Bioshock Infinite

[FearedSanctity]

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It has been nearly three years since Irrational Games released BioShock, a critical darling and a financial success. Somehow, designer Ken Levine and his team have managed to keep their new project under wraps until now. The mystery ends today, with the unveiling of BioShock Infinite. Set in 1912 (making it a prequel!), Infinite will look unlike anything you'd expect from a BioShock game.

Curious to see? Watch the debut CG trailer after the break, and feel free to peruse the first ever screenshots in our gallery. If you're hankering for more coverage, check out our interview with Ken Levine, and find out how the game works in our preview.

The City of Columbia
"I can't talk about this game without talking about the city of Columbia," Levine begins. Much like System Shock 2's Von Braun ship or BioShock's underwater city of Rapture, BioShock Infinite's Columbia, a fantastical city-in-the-sky, is front and center.

"This is like the Apollo project of 1900," he says. Like the 1960's space program, Columbia is a testament to American ingenuity, technology, ideals and, yes, strength. Levine points out that the America of the 1880s was an agrarian society, still reeling from the devastating effects of the Civil War. Just 20 years later, with the Industrial Revolution in full swing, the national landscape was fundamentally changed. "You go from people with cows and outhouses and growing wheat in fields, to having radios and cars and movie stars, and all these incredible things," Levine later told Joystiq. "It's almost as if they felt a city was suddenly floating in the sky. That's how much the world had changed." And so they build a city floating in the sky, a literal metaphor for the country's rapid ascent on the world stage. But it's not as well-intentioned as it may seem. "Columbia is a Death Star."

The Black Ships
In 1854, American Commodore Matthew Perry brought four gunships into the waters just off Japan. The presentation of American naval might and technological superiority was instrumental in opening Japan up to American trade. I bring up that example from history because the story of Columbia, and the context that Levine places it in, is very much about gunboat diplomacy.

"This isn't a game about history. This is a game set in the context of history," Levine said. Though turn-of-the-century America was transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse, there was one thing it couldn't manufacture more of. "We needed markets," he said. And like Perry's Black Ships, Columbia can be seen as both a vehicle for trade but also a means of gunboat diplomacy. Trade ... or else. To give us an example of that "context of history," Levine read the following passage from President William McKinley discussing the annexation of the Phillippines:
I walked the floor of the White House night after night until midnight; and I am not ashamed to tell you, gentlemen, that I went down on my knees and prayed Almighty God for light and guidance more than one night. And one night late it came to me this way-I don't know how it was, but it came: (1) That we could not give them back to Spain-that would be cowardly and dishonorable; (2) that we could not turn them over to France and Germany-our commercial rivals in the Orient-that would be bad business and discreditable; (3) that we could not leave them to themselves-they were unfit for self-government-and they would soon have anarchy and misrule over there worse than Spain's was; and (4) that there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them, and by God's grace do the very best we could by them, as our fellow-men for whom Christ also died. And then I went to bed, and went to sleep.

Fin de siècle first-person shooter
While context and setting have everything to do with BioShock Infinite's elaborate setting, and like Levine we couldn't talk about the game without first giving Columbia its due, there was more to last night's presentation than context. Actually, there's a lot more. "The notion of American exceptionalism [in the game], that didn't even exist until six or eight months ago," Levine told us after the demonstration. Like BioShock before it, the philosophical underpinnings of Infinite haven't been static over the last three years. But what has: It's a first-person shooter, very much in the vein of other "shock" titles.

In BioShock Infinite, "you're not an unknown cipher. You're Booker DeWitt, a disgraced Pinkerton agent" and your office, if you can call it that, is in a room above a bar. You're a fixer given a job: Find a woman named Elizabeth. Here's the catch: Finding Elizabeth isn't the problem, she's in Columbia ... but "nobody knows where Columbia is," Levine says. It went missing a decade ago. When our gameplay demo starts, the hero is on a cobblestone street. A poster with George Washington reads "It is our holy duty to guard against the foreign hordes." A horse-drawn carriage comes down the street, the wheel missing on one side, its axle sparking against the stone. A stream of (presumably foul) water runs along the edge of the street. As DeWitt passes the cart, you can see it's plastered in pamphlets. The message: This is a place of great political and ideological rhetoric.

As you enter into an open square of sorts, you can see things are a little ... off. A woman sweeps her stoop while the house behind her burns. An enormous statue looms over you, holding an American flag. There's a dead horse on the ground. While things look pretty bleak, Levine tells us "this is not a city that's as devolved as Rapture." It's not all Splicers everywhere, itching to attack anything without a bunny mask on.



As DeWitt turns towards a pavilion, you see the vista of other floating buildings. This is Columbia. There's a man on the ground feeding crows. There are sounds of prosetlyzation coming from loudspeakers, and you read four signs: They'll take your gun; They'll take your wife; They'll take your business; They'll take your life. Mixed in are signs for one Mr. Saltonstall, a political candidate, and ostensibly the same man in the pavilion. As you approach, there's a barrel full of guns with a sign above it reading "Patriots, arm thyself!" Well, don't mind if we do ... this scoped sniper rifle oughta do nicely.

As you take the gun, which now satisfies the familiar first-person framework in the lower right corner, Saltonstall turns to you, his eyes glowing. He commands Charles – evidently the man with the birds – to attack. Charles, and his feathered friends, are only too happy to oblige. A swarm of crows flies towards the screen. While Saltonstall hooks onto a winding track connecting various floating sections of Columbia, zipping away, DeWitt takes down Charles, sending him over the edge. Looking over, he's dead on a platform below. Using some telekinetic powers, DeWitt pulls a bottle shaped like a crow towards him and he does what any good video game character would do with a strange bottle found on a dead man on a floating city that's gone missing: he drinks it. Unsurprisingly, that leads to a vision of a bloody crow.



"FIRE!"
You hear the charge in the distance and, as the buildings move and float all around you, you can just make out a cannon before seeing the arc of fire coming from it. Using the scope on the sniper rifle, you can see Saltonstall directing men to fire upon you. Another massive fireball heads in your direction. Using the same hook device that Saltonstall did, DeWitt engages the zipline and makes his way across the open sky to the other section of the city. An enemy climbs on and heads in your direction and you've got a joust, happening far above the ground, traveling at 60mph. A well placed hit from a wrench and the enemy goes flying.

Upon landing, DeWitt evades some cannon fire and enters a bar to take cover. The patrons turn to look and, for a second, things seem to be quiet. A painting on the wall appears to shimmer and then you're hit. A splatter of blood strikes the edge of the screen. Turning around, one of the bartenders is holding a shotgun. DeWitt grabs it using that handy telekinesis, turns it around in midair, and remotely pulls the trigger. Then he uses his "murder of crows" ability – thanks mysterious bottle – to enable his escape. Exiting the bar, the cannon turns, fires a shot, only to have the shell plucked out of the air – shotgun-style – turned against it. Fleeing on foot, DeWitt uses an electricity attack to take care of a large group of attackers – Levine tells us later you "can fight fifteen enemies at once" as opposed to BioShock's "one or two guys in a corridor."

Luckily, Elizabeth makes her appearance here ... did we mention she's "incredibly powerful" before? Well, she is and she uses one of those powers now to make a raincloud. Do you see where this is going. DeWitt uses his lightning attack and – zap! – the lot of them are electrocuted. You take cover behind a pile of scrap metal while another group attacks. Elizabeth uses her power to assemble a giant metal ball of scrap before commanding DeWitt to grab it. One telekinetic throw later and another batch of baddies have been dispatched. But now, whatever that thing with the giant hands and the floating heart that we saw in the trailer is – which Levine told us wasn't what we thought it was – is back. You can see it has a face – complete with old-timey hair parted right down the middle. It lands, conveniently, on a bridge which Elizabeth immediately gets to work on dismantling. Again, working together DeWitt telekinetically fires an explosive at the structural component she's been working on and the giant monster falls. DeWitt asks, "That's the one that was chasing you, right?" "No, that wasn't him. That wasn't him," she answers just as a massive bird lands on (and summarily trashes) a building behind them. "That's him!"

The Stage Show
At this point, the demo is over, Ken thanks us for coming, and a series of releases are triggered dropping the black curtain lining the room we're in. The large arches on the surrounding walls have been filled with images of the floating city, the screen in front of us is filled with more political paraphernalia and, thanks to an awkward failure to launch, the rear curtain remained in place. Behind it were old-timey hot dogs (Ken later tells us he's low-rent when it comes to food) and carnival midway games, with stuffed animal prizes. We leave to prepare for our interview and wrap our heads around everything we just saw. After all, it's not every day you find the ideas of Imperialism, American exceptionalism, and lengthy quotes from 19th century Presidents in your video game press events. We gather our confiscated electronics, and are whisked through the Plaza Hotel – a luxurious monument to American exceptionalism, built in 1907 right against New York City's Central Park. It's not floating in the sky but – especially with the air of political corruption and mystery, thanks to the party and the protesters – it's a suitable stand-in for Columbia,

[Fignuts]

Still havn't played Bioshock 2.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Still havn't played Bioshock 2.

Don't bother.

Was going to come in and say fuck this, but a prequel by the deva of he original? Yes please.

[BigDaddyCool]

I haven't played bioshock 1.

[Kalyx triaD]

I approve.

[Fignuts]

Bioshock 2 wasn't made by the same people?

[Majunior]

Gamestop had a big sale going on a week or so ago. I picked up Fallout 3 GotY edition and Fable 2 for like $76 after tax. Considering I expected to pay about $65 for Fallout, Getting Bioshock 2 for about $11 made it worth it.

And someday, I'll get around to playing it. And by "playing it," I of course mean "looking at the beautiful underwater city."

[Extreme Angle]

Awesome, Love Bioshock...
There's single player DLC coming out for the second soon.

[Ermaximus]

I just don't understand how and why they are going farther back in time and the fact that they are leaving the underwater city of Rapture for a city in the sky.

I mean, yes I love the Bioshock series, but the timeline in this game is getting to be as fucked as the Devil May Cry timeline.

[XCaliber]

As much as liked Rapture it's best for the series to take this new direction but why they had to make it a prequel is beyond me sure it for the story it makes sense but the premise is less believeable than the original.

[alvarado52]

How is a floating city less believable than an entire city submerged at the bottom of the ocean?

[Mike the Metal Ed]

BOOKER DEWITT.

[Snowden]

I haven't played bioshock 1.

Dude, get on that, absolutely amazing game.

And I'm incredibly stoked about Infinite. The original is one of my favorite games of all time, and the concept and demo description sound absolutely fantastic.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Bioshock 2 wasn't made by the same people?

Nah they just gave the engine to 2K Australia when it was obvious that Irrational didn't want to make a sequel/prequel for a few years.

Now they're making that X-Com game with the Bioshock engine.

[Emperor Smeat]

Looks like Bioshock Infinite might not include a multiplayer mode based on the reaction of including it in Bioshock 2 and lack of people playing online weeks after the game was released. If the game does get multiplayer, its only going to be done once the single player is done instead of splitting the team up to do both at the same time like Bioshock 2.

http://kotaku.com/5617852/multiplayer-not-guaranteed-for-bioshock-infinite

[Kalyx triaD]

Understandable. Multiplayer turned me off to the Bioshock sequel after how much the first team stressed single player. B2 seemed 'Hollywood' to me.

[Ermaximus]

Looks like Bioshock Infinite might not include a multiplayer mode based on the reaction of including it in Bioshock 2 and lack of people playing online weeks after the game was released. If the game does get multiplayer, its only going to be done once the single player is done instead of splitting the team up to do both at the same time like Bioshock 2.

http://kotaku.com/5617852/multiplayer-not-guaranteed-for-bioshock-infinite

GOOD! I couldn't stand the MP for Bioshock 2. It was fun at first, but got boring fast. Plus the balance between noobs and high ranked players was way off. You'd have defenseless level 3's in a room against level 38's and such with nothing at their disposal to help them have a fighting chance.

[dronepool]

I haven't played bioshock 1.

I just got it for 22 bucks, I normally don't enjoy FPS *that much* because I play better with a 3rd person view but this is good so far.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lRjyELqyWYQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

The game ended up missing its original release date a bit badly (March) and now ends up being delayed until next February and won't have any details revealed at E3.

The official reason is for more "polish" but it appears the real reason is issues with the game's development which is leaning towards multiplayer being shoe horned into the game at the last moment possible which caused the delay to occur.

A Message From Ken Levine:

When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing.

Since then, we’ve come to realize that some specific tweaks and improvements will make Infinite into something even more extraordinary. Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need, we’ve decided to move the game’s release to February 26, 2013. We wanted to let our loyal (and very patient!) fans know this as soon as possible.

I won’t kid you: BioShock Infinite is a very big game, and we’re doing things that no one has ever done in a first-person shooter. We had a similar experience with the original BioShock, which was delayed several months as our original ship date drew near. Why? Because the Big Daddies weren’t the Big Daddies you’ve since come to know and love. Because Andrew Ryan’s golf club didn’t have exactly the right swing. Because Rapture needed one more coat of grimy Art Deco.

The same principle now applies to BioShock Infinite.

What does this mean for you? It means a bit more waiting, but more importantly, it means an even better BioShock Infinite. The great can be made greater, and we owe it to both ourselves and to you, our fans, to take this opportunity. Irrational Games is one of those rare developers lucky enough to ask the people who sign the checks: “Hey, can we have a few more of those checks?”

We are also going to hold off on showing BioShock Infinite at the big events of the summer, like E3 and Gamescom. That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we’re going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February.

As always, I am happy to help answer any questions you may have.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/ken-levine-breaks-bioshock-infinite%E2%80%99s-delay-softly

http://kotaku.com/5909018/new-job-listing-has-us-wondering-if-bioshock-infinite-is-getting-multiplayer

[Fignuts]

Holy shit, so almost a year long delay?

That's a bit nuts.

[ClockShot]

Wonderful.

It's a lousy game season and I had this look forward to. Looks like I'll but putting some more miles on Borderlands 2.

[Sepholio]

Ah well, more time for AC3, Dishonored, and GTA5.

What am I talking about, I'll probably still be playing Diablo 3.

[Tommy Gunn]

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a380912/bioshock-infinite-delay-caused-by-addition-of-multiplayer.html

Oh ok, so basically they've delayed it to add multiplayer.

[XCaliber]

Yikes well since this isn't coming out any time soon I may have to check out what the reviews say about Max Payne 3 and pick it up instead.

[mitchables]

The game ended up missing its original release date a bit badly (March) and now ends up being delayed until next February and won't have any details revealed at E3.

The official reason is for more "polish" but it appears the real reason is issues with the game's development which is leaning towards multiplayer being shoe horned into the game at the last moment possible which caused the delay to occur.


http://www.screwattack.com/news/ken-levine-breaks-bioshock-infinite%E2%80%99s-delay-softly

http://kotaku.com/5909018/new-job-listing-has-us-wondering-if-bioshock-infinite-is-getting-multiplayer

You misunderstand. They annoucned the release date in March. It was due for release in October. It's only been pushed back four months.

Which still sucks, but I'd rather it's the best game it can be.

[Emperor Smeat]

Special or collector's editions were recently revealed with Premium Edition costing $80 and Ultimate Songbird Edition costing $150.

Here's everything that will be included in the Premium Edition of the game...

* A 3-inch baby version keychain of the sold out Murder of Crows Vigor bottle replica.
* A 5 x 7- inch lithograph by Jorge Lacera.
* A 25 millimeter resin-cast Handyman miniature from the upcoming Bioshock Infinte board game by Plaid Hat Games, makers of Summoner Wars.
* A mini art book, full of Bioshock Infinite concept art and commentary, with a hand distressed cover
* Various digital goodies: exclusive in-game gear, a digital soundtrack, and platform specific downloadable content (Avatar costumes for Xbox 360 and themes for PC and PlayStation 3)

If you happen to purchase the Ultimate Songbird Edition, in addition to everything above you'll a receive a 9.5 inch Songbird statue. It comes in a period-style box with custom art work by Irrational Games' concept Artiest Robb Waters

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bioshock-infinite-songbird-statue.jpg

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bioshock-infinite-songbird-edition.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/bioshock-infinite-special-editions-announced

[Emperor Smeat]

Trailer which was promised a week ago to arrive was released along with details on a pre-order puzzle game that is more for fun than being useable for the actual game.

Secondly, the clever cats at NeoGAF have uncovered details about a special Flash-based puzzle game that will be offered up to anyone who per-orders BioShock Infinite at GameStop.

In BioShock Infinite: Industrial Revolution, you play as Columbian factory worker who must complete 50 levels worth of puzzles in an effort to aid one of Columbia's two warring factions. That’s all we know about the apparent puzzler other than the fact it seems 2K has developed it exclusively for this promotion, so don’t expect it to carry any real weight into the main game, that’s if they’re even connected, which they’re probably not.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bLHW78X1XeE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.screwattack.com/video/BioShock-Infinites-Beast-of-America-trailer-is-awesome-Theres-also-puzzle-game-preorder-bonus-3192891

[ClockShot]

That's a hot trailer right there.

[El Fangel]

http://electronictheatre.co.uk/images/bioshockinfinite/bioshockinfinite_boxart.jpg

Released cover art

[Kalyx triaD]

Figured the chick would be on there.

[XCaliber]

Ditto I'm kinda suprised they revealed how Booker Dewitt appears.

[Emperor Smeat]

Game has been delayed again and once again its due to more polishing and bug fixing needed. New release date is March 26, 2013 assuming no more delays occur.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/bioshock-infinite-delayed-again/

To make up for the delay, more screens were released.
http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/8252331758_44530c46ef_o.jpg
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/new-screens-show-the-beauty-horror-of-bioshock-infinite/

[ClockShot]

You gotta be fucking kidding me.

[Emperor Smeat]

Irrational Games holding a special fan voting poll to decide which cover will end up being used as a reversible cover after recent complaints over the current one.

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover6.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover5.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover4.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover3.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover2.png

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover1.png
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/help-choose-bioshock-infinites-reversible-cover-art/

[El Fangel]

How about less show and more go.

[XCaliber]

Of those I would say between #3 or #5.

[ClockShot]

My choice is #4.

[Ultra Mantis]

#4 just screams Bioshock. Easily my favourite.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#5. :y:

[Emperor Smeat]

Results for the reversible cover was announced and this ended up as the winner:

http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bioshock_infinite_cover3.png

The other covers will still be available but only as printouts from the game's website.

http://irrationalgames.com/insider/poll-winner-announced/

[Emperor Smeat]

PC specs revealed along with support for control remapping, multi-monitor support, VSync, and cloud saving.

MINIMUM:
OS: Windows Vista Service Pack 2 32-bit
Processor: Intel Core 2 DUO 2.4 GHz / AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHz
Memory: 2 GB
Hard Drive: 20 GB free
Video Card: DirectX10 Compatible ATI Radeon HD 3870 / NVIDIA 8800 GT / Intel HD 3000 Integrated Graphics
Video Card Memory: 512 MB
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

RECOMMENDED:
OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit
Processor: Quad Core Processor
Memory: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 30 GB free
Video Card: DirectX11 Compatible, AMD Radeon HD 6950 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
Video Card Memory: 1024 MB
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible


http://www.destructoid.com/irrational-details-bioshock-infinite-pc-version-specs-242469.phtml

[DAMN iNATOR]

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/12/ff_bioshock/

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/12/ff_bioshock/2/

Interesting article from the Jan. edition of WIRED about how BioShock Infinite might just be the most ambitious (too ambitious?) video game EVER.

[Emperor Smeat]

Latest trailer:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_iNWt1q3_54" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Pre-order bonus for the game is called "The Industrial Revolution Pack" and includes 3 special items (speed boost, damage boost, evasion boost), ccess to a Industrial Revolution puzzle game, 5 lock picks, and 500 in-game currency.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/bioshock-infinite-pre-order-bonuses-revealed

[DAMN iNATOR]

Just got my pre-order in @ GS the other day for this. :)

[Emperor Smeat]

Small warning to anyone who pre-ordered the game from Best Buy as the retailer stated a small glitch managed to get over 3,000 pre-orders erased from their servers.

According to them it mostly affected the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions and those who pre-ordered the game online and not in store.

However, before you storm into your local Best Buy, the major retailer is asking those who pre-ordered to check their e-mail and then contact customer service. If your pre-order was affected, Best Buy is offering a $10 gift card, which will arrive through the mail.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/glitch-reportedly-canceled-3000-pre-orders-bioshock-infinite-best-buy

[DAMN iNATOR]

Probably going to go through the first time normally then try out 1999 Mode on a 2nd playthrough, sounds like it could be awesome.

[DAMN iNATOR]

List of achievements (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/bioshock-infinite/achievements/).

[ClockShot]

Just finished up the Fink Manufacturing puzzles today.

[loopydate]

If you haven't pre-ordered yet, Microsoft is doing a deal on their website where you get the game at the MSRP, but they're throwing in 1600 Live points. Not the sexiest bundle I've seen, but it's something.

[Emperor Smeat]

2K Games reveals some details regarding the Season pass for the game.

It costs $40 (1600 MS Points), arrives on March 26, and covers the three DLC packs. Also revealed was anyone who pre-orders the Pass will get an extra DLC pack for free.

Players who pre-order the pass at participating retailers will receive the Early Bird Special Pack which includes four exclusive items–a machine gun damage upgrade, a pistol damage upgrade, a gold skin for both weapons, and Infusion bottles that can improve health, defense or Vigor.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/bioshock-infinite-season-pass-announced/

[Kalyx triaD]

Preordering a preorder.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

If you haven't pre-ordered yet, Microsoft is doing a deal on their website where you get the game at the MSRP, but they're throwing in 1600 Live points. Not the sexiest bundle I've seen, but it's something.

Steam has a similar deal to XCOM where the number of pre-orders affect what people get. Tier 1 is already reached which gives a free Bioshock 1, tier 2 is TF2 items and tier 3 is a free copy of XCOM.

Green Man Gaming is even better though. Cheaper price, a selection of 2K games for free and a copy of Bioshock 1.

http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/gb/en/pc/games/shooter/bioshock-infinite/

Destructoid mentions getting some cashback from GMG too, but I don't see it so see if you can.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Just getting perfect reviews all over the shop. Cannot fucking wait until tonight/tomorrow.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jchIi-vR_js" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Eurogamer - 10/10 (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-25-bioshock-infinite-review)
Destructoid - 10/10 (http://www.destructoid.com/review-bioshock-infinite-249341.phtml)
Joystiq - 5/5 (http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/bioshock-infinite-review/?a_dgi=aolshare_twitter)

[mitchables]

tomorrow omgggggg

cannot wait, seriously

[#BROKEN Hasney]

If anyones on the fence, watch that video review. It is brilliant, will get you hyped for the game and the way he talks about it just made it sound like the greatest thing ever. Don't otherwise. It's a fantastic review, but I think it ruined a couple of things, one being a musical number in the spoilers below that would have been an awesome mark-out moment.

Hearing a barbershop quartet singing Beach Boys - God Only Knows What I'd Be Without You would have been an awesome mark-out moment

[ClockShot]

Buddy of mine works at 2K. Keeps saying this is the greatest thing ever.

Couldn't hook me up with a free game, the cheap bastard.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Just noticed the PC version unlocks at midnight no matter what region you're in. I shall be using an Australian VPN to play this as soon as I get home now. AFJHJAKDFHJKASFDJK NYUGENS.

[The Rogerer]

I find things are more enjoyable if I'm not ramming them into my face as soon as the bell rings, so I'll only disappoint myself if I buy this straight away.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I enjoy them more getting in early, because I can discuss it with a lot of people doing the same like I would a new movie or TV show.

Was on the fence about pre-ordering as it was, but I managed to sell a TF2 item I got with the Portal 2 soundtrack for £30 so I took the punt on it.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I'm about an hour and a half in and making very slow progress as I'm trying to explore every inch. Bioshock never got on with me amazingly well and I think most of that was the dark, dingy setting. But the brightness of Columbia and the colour and just how populated the world is makes me adore this one so far.

The theme is a good mix of fantastical and based in reality too. I can't say much more than that other wise I'll spoil it, but I cannot wait to have more time with this.

[Raven Reaper]

I'm sure in this one, there'll be no rescuing Little Sisters or blowing up big-daddys despite some of the enemies look similar to them.

[Shadow]

I can't stop exploring.

Just...my god there's so much to see.

[ClockShot]

Anybody, like me, having trouble getting their free stuff from the Fink Manufacturing puzzles?

[NoJabbaNoBogRoll]

I am definitely looking forward to this game... which I imagine I'll play when it's reduced to £4.99 in a Steam sale. I tend to stay a couple of years behind on releases, to save money.

I have Raven Reaper on ignore, so I'm hoping to avoid spoilers until then.

[VSG]

I am definitely looking forward to this game... which I imagine I'll play when it's reduced to £4.99 in a Steam sale. I tend to stay a couple of years behind on releases, to save money.

I have Raven Reaper on ignore, so I'm hoping to avoid spoilers until then.


:y:

[Emperor Smeat]

Cheat code was revealed that unlocks the 1999 Mode for Bioshock Infinite for those who want to play the mode but don't want to beat the game first.

Players who are looking to punish themselves from the get go can enter a cheat code to unlock the 1999 difficulty. The code is: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A. On PlayStation 3 replace O and X with B and A, and on PC its Cancel and Confirm.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/how-to-unlock-bioshock-infinites-1999-mode-without-finishing-the-game/

[Extreme Angle]

Loving this. Just got into Finks place.

Definitely will be going through on 1999 when i'm done with this.

Hard mode is a piece of piss :/

[PrettyCool]

Is this game anything like Deus Ex Human Revolution? Im too lazy to look it up and wanna buy something to play on the weekend

[dronepool]

I wasn't hyped but for this but I see myself getting this within the next month.... or so. I'll see.

[Extreme Angle]

There's a moment at the beginning of the game which is just incredible...

"God only knows what I'd be without you"

I fell in love with the game at that point tbh.

Worth a buy 100%.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

There's a moment at the beginning of the game which is just incredible...

"God only knows what I'd be without you"

I fell in love with the game at that point tbh.

Worth a buy 100%.

The musical choices in the game are incredible. Just wait until:

You rescue Elizabeth and she's dancing and an instrumental version of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is playing.

Can't remember what song it is now, but the one that's playing when you see the corpse ripped to pieces by crows

Game looks beautiful too on my PC and I'm only running at Very High. Here's a shot of the moment EA was talking about:

http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/848074834540168663/DD5C9769426787A7676116253383B35FC3993477/

[Extreme Angle]

What's your pc specs?

Mines looking pretty damn sweet.

Intel i7 3.7 Ghz
560 ti
16 gbs RAM

[#BROKEN Hasney]

i5 2500k
Same GFX
8gb RAM.

[Ermaximus]

This is by far one of the most visually stunning games I've ever played. Also, has anyone else noticed that Columbia is racist as shit?

[Extreme Angle]

Just finished, first game i've just not been able to stop playing in sooo long...

Loved every second of it. Wow... Seriously can't explain how amazing this game is...

[mitchables]

This is by far one of the most visually stunning games I've ever played. Also, has anyone else noticed that Columbia is racist as shit?

that second sentence is a joke right

how could everyone in the world not have noticed

[Ermaximus]

Just caught me by surprise. Didn't really see a game touching on something controversial, but the overall game is amazing regardless.

[mitchables]

fair enough. i dunno, it touches on more than just racism in terms of controversial topics. whole game is permeated by really heavy themes, which, yes, is kind of surprising; that a game finally carries social gravitas akin to a novel or movie or tv series. but i don't think it's a matter of people not noticing it as they go through, though. that's all i was (dickishly) saying. coloured bathrooms, passing slurs, and generally separatist imagery is rife throughout. they have a statue commemorating john wilkes booth.

i think i was just vicariously exercising my annoyance for general "am i the only one that..." posts on the internet, because i feel like at this advent it is scientifically proven that in 100% of cases, no. no, you are not the only one.

but that's not your fault and i shouldn't have taken it out on you :heart:

[Ermaximus]

It's ok, I forgive you sir. I do tend to post shit before thinking it over first.

The only thing I'm not liking thus far is the insane amounts of backtracking you have to do. Such a pain.

[Shadow]

I'm kinda happy on the exploration front with that. Makes me feel like the world is coming alive.

[XCaliber]

So let me get this straight with this whole skyhook thing does this make it more of a free roaming game or is that somewhat of an illusion?

[Extreme Angle]

So let me get this straight with this whole skyhook thing does this make it more of a free roaming game or is that somewhat of an illusion?

Illusion.

Has anybody got any of the Vox Code's?

I managed to get 3 in my playthrough, plus the key to the safe near the crow house.

[Ermaximus]

And my game glitched out.

Elizabeth is in an endless loop of tossing me money. While in theory that sounds great, I can't get her to pick any locks, toss me ammo, toss me health, or have her open a tear.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Just finished it. Loved that fucking ending so much. Not screamed what the fuck at the screen so much since MGS2 and I mean that in a good way. Except it was a lot easier to follow than MGS2.

[XCaliber]

Does this game have multiple endings depending on how you played?

[#BROKEN Hasney]

No and it doesn't need it. I'm more than happy with a linear narrative rather than some kind of faux choice system or morality system.

[VSG]

How many hours of gameplay did you get so far?

[The Rogerer]

About 10.

[Extreme Angle]

Just finished it. Loved that fucking ending so much. Not screamed what the fuck at the screen so much since MGS2 and I mean that in a good way. Except it was a lot easier to follow than MGS2.

Yeah, my jaw hit the keyboard!

Music in the credits was lovely too.

[Ermaximus]

Serious Butterfly Effect vibes going on right now, and I only just now started the Vox Rebellion.

[alvarado52]

So was there any significance to what brooch you choose for Elizabeth?

[Shadow]

No. It's just something pretty to look at all game. Same with the demanding tickets thing.

[Ermaximus]

OMFG! That ending is just, wow. Speechless.

[Shadow]

I'm in Finkerton right now.

Fuck this guy so hard.

[Chavo Classic]

Serious mark-out moment for Rapture :D

[Chavo Classic]

I'm made to feel dumb by a video game again. Straight onto wikipedia after I finished to make sure I absolutely understood everything.

Can't wait to start playing through again.

[Extreme Angle]

It aint me.... It aint meeeeeee! I aint no fortunate one!

[Ermaximus]

Lutece being Lutece was a big wtf moment too. "They're not twins, they're the same damned person!"

[alvarado52]

You guys see this?



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DsjYmlnP1a4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

and at around the 15 second mark listen closely...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qpmvkZ6TIMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Kotaku article. (http://kotaku.com/this-crazy-bioshock-infinite-easter-egg-cant-be-real-464902193)

[Blitz]

Just finished. Damn. Amazing game. Even though I kinda saw part of the ending coming, the way it played out was just beautiful.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/keEJUfuDDQE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xVv19TCBifQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That's insane

[Extreme Angle]

Not hidden music, literally just used to get some eerie ambient sounds in. A girl on my course did something very similar for her horror game...

[PrettyCool]

Im playing this game right now

[Fignuts]

About an hour in, and I've been slack jawed the whole time.

Just wow.

[RP]

Do i need to play the previous game to understand this one?

[Shadow]

No. It's completely separate story.

I'm on the final homestreach with my game. Just a bit more to do then...back to Skyrim. I got a Dragonborn to kill.

[RP]

Fuck you Shadow

[Shadow]

For giving you an answer without spoiling it at all?

Yeah fuck me too...almost signed off as my other online handle.

[Shadow]

And beat it.

Damn that ending.

[Extreme Angle]

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
Ill make you so sure about it

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me

God only knows what I'd be without you

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me
Well life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me

God only knows what I'd be without you...

Crazy.

[Fignuts]

Finished it.

I have no idea what to say.

[ClockShot]

Fired this up finally and played a good hour.

Love it so far. Eye candy like you wouldn't believe.

Just one question: Are there save points across the game that I'm missing and/or a save from the options menu? Or is it strickly autosave points? Wanted to jump off then it told me last autosave was like 20 minutes ago. So I kept going until it saved again.

Could have remembered there was something you saved your progress at in the last 2 games.

[Ermaximus]

Just autosaves. No save points so you pretty much have to force save everything.

[VSG]

Saving this till I get my 27" 1440p monitor. Should be coming in tomorrow :cool:

[Raven Reaper]

Fired this up finally and played a good hour.

Love it so far. Eye candy like you wouldn't believe.

Just one question: Are there save points across the game that I'm missing and/or a save from the options menu? Or is it strickly autosave points? Wanted to jump off then it told me last autosave was like 20 minutes ago. So I kept going until it saved again.

Could have remembered there was something you saved your progress at in the last 2 games.

That's my only complaint about the game. Despite I autosaved in the final act of the game, when I loaded it up, I went back to the Comstock House again.

It only loads up after you complete the mission, that's what I noticed.

[ClockShot]

Newman and Redford make an appearance? Heard some of the music from "The Sting" during the loading screen and it got me wondering....

[Chavo Classic]

Very good article on the Guardian website about the game: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/apr/16/bioshock-infinite-ten-critical-reactions

In taking the game seriously, I want to be as clear as possible: BioShock Infinite uses racism for no other reason than to make itself seem clever. Worse, it uses racism and real events in an incredibly superficial way—BioShock Infinite seeks not to make any meaningful statement about history or racism or America, but instead seeks to use an aesthetics of 'racism' and 'history' as a barrier to point to and claim importance. BioShock Infinite presents a veneer of intelligence—with wholly unexplored and mystifying asides to complicated concepts like Manifest Destiny and the New Eden—without ever following through. Without any deeper exploration of these ideas, BioShock Infinite's use of American history and the Columbian Exposition is illusory, and already puts the lie to the claim that by engaging with these themes, BioShock Infinite is the place to find substance in mainstream videogames.

In hindsight, I have to agree with this. There are elements of racism included for no other reason than to get the player to notice and applaude the game for being cotroversial. It doesn't add anything to the story and is exacerbated when

as soon as the Vox get hold of weapons, they start brutally murdering the white-dominated upper class, and Daisy attemptis to murder a child

If the designers were trying to replicate the tone of America in the early twentieth century, overt racism was one of many avenues they could have taken.

[VSG]

Holy fucking shit! I am so glad I waited till I got this monitor, this game has to be one of the best looking things ever.

[loopydate]

FINALLY bought this today. Got the next two days off and no plans. Life is good.

[VSG]

I am so sorry for the console guys if they are playing on what looks like medium graphics quality on pc. Also, seems the great music/sounds are very compressed on console and sound worse :'(

[loopydate]

Holy Christ, what a game! The original was my favorite game ever made, but this just surpassed it with ease. I've never wanted to restart a game immediately after finishing it before, and - if I didn't have to get to bed - I would restart tonight. I could write a novel here, but I think I need to decompress first.

[VSG]

Finished this earlier today- DAT ending! Really considering buying the season pass for the first time ever.

[VSG]

Lutece being Lutece was a big wtf moment too. "They're not twins, they're the same damned person!"

They are not the same person

[Blitz]

They are not the same person
More or less. The same person from different universes. "Two sides of the same coin".

[Fignuts]

They are not the same person

You know what he means. Don't be a sally stickler.

[Shadow]

You damn well know they're the same person VSG. It's pretty much cut and dried that the only difference between the two is the fact that one's got tits and the other doesn't. Stop being a boob.

[Fignuts]

I'm sure VSG's manhood has shrunken enough now that three of us have challenged him on this manner. I think we can all leave him be.

[Shadow]

Right.

Talking about non-spoiler stuff, the city itself is just amazing. The details that you get make it one of the most beautiful games I've ever played. And the fact that the weather gets worse as you go through the game make it amazing as well. Just little details like that are what makes a good game.

[Ermaximus]

A single chromosomal difference.

[Extreme Angle]

Bought the Art of book off of Amazon. Some crazy stuff in there I hope they do for DLC. There's a Toy shop and stuff with some crazy motorized patriot like enemies!

[VSG]

You damn well know they're the same person VSG. It's pretty much cut and dried that the only difference between the two is the fact that one's got tits and the other doesn't. Stop being a boob.

I'm sure VSG's manhood has shrunken enough now that three of us have challenged him on this manner. I think we can all leave him be.

lol I deserved that, I was purposely being a dick to Ermax. Final thoughts after I finished- game's too short :'(

[Ermaximus]

lol I deserved that, I was purposely being a dick to Ermax. Final thoughts after I finished- game's too short :'(

You're about to be dropped from team Maximum Violent Suit Gentlemen dick.

[VSG]

Violent??

[Emperor Smeat]

According to a LinkedIn employee profile, the first upcoming DLC pack is being planned to include a new AI companion character for the game.

Twitter user @supererogatory first discovered the update to Michael Shahan's LinkedIn profile. Shahan is a Senior Animator at 2K Games. Under the heading "BioShock Infinite DLC1," he mentions "Providing animation and R&D for a new AI companion character."
http://www.destructoid.com/bioshock-infinite-dlc-appears-to-have-a-new-ai-companion-252710.phtml

[Shadow]

......YEEEEEEEEE!

[ClockShot]

Just wrapped this up a couple minutes ago

Didn't care about the ending. Stupid dimension hopping. Kinda bummed out it wasn't a happy ending. The trip back to Rapture was nice.

Now just to speed run 1999 mode and this will be done.

[ClockShot]

Started '99 run today.

Any pointers/advice from those who are in the process or have completed it?

Other than "don't spend alot", "sniper rifle is your best friend", etc.

[Ermaximus]

Started '99 run today.

Any pointers/advice from those who are in the process or have completed it?

Other than "don't spend alot", "sniper rifle is your best friend", etc.

Pick two weapons you are most comfortable with and only use them. Upgrade them, and them only. For me it was the Sniper Rifle and the Hand Cannon as both are pretty much 1 hit kills. Upgrade the shit out of your vigors. Use possession on every vending machine you can, even the dollar bill ones. Use Elizabeth to warp in help every chance you get. Use possession on firemen and Washington's anytime you can in a big clusterfuck fight. Also, UNDERTOW, UNDERTOW, UNDERTOW!

[VSG]

I would say just choose 2-3 vigors to use and upgrade, cash is so fucking important. For me it was possession, Murder of Crows and Devil's Kiss. I used Charge and Undertow as is at crucial times though. Also, that piece of gear that gives you 70% melee immolation and that other one that restore full health upon death are priceless.

[VSG]

Caved in and bought the Season Pass from GMG for $12. Really hoping for a "Little Sister" AI companion or something like that.

[Shadow]

So utter retarded and can't do shit?

Seriously Elizabeth might not be very useful when gunning down the hoards but at least she's not a god damn tower defense that just sits there and doesn't do shit. At least she can open up tears to aid you and throw you ammo and supplies.

[VSG]

I am sure they will find a way to make it more than just a stupid "protect your companion" thing. I remember an article where the makers clearly said they did not want Elizabeth to be another liability because everyone knows how much that sucks.

[Ermaximus]

Elizabeth > Ashley from RE4.

[ClockShot]

Just about at the end of my 1999 run. Just gotta crawl through the last 100 yards and that'll be the end of it.

[VSG]

That last fucking tower defense mission is ridiculous on 1999 mode.

[VSG]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ObNh8Zr6gsc?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Holy shit at some of the things in here.

[ClockShot]

YO ADRIAN, I DID IT!

1999 completed. End wasn't so bad. A few notches easier than the last part of Mass Effect 3, imo.

[DAMN iNATOR]

YO ADRIAN, I DID IT!

1999 completed. End wasn't so bad. A few notches easier than the last part of Mass Effect 3, imo.

Did you finish it without using a Dollar Bill vending machine?

[ClockShot]

"Yuuuuuuuuuuuup".

[DAMN iNATOR]

LOL that guy on Storage Wars is so annoying.

[ClockShot]

He ain't on the show anymore after he blew the whistle.

[Ermaximus]

LOL that guy on Storage Wars is so annoying.

He ain't on the show anymore after he blew the whistle.

He sued the show and the judge pretty much told him he had no case.

They have been rotating 4th bidders in lately. Nabila, Ivy, those strange twins, Mark (before he killed himself), and these 2 greasy looking mooks.

[KIRA]

Possession sellers: damn Zionist hippies

[DAMN iNATOR]

Loved the one brief scene in the end inside Rapture. Just never got my question answered if Elizabeth is somehow related to Sophia Lamb...

[Shadow]

She's not. She's from another universe.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Really wish they would've done some sort of tie-in with the other games though other than just the ending, but oh well.

[Ultra Mantis]

They did, listen to the voxophones. All of the tech designed by Fink (including Vigors and Songbird) is actually Tenenbaum's work that he copied by watching her through the tears

[Ultra Mantis]

So I just discovered that the voice actor for Robert Lutece likes favouriting random tweets about this game. I marked out a little bit.

[Extreme Angle]

FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP! FAP!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fpgvZay10jE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[ClockShot]

If I didn't buy the season pass on launch day, this would have been traded in already.

[VSG]

This first DLC sucks balls but the other 2 sound fantastic.

[Ermaximus]

I don't see the need nor want for almost every game these days to have a "horde-esque" wave based mode.

[Raven Reaper]

Will the upcoming DLCs be pulling a Walking Dead style episode downloads or what?

[DAMN iNATOR]

Will the upcoming DLCs be pulling a Walking Dead style episode downloads or what?

The 2 Burial at Sea dlcs are subtitled Episode 1 and Episode 2, but no, I don't believe they will be.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Also can't believe I still haven't started a 1999 Mode playthrough yet. :-\ Should probably get on that before Grand Theft Auto V takes over my life.

[Raven Reaper]

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/R2dMcrzk6iA" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

The 2nd part of DLC: You get to play as Elizabeth!!!! O___O *dies*

If they do, I wish they'd do it in a 3rd person view.. That'll be great.

[XCaliber]

Finally got around to finishing this game the other night and I thought it was fun but I still prefer the original game which is why I'm curious to see what the DLC brings as I hope it clarifies a few things.

[VSG]

Burial at Sea Part 1 came out today. Great visuals and starts off in Rapture at the peak of its glory. It was awesome just walking around before all the mayhem begins. I played around an hour or so, apparently only 2-3 hours of gameplay so I recommend getting season pass on discount elsewhere and saving a good 40-50%.

[VSG]

No one else played this? Finally got time to finish this and the ending was pretty awesome albeit "sadder". Fits very nicely with the whole BioShock Infinite world.

[Ermaximus]

I'm working on it man, chill.

[The Rogerer]

I enjoyed it, and yet I don't know if I'd recommend it rationally. I have a lot of affection for Bioshock as a series so I was happy to be back. I knew it was going to be short but I still felt surprised when it ended.

[Shisen Kopf]

I done beat this game today. Woooooo!

[Emperor Smeat]

The second episode of Bioshock Infinite’s Burial at Sea add-on will require two downloads on Xbox 360 due to its size, according to developer Irrational Games.

Irrational added that the total size of the DLC will be between 6-10GB depending on the platform.

For those wondering exactly when the DLC will be released: Xbox 360 owners can download it from 5 a.m. EDT, it will be on PC between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. EDT, and on PS3 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. EDT. PS3 owners in Europe will have to wait until tomorrow.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-requires-two-downloads-on-xbox-360/

[Fignuts]

Jesus thats bigger than most full games.

[VSG]

Played through the second DLC today- a lot bigger than the first one and a ridiculous ending as is expected from the franchise. They did a great job tying up Colombia and Rapture as well as the end of the series to the start of the series. I won't say any more but it is definitely worth the playthrough.

[Ermaximus]

Just got back to Columbia. This DLC is crazy good though.

[VSG]

The ending was particularly satisfying for me, even if it was an expected one.

[Ermaximus]

That ending makes perfect sense, but for a minute there I thought they were going to go a different route with it.

[VSG]

Ya- that's pretty much it. Good, logical albeit expected ending.