Bioshock non-gameplay discussion

**Zenicetus** · 09-08-2007, 20:26

Originally Posted by Bijo

The graphics setup detects my system and sets it to High though I lower the resolution to 1024x768 or 800x600 and while it is very much playable outside a battle the system requirements are just too high. When a battle starts aiming is rendered sluggish. Lowering the settings doesn't make much difference or when it does it is too ugly and less atmospheric. Can't they just... ah never mind.

I was a little surprised at how important a smooth frame rate is, for combat in this game. There was a lot of advance hype about role-playing, storytelling, and controlling the environment. All that is in the game, but it still has some strong FPS elements. However, on reflection, System Shock 1 and 2 were hybrids like that too.

I have an older computer (Athlon 64 3800+, 2 Gigs RAM) and I started playing Bioshock with the original video card, a GeForce 6800 Ultra. The game was playable but the combat was frustrating when using guns. I was wasting a lot of ammo, and ammo isn't that plentiful if you aren't shooting well. There are ways to get through the game without focusing so much on guns and precise aiming, but it was still frustrating. So I upgraded to a new video card -- 8800 GTS, 320mb Ram, and that did the trick. Frame rates are very smooth now, even at high res (1600x1200). If you have an older computer like mine, then maybe all you need is a video card upgrade.

Regarding SecuROM... it seems it is also in the World in Conflict demo and I know that performance was severely decreased compared to the beta which apparantly didn't have SecuROM (?). I was forced to lower settings dramatically. It is at least possible that SecuROM influences it in this way.

And it is possible Bioshock COULD run smoother if it didn't have SecuROM installed.

As much as I've been bashing SecureRom in the M2TW:Kingdoms thread (mainly because CA/Sega is being silent about any removal tools), I don't think it affects the actual gameplay. I believe it only runs once at the start of the game to verify the disk, and in Bioshock's case, to check the system profile against number of allowed activations. During gameplay, it shouldn't be doing anything except taking up a tiny bit of RAM, which is probably inconsequential considering everything else the game is doing that eats RAM.

2K has said that they'll remove the activation limit for Bioshock at some point, after the initial sales period is over. I think they've also said they'll release a removal tool for SecureRom that can be used when you uninstall the game. That response from the publisher was enough for me to go ahead and buy Bioshock, but everyone will have to make up their own minds about that balance between wanting to play a hot game, and wanting security and control over your own computer.

**Bijo** · 09-08-2007, 23:42

Thanks for the informations.

And I probably need another video card. Better yet, I could've just kept my old X800 which would perform better though I am uncertain if it would allow Bioshock to run with all the effects.

**Whacker** · 09-14-2007, 06:47

Well, I sure am glad that I didn't buy this game either, given all that I've read and seen so far.

As for the limited installations, I think this falls under consumer rights and fair use. I realize what the distinction is between "licensing" something and "owning" it, but personally I disagree with those, and admit to 'breaking the law' constantly in my own house for private use. What I do with what I bought for my own personal use is none of anyone else's business. Period. End of discussion.

In terms of activation, I've been saying this for years now.

Game publisher and developer rights MUST end somewhere, and I believe that point is when it comes to my OWN personal computer. I do not believe it is right, in fact I think it should be illegal to, ask or require someone to give up control over their property in order to make use of something they've bought. Activation, "calling home", etc, all tools that reduce my ability to use what I've paid for freely for personal use. Here again we see why I hate Steam and refuse to install it again. Not only do I have to uniquely identify myself to the game publisher so I can 'ask permission' every time I want to play, but the same applies whenever the games are patched.