Soaring Beyond All Expectations
It's been a couple of days since I finished Bioshock Infinite and my head is still buzzing from everything I experienced in this game. By the time a series hits its third entry, it usually begins to tread water by falling back on worn out conventions. Bioshock Infinite not only lives up to the monstrous hype surrounding its release, but it is also one of the greatest games of this generation and sets a new precedent for video game storytelling.
The game begins in 1912 with Booker DeWitt on his way to retrieve a girl named Elizabeth and bring her to an unknown person so that they can "wipe away the debt". When Booker reaches Columbia, he is greeted with a glorious view of a highly advanced city floating high in the sky. Columbia is obviously a stark contrast to the original game's city of Rapture as it is full of life, wonder, and excitement.
Fireworks explode in the sky, robotic horses pull carriages around on stone streets while a crowd of people watch a show demonstrating the fantastic powers of the city's vigors during a city fair. The game's reality-bending gameplay is also teased early on as Booker hears pre-World War I renditions of songs that would not have been created yet. The city of Columbia creates an engrossing atmosphere that anyone can lose themselves in within minutes of arriving.
The combat this time around is more open and strategic and usually take place in arena-like environments as opposed to the claustrophobic corridor shootouts seen in previous games. Booker is given many strategic opportunities while fighting enemies through the use of the fantastical powers given by the vigors, the wide assortment of guns, and the increased mobility and verticality of the sky-line and sky-hook.
When Elizabeth is introduced, the combat gains another layer of variety as she is able to bring in cover, allies, weapons, and supplies to the battlefield through different "tears" in reality. Although combat in Infinite is improved through variety, it loses some of the unpredictability seen in previous games. Once Booker and Elizabeth enter a large environment with multiple tears scattered along the sides, it's easy to anticipate a battle to eventually transpire. Similar to previous games, the price of death is relatively small. The game as a whole is less difficult, but if players really want a challenge, the unlockable 1999 mode is sure to really test the dedicated.
Adding Elizabeth as an AI partner throughout the game gives Booker an incredibly useful ally. Infinite isn't just a huge escort mission. Instead, Elizabeth doesn't take damage and often supplies Booker with ammo, money, health, and vigors. She is also useful for discovering hidden items. The relationship between Booker and Elizabeth is the best and most interesting seen in a video game since Half-Life 2, and that relationship was completely one-sided. Whether they are discussing huge plot points or making conversation, it is fascinating to watch their stories unravel with the other at their side.
The greatest part of Bioshock Infinite is most definitely the story. It covers themes and topics that are almost unheard of in video games including race, class, religion, and xenophobia. Solving the mysteries behind Columbia, its leader, Comstock, Elizabeth, and Booker is an unforgettable experience. Many incredible moments occur during the fantastically written story. Although there are some similar plot points seen in previous Bioshock games, specifically the trouble with a supposed utopian city and its leader, their outcomes go beyond what anyone would expect. The very end is truly amazing and even caused me to audibly yell "No way!"
Bioshock Infinite pushes every facet of video games into brand new territory. Its characters, gameplay, imagery, atmosphere, and story are some of the best I have ever experienced. After playing Bioshock 2, I was almost convinced that it would be impossible for a Bioshock sequel to even come close to the original. Infinite exceeds the original and firmly establishes itself as one of the greatest games this generation has seen.
Final Verdict: 10/10
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