Monday, December 3, 2007

A great game gets better

Recent news relevant to gamers, specifically BioShock gamers, is the news that certain plasmids will be made available via downloadable content (DLC) for PCs and consoles. This should be interesting to see, as typical DLC involves new gaming levels or game maps, but in this case we see gameplay elements becoming accessible. Given the scope and depth of BioShock, enabling elements like this greatly adds replay value as it redefines the way a player approaches ingame situations.

The details of these plasmids is contained in some of the game code in its current iteration, however, it would appear that 2K (the publisher) didn't release the content for the initial shipping of the game. Folks have done some detective work and uncovered a number of plasmids. Expect to see these made available through the free DLC.

Vending Expert
Sonic Boom
EVE Saver
Machine Bully
Life Drain
Telekenisis 2
Electric Bolt Zero (what the heck is that?)

These appear to be a whole new family of Plasmids called 'Ecology Plasmids'
Name: Mutant Synergy Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Junkers who are near to you will take less damage.

Name: Drone Neural Dampening Field Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Drones take longer to sound their alarms when near you.

Name: Pressure Manipulation Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: You can use a Pressure Station even if its timer is currently running.

Name: Drone Attractant Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Makes Drones want to follow you.

Name: Drone Synergy Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Drones who are near to you will take less damage.

Name: High-Pressure Armor Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is high, you take less damage.

Name: High-Pressure Conservation Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is high, your Active Plasmids consume less EVE.

Name: High Pressure Entropic Dampening Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is high, your weapons will not degrade.

Name: High-Pressure Plasmid Synergy Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is high, all your other Plasmids are treated as if they had an extra slot.

Name: High-Pressure Security Crate Access Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: You can automatically open security crates in high pressure.

Name: Localized High Pressure Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Your Weapons and Plasmids are always treated as if they were in high pressure.

Name: Localized Low Pressure Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Your Weapons and Plasmids are always treated as if they were in low pressure.

Name: Low Pressure Armor Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is low, you take less damage.

Name: Low Pressure Conservation Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is low, your Active Plasmids consume less EVE.

Name: Low Pressure Entropic Dampening Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is low, your weapons will not degrade.

Name: Low Pressure Plasmid Synergy Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: When local pressure is low, all your other Plasmids are treated as if they had an extra slot.

Name: Low Pressure Security Crate Access Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: You can automatically open security crates in low pressure.

Name: Guardian Synergy Plasmid (Ecology)
Description: Guardians near to you will take less damage.


...not that this development overshadows the Vivendi-Activiation merger. I wonder if this will mean that Blizzard will finally get the developers it needs to crank out Diablo 3.

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