Game review: Bioshock Infinite

I mean, yeah, many games have captured me by their superb hi-octane set pieces, expertly put together cinematics and gameplay to die for, but games that have gripped me and sucked me in are few and far between.

Well Irrational Games and 2K Games have done exactly this thanks to their gaming masterpiece, Bioshock Infinite.

It has to be said that this game is so expertly crafted both setting wise and gameplay wise that even the most critical of video games reviewers will find it hard to pick their jaw up off the ground.

Set in 1921, we take on the role of former Pinkerton agent, Booker Dewitt who has been given a daring task of rescuing a young woman named Elizabeth from the floating air-city situated high above the clouds named Columbia.

When Booker arrives, he soon finds out that the city is torn between two factions, the nativists and the Elite who are fighting to keep Colombia a law-abiding city whilst the Nativists are fighting for freedom of common folks.

Due to the intensity of the two factions colliding, rescuing Elizabeth is no easy task, especially as she seems to possess extraordinary power that Colombia’s founder, Comstock won’t give up easily.

Of course, there is a lot more to the story and to be frank it is seriously engaging thanks to the fantastic voice acting and excellently written dialogue.

Booker is an ideal tough guy perfect for the protagonist role and Elizabeth is a beautiful character that really makes you care for her, but she can certainly handle her own.

Bioshock Infinite is a first person shooter and is the third game in the Bioshock series and players who have played the first Bioshock will find similarities throughout, but they are subtle ones.

Shortly after arriving to Colombia, Booker retrieves the power to use Vigors which are similar to the Plasmids from the first game and can give you special powers such as summoning a flock of evil crows to kill and subdue opponents and throw fire bombs to name a few.

The shooting mechanic has been perfected and killing enemies feels beastly thanks to the array of weapons that feel like they kick like a government mule!

The coolest feature in Bioshock Infinite is the new way of getting around in the form of the Skyline which is essentially a rail system connecting each island to make up the city. Let me tell you, these things are fantastic and breath-taking to use and some of the scripted key moments involving them are simply stunning to behold.

It’s like a 35,000 foot high rollercoaster that you won’t ever want to get off.

Of course, using the Skyline opens up the skill to take enemies out from the air and pull off extremely slick looking air executions with the aid of a spinning blade weapon Booker finds at the beginning.

Of course, Vigor power, health and armour are replenished by pickups littering the game and some of which can permanently enhance them. Also the ability to change Bookers gear has been added to Infinite which give him special perks that act as passive abilities.

Bioshock Infinite looks stunning from the first ride up to the beautiful city of Colombia to the onslaught of jaw-dropping Skyline rides with the assistance of sights that will make your eyes water.

Every building is a floating wonder with Zeppelins and blimps littering the skies around you. It’s a serious sight to behold, however. If you get motion sick or hate heights then I suggest you steer clear as this world is scarily believable. Colombia’s streets are full of things going on with fairs and shows as well as a beautiful beach, however it also has its creepy chapels and intimidating looking gigantic statues.

There is the occasional frame rate drop here and there but this is easily overlooked as it’s not an often occurrence.

It’s hard to fault Bioshock Infinites sights and sounds as it succeeds in keeping the gripping nature of the world its set in and it’s even harder to fault its top class gameplay too.

Summary

Irrational Games and 2K Games have created a monster of a game that wears the epic badge proudly. The story is one hard to forget which walks hand in hand with the outstanding gameplay and any player will be gripped from the start.

Colombia is a delightful break from the underwater city of Rapture featured in the previous games and capitalises on delivering breath taking views spanning hundreds of miles from thousands of feet above the ground. I can’t sing about this game enough, play it and you will quickly see why.

Bioshock Infinite

Developer: Irrational Games

Publisher: 2K Games

Xbox 360®

Playstation 3®

Genre: FPS

Release Date: 26th March 2013

Story – 5/5

Graphics – 5/5

Gameplay – 5/5

Overall – 5/5