Bioshock Infinite (PC/360/PS3) Preview

Introduction

I have no doubt that you’re aware of this upcoming game, but I also feel it’s deserving of its own preview. The Bioshock series, developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K Games, is critically acclaimed as one of the better better series out there. The first game was set in Rapture, an underwater dystopia that had gone mad, and the main character was a survivor that stumbled upon it by accident. Rapture was also featured in the second game, Bioshock 2, however, you played as a Plasmid test subject that strived to survive. Both of these games have set the stage for the third Bioshock, Bioshock Infinite. While it has not been released, we do know some juicy details about what it will entail.

 

Bioshock Infinite – Details/Gameplay

Unlike the two previous games, which took place underwater, in Rapture, Bioshock Infinite takes place in the sky, in a city named “Columbia.” Being set in 1912, the city is held up by dirigibles and has fallen away from society due to unknown reasons. Playing as Booker DeWitt, a former private detective, it is your job to find, save, and return Elizabeth. Problematically, she’s also being kept in the flying city. The city that was once the pride of America’s success, the “Traveling World’s Fair.” The city that has since disappeared and has frightening rumors surrounding its safety. Luckily, though, Booker has an idea of where to find it and is determined to do everything he can to save Elizabeth.

Bioshock Infinite's Cover

Bioshock Infinite’s Cover

Some major changes have been made when it comes to Bioshock Infinite: for one, it no longer focuses on the run-down, drug-riddled society that was present in Rapture. In Columbia, the extremes have been placed in another location: nationalism. More specifically, American nationalism–which is ever so obvious due to the staggering amount of American flags displayed in every which way. When this sort of extreme comes into play, ideals and opinions can get twisted throughout the process, because of this, Columbia has been deemed the “safe haven” for those that are “unwanted.” Somewhat taking into account the fact that America was built and perpetuated by the unwanted of other countries.

For those who truly enjoyed the presence of Plasmids and Gene Tonics, the style is still included within Infinite, but it has been slightly altered. Vigor, much like the Plasmids from the first two games, are the primary abilities one can gain throughout gameplay. Powered by Salt, an EVE-like substance, these powers will allow the player to combine their attacks and solve issues like never before. Speaking of which, the abilities have an alternate use, they can be placed as stationary traps–giving the player even more choices in style of combat. Then, there is the Gear, previously named Nostrums, which resembles the Gene Tonics from Bioshock 1 & 2.  Gear allows you to equip upgrades and passive abilities to the body, specifically, on the head, torso, arms, and legs. An important note to remember is that the Vigor and Gear you choose, is permanent.

Example of Gear

Example of Gear

While the main character of Bioshock Infinite is indeed Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth has a major role in the gameplay and course of the storyline. Once the player has found Elizabeth, she will accompany him/her at different points in time and augment abilities or produce a tear in the fabric of space and time–which allows her to create cover, produce ammo, or other objects of need. Elizabeth is the only person who can interact with these tears and bring them to the current plane of existence. You will not be able to control Elizabeth, but she does react to the current situation and helps where she can. When working with her, the player must be careful to not overburden her or it could risk her physical well-being and strength.

A Tear in Space and Time - Munitions

A Tear in Space and Time – Munitions

 

Bioshock Infinite – Release Date

The release date for Bioshock Infinite is currently set for March 26th, 2013, at the time of this article. That means that the release is in a fortnight. We hope to see your opinions on the game and how well it was crafted!

 

 

 

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