INTRODUCTION
In the galaxy of video games, “BioShock: Infinite” stands as a dazzling star for PC, X360, and PS3, sparkling in the shooter genre with its riveting narrative and layered gameplay. Originally codenamed Project Icarus, the game isn’t a continuation of its predecessors set in the underwater city of Rapture. Instead, it’s a spin-off, a vibrant new wing sprung from the mind of the creative wizards at Irrational Games; the same team lauded for masterpieces like BioShock and System Shock 2.
BEHIND THE STORY
Booker DeWitt, a Pinkerton Agency ex-detective, is tangled in an enthralling tale set in the early 1900s. Booker plunges into treacherous waters after losing his job due to a slip-up, taking up perilous, albeit well-compensated jobs. One such assignment catapults him into Columbia, an awe-inspiring airborne metropolis. Initially conceived as a tranquil project, Columbia has morphed into an intimidating flying fortress held hostage by an enigmatic group, with the world hanging in the balance. Your mission? Liberate a woman named Elizabeth, a task more complicated than threading a needle in a hurricane. The city’s leaders, who’ve incarcerated Elizabeth for a decade and a half, are ready to prolong her captivity. At the same time, the extremist military faction, Vox Populi, eyes her as their ticket to seize control of Columbia.
A RICH GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE
BioShock: Infinite offers its players an array of lethal armaments and supernatural abilities. Whether hurling thunderbolts at your adversaries, employing telekinesis to lift and fling objects, or summoning disabling ravens, the game ensures you’re never short of tricks. Our hero, the Booker, has gained a few nifty moves in his repertoire, but Elizabeth steals the show with her potent telekinetic talents and reality matrix tear manipulation. Consequently, she can summon objects from alternate dimensions, providing valuable assistance to Booker during combat.
EXPLOITING THE ENVIRONMENT
Columbia’s setting offers open arenas where the choice of weapon becomes critical. While battling the city’s human inhabitants and formidable foes like Big Daddies or the formidable mechanical guardian, Songbird, leveraging your surroundings is vital. The game’s advanced AI controls enemies who smartly exploit the environment, including the sky-rail network, a transport system linking various islands. Although the system is defunct, players can utilize wrist hooks to slide on stripes and traverse the islands. But beware, the foes are equally adept, often using the rails to sneak behind you. A slip at such speeds and altitudes would be catastrophic.
TECHNOLOGICAL PROWESS
The game’s technological aspect is another feather in its cap. BioShock: despite running on Unreal Engine 3, Infinite brings added finesse with an improved lighting system and advanced AI mechanics. This allows the AI characters to interact more realistically with the surrounding world, upping the stakes and further immersing players in this fantastical game universe.
FINAL THOUGHTS
BioShock: Infinite transcends the boundaries of what a gaming experience can offer, beautifully blending a complex narrative, engaging gameplay, and cutting-edge technology. The game challenges and captivates, whisking players on a ride where every decision, every move, and every strategy matters. Dive into BioShock: Infinite because the game’s name is Survival.
