BioShock Infinite Announced

BioShock Infinite Announced

We love BioShock.  The world of Rapture is incredible.  But, what many feared was that the confines of a liquid universe would eventually become stale.

Enter Irrational Games’ latest: BioShock Infinite.

The game, taking place in 1912, precedes the world of Rapture by catapulting us into the stratosphere, literally.  Set in Columbia, a giant sky city, the game follows former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt as he must rescue Elizabeth, a girl trapped in the city.  Infinite will follow their relationship as it builds, and as the couple’s bond allows their “abilities” to form, merge and adapt.  The couple must escape from the city together, with DeWitt protecting Elizabeth along the way (a la Ico).

The game is set to capitalize on a lot of the action and suspense that the original BioShock brought forward, coupled with intriguing new weapons and abilities, “high speed air battles” along rail lines, and a setting which hasn’t been done in an FPS nearly as strikingly.  Steampunk style is everywhere, as the early 20th century brings with it the flavor of the Chicago Worlds Fair and the beginnings of American Imperialism to the dream of a floating city.  But, much like with Rapture, something goes terribly wrong.

In essence, it’s more BioShock, with the familiar tropes that the series brings with it, but in a new setting… But is that a bad thing?  I don’t necessarily think so.  The idea of bringing a fantastically fun FPS play mechanic to a new, equally exciting setting pings my interest-o-meter to extreme heights.

Yes, I’m excited.  And you should be, too.

2012 is suddenly my favorite year ever.