Bioshock Infinite Rapid Review

Spoiler-free. Because you really should play it.

Bioshock Infinite (Xbox 360)

Also on: PS3, PC

Original Release Date: March 26, 2013

Developer: Irrational Games

Publisher: 2K Games

Type: Shooter

Modes: Single-player

DLC: Some (TBA)

Story Summary: In 1912, a man (player) must find/rescue/escort a mysterious girl with dimension-tearing powers out of a city in the sky. They are thwarted by the residents who exist in an ethnocentric, steampunk, hyper-religious version of American culture that breeds xenophobia and racism. And then the much-discussed ending everyone’s trying not to spoil.

Gameplay Summary: Linear rush through various sky city locations, shooting the city’s police and some armed citizens. Attack with guns, special powers called Vigors, or melee attacks. The player can also ride the sky rails very quickly and attack from the air. Story has little to no cutscenes, and is shown entirely from first-person perspective, for added immersion.

My Assessment:

Series Status Going In: Loved the first one

Main Story length: Medium

Extras/Sidequest Length: Short

Worth Replaying: Yes (you won’t be able to resist one)

Overall Difficulty: Medium

Story Assessment: Breathtakingly amazing and unforgettable. The whole game hinges on a flawlessly executed ending that throws players for a loop. It might be a little too complicated for its own good, but the majority of plot holes and inconsistencies can be solved.

Gameplay Assessment: Fast-paced gunslinging and action fills this frantic shooter with energy not usually seen in this genre. In the best escort mission ever, Elizabeth doesn’t need protecting and even throws supplies right when they’re needed. Sadly, the much-highlighted powers of the Vigors are uncreative, impractical, unhelpful, and rarely used. Exploration and looting get addictive.

High Point: The amazing ending

Low Point: Can only hold 2 guns at a time

Protip: Avoid upgrading Vigors

Overall: A milestone in the industry for using games to creatively tell a story. And what a story it is! The gameplay is great, fast, and fun, but there are balancing issues and underwhelming A.I. Its ending will make the game go down in history.

Final Thought: The two Luteces steal the show every time, which says a lot coming from such a great story. Heads or tails?