The delay of BioShock 2 was one of the most disappointing things to ever happen in the history of mankind. We were all eagerly anticipated the sequel to the 2007 Game of the Year, originally slated for a holiday season 2009 release. As we all know, that's not happening, but the good news is that BioShock 2 will be in stores in early 2010, giving us just enough time to finish up all of our holiday games.

As previously promised by 2K, BioShock 2 will be out early in the new year--February 9, to be more specific. According to the press release, that's the "global street date", which sounds pretty official. Sure, there's always a chance it could get delayed again, but I'm going to remain optimistic. For more details, check the full press release below.

New York, NY – September 18, 2009 – 2K Games announced today that BioShock® 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2007 Game of the Year, will be available worldwide beginning February 9, 2010. The game is now available for pre-order at participating retailers.

Currently in development for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows® LIVE, BioShock 2 will deliver two unique, yet intertwined experiences that form the perfect blend of explosive first-person shooter combat, compelling storytelling and intense multiplayer action.

Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. Players step into the boots of the most iconic denizen of Rapture, the Big Daddy, as they travel through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and their own survival.

Multiplayer in BioShock 2 will provide 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.

BioShock 2 is currently in development at 2K Marin in collaboration with 2K Australia, Digital Extremes and 2K China for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows® LIVE. BioShock 2 will be available worldwide on February 9, 2010. This title is not yet rated by the ESRB.

For more information on BioShock 2 please visit www.bioshockgame.com, www.cultofrapture.com and www.somethinginthesea.com.