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After two adventures immersed in the aquatic darkness of Rapture, BioShock Infinite literally projects us to the antipodes: in the skies, aboard Columbia, an aerial city where the American ideal mixes with madness, manipulation and parallel dimensions. Released in 2013, this third opus, under the creative direction of Ken Levine, completely reinvents the universe of BioShock with a steampunk style and flamboyant artistic direction. Forget the Big Daddies and the dark corridors of Rapture: here, you are Booker DeWitt, a detective with a troubled past, tasked with saving a mysterious young woman, Elizabeth, capable of manipulating reality itself. So, ready to board Columbia and explore its secrets? Hold on tight, it's going to be shaking! The
Good points
Breathtaking visual and artistic universe: Gives us a visual slap from the first minutes of play. Columbia, this city suspended in the sky, is a world of fascinating beauty, with its bright colors, its levitating buildings, and its surreal aerial landscapes. The steampunk aesthetic and the elements inspired by the Universal Exhibition of the early 20th century bring a unique and captivating touch. Unlike the stifling darkness of Rapture, Columbia is bright... on the surface. The more we explore, the more we discover the cracks in this utopia, and the more oppressive the atmosphere becomes. Graphically, the game has aged very well, and every detail of Columbia reinforces the immersion.
Captivating and deep story: If you thought the first BioShock was complex, Infinite pushes the philosophical and metaphysical themes even further. Booker and Elizabeth's story mixes religion, politics, fanaticism, and the multiverse with a depth rarely seen in the world of video games. The final, mind-boggling twist remains etched in players' memories long after they put down the controller. BioShock Infinite is a multi-layered story that plays with the perception of reality and explores moral dilemmas. It is a narrative masterpiece that makes you think, surprises, and moves you all at once.
Unforgettable character: Elizabeth is not just a damsel in distress or a simple companion. She is alive, reactive, and endowed with an impressive artificial intelligence for the time. Not only does she enrich the story, but she also participates in the gameplay by helping Booker in combat, by picking up objects, and by creating time rifts to summon elements in the setting. Elizabeth is a deeply endearing and well-developed character. Her evolution, her relationship with Booker, and her role in the main plot are beautifully integrated, and she brings a unique emotional dimension to the adventure.
Dynamic and vertical gameplay: Abandons the heavy slowness of Rapture for a more fluid and dynamic action, with nervous combats and an unprecedented verticality. Thanks to the Sky-Hook, a mechanical hook, Booker can move at dizzying speed by sliding on the suspended rails of Columbia, adding a spectacular dimension to the confrontations. The combats offer many strategic possibilities, mixing weapons, powers (called Vigors), and interactions with Elizabeth. The Vigors allow varied and spectacular attacks, reminiscent of the Plasmids of BioShock, but with a unique touch adapted to the universe of Columbia.
Unforgettable soundtrack: Music of BioShock Infinite, composed by Garry Schyman, is sublime and perfectly accompanies each moment of tension, emotion or action. The song choices, mixing early 20th century songs with retro-futuristic covers of modern hits (like the barbershop version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”), add a cool, surreal touch. The soundscape helps create this strange universe and enhances the immersion. The game even makes bold choices with memorable musical scenes that contribute to its magic and unique atmosphere.
Bad points
Limited freedom of exploration: Unlike Rapture, Columbia is a more linear city, and players can sometimes feel a little too guided in environments that, while impressive, are less open and interconnected than BioShock's labyrinthine levels. The exploration areas are more restricted, and there is less room for free exploration. This does not detract from the overall immersion, but for fans of Rapture's exploration, Columbia may feel less organic.
Repetitive combat phases: While the combats are nervous and enjoyable, their frequency can become tiresome. The waves of enemies follow one another quickly, sometimes to the detriment of the story and atmosphere. In the long run, these confrontations can seem a little repetitive, and one can have the impression that the game forces its hand a little too much on the action sequences, to the detriment of exploration or quieter moments. For players who prefer a more immersive and less action-oriented approach, this can be a bit of a break from the pace.
Simplified management: Compared to BioShock’s inventory and resource management systems, Infinite takes a more simplified approach. There are only a limited number of weapons to carry and the customization options are less extensive, which can make the experience feel a bit “casualized” compared to previous games. Fans of detailed management and deep customization might find this system a bit too basic.
Less memorable enemies: While Columbia has its fair share of formidable enemies, like the terrifying Handyman and the Songbird, none of them come close to the iconic Big Daddy of previous games. Their appearances are memorable, but they lack emotional impact and connection to the central story. The absence of an enemy as symbolic as the Big Daddy is felt, and the fights sometimes lack that epic touch that made each encounter unique in BioShock.
Dense Universe: BioShock Infinite tackles complex themes, including parallel realities, free will, and time manipulation. While this adds a fascinating depth, the storyline can become confusing, especially towards the end. Players unfamiliar with science fiction concepts like parallel dimensions or time paradoxes may feel lost, and some elements may require multiple replays or even research to be fully understood.
Summary
BioShock Infinite is a major work of video gaming, both ambitious and immersive. With a magnificent visual universe, a captivating storyline, and a striking female character, it reinvents the BioShock formula while retaining the philosophical and complex essence that made the saga successful. Columbia, while different from Rapture, is an unforgettable city that reveals its dark secrets with rare intensity and beauty. The dynamic, vertical gameplay offers exhilarating sensations, even if the frequent combat can become repetitive.
90/100