joke? Every game installed to the console's HDD takes at least this much space. 5GB is nothing, Mass Effect takes up over 10GB.
Uh, is this article a joke? Every game installed to the console's HDD takes at least this much space. 5GB is nothing, Mass Effect takes up over 10GB.
Not for the 360? I only have 60GB HDD on mine and still have 49.7GB left.
I don't intend to buy this anyway.
On the requirements and recommended I am on the clear however the SecuROM is a turn off so crack it is as always, legit and torrent copies for any game that has it. Some bits on a disk please piff...
So - you need the internet to save your game? That's lame!
Windows LIVE required (to save) + SecuROM = 0% chance for purchase.
SecuROM I could put up with; I did for Mass Effect 1, but Windows LIVE is horrendous.
I was able to load Fallout3 without its install disk by simply going into the folder and double clicking the .exe file. I hope I can do the same with Bioshock 2. Putting discs in drives is for console cavemen!
you won't have to install it to the hdd for the 360. it is a much better machine than the horribly thought out ps3. two thumbs down sony
If Windows LIVE is required to play the game then it's a no-go. SecuROM doesn't bother me much as I'll most likely use a crack even if I buy the game as I don't want to bother with a disk.
If you are going to buy it, just get it on Steam and have no disc without having to legitimise piracy efforts.
BioShock 2 PS3 Has Crazy HDD Req, PC WHO CARES
lol useless news, wtf is the big deal with 5 or 11 GB ? I have a usb stick of 8gb that u can buy dirt cheap. Maybe if it was like 20+gb then thats something else. -1 news sucks
I'll wait until it goes cheap. I purchased the original Bioshock for the PC at Target when it went on sale for $20.
I'll do the same, but I'll wait for it on Steam.
"SecuROM offers unlimited activations on up to 5 PCs"Not as bad as the first but still not acceptable. It will not see my gaming rig.
Why is that? This is a much, much better situation than the 1st game. Do you plan on playing the game on 5 different machines???
Anything running securom is sure to receive a cracked exe on my system! no way I'm going to fuck up my system because of drm
you won't have to install it to the hdd for the 360. it is a much better machine than the horribly thought out ps3. two thumbs down sony
You don't have to install it to the 360's HD, correct. I personally prefer to install the games to it's HD however. Makes for very quiet operation and better load times. Less wear and tear on the DVD-rom, the better!
11GB for PC isn't unusual. I have a few PC games that are several years old and use that much space.
Man, I was considering purchasing BS2, but now that I've read the activation and Windows Live requirements, there is no way I am buying it. Authentication required just to save? That is friggin' ridiculous.
@Rab1d-BDGR:
Just because a game doesn't require activation or authentication doesn't mean it is free of SecuROM. Dragon Age and ME2 both use SecuROM for a disk check.
Agreed. SecuROM games can go and swivel. I only got mass effect because I didn't realise it had SecuROM - I'm so glad ME2 won't use it otherwise I wouldn't play it and I love Mass Effect!
securm sucks indeed, I agree with you guys.
I hate online activation/authentication requirements.
Actually Windows divides by 1024^3 for GB and 1024^2 for MB.
The correct thing is: 1000^3 and using GB with 1000^2 using MB.
Or using GiB for 1024^3 and MiB for1024^2.
Mac and Linux use the correct combination, only Windows is left to take the step.
This means, in order to know the exact number of bits, which seems to come in handy here, you have to: 1024*1024*5011 = 5254414336 B(ytes)
Lesson of today: PC is the best gaming platform.
(Consoles are becoming wannabe PC's without the conveniences,
while losing the console benefits.
I love games like Bioshock...I actually played the first one's the developers ever did which were System Shock 1 and 2 and that hooked me on pc gaming. However, all this new security and anti piracy crap has gotten to the point that I REFUSE to install any of them on my computer. It is not about price, it's about hassle. I don't want my games to require anything after the initial installation to work fully. All that crap-ware reduces the overall function of the computer and creates all kinds of conflicts in a Windows environment that is barely stable to begin with. The bad news is that someone will hack the game and eliminate all those aforementioned problems and make a lot of money doing it only because the publishers have begun punishing the consumer rather than the pirates themselves. I would be more likely to buy the pirated version for the same dollar amount rather than the legit game just because I despise anything installing in the background on my system - and remember it is MY system - I don't give up my rights to my computer just because I purchase a game. This is another nail in the coffin of PC games.....