BioShock: Infinite Review

BioShock: Infinite is the third game in the highly acclaimed BioShock series. Despite this, you do not need to have played the first 2 in order to understand the story for the third. This game has been highly anticipated since it was first shown at E3, but have Irrational Games managed to meet the expectations of gamers?

Story

Bioshock Infinite takes place in Columbia in 1912. However, this Columbia has one key difference to the one we know of; it is a city suspended in the air by quantum levitation. The city was lost by those on the ground, until Booker DeWitt, a disgraced ex soldier and current private investigator was tasked with the mission 'bring us the girl and wipe away the debt' with instructions on how to reach the city above. Initially, the city seems peaceful and happy, with the belief that their leader and prophet, Father Zachary Hale Comstock, the founder of Columbia has the ability to see in the future and will lead Columbia to a bright future. However, beneath the surface, civil war is brewing between the poorer working classes and the richer middle and upper classes. As you take control of Booker, you will witness both sides of Columbia, as well as discover that there is more to Bookers story than meets the eye.

Gameplay

Like the first 2 BioShock games, Infinite is a first person shooter with RPG elements. Throughout the game, you will collect special abilities called vigors, which will allow you to perform a wide array of techniques, including setting enemies on fire, summoning a murder of crows to distract and damage your opponents, and leave enemies vunerable by removing gravity's pull from around them. Vigors use up Salts, which you can replenish by eating food or at Salt stations. You will also have a unique grappling hook type weapon which can both dismember enemies at close range, and allow you to travel around the city quickly on skylines. There are also a wide variety of weapons to chose from, ranging from a basic pistol to the Hand Cannon, which will make quick work of anyone in your way. All weapons and vigors can be upgraded via vending machines found throughout the city with money you will find looting enemies and storage containers.

Once you have found the girl (Elizabeth), she will assist you by scavenging the area for ammo, health packs, Salt, and throwing them to Booker if needed. She also has the ability to open tears in time and space, allowing her to assist even further by bringing in some cover, or powerful weapons. Only one tear can be opened at a time, and the player will need to choose carefully depending on their surroundings.


Visual/Sound

The city of Columbia is beautiful, and is full of colour and life. No two areas look the same, and the developers did an amazing job of showing both the rich and blissful side of the upper city, and the poor and rough slums below. The music used in the game is equally incredible, and really helps create a great mood for the game, and an emotional link with the characters. Irrational did fantastic work in making sure gamers would get lost in the city of Columbia.

The verdict: A lot was expected of BioShock Infinite, and Irrational have definitely delivered, creating an unforgettable experience in an amazing world, topped off with a very unique story that will no doubt influence other games in the future. The only downside I found whilst playing this game were that while great, I felt there was still more of the story to tell, and all loose ends were tied up very quickly in the last hour.

8.5/10

I found this review quite difficult, as there is so much to say, but it's hard without spoiling anything. However, I feel I hit the key points. Thanks for reading, and as usual, I am open to advice and criticism for future reviews.

Thanks!