BioShock Infinite

All were (Bio)shocked!

I certainly did not see this coming.  We knew that Irrational Games (formerly 2K Boston / Irrational) were hard at work on some secret project since Bioshock was released in 2007, what few expected that they would return to the Bioshock franchise.

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BioShock Infinite will be the latest instalment in the BioShock universe, this time though instead of being a sequel, Infinite will be a prequel, predating the original BioShock by almost 50 years. Here is what we know so far based on a excerpt from the impending game’s press release:

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter currently in development at Irrational Games, the studio behind the original BioShock (which sold over 4 million units worldwide). Set in 1912, BioShock Infinite introduces an entirely new narrative and gameplay experience that lifts players out of the familiar confines of Rapture and rockets them to Columbia, an immense city in the sky.

Former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt has been sent to rescue Elizabeth, a young woman imprisoned in Columbia since childhood. Booker develops a relationship with Elizabeth, augmenting his abilities with hers so the pair may escape from a city that is literally falling from the sky. DeWitt must learn to fight foes in high-speed Sky-Line battles, engage in combat both indoors and amongst the clouds, and harness the power of dozens of new weapons and abilities.

On the heals of completing BioShock 2 it is great to hear that the next game is already in the pipeline.  I am really excited for a game set in the early 20th century as I am a big fan of that time period (if a person can be a fan of a time period), I am also excited for the theme of American exceptionalism which I am sure will make for an engaging story.  Between the time period the game is set in and the sky-city as opposed to the city under the sea, Infinite looks to offer us a fresh and exciting experience yet again.

The only drawback from this announcement is that the game is not due until 2012.  Fortunately 2K Marin’s XCOM will be out in 2011 helping us to bridge the gap.  Now if only they could make these games take place in the same universe, then 2K would really be on to something.

Bioshock Infinite

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