BioShock Infinite

UPC: 710425319495

Platform: IBM PC Compatible

Publisher: 2K Games

Developer: Irrational Games

Category: Shooter

Style(s): First-Person Shooter

Synopsis: An immense city in the sky is the setting for BioShock Infinite, developer Irrational Games' follow-up to 2008's atmospheric first-person shooter. Ex-Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt is sent on a mission to rescue a young woman named Elizabeth in the year 1911. She is caught in the middle of a violent conflict between two factions, the Founders and Vox Populi, as the floating city of Columbia begins to crumble and collapse under the stress of war. Players will guide DeWitt in his attempt to free Elizabeth and escape the city before it is destroyed. Along the way you'll engage soldiers in combat on land and in the air, traveling from location to location on a roller coaster-like network of rails called Sky-Lines. Elizabeth serves as a powerful ally, augmenting DeWitt's abilities as they work together to survive. Dozens of weapons and powers will become accessible as you advance through the game, allowing for new ways to engage the hostile factions that are desperately trying to stop you. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 12-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Keyboard, Mouse

As with the original BioShock, developer Irrational Games' anticipated sequel is a highly atmospheric, emotionally engaging experience that trades underwater art deco for suspended steampunk. While the gameplay is entertaining, it's the setting and story that sets Infinite apart from other first-person shooters. The city of Columbia is not quite like anything you've previously seen in a video game, with an art direction that's a mix of historical, mechanical, and fantastical. The storyline finds protagonist Booker DeWitt, a down-on-his luck gambler, attempting to wipe his debt clean by finding a young woman named Elizabeth, who is held captive somewhere within a whirring, sputtering city in the clouds. The game's structure rarely deviates from an "explore, combat, explore, combat" approach, but the environment is so fascinating you likely won't care. The game is linear, but with enough open space to make it feel less claustrophobic than other first-person shooters. You'll advance to different areas of Columbia, briefly explore adjacent areas to replenish supplies, and then take out groups of foes who periodically spring forth from airships or nearby rooms. When you find Elizabeth, she will become a computer-controlled partner who basically stays out of the way during combat and will toss you extra ammo, money, or health packs found in the immediate vicinity. Out of combat, she can be used to open sealed doors or safes, as long as you have the requisite number of lock picks. The action often has you thinking on your feet. The AI is a cut above traditional shooters, with enemies that won't just stay in one spot -- some will attempt to flank you, others will rush straight toward you, and more heavy hitters, such as the motorized "patriots" (who look like wind-up versions of George Washington), slowly advance while firing massive chain guns. You can only carry two guns at a time, and since ammo can be scarce, there are times when you'll need to drop what you're carrying to pick up another gun. You'll also be able to channel magical powers called vigors, which are similar in concept to the original BioShock's plasmids. There are eight different vigors in total, gradually unlocked as you progress, which allow you to hurl balls of fire, zap foes with electricity, call forth a murder of crows, and more. You can augment these powers at vending stations, for a fee, and each vigor has a secondary "trap" version that can be placed on the ground. Vigors are powered by salts, which are replenished by eating certain types of food and drink found in your travels. Other features that make enemy encounters interesting include "tears" and rails. Most combat areas have "tears" or temporal rifts that allow you to instantly activate a wall for cover, summon a bin of health kits, place a stationary turret, and more. Since only one tear can be activated at a time (with Elizabeth's help), this ties into the dynamic nature of combat, where you'll need to think on the fly in order to survive. Outdoor areas let you use a grappling hook-like device to ride the city's monorail system, allowing you to quickly move from building to building and drop down on enemies at any time. Still, some may find that things have been a bit too simplified when compared to the original BioShock. There is no real inventory to manage, navigation basically involves following an arrow to your objective, there is little character development or personalization, and there are no real decisions to make that will shape the narrative. There are no bonus objectives to complete, for example, and combat is always approached in the same manner: unlike Dishonored, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, or Hitman, there aren't ways to use stealth if you want, as everyone is gunning for you from the start. You also don't have to use your complement of powers to solve any environmental puzzles, which is a shame. In fact, other than scavenging for supplies and opening locked doors, there's not much interaction within the environment at all. Though you will encounter numerous pedestrians early on, you can't speak with them, and you can't even converse with Elizabeth directly. Instead, she will automatically comment on things she sees when entering a new room or area, and then stay largely quiet. While it's nice that you don't have to protect her in combat -- which could have been frustrating -- a few team-up moves or cooperative aspects would have been welcome. While BioShock Infinite's limitations may frustrate some players, the anachronistic setting is nonetheless fascinating. Columbia has its own sense of history, and the game explores themes such as religion, propaganda, racial and social inequality, fear appeals, war, and power. Each area you'll explore offers clues and additional information about the people behind the city, and the multidimensional aspect of the storyline introduces new wrinkles that will keep you guessing until the very end. Most games are about the journey rather than the destination, but BioShock Infinite's destination is so satisfying that it changes the way you'll reflect on the 10 to 15 hours you've spent working toward your goal. The conclusion is so thought-provoking that it makes you want to start the game over again to see all of the details you might have missed or glossed over while playing for the first time. From the art design and soundtrack to the story and characters, BioShock Infinite is an unforgettable adventure that's every bit as electrifying as the original. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Keyboard, Mouse.