Allow me to highlight why BioShock Infinite is an amazing game. No spoilers.
1. Elizabeth as a Companion
The best part about BioShock Infinite is your companion Elizabeth. I have never played a game where your companion runs ahead of you, anticipating where you will go next based on the direction you are heading. I have never played a game where, when you approach a bench, your companion unilaterally decides to take a seat, or decides to look for lockpicks while you are scavenging. I have never played a game where your companion throws you ammunition, health packs, mana/salts packs, while you are fighting, or collects money for you while you are exploring. Having a companion that does all of this and keeps you company throughout the journey is a big step for companions in games, and I hope future games continue to develop the free will of companions as evidenced in BioShock Infinite.
2. Deep Story
BioShock Infinite has a very deep storyline with something new to discover in every chapter. Those who would enjoy a profound story will be satisfied, and there is an easy difficulty setting for casual players to enjoy too. The game noticeably begins on a very cheery note, and throughout the course of the game, becomes increasingly darker. However, it is very important to distinguish BioShock Infinite from other story-driven games. The side quests work themselves seamlessly into the main storyline, and the game purposefully allows freedom of choice without any real consequence. The voxophones and kinetoscopes tell stories from multiple perspectives and provide clues to gaps in the story, while telescopes scattered throughout the city allow you to admire the scenery. The engrossing atmosphere, beautiful visuals, and timely music all enhance the experience and bring the story to life.
3. Fast Pace with No Delays in Game Progression
It is extremely important to note that there are no puzzles to solve, no useless collectibles to find, no unnecessary side games. BioShock Infinite is a very fast-paced game, filled with “skylines” that let you to slide around the city as if you are on a rollercoaster. “Vigors” also play an important role, as the game is not just about shooting, but strategically placing traps and combining their effects to defeat enemies. All weapons and vigors can be upgraded multiple times, adding increasing levels of devastation that you will need as the game progresses. The best level design in BioShock Infinite is when the game encourages you to use vigors, skylines, specific weapons, and Elizabeth’s help at the right times to out-maneuver enemies. BioShock Infinite tells you what you need to do, and sets you on your way without delay; even the rare loading screens are quick. Other than collecting voxophones and using your lockpicks, there is no reason to go backwards. The game is structured in a way that allows you to consistently move forward with no delays in game progression whatsoever, and ensures new exciting action sequences are always around the corner!
Overall, this is a wonderful game. BioShock Infinite is part of a select few games that have amazed me from start to finish.