Sunday, 16 June 2013

Bioshock Infinate Review



"I couldn't stop playing!" - 9.8 / 10 -
 
You are Booker Dewitt and the year is 1912. Given an opportunity for redemption for all of the debts he accumulated, "Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt." Upon your travels, you will face storms, lighthouses, rich gardens, beaches, USA inspired buildings, factories, churches, floating cities, illusions... and more. Once you set foot into the floating city of Columbia; you will be ankle deep in a flooded church, surrounded by stain glass windows and an awful lot of candles. Upon passing this section of the game, you walk through vast areas of stunning, vibrant gardens with humming birds flying around you. At the end, you will find a door. Once you walk through, you eyes will be stunned to see the city of Columbia at it's best, families having picnics, hot dog carts and confetti, statues and banners everywhere to greet you. So my friends, that was the very beginning of the game and yet it was packed with much effort, CGI and character.

 

~ In game environments ~



The girl you are sent to retrieve, is a young 20 year old name Elizabeth who resides in Monument Island in the shape of an angel. Guarding this young woman, is "Songbird" a mechanical bird who serves as both warden and friend to Elizabeth. As a child, Elizabeth saw Songbird as a close friend and adored his company but as she grew up, she realised that Songbird was her jailer, refusing her need and curiosity for freedom. Little did she know, that she was being observed and tested on. Having never been outside or interacted with other people, Elizabeth is a free spirit with a some-what child like mind. But don't think of her as a typical pest you must guard closely. She can take care of herself in combat, she can throw you aid in battle, skyline alongside you, can decode various texts and messages, unpick locks and can open tears to use again your enemies.



So, what did I like about the game?

Well, I of-course enjoyed the combat including using vigours, guns or melee. Overall gameplay was a pleasure to experience. Elizabeth's usefulness adds a more interesting touch as there are many occasions where, playing any other game, your being ganged up on and desperately need aid or ammo. Thankfully there is such a person in this game, and it's a very welcomed edition to add. As we look closer, I adored the animations and "human" behaviour to Elizabeth. I believe they capture her character and emotion extremely well and I am very impressed with just this small thing within the game. When Elizabeth was happy, I believed her not just through her eyes but, mouth and eyebrow sincs also. I liked the "tribal" like music, adding a great sense of tension yet excitement through-out. A great concept of 1912 meets fantasy fair-ground theme. Other likeable areas include the "decisions" where you pick a necklace for Elizabeth etc, story, character, environments, music and audio etc. However; I wish we could have seen more of song bird as I believe he could have played a more longer role and I think the whole, you can only equip two weapons at a time thing abit strange, yet I understand that this is to make combat more balanced and not make the character over powered. One last thing, I wish we faced enemies that used more vigours during combat as this would make it more challenging and rewarding to the player.

Other than that guys, I believe this is one most anticipated games out this year! It has been a pleasure to play the game, definatly worth your investment and time. And I hope we see more Bioshock games in the future.


Elizabeth's Bird Necklace

You can buy Elizabeth's necklace!