Bioshock Infinite Review

After a short delay, Bioshock Infinite, one on the most anticipated titles this year finally arrives on PC, PS3 and Xbox360. A successor to the original Bioshock and Bioshock 2, Infinite borrows many themes and gameplay ideas with a different story and setting from the first two but is very much its own game.

Story

Without revealing too much, the story follows main protagonist Booker DeWitt, ex Pinkerton agent, who is looking for a means to find an end to his "debt". He is tasked with scouring the forgotten city of Columbia for a girl called Elizabeth, that will help him start afresh. "Find the girl, wipe away the debt". Easy enough right? Well things are never that simple. For one, Columbia is a floating city high up in the clouds that has been cut off from civilisation and doesn't take too kindly to outsiders. And secondly Elizabeth isn't your ordinary young woman.

Things get far more complicated once you arrive to Columbia. You discover that Elizabeth is locked away in a stone tower on a remote floating island, guarded by Columbian government forces and the eerie Songbird creature. She is constantly referred to as the "Lamb" or "Seed" of Columbia by city's ruler and prophet, Zachary-Hale Comstock. Elizabeth is the intended of savior of the city, and is being protected and groomed by Comstock until she is ready to take the throne.

On Bookers’ arrival, things seem all fine and dandy on the surface of Columbia, that is until he is found by the people to bear the mark of the "False Shepard", foreseen by the almighty Comstock. Soon enough he is being chased down by every man and dog while he attempts to break Elizabeth free from her prison. 

Believe me when I say there is a whole lot more to the story, but you’ll have to play the game to find out for yourself. It’s is absolutely mind-melting and beautifully crafted!

Presentation

Story aside, Columbia is one of the richest and diverse gaming worlds since the original Bioshock. Columbia is definitely no rapture, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out from its predecessors. Vibrant skylines are decorated with large islands full of towering buildings are scattered across lush clouds... it is truly a sight to behold. Attention to detail is second to none, and exploring the city is an absolute blast. The art style is also very well refined with some striking architecture, imaginative character design topped off with a powerful dose of 1920’s steampunk goodness!

All of this is such a striking contrast to the dank and dingy depths of Rapture of the first two games, I found it all very refreshing and satisfying. But it’s not long before Columbia rears its own dark and mysterious origins don’t you worry.

There are also some really dark themes explored in the game, a bold move on the developers behalf. Politics, religion, racial and class discrimination all play an important role in the story arc and really separate this apart form your run-of-the-mill first person shooter. Parts of Columbia’s history are not only revealed through the sights and sounds, but also the deep character interactions within the world itself. The star of the show is Elizabeth herself who acts as your companion for the good part of the game.

Gameplay

All of this is built on top of a solid foundation of satisfying gameplay. Combat is deliciously entertaining. The shooting mechanics are very capable, and while the mix of weapons are your standard affair (pistols, rifles, shotguns and rocket launchers) each pack their own punch and deliver the goods. Where it gets interesting is Bioshocks use of other weapons that come in the form of vigors. Guns are controlled in your right hand while vigors are activated on your left. Vigors are essentially powers that let you shoot out lightning, fire, electricity and even crows from your fingertips. Things get really interesting when you mix these up during combat in conjunction with other vigors and guns. 

Traversing Columbia is made easy with the skyhook. An interesting contraption that you get early on that allows you to ride the skylines that hook up each of Columbia's’ floating islands. While zipping across the skylines you can partake in combat, as well as deliver a devastating melee blow from above. The skyhook can also be used on the ground in close hand-to-hand combat. It’s all great fun taking out the varied and interesting mix of enemies that Columbia has to offer.

Conclusion

Bioshock Infinite does a lot of thing right. The story is spot on, gameplay in fluid and fun, the visuals are beautiful and captivating. There is so much to like, and it’s all too easy to be immersed and suck into this rich world that the developers have created. Long time Bioshock fans might be slightly disappointed in its slightly more linear and streamlined approach, but overall it makes for a tighter game that pulls you along at a break neck pace. This isn’t to say that the game is too short by any means, If you soak in all the sights and sounds Columbia has to offer you can easy spend 16-20 hours before the ride is over. “1999 Mode” (a reference to Bioshock’s spiritual predacessor System Shock), is activated after the first play through and ramps the difficulty and reduces the appearance of ammo and medical kits. Trust me you’ll want to visit Columbia again once the credits roll! 

Story: 10

Presentation: 10

Gameplay: 9