PGC NEWS

From childhood dreams of flight to the reality of air travel, the human fascination with the sky has persisted for generations. BioShock Infinite, a masterpiece from Irrational Games, taps into this fascination, transporting players to the breathtaking floating city of Columbia. This review explores the game’s stunning visuals, innovative combat system, and enthralling, multi-layered narrative, while also addressing some of its shortcomings.

alt text: A view of the city of Columbia, showing its architecture and the sky-lines

Columbia: A City in the Clouds

Unlike the underwater city of Rapture in previous BioShock games, Infinite introduces players to Columbia, a city suspended amidst the clouds. Stepping into Columbia is a sensory overload, with dazzling light and stunning architecture inspired by early 20th-century America. From cobblestone streets illuminated by gas lamps to bustling theaters and parks, the city exudes an old-world charm. The pervasive golden hues, complemented by the strains of violin music, create a cinematic atmosphere. Irrational Games masterfully captures the aesthetic of the era, extending to the character designs and clothing.

alt text: Booker DeWitt using the sky-hook to traverse the sky-lines of Columbia

Columbia’s beauty, however, masks a darker reality. Beneath the veneer of prosperity lies a city riddled with corruption and social unrest. Founded and ruled by the charismatic but tyrannical Zachary Hale Comstock, Columbia harbors deep-seated political and cultural conflicts. This conflict becomes a central theme as the narrative unfolds, adding depth and intrigue to the player’s journey.

Innovative Combat and Traversal

The Sky-Hook, a grappling device, introduces a dynamic element to both traversal and combat. Players can swiftly navigate the city’s intricate Sky-Line rail system, engaging in exhilarating chases and aerial combat. The Sky-Hook also functions as a brutal melee weapon, allowing for dramatic takedowns.

alt text: Booker DeWitt engaging in combat using a firearm and Vigors

Protagonist Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton agent, is a skilled combatant. He wields a variety of period-specific firearms in intense firefights against a diverse array of enemies, from standard police forces to robotic foes and mutated Handymen. The combat system is further enhanced by Vigors, supernatural powers reminiscent of the Plasmids from previous BioShock games. These Vigors, ranging from fiery Devil’s Kiss to the crow-summoning Murder of Crows, provide tactical options and add a layer of spectacle to the combat encounters. Both Vigors and weapons can be upgraded, adding further depth to the gameplay.

alt text: Booker DeWitt using the sky-hook in combat against a Handyman

A Multi-Layered Narrative

BioShock Infinite’s story revolves around Booker’s mission to retrieve Elizabeth, Comstock’s imprisoned daughter, from Columbia. Their journey is fraught with peril, pursued by the formidable Songbird, a robotic guardian. As they navigate the city’s political turmoil, their relationship evolves, moving beyond the typical “damsel in distress” trope. Elizabeth’s presence is integral to the gameplay, assisting Booker with lockpicking, scavenging, and even manipulating tears in reality.

alt text: Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth interacting in BioShock Infinite

The narrative is rich with symbolism, particularly the recurring motif of birds and cages, mirroring Elizabeth’s confinement and desire for freedom. The game explores themes of choice, destiny, and the consequences of unchecked power. The concept of alternate realities plays a significant role, adding complexity and intrigue to the story. The ending, ambiguous yet thought-provoking, leaves players pondering the true nature of reality and the interconnectedness of events.

alt text: Elizabeth, showing her detailed character model and facial expressions

Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, BioShock Infinite suffers from some weaknesses. The combat, while visually impressive, lacks the challenge of other shooters. The abundance of resources, including health and ammunition, diminishes the need for strategic planning. The Sky-Line system, while innovative, can be disorienting. Finally, the departure from the horror elements of previous BioShock games may disappoint some fans.

Conclusion

BioShock Infinite is a visually stunning and narratively compelling game. While its combat may not be the most challenging, its innovative gameplay mechanics and thought-provoking story make it a memorable experience. The game’s exploration of complex themes and its memorable characters elevate it beyond a simple shooter, offering players a journey into a world both beautiful and disturbing.