The sky is the limit with Bioshock Infinite
Taking place in the year 1912, you play as Booker Dewitt; a private investigator with a mysterious past and one mission; "get the girl and wipe away the debt". However, the girl and this "debt" remain a mystery at the beginning. You start the game at a mysterious lighthouse in the middle of the ocean. Upon entering this lighthouse, you find a chair at the top, which you are then strapped to and sent sky high (literally) to Columbia, a flying city. This fine city was founded by Comstock, whom everyone here seems to refer to as "The Prophet", and it seems like a friendly city at first, but you will find that it holds many dark secrets as you progress.
I hate to stop talking about the story there, but that's because the best part about Infinite is its remarkable story telling. It lures you in with its mysterious characters and setting and everything plays out perfectly at the end. It's just one of those plots that keeps you guessing throughout the whole game which instantly peaks your curiosity of what happens next. Of course, if you played the original, you know how well Irrational can pull off that "WTF" moment very well, and that moment here is no different. In fact, the twist is made even less obvious here. The ending will also leave an impression on you and will keep you thinking long after the credits role, that to me is a sign of good storytelling. Bioshock Infinite's story is absolutely fascinating, to the point where it deserves to be called one of the best told stories in video game history. The atmosphere, characters, and setting all compliment one another to give you one though provoking story that you will never forget.
The story is also accompanied by its brilliant presentation in both the art style and the environment around you. The city of Columbia looks so breathtaking, you'll want to explore and soak it all in. What makes it more interesting is that the city actually changes as you progress the story. It starts off all beautiful and innocent but then that beauty fades and you're left with a darker, war torn city in the sky, just to keep your excitement and curiosity high. The first Bioshock set the bar high with its tremendous atmosphere and visuals, it's nice to know that Infinite looks and feels just as good.
The gameplay remains true to the original Bioshock's formula. It has no set pieces like most military shooters, but that doesn't mean it's lacking on the action. Of course, being an FPS, the gameplay naturally involves pointing your gun and shooting. Of course you get a selection of weaponry like the machine gun, pistol, sniper rifle, rocket launcher, carbine, shotgun, grenade launcher, etc. The shooting is intense at times though it plays out like most FPS'. However, like the first game, you also have vigors to help you out (known in the first game as "plasmids"). Each vigor has different advantages like one that possesses enemies to fight in your favor or the one that sends crows at your enemies and distracts them. As you progress, you can use the money you find to upgrade your vigors (or weapons for that matter) so that they can do secondary attacks like using them to set traps. The vigors are fun to play around with but using them will eat up your vigor pool, which can be replenished by finding salts. This means that if you run out in the middle of battle, you'll have to resort on your gunplay more.
The gameplay is as fun as always but for the most part, there isn't much new when regarding gunplay. However, there are two gameplay elements that really help mix things up a bit. The first is the addition of the sky lines all throughout Columbia. Upon jumping on one, you're in for one hell of a roller coaster ride. You can attach and ride these rails to either travel from one spot to another or use it to your advantage during combat; either by making you a more difficult target (while firing at them from above at the same time) or using them to reach vantage points. Riding on these rails is always a thrill, whether you're traveling or just messing around.
The second element that really makes this game feel unique is your new trusted companion; Elizabeth ("the girl" I mentioned earlier). Storywise, Elizabeth is a well rounded and interesting character who holds a dark secret. Gameplay wise, she's the biggest advantage you got. She can't wield a gun and give you covering fire but what she can do is throw you ammo or salts if you're running low, or even health should you really need it. That's not all though, for she also has this mysterious ability to "tear" which involves opening doorways or portals. These tears can open up many elements that can give you the upper hand, from cover and rocket sentries to hooks to jump on for vantage points or even crates of ammo. The best part is Elizabeth never feels like she's holding you back or that you have to constantly babysit or protect her on a regular basis. She stays out of enemy fire just fine and can look after herself while you're busy trying to save your own hide. Outside of battle, she's also helpful for picking locks and finding you loot. Luckily, the AI has no trouble following close behind you and never gets stuck. Having this competent partner with you really adds to the gameplay and she can even be the deciding factor in every combat situation she's in.
However, as excellent as this game is, it isn't without a few flaws. First of all, there is only a two weapon limit this time. This isn't such a big issue in games like Halo where having two weapons works with split up levels and adds strategy to the multiplayer. For Infinite, none of that matters (open ended and no multiplayer) and having only two weapons when the first game let you carry many is a drag. Not to mention the game is a bit on the easy side. There is a little more punishment for dying by losing your money, unlike the first game which hardly gave you any punishment, but I highly recommend playing this game on hard if you have experience with FPS games before. Normal is too easy.
In 2007, Irrational set the bar with a well told story, unique visuals and fun gameplay with the original Bioshock. In 2013, they may have just reached that bar once again and showed other FPS devs how it's done. The gunplay may not seem spectacular but the extra elements it adds to the combat, like sky lines and Elizabeth, do. If there's one thing the developers did outdo themselves in, it would be the amazing story of Booker Dewitt and Elizabeth with a jaw dropping ending that will keep you thinking long after you're done, and you will want to play through it again. Bioshock Infinite is more than an impressive game, it's an experience that you should never miss.