Known as theBioShockgame that split the fanbase on whether it was brilliant or that it tried too hard to be good,BioShock Infinitecertainly took players along for a ride. If the first game can be considered ambitious,Infinitehad a lot riding on its shoulders as it featuredan entirely new settingand departed from the themes and ideas of its predecessors.
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Dealing with new aspects regarding religion, quantum physics, and multiple dimensions,BioShock Infiniteis a game that requires players to take their time to piece together elements of the story in order to get a full understanding. Simply put, the game is no walk in the park. Although in-game ethical choices were removed, the game can still stand on its own within the trilogy.
6Columbia Is The Most Beautiful Setting
It’s no question that Columbia is the most stunning and incredible setting within theBioShocktrilogy. The introduction of Columbia itself is an incredible marvel as players blast through the sky and see what is essentially paradise on Earth.
The game cleverly subverts the original game by introducing players to a gorgeous setting and city that is in its prime. Players can interact with various citizens and all is bright compared to the dark and cramped environments of a decaying Rapture. The designers were also clever to utilize familiar elements like the lighthouse to retain some semblance with the original game. Of course, the ideal and beautiful image of Columbia is shattered soon after players arrive but that still doesn’t take away the impact the city has on players.
5It Introduced More Open And Fluid Combat
Though some fans may prefer the combat featured in the earlierBioShockgames,Infinitemanaged to open up the battle arenas and allow multiple approaches to combat. The addition of sky rails and tears added more fluidity and options in confrontations with the enemy, which is something that becomes very apparent on higher levels of difficulty.
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Enemies are also more varied within the game as players will go against regular mobs, as well as more challenging foes such as the Motorized Patriot, Zealot of the Lady, Fireman, and the dreaded Handyman.
4Best Dynamic Between Its Leading Characters
The relationship between Booker and Elizabeth is perhaps one of thebest things aboutBioShock Infinite.Booker’s confrontation with his past and realization that he isessentially fighting himselfcombined with Elizabeth’s growth and transformation throughout various parts of the story stand out and are excellently paced.
The game’s reveals and pivotal moments never override or disrupt the flow of gameplay, and as much as the storycan be confusing to some players,there is an incentive and desire to unravel the story and see it to its end. Troy Baker as Booker and Courtnee Draper as Elizabeth do a fantastic job voicing their characters.
3Elizabeth Is The Most Intricate Character In The Trilogy
It’s clear that the designers ofBioShock Infiniteputa lot of focus and attentionon Elizabeth and not just purely on her part in the story. Elizabeth as a companion feels alive and active as she interacts with the world around the player. Although she is remembered for scavenging weapons and ammo for Booker, Elizabeth pays attention to what’s around her.
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Many players will observe her covering her ears during combat earlier in the game or rush up to buy cotton candy.It can very entertainingto just simply observe what Elizabeth does during a level. Elizabeth’s growth is also quite noteworthy as her reactions to events and realizations around her fit her character and feel organic.
2Best Interaction With NPCs
Whilst most of the NPCs in the otherBioShockgames are deranged and murderous,Infinitelulls players into a false sense of welcome as they arrive in Columbia. The streets and shops arefilled with welcoming NPCsgoing about their day. This, of course, goes away, but it does help remind players that this is a living and breathing city and not just a backdrop for the narrative to take place.
The more notable sections that make the city come alive include the carnival in the introductory area of the game as well as the sanctum for the baptisms. Later on, players will wander through the resort to get a bit of a slice of life before the guns go blazing again. Though this may not seem significant, these aspects draw the player into a more believable and life-like world.
1The DLCs Reintroduced Players To A Rapture In Its Prime
TheBurial At SeaDLCs weren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but even the most critical fan can admit that seeing Rapture in its full glory was amazing (even if it wasn’t the entire thing). Seeing Rapture lit up with details such asthe Little Sistersfollowing a governess are nice touches to an already beloved setting.
Even better was getting reacquainted with fan-favorite characters such as Sander Cohen, Andrew Ryan, and Frank Fontaine in the flesh (and witnessing ‘poor’ Yi Suchong’s death live). Love it or hate it, the DLCs brought back a feeling of nostalgia that players didn’t even know they needed.
BioShock Infiniteis available on PC, PS3, and Xbox One. The game is also part ofBioShock: The Collection, which can be played on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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