$20 Game of the Week: Bioshock Infinite (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

Bioshock is the third (and likely final) entry in 2K/Irrational’s genre-bending FPS series. Infinite leaves the sunken dystopia of Rapture behind for the beautiful sky-island of Columbia. Players take control of former Pinkerton agent turned Private investigator Booker Dewitt as he infiltrates the island in search of a young woman with mysterious abilities. Of course the mission is anything but easy, as the island’s inhabitants and ruler Comstock exhibit the worst of early 20th century racism, sexism, and xenophobia. That’s not even mentioning the civil war taking place on the island and the nightmarish human/robotic amalgamations you’ll be doing battle with.

Bioshock Infinite retains the basic mechanics from the previous Bioshock games while at the same time introducing several newer mechanics that set the game apart from its predecessor. Namely, for the first time in the series, you can fight outside. A hook weapon even allows players to take to the skies in dizzying fast-paced combat. This helps open up new strategies when battling the game’s enemies. Speaking of which, you aren’t battling mindless splicers, but human soldiers who use tactics and strategy against you. When you retrieve Elizabeth, she becomes an asset, bringing Booker items such as health and ammo from time to time and opening up portals to help players in combat. For those wondering, the game doesn’t become an escort mission either, she can take care of herself, and you don’t have to worry about leaving her behind or getting her killed.

Of course since this is classic Bioshock, many of the old school mechanics are here too, just under different names. ‘Plasmids’ in this game are called ‘Vigors’, and they are powered by ‘salt’ rather than ‘eve’. When Booker runs out of HP, he is revived by Elizabeth rather than waking up in a revitalization chamber. Players can still up grade their weapons and abilities, and purchase ammo at vending machines (that they can hack). Of course, this wouldn’t be a Bioshock game without a mind blowing plot twist towards the end, and Infinite doesn’t disappoint.

Once you get finished with teh main game, you can check out Infinite’s three downloadable content packs: Clash in the Clouds is a survival mode game where you fend off waves of enemies, while Burial at Sea parts 1 and two take players back to Rapture, with part 2 putting players in the role of Elizabeth.

It’s a pity that Irrational Studios was disbanded. However, Bioshock Infinite and it’s DLC packs are a worthy conclusion for one of last generation’s biggest new franchises. Even if there is zero chance of seeing another Bioshock game, Infinite is the perfect final act for the saga and shouldn’t be missed by anyone.