As PlayStation 3 owners prepare for their inaugural descent into Rapture later this month, PSU decided to catch up with developer 2K Marin to acquire some last minute details on this hotly anticipated project. Our interview was conducted with fellow 2K Marin programmer, Jake Etgeton.
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PSU: First of all, how does it feel to work on a game that you know is incredibly highly anticipated and of remarkable caliber?
Etgeton: It has been interesting to try and live up to the expectations set by the hype and hoopla of the original release…but it’s the kind of challenge that we game developers live for! It’s also very humbling to know that the project will be seen by millions of new eyes, and so all the studios involved have worked incredibly hard to deliver the most complete BioShock experience yet.
PSU: It’s been reported by various publications (including both ourselves and IGN) that the PS3 version of BioShock is sporting some minor graphical enhancements over the Xbox 360 version. Can you expand on what the team is doing to improve and polish the visuals on the PS3 version of the game?
Etgeton: For the PS3 our focus was on delivering the definitive version of BioShock, and we were very careful not to alter the world of Rapture that gamers have grown to know and love. There are improvements, such as interactive load screens which takes advantage of the increased space on the Blu-Ray disc. The downloadable Challenge Rooms also offer a slew of new graphical and gameplay content, albeit outside of the fictional universe.
PSU: In addition to our above question, has the utilization of the PS3 hard drive allowed for better graphics? And will load times be shortened due to the PS3 install?
Etgeton: Installing to the PS3 hard drive allows us to “stream” textures and audio faster than the Blu-Ray drive can deliver.
PSU: Regarding the installation process, how much space will be necessary to play the game?
Etgeton: BioShock PS3 uses a standard one-time 5 GB install. It only takes 10 minutes, and there’s even a fancy movie accompanied by Bing Crosby’s “You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me” to help pass the time if you’re not off making a tasty, preparatory sandwich.
PSU: Will the “Zoo” level cut from the Xbox 360 version be included in the PS3 version of BioShock?
Etgeton: No content that would affect the game’s robust canon was included in the PS3 release. We went back and forth on this for quite a while but in the end decided to keep the integrity of the original experience intact and instead focus on making non-canonical additions like Survivor Mode and the Challenge Rooms.
PSU: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Etgeton: Whether you’re a past denizen of Rapture or have never even glimpsed a Big Daddy, we highly recommend picking up what we feel is the ultimate BioShock. The bonus content, bug fixes, additional options, new difficulty mode, and polish make for a worthy double-dip for previous fans, and those who exclusively own a PS3 will get a chance to finally uncover the mysteries of one of the best shooters ever released.
PSU would like to thank Etgeton once again for taking the time to answer our questions.
BioShock for PlayStation 3 will be released on October 21.