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Difference between revisions of "BioShock"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Fixed. Given I couldn't make the game crash even with no sound devices, I guess all the problems come from old openAL versions)
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'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
−
{{ii}} BioShock will crash under Windows 7 and later. The audio will also be missing. See [[#Crash on startup and missing audio|Crash on startup and missing audio]].
+
{{ii}} BioShock may [[#Crash on startup|crash on startup]] on Windows 7 and later. See [[#Crash on startup|Crash on startup]].
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 
{{mm}} [http://forums.2kgames.com/forumdisplay.php?41-BioShock-In-Game-Discussion Official Forum]
 
{{mm}} [http://forums.2kgames.com/forumdisplay.php?41-BioShock-In-Game-Discussion Official Forum]
 +
{{mm}} [http://bioshock.wikia.com/wiki/BioShock_Wiki BioShock Wiki] - Large wiki for the BioShock series
 
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/7670/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/7670/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=304 Steam Users' Forums] for game series
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
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{{Availability/row| Steam | 7670 | Steam | }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 7670 | Steam | }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} The retail, [[GamersGate]] (Windows), and [[Amazon.com]] (Windows) versions use [[SecuROM]] DRM. Unlimited activations are allowed. An internet connection is required for installation.
+
{{ii}} The retail, [[GamersGate]] (Windows), and [[Amazon.com]] (Windows) versions use [[SecuROM]] DRM. There's no activations limit<ref>[http://forums.2k.com/showthread.php?18452-Activation-limits-removed-on-BioShock-for-the-PC Activation limits removed on BioShock for the PC - 2K Forums]</ref>. An internet connection is required for installation.
 
{{ii}} A DRM-free Windows version is available as part of the [[Humble Bundle#Humble 2K Bundle|Humble 2K Bundle]].
 
{{ii}} A DRM-free Windows version is available as part of the [[Humble Bundle#Humble 2K Bundle|Humble 2K Bundle]].
  
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===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Instructions}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Launch the game with -nointro [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]}}
−
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
 
−
# Use <code>-nointro</code>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Patches===
 
−
{{ii}} The Steam version is already patched.
 
 
====[http://www.2kgames.com/bioshock/support/ Patch 1.1]====
 
====[http://www.2kgames.com/bioshock/support/ Patch 1.1]====
−
{{++}} An essential patch for retail versions of the game.
+
{{ii}} Steam version is already patched.  
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
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|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|high frame rate            = true
 
|high frame rate            = true
−
|high frame rate notes      = No FPS or refresh rate cap. Physics and animations are locked at 30 FPS.<ref>[http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report New 120Hz Games Report]</ref>
+
|high frame rate notes      = No FPS or refresh rate cap. Physics and animations are locked at 30 FPS.<ref>[http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report New 120Hz Games Report]</ref>  
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
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# Open <code>[[#Configuration file(s) location|bioshock.ini]]</code> with a text editor
 
# Open <code>[[#Configuration file(s) location|bioshock.ini]]</code> with a text editor
 
# Find the following lines, and set them to these values.
 
# Find the following lines, and set them to these values.
 +
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
[D3DDrv.D3DRenderDevice]
 
[D3DDrv.D3DRenderDevice]
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LevelOfAnisotropy=16
 
LevelOfAnisotropy=16
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
 +
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
−
===Crash on startup and missing audio===
+
{{ii}} TweakGuides has created a [http://www.tweakguides.com/Bioshock_1.html comprehensive guide] for fixing issues in this game.
 +
 
 +
===Crash on startup===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|First Solution}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Update [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ OpenAL]}}
−
# Navigate to the main installation folder, and extract these [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/277-bioshock-modern-systems-crash-fix/ files].
 
−
# Connect a pair of headphones, a webcam, a microphone or any other audio device.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Video settings not saving===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Second Solution}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Force DirectX 9|{{CN}}}}
−
# Navigate to <code>{{p|game}}\Builds\Release</code> and find <code>Bioshock.exe</code>
+
Launch the game with <code>-dx9</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
−
# Set the executable to run under the '''Windows XP (Service Pack 3)''' [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
 
−
# Navigate to the main installation folder, and extract these [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/277-bioshock-modern-systems-crash-fix/ files].
 
−
 
 
−
'''Notes'''
 
−
{{ii}} Changing the resolution will force the game will crash. See [[#Crashing when changing the resolution|Crashing when changing the resolution]].
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Crashing when changing the resolution==
+
===Crashing when changing the resolution===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|First Solution}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit default resolution}}
 
# Open '''bioshock.ini''' in the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Open '''bioshock.ini''' in the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Find the following lines, and set the desired values.
 
# Find the following lines, and set the desired values.
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}}
 
}}
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Second Solution}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Change resolutions while in windowed mode}}
 
# Push {{key|Alt|Enter}}, before entering the '''Video Options''' menu.
 
# Push {{key|Alt|Enter}}, before entering the '''Video Options''' menu.
 
# Set the desired resolution, then apply the changes.
 
# Set the desired resolution, then apply the changes.
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{{Fixbox/fix|Force DirectX 9}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Force DirectX 9}}
 
Launch the game with <code>-dx9</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
 
Launch the game with <code>-dx9</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Missing sound effects===
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Install [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ OpenAL]}}
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 16:02, 26 June 2015

Template:Infobox game/row/osxporterTemplate:Infobox game/row/osxporter
BioShock
BioShock cover
Developers
Irrational Games
Publishers
2K Games
OS X Feral Interactive
Engines
Unreal Engine 2.5
Release dates
Windows August 21, 2007
macOS (OS X) October 7, 2009
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
BioShock on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
BioShock
BioShock 2007
BioShock 2 2010
BioShock Infinite 2013
BioShock Remastered 2016
BioShock 2 Remastered 2016

Key points

BioShock may crash on startup on Windows 7 and later. See Crash on startup.

General information

Official Forum
BioShock Wiki - Large wiki for the BioShock series
Steam Community Discussions
Steam Users' Forums for game series

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
Requires online activation
 Uses SecuROM on Windows.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Amazon.com
Requires online activation
 Windows and OS X.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Incorrect store name. See here for available options.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
GamersGate
Requires online activation
 Feral Interactive DRM on OS X. Windows and OS X.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Incorrect store name. See here for available options.
Requires online activation
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
 Windows and OS X.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Humble Store
DRM-free
Icon overlay.png
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Mac App Store
Icon overlay.png
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
The retail, GamersGate (Windows), and Amazon.com (Windows) versions use SecuROM DRM. There's no activations limit[1]. An internet connection is required for installation.
A DRM-free Windows version is available as part of the Humble 2K Bundle.

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Instructions

Patch 1.1

Steam version is already patched.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

Template:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/row
System Location
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/7670/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

Template:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/row
System Location
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/7670/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud

Video settings

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Template:Video settings

Field of view (FOV)

Instructions

Anisotropic filtering (AF)

Instructions

Input settings

In-game general control settings.
In-game general control settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.

Template:Input settings

Mouse acceleration

Instructions

Toggle Zoom

Instructions

Audio settings

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Italian
Spanish

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Native 3D
Nvidia 3D Vision
TriDef 3D
iZ3D
Devices
3RD Space Gaming Vest

Issues fixed

TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game.

Crash on startup

Instructions

Video settings not saving

Instructions

Crashing when changing the resolution

Instructions
Instructions

Excessive screen tearing (Nvidia)

Instructions

Frame rate stuttering

Instructions
Instructions

Missing sound effects

Instructions

Gameplay breaking issues

Minor spoilers ahead.

In Arcadia (the fifth level), do not have the Scrounger tonic equipped around the time you search Langford's Safe. The safe holds a required quest item. To fix this issue, you must reload an earlier save and remove the tonic by visiting a Gene Bank. Once you have the item from the safe, you can safely use the Scrounger tonic for the rest of the game.

In Fort Frolic, do not leave the level using the Bathysphere that you begin the level next to. If you do leave Fort Frolic using that Bathysphere then when you return to Fort Frolic the curtain that needs to be open to perform the "Cohen's Masterpiece" quest will be permanently closed. If this happens then you cannot get to the Fort Frolic exit Bathysphere to progress to the next level.[2]

In Fort Frolic, it is possible to get trapped in Rapture Records. When trying to kill Silas Cobb, don't use the Hypnotize plasmid. If you do and the Big Daddy kills Cobb before he's able to perform a scripted task, you must return to the main map by killing yourself. (The Incinerate! plasmid at your feet works well.) Reloading an old save is also an option.[3]

If your saves to do not go far enough back then the first two are game-ending issues. Technically, modifying the save file or using a trainer would also fix the issue, but neither solution has been documented.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9, 10
OpenGL 2.0 OS X only.
Shader Model support 3, 4
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Havok
Audio FMOD
Cutscenes Bink Video, Flash

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP SP2 Vista
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium IV 2.4 GHz AMD Athlon 64 x2
Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM) 1 GB 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 8 GB 8 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 6600
ATI Radeon X1300
128 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0c compatible
Shader model 3.0 support		 Nvidia GeForce 7900 GT (DirectX 9)
Nvidia GeForce 8600 (DirectX 10)
512 MB of VRAM
DirectX 10 compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.5.8
Processor (CPU) 1.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1.5 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 8 GB
Video card (GPU) 128 MB of VRAM
Requires an Intel processor. The game does not support Intel GMA integrated video chipsets (older Mac minis and MacBooks), but does run on GeForce 9400M graphics cards or better.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References