Title: Bioshock Infinite
Format: Xbox 360/PS3/PC
Release Date: 3/26/13
Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: Irrational Games
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M
Are you afraid of God? No, I'm afraid of you.
Bioshock Infinite is a first-person shooter video and the third installment in the Bioshock series. Previously known as "Project Icarus", it has been developed by Irrational Games and was released worldwide on the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 platforms on March 26, 2013. Bioshock Infinite is not part of the story line of previous Bioshock games but features similar gameplay concepts and themes.
Story and Presentation: Bioshock Infinite has been a long awaited game from the hit's of the first two. Infinite takes you to a place you may have never to mentally and emotionally. In fact, the first 30 minutes of the game is my favorite experience in gaming ever. You play as Booker Dewitt in a floating city called Columbia in 1912. Religion and racism play an important part of the the game. Though neither one is specific, it gives you a good idea of what has and in happening today. An experience like non other is the first person Baptism you receive when getting to Columbia. Religion stays the them of the first half and racism come in more of the second half. The game is not broken up into two parts. The journey stays consistent from beginning to end. Something that has been added really helps with sense of direction. When pressing up on the direction pad, an arrow is played across the ground. Leading you in the direction to go. You are never feeling lost in your experience. As I mentioned earlier on how the beginning in incredible, they did it well for you to have to walk around a little. I took that time to go in side each store I could or standing by groups that were having a conversation, and when you stand by them the other characters will continue talking as they were but look over at you like they noticed you. The AI is incredible. You soon meet a girl who's name is Elizabeth. All you know is to find her, follow or lead her, and get out. I will let the story play out for you so you can get the experience I did with Elizabeth. Things get weird, very weird. But what do you expect it's a Bioshock game. There are so many questions asked but you do not receive any answers until the end. Elizabeth has special "powers" ones that can open up to what are called tears. Leading you into different time periods of the area you are playing in. You really start to care about Elizabeth, as your relationship grows with her throughout the game. Since she is with you most of the game, you do not feel uncomfortable or alone. The developers did such a great job on this that it can compare to the same feeling in every day life. Al though when something happens and she is not with you, you will feel terrified and worried. I do not want to reveal too much because this should be a personal experience.
Gameplay: As much as the game is visually beautiful and weird, it's fun. You receive a skyhook which allows you fly around Columbia on the sky line. It works very well and open new opportunities for travel and combat. There are an abundance of guns and vigors that can be used for combat. Vigors similar to the Plasmids of the original Bioshock,Youwill be able to gain special powers through vigors, which provide a unique ability. You can only use vigors when you have enoughSalts, a limited resource displayed by a blue meter on the bottom left of the screen. Like Eve in the original Bioshock, Salts power the use of vigors, and an empty meter means no powers can be used until you find more. Elizabeth during combat works very well also. You do not have to look after her when in battle because she can hold her own. In fact, while you are fighting she takes cover, or searches the area for Salt, Health, or Ammo and can throw it to you when pressing a button. She finds what you are usually in need of most. This comes in handy very often. As I mentioned the new option the press up on the D-pad for an arrow to show you which direction to go, Elizabeth follows it automatically. The final battle is beyond ridiculous but is possible if played right.
Final Thoughts:Bioshock Infinite makes you experience very uncomfortable and disturbing situations. Well worth the wait for the release. Not to mention Infinite comes with a digital copy of the original Bioshock. The last section will take you to old places and confuses you with one the most experimental endings I've ever played. A once in life time experiences from start to finish.S&S Rating: 9.5/10
