“BioShock Infinite” was officially released in 2013 (same year The Last of Us came out) on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It received universal acclaim from critics and gamers alike winning numerous awards. The game was later remastered on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Netflix announced they are working on a film adaptation of “BioShock” which is currently in pre-production. One more thing, “System Shock” is getting a remake. For those who don’t know this game influenced the BioShock series. I admit, I never played System Shock. When the remake comes out, I’ll give it a try.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m gonna let you in on a warning. Don’t expect this game as a lighthearted family-friendly musical like “The Music Man.” This game contains racist themes, because 1912 wasn’t a great time to be alive. Columbia’s American Dream might be wonderful on the outside, but on the inside, it’s taken over by a tyrannical xenophobic warlord with an exaggerated religious background. If you’re very sensitive to this controversial subject, it won’t be pleasant. If you wish to play, brace yourself. Is BioShock Infinite better than the first game or just pretentious? Let’s find out, shall we?
Good & Evil Aspects
Good: Troy Baker did an excellent job for his voiceover performance.
Ken Levine did an awesome job directing.
Graphics are incredibly breathtaking engaging players on an immersive journey to a patriotic floating city known as Columbia. As I’ve mentioned above, the time period and city is not a pleasant place to live.
Fun Fact: Christopher “Chris” Nolan’s brother Jonathan or Jonah for short, mentioned BioShock Infinite as a key influence of “Westworld.” Both Chris & Jonah are gamers.
Gameplay/Mechanics is presented as a first-person shooter retaining core elements from the last two games. So, here’s a list of changes.
Changes
- Booker is the first playable character with dialogue and an interesting background.
- Sky Hook allows you to traverse across the city via rail.
- Combat retains powers and weapons giving you different ways to beat foes. Sky Hook can also be used as a melee weapon.
- A wide variety of enemies replace splicers from the first two games. For instance, a Handyman take over a Big Daddy’s role as a mini-boss. They’re much tougher than ever.
- Weapon Wheel is omitted in favor of carrying two weapons. Not an issue, just raising the stakes to make the game a tad realistic.
- Plasmids are the equivalent to EVE granting you powers.
- Little Girls are not involved this is before Rapture was built. You can spend money on upgrading your powers and weapons.
- Collecting Voxs recorded by an individual expands Rapture’s mythology. You can also collect pieces of gear. Each one grants you a boost.
Chemistry between Booker & Elizabeth serves as the main highlight. As the story progresses, we learn about their backstories. Their interactions are more compelling than Will & Jaden Smith in “After Earth.”
A pair of twins play a crucial part of the game.
Elizabeth is never a pain in the rear she helps you lockpick new areas, gives you ammo/resources and open up portals like providing cover or summon turrets.
The game is influenced by Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” “Blue Velvet,” “Angel Heart” & “The Master.”
Whenever Elizabeth opens a portal, songs from a specific decade is played.
Primary Themes are Free Will, Patriotism, Religion, Racism, Loss, Choice, Consequence & Redemption. Each one is handled maturely without shoving most of them in your face.
A Plot Twist changes everything. When I first witnessed that jaw-dropping moment, I gasped.
Once you beat the game, a much harder difficulty setting labeled, “1999 Mode.” Unlike Easy, Medium or Hard, 1999 Mode never reverts the difficulty setting, enemies are stronger, navigation system is omitted, ammo and resources are scarce. You up for a challenge? If so, you’re gonna die over and over again.
I can’t tell you The Ending. It’s somewhat complicated and confusing at the same time.
A two-part DLC single-player titled, “Buried at Sea” takes place in an alternate universe set in Rapture where Booker is a private detective who’s hired by Elizabeth to investigate the disappearance of a little girl.
Evil: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Ken Levine and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless game as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
BioShock Infinite is without a doubt, the best (if not the best) game in the BioShock series. Like “Red Dead Redemption,” BioShock Infinite raises the bar for video games as an artform in the video game industry telling compelling stories with three-dimensional characters in manner of most screenwriters and filmmakers show their stories to movie goers not telling them out loud. If you haven’t played BioShock Infinite, it’s a must buy worth every penny. If a fourth installment of BioShock is in development, I’m open to see what’s in store for the series.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 