2K Games has revealed some information on BioShock 2's mysterious multiplayer modes, shedding a bit of light on the sequel's most controversial aspect. Players will control test subjects for Sinclair Solutions, a plasmids manufacturer before (and during) the devastating fall of Rapture. Besides being able to enjoy the sights of the underwater city before the war between Fontaine Futuristics and Ryan Industries tore it asunder, it also expands on the BioShock story, giving more opportunities to develop the universe. It is also said to be incorporating a leveling system to allow for some persistence in the experience, with players unlocking plasmids and weapons for successful play.

Even more interesting is the fact that 2K Games won't actually be developing the multiplayer component. Instead, they'll be working with Digital Extremes, developers of some of the older Unreal Tournament games and the PlayStation 3 port of the original. It's a good pick, since the team a history with multiplayer gaming and the Unreal Engine, meaning there's a good chance this might be worth paying attention to.

The full press release is below, anyone else think that the multiplayer might be better than expected?

2K Games Reveals First Details of the BioShock® 2 Multiplayer
Experience Digital Extremes tapped to create extensive and exciting multiplayer element for 2K Games' highly anticipated shooter

New York, NY – May 8, 2009 – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that it has signed a partnership with Digital Extremes to develop the multiplayer experience for BioShock® 2. Under this partnership, Digital Extremes is working closely with the creative team at 2K Marin to develop a new and substantial element that enhances the lore and fiction of the BioShock universe.

"The fans asked for a multiplayer experience and we answered," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "With Digital Extremes delivering a multiplayer experience for BioShock 2 that features all of the things that make BioShock unique, we're holding ourselves to a high standard so that we can deliver the depth and variety that fans of the BioShock universe demand."

Multiplayer in BioShock 2 provides a rich prequel experience that expands the origins of the BioShock fiction. Set during the fall of Rapture, players assume the role of a Plasmid test subject for Sinclair Solutions, a premier provider of Plasmids and Tonics in the underwater city of Rapture that was first explored in the original BioShock. Players will need to use all the elements of the BioShock toolset to survive as the full depth of the BioShock experience is refined and transformed into a unique multiplayer experience that can only be found in Rapture.

Key features:

• Evolution of the genetically enhanced shooter – Earn experience points during gameplay to earn access to new Weapons, Plasmids and Tonics that can be used to create hundreds of different combinations, allowing players to develop a unique character that caters to their playing style.
• Extend the Rapture fiction – Players will step into the shoes of Rapture citizens and learn more about the fall of Rapture as they progress through the experience.
  
• See Rapture before the fall – Experience Rapture before it was reclaimed by the ocean and engage in combat over iconic environments in locations such as Kashmir Restaurant and Mercury Suites, all of which have been reworked from the ground up to deliver a fast-paced multiplayer experience.
  
• FPS veterans add their touch to the multiplayer experience – Digital Extremes brings more than 10 years of first person shooter experience including development of award-winning entries in the Unreal® and Unreal Tournament® franchise.

BioShock 2 is currently in development at 2K Marin, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows-based PC. This title is not yet rated by the ESRB.

[Source]