![]() ![]() Nearly every incidental character seems to have a unique line or conversation waiting to be uttered, and while there are likely to be some that pass you by, the ones that you catch can make all the difference and can influence how you choose to impact the world. Yet, some of the greatest moments are being a passive observer in Columbia and letting everything happen around you. It’s fascinating to watch the different factions that permeate the world, from the upper-class Columbians to the oppressed Vox Populi to the haunting Order of the Raven, who literally vilify Lincoln and consider him as Satan and John Wilkes Booth a martyr. Observing Columbia as a place that considers itself more American than America manages to send shivers down your spine, and also reminds you of the horrendous evils of the past as you’re forced to become a participant in this alternative view of history. Having a window into an ultra-nationalist version of early 20th century America is not only gorgeous to look at, but also subtly terrifying as the greater details begin to unravel and the evidence becomes clear that the Founders are far worse than just a century-old version of the Tea Party. Stylistically, there’s absolutely nothing like it, and it’s without a doubt the most beautiful game I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on.ĭetail seems to pour from every orifice, with the world seeping in an American Steampunk aesthetic that helps punctuate the influence of American Exceptionalism that permeates throughout the art style as well as the main themes of the story itself. Even the smallest moments are packed with love and dedication, and it’s hard not to fall in love with Columbia before the veneer begins to fade and the cracks start to show. The amount of detail is absurd, and yet I couldn’t help but stand and watch a hummingbird go about its business for a minute or two before forcing myself to continue and soak in the environment around me. Your first moments in the city of Columbia are absolutely breathtaking, and seeing the floating splendour in its prime rather than a civilisation in decay is one of the most visually arresting sights I’ve ever laid eyes on. One of the strongest cards in BioShock’s deck was the way that it built its world and slowly clued you in to the demise of the city of Rapture, and Infinite counters this with an opening that makes it clear it means to surpass the underwater shooter via every means possible. Luckily, and yet incredibly, Infinite’s opening managed to grasp me just as strongly as those first steps in the underwater city. Stepping into the world of Rapture for the first time was one of the most iconic moments of this generation, and it’d be remiss if Infinite’s introduction failed to deliver. Taking Comstock’s daughter back to New York turns out to be anything but simple, and before long DeWitt finds himself on the run as he is hunted down by Columbia’s law enforcement. Even before you enter the city proper, you’re forced to undergo a baptism to become part of their ultra-nationalist religion and accept Comstock as “the Prophet”, a title bestowed upon him thanks to his informed abilities to predict the future. The girl in question is Elizabeth, the daughter of Father Comstock, a man who used his religious piety to become the de-facto ruler of the city of Columbia, as well as the target of idolisation for its many inhabitants. After several delays and a relatively minor débâcle over its cover art, there finally comes BioShock Infinite – the sequel that takes the action out of the water and into the sky, aiming to usurp its predecessor as the King of the First Person Shooter, and if you come at the King, you best not miss.Ībandoning the city at the bottom of the ocean, BioShock Infinite takes to the skies as players are placed in the year 1912 and made to assume the role of one Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton detective in deep debt to the wrong people, and is thus forced to infiltrate Columbia with the instruction to “bring us the girl, and wipe away the debt”. Several years ruling over the genre saw many competitors, but while some shone bright and many faded away, none could match the pinnacle that was the original BioShock: none could match the incredible setting, none could match the creative and strategic combat, heck, none could even match the relatively black-and-white morality system. Combining incredible décor with cerebral shooting, an intelligent plot that few other first-person titles – even its own sequel – could hope to match and one of the most fascinating universes ever created all made for one of the greatest shooters ever. When BioShock first asked us to look beneath the waves and enter the world of Rapture, it was a sight seldom-seen by most, and for many it became one of the definitive games of this generation. ![]()
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