Bioshock Infinite

I expected to write a really long article and review for this. So much has already been said about this game, there are a multitude of positive reviews, debates around the story meaning, and all round buzz about this game. Kotaku in particular seems to put up a new pretentious article about this game everyday.

But you know what? Im going to buck the trend. Ive played Bioshock Infinite. Start to finish. and I didnt rate it as high as its being lauded. Right off the bat I had a vague stench of familiarity. Having played System Shock 2, and Bioshock, and Bioshock 2, for me....it was more of the same. And to be perfectly honest here, I felt that Columbia was more limiting than Rapture.

Bioshock Infinite places itself in the world of Columbia, city in the clouds, a very interesting propostion. But it became clear to me very quickly that the environments are actually very linear. I distinctly remember exploring Rapture in every nook and cranny, Here, your limited due to the fact that the buildings are seperated by thin air. Much has been mentioned about the skyhooks, and the amazing combat. And Actually, thats the one thing I cant fault. When you did get to use the skyhooks, it was invigorating and fun. But There wasnt skyhooks everywhere, as you may think there is from the adverts...

Much has also been said about Elizabeth. and how intelligent her AI is and how much of a personality she is. Personally, ive had better experiences with Alyx Vance, in every single replay ive done of Half Life 2 and its episodes. Elizibeth sends you items sure, but I noticed repeated dialogue and sometimes she would stand there and stare into space, rather than react or move out of your way like Alyx vance does. I see no reason here to critically consider Elizibeth any better than Alyx.

The debates about the violence being too much....Well, This is a first person shooter. A linear one at that, and the story, as pretentious and overwrought as it ends up being, is out of place and at odds with the occasionally extreme violence. I do agree with this view, but only in the fact that the game is trying to be somewhat more intelligent than it really is.

A lot of people are going to disagree with me for this review. The story presented here in Infinite IS incredible and well written, but it doesnt fit the game. I think its trying too hard to meld a string narrative thread to whats essentially room after room of people trying to kill you. Bioshock Infinite is more of the same, with some neat bells and whistles. Even the fact that you meet other residents that go crazy and send enemies at you just echoes the original game. There is less exploration involved, a poor attempt at adding in extra side quests, generally....Its a step down.

I cant say I didnt enjoy the game though, its far better than the Call of Duty shit-a-thon we are regaled with every year, It just isnt the best thing since sliced bread. If you never played Bioshock and do not have the experiences from that, then I can imagine Infinate being far more impressive.