Bioshock Infinite
17.8 hrs on record
Set in Columbia, an impossible floating city comprised of a multitude of structures, Bioshock Infinite approaches a similar layout to the first game in the series-not taking into account the System Shock video games-and redefines it from a horror-based open-world story set in the underwater city of Rapture to a more linear swashbuckling adventure with intricate combat sequences as well as platforming elements. I understand that a lot of individuals who favored the first game did so because of very specific ideals-myself being one of them-but I must admit that Bioshock Infinite is still a solid, enjoyable experience; they are both special in their own ways, and should both be given a chance. You play as Booker Dewitt as he travels to said city of Columbia in search of a young woman, Elizabeth, whom he plans to hand over to wipe away a debt he owes; this results in an exciting tale of hardship and intense action.
Here are just a few of the features that I enjoyed about Bioshock Infinite:
Theme - I am not one to hold a ‘controversial’ theme to my heart because I understand completely that the developers had no intension of offending anyone, so whoever protests “racism” toward this title can listen to one of my favorite Eagles songs titled Get Over It. Most of Columbia’s history melds closely around issues similar to the Civil War, when African American citizens were identified as property, so Bioshock Infinite utilizes the concept of slavery to demonize the majority of citizens and ruling party throughout the game. Comstock chooses African Americans as a favored enemy-therefore receiving a bonus to all attack a damage rolls when facing against them in combat (Dungeons and Dragons joke, do not mind me)-and believes them to be an impure race; this, as well as religious affiliations, paints a majority of individuals within Columbia whom endlessly idolize Comstock as members of a blind faith, and believe him to be some sort of messiah. This hook (pun intended) is a twisted yet interesting one to exploit since the first Bioshock game also features few pseudohistorical references. Along with the cast of this game, the theme develops into quite a gripping tale unlike many.
Gameplay - The key feature that separates Infinite from other ‘Shock’ titles is the swashbuckling gameplay revolving around the Skyhook. With the ability to magnetize to hanging rails above, this new item allows the player to melee strike without the need to switch weapons, perform executions on damaged enemies, and even adds an element of platforming to the fray. Vigors reappear within Infinite’s story but modify play as an addition to combat such as in previous Bioshock titles. Fluid gameplay is also included in this installment, though players may only carry two weapons at a time; though this is one of the newer features to the ‘Shock’ games, it is also one which previous fanatics did not enjoy due to it too closely resembling a modern first person shooter title while also shying away from the first game. Overall, despite its minor setbacks in its combat system, Bioshock Infinite’s gameplay blends very well with story elements and sequences.
(Partially) Open World - Though certain sections are closed off after specific story progressions, Bioshock Infinite permits the player to backtrack through previous segments to loot silver dollars-the currency in this title-, health and salt boosts, and to finish side quests, which generally direct players off-route in order to gain other helpful advances. This system is just open enough to fit the swashbuckling style without sacrificing story elements.
Clothing/Perk System - Within the numerous actions Booker Dewitt can perform are an array of combination attacks and tactics; however, a player may become too accustomed to one set of combat maneuvers to attempt any of the other functions of the games such as the Skyhook’s flying melee attack. This is where the clothing system comes into play. Clothing acts as a perk or upgrade system since various actions-such as said Skyhook drop-can be modified to obtain additional effects. For example, there is an article of clothing that grants all of the player’s melee attacks chained electrical damage as well as the base melee damage, which would entice players to attempt using melee attacks more frequently. This system, though, could be considered a double-edged blade as it may also provoke players to adopt new strategies or cause them to become dependent on a specific set of upgrades and, subsequently, actions; either way, it is an interesting concept.
1999 Mode - Unlocked after completing the game’s campaign at least once, 1999 mode offers a challenge to players that seek it. In this mode, players take increased damage from enemy attacks and the respawn system is dramatically altered in that you lose one hundred silver dollars when you die. Not being able to pay this fee upon death means losing all progress in the current save slot. This offers a fun and challenging experience to those that believe they have mastered this game and wish to juggle expenses between vending machines and life itself.
TL:DR - It is difficult to say what has already been said about this award-winning title. Bioshock Infinite blends well with the gameplay of its predecessors while also retaining some original elements, as well as telling an outstanding story packed with intense action, twists, and sorrow. Infinite is certainly a title to explore if you have not done so, prior fanatic to the series or not. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted September 5, 2015. Last edited May 1, 2018.
Set in Columbia, an impossible floating city comprised of a multitude of structures, Bioshock Infinite approaches a similar layout to the first game in the series-not taking into account the System Shock video games-and redefines it from a horror-based open-world story set in the underwater city of Rapture to a more linear swashbuckling adventure with intricate combat sequences as well as platforming elements. I understand that a lot of individuals who favored the first game did so because of very specific ideals-myself being one of them-but I must admit that Bioshock Infinite is still a solid, enjoyable experience; they are both special in their own ways, and should both be given a chance. You play as Booker Dewitt as he travels to said city of Columbia in search of a young woman, Elizabeth, whom he plans to hand over to wipe away a debt he owes; this results in an exciting tale of hardship and intense action.
Here are just a few of the features that I enjoyed about Bioshock Infinite:
Theme - I am not one to hold a ‘controversial’ theme to my heart because I understand completely that the developers had no intension of offending anyone, so whoever protests “racism” toward this title can listen to one of my favorite Eagles songs titled Get Over It. Most of Columbia’s history melds closely around issues similar to the Civil War, when African American citizens were identified as property, so Bioshock Infinite utilizes the concept of slavery to demonize the majority of citizens and ruling party throughout the game. Comstock chooses African Americans as a favored enemy-therefore receiving a bonus to all attack a damage rolls when facing against them in combat (Dungeons and Dragons joke, do not mind me)-and believes them to be an impure race; this, as well as religious affiliations, paints a majority of individuals within Columbia whom endlessly idolize Comstock as members of a blind faith, and believe him to be some sort of messiah. This hook (pun intended) is a twisted yet interesting one to exploit since the first Bioshock game also features few pseudohistorical references. Along with the cast of this game, the theme develops into quite a gripping tale unlike many.
Gameplay - The key feature that separates Infinite from other ‘Shock’ titles is the swashbuckling gameplay revolving around the Skyhook. With the ability to magnetize to hanging rails above, this new item allows the player to melee strike without the need to switch weapons, perform executions on damaged enemies, and even adds an element of platforming to the fray. Vigors reappear within Infinite’s story but modify play as an addition to combat such as in previous Bioshock titles. Fluid gameplay is also included in this installment, though players may only carry two weapons at a time; though this is one of the newer features to the ‘Shock’ games, it is also one which previous fanatics did not enjoy due to it too closely resembling a modern first person shooter title while also shying away from the first game. Overall, despite its minor setbacks in its combat system, Bioshock Infinite’s gameplay blends very well with story elements and sequences.
(Partially) Open World - Though certain sections are closed off after specific story progressions, Bioshock Infinite permits the player to backtrack through previous segments to loot silver dollars-the currency in this title-, health and salt boosts, and to finish side quests, which generally direct players off-route in order to gain other helpful advances. This system is just open enough to fit the swashbuckling style without sacrificing story elements.
Clothing/Perk System - Within the numerous actions Booker Dewitt can perform are an array of combination attacks and tactics; however, a player may become too accustomed to one set of combat maneuvers to attempt any of the other functions of the games such as the Skyhook’s flying melee attack. This is where the clothing system comes into play. Clothing acts as a perk or upgrade system since various actions-such as said Skyhook drop-can be modified to obtain additional effects. For example, there is an article of clothing that grants all of the player’s melee attacks chained electrical damage as well as the base melee damage, which would entice players to attempt using melee attacks more frequently. This system, though, could be considered a double-edged blade as it may also provoke players to adopt new strategies or cause them to become dependent on a specific set of upgrades and, subsequently, actions; either way, it is an interesting concept.
1999 Mode - Unlocked after completing the game’s campaign at least once, 1999 mode offers a challenge to players that seek it. In this mode, players take increased damage from enemy attacks and the respawn system is dramatically altered in that you lose one hundred silver dollars when you die. Not being able to pay this fee upon death means losing all progress in the current save slot. This offers a fun and challenging experience to those that believe they have mastered this game and wish to juggle expenses between vending machines and life itself.
TL:DR - It is difficult to say what has already been said about this award-winning title. Bioshock Infinite blends well with the gameplay of its predecessors while also retaining some original elements, as well as telling an outstanding story packed with intense action, twists, and sorrow. Infinite is certainly a title to explore if you have not done so, prior fanatic to the series or not. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted September 5, 2015. Last edited May 1, 2018.
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