Bioshock Infinite

- Reviewed on PS4 -

Bioshock Infinite released on March 26th, 2013.

Bioshock Infinite also released as a part of the Bioshock Collection bundle on September 13th, 2016.

This bundle, not only was my introduction to Bioshock Infinite, but also my first time experiencing the series all together, so I am forever grateful about this re-release. 

In all my years of playing games, I have not played a video game more times, over and over again, than Bioshock Infinite, as its story, characters, design, and pretty much everything there is to say about video games appealed to me in a huge way. 

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

Hearing the beginning sentences of the campaign, "Booker, are you afraid of god"? and then "No, but I'm afraid of you" gives me goosebumps every time I play the story over again, as my first time playing Bioshock Infinite has stuck with me because of how memorable every little thing is in this title. 

To start, Bioshock Infinite has you play as the main protagonist Booker DeWitt, voiced by one of my all time favorite voice actors, Troy Baker. 

Troy's portrayal of Booker DeWitt is outstanding and due to how much effort was put into this character, every newcomer to this title can feel all the emotions Booker (Troy) goes through, throughout Bioshock Infinite. 

The main plot of Bioshock Infinite is that (SPOILER) you (Booker) are traveling to a city in the sky, called Columbia to save a girl named Elizabeth Comstock. 

After you save Elizabeth from her captivity, she joins you throughout the rest of the (average) 11 hour campaign. 

The animations for characters, especially Elizabeth, are outstanding and so realistic, even for the era Bioshock Infinite released in (2013). 

The facial animations match with your actions and although Elizabeth doesn't fight alongside you, she does have a lot to offer as a side companion. 

She can throw you more ammo, more health, and even more salt, which in Bioshock Infinite, salt is the power resource in which Booker DeWitt (you) can use various vigor's. 

Vigors are the elemental powers you can use to defeat enemies, and get more coins from special events.

All the vigor's in Bioshock Infinite are...

    - Bucking Bronco
    - Charge
    - Devil's Kiss
    - Murder of Crows
    - Possession
    - Return to Sender
    - Shock Jockey
    - Undertow
    - Old Man Winter (DLC)
    - Peeping Tom (DLC)
    - Ironsides (DLC)

The enemies of Bioshock Infinite have a wide range of characteristics and powers. 

There are so many different kinds of enemies that you can / will fight including...

    - Citizens
    - Police
    - Soldiers
    - Gun Automatons
    - Rocket Automatons
    - Mosquitos
    - Security Zeppelins
    - Barrage Automatons
    - Handyman
    - Fireman 
    - Zealot of the Lady
    - Motorized Patriot
    - Beast
    - Siren
    - Boy of Silence 
    - Early Splicers (DLC)
    - Frosty Splicers (DLC)
    - Turrets (DLC)
    - Bouncers (DLC)
    - Ryan Security (DLC)

Combat in general is very unique and easy to master for experienced players and newcomers alike. 

The guns in Bioshock Infinite are somewhat realistic, as there are some real guns in the game (or at least inspired by real guns) to use in your weaponry. 

Then there are also crazy, out of this world guns to use like the Peppermill Crank Gun and the Pig Flak Volley Gun to name a few. 

My only gripe with the combat (guns) and this honestly is my only problem with the entire game, is that you can only hold two weapons at a time. 

Although I don't like this mechanic, I can understand why they did so because of game balancing. 

Music in this game matches with the date and time Bioshock Infinite runs in, that being 1912. 

If someone told me years ago (before playing Bioshock Infinite for the first time) that I would enjoy listening to music from 1964 and this would bring me nostalgia due to the game, I would've called them crazy, but here I am and every time I hear that old school menu music, I immediately get that feeling. 

The game world / plot is not open world, however Bioshock Infinite does a great job of utilizing different mechanics like Quests, and Collectibles to engage the player(s) in backtracking and stopping to find secret areas within Bioshock Infinite. 

Due to this, Bioshock Infinite doesn't need an open world (in my opinion) to "feel" big and lively, as there techniques of engaging the player makes you feel like your in an open world, floating city. 

Stopping to find secret areas and collectibles may be optional for the player(s) but I honestly think that if you really want the true gameplay / lore of Bioshock Infinite, then you absolutely should find the secrets, Bioshock Infinite has to offer. 

You can collect different audio recordings, gear pieces, upgrades to health (along with either shield or salt), videos, etc. 

The story of Bioshock Infinite is engaging beginning to end and has one of the most jaw dropping shocks (story wise) I have ever witnessed first hand (spoiler free). 

Pros: 

    - Unbelievable Story / Plot
    - Amazing Effort in Voice Acting 
    - Wide Variety of Weaponry, Enemies, Vigors, etc. 
    - Great Music to Match Time Period
    - Well Designed Animations
    - Great Graphics Throughout Game
    - Fun and Memorable DLC

Cons:

    - Only Two Weapons at a Time to Use

My Rating for Bioshock Infinite (on PS4):

5 / 5


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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.



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