5 stars out of 5
Bioshock Infinite (previously called Project Icarus during its development stage) is the third installment in a series of first person shooters released on all major platforms. What sets this title apart from its previous counterparts (and the rest of the video game industry for that matter) is that it received much backlash for it being such a societal culture shock. Ken Levine is the man who designed the latest Bioshock title and was inspired by events of the early 1900's and the recent "Occupy" movements. At first, I was reluctant to give this game a try because I normally don't get into first person shooters of any kind. After hearing great things about it, seeing all the favorable reviews (along with enthusiasm that accompanied them) and the "Winner of Over 80 Awards" that graces the back cover, I took my first step toward Bioshock: Infinite by buying it after playing the timed trial on Playstation Network.
The fabled floating metropolis of Columbia, 1912. Meet Booker DeWitt: a financially troubled private eye who was hired to find a mysterious, young girl by the name of Elizabeth and bring her back to New York to live a debt-free life. The theocratic city of Columbia is suspended in air and ruled by The Great Prophet, Z.H. Comstock who sends his minions against Booker - dubbed "The False Prophet." The player will experience visuals, music and historical tidbits (like the Boxer Rebellion, Wounded Knee and racial inequalities) of the early 1900's. Booker and Elizabeth find themselves battling relentless foes, navigating the city by way of Sky-Line, learning various combat abilities and even coming across Voxophones that are filled with audio diaries that unlock the mysteries of Columbia.
My first experience with Bioshock Infinite came when I first downloaded the timed trial from Playstation Network. I feared that it would be as lukewarm as the previous Bioshocks but like the open minded gamer that I am, I decided to give it a test run for free. I was immediately intrigued by the abstract characters and suspense you experience on your way to Columbia. When you do arrive in Columbia, you find yourself in the Welcome Center which introduces the player to the first visuals of the city: the Prophet Comstock, Lady Comstock and their daughter Elizabeth who is singing the 1908 hymnal, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". (This song in the beginning is my favorite part of the whole game.) After the timed trial expired, I purchased the game a few nights later during Game Stop's midnight release of Injustice.
Bioshock Infinite had such a profound impact on me as a person because it inspires me to take great leaps no matter how risky they are. Yes, the city of Columbia and its citizens aren't real but the time and effort it took to make them believable makes it real to me. I look forward to the release of the downloadable content when it comes out later this year, presumably. When all is said and done, Bioshock Infinite is full of wonders that cannot be found in any other video game I've played thus far. The ending was magnificent and though the game itself was not that difficult, there are modes directed toward gamers who appreciate a good challenge. The enemies and weapons are not exactly intricate but the plot and backstory make up for it.
We could all take away a thing or two about the release of Bioshock Infinite. The story, the music, the people, the places, the religious undertones, the lack of political correctness and the time it took to tie it all together is a rather bold undertaking but something that makes this title true to itself. If you are fascinated with religion, politics, history and gaming like I am, then this is the title for you. If we all took risks in our craft and were true to our passions like Levine was for Bioshock: Infinite, we would be more empowered to take those risks, make mistakes and discover that anything is achievable with a little bit of hard work and sacrifice. Take a look below and see what the buzz and the fun is about!
The fabled floating metropolis of Columbia, 1912. Meet Booker DeWitt: a financially troubled private eye who was hired to find a mysterious, young girl by the name of Elizabeth and bring her back to New York to live a debt-free life. The theocratic city of Columbia is suspended in air and ruled by The Great Prophet, Z.H. Comstock who sends his minions against Booker - dubbed "The False Prophet." The player will experience visuals, music and historical tidbits (like the Boxer Rebellion, Wounded Knee and racial inequalities) of the early 1900's. Booker and Elizabeth find themselves battling relentless foes, navigating the city by way of Sky-Line, learning various combat abilities and even coming across Voxophones that are filled with audio diaries that unlock the mysteries of Columbia.
My first experience with Bioshock Infinite came when I first downloaded the timed trial from Playstation Network. I feared that it would be as lukewarm as the previous Bioshocks but like the open minded gamer that I am, I decided to give it a test run for free. I was immediately intrigued by the abstract characters and suspense you experience on your way to Columbia. When you do arrive in Columbia, you find yourself in the Welcome Center which introduces the player to the first visuals of the city: the Prophet Comstock, Lady Comstock and their daughter Elizabeth who is singing the 1908 hymnal, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". (This song in the beginning is my favorite part of the whole game.) After the timed trial expired, I purchased the game a few nights later during Game Stop's midnight release of Injustice.
Bioshock Infinite had such a profound impact on me as a person because it inspires me to take great leaps no matter how risky they are. Yes, the city of Columbia and its citizens aren't real but the time and effort it took to make them believable makes it real to me. I look forward to the release of the downloadable content when it comes out later this year, presumably. When all is said and done, Bioshock Infinite is full of wonders that cannot be found in any other video game I've played thus far. The ending was magnificent and though the game itself was not that difficult, there are modes directed toward gamers who appreciate a good challenge. The enemies and weapons are not exactly intricate but the plot and backstory make up for it.
We could all take away a thing or two about the release of Bioshock Infinite. The story, the music, the people, the places, the religious undertones, the lack of political correctness and the time it took to tie it all together is a rather bold undertaking but something that makes this title true to itself. If you are fascinated with religion, politics, history and gaming like I am, then this is the title for you. If we all took risks in our craft and were true to our passions like Levine was for Bioshock: Infinite, we would be more empowered to take those risks, make mistakes and discover that anything is achievable with a little bit of hard work and sacrifice. Take a look below and see what the buzz and the fun is about!
