Bioshock: Infinite HYPE THREAD (56k) 9.0 @ GS! (96 @ MC)

General Info:

The Official cover art:

Alt-cover art:

Release Date(s)

• NA March 26, 2013
• EU March 26, 2013
• AUS March 26, 2013

Player(s): 1
Publisher(s): 2K Games

Developer(s): Irrational Games

Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.
ESRB Rating: M
PEGI: 18

Bioshock: Infinite is the true sequel to Bioshock

Gamespot Score: 9.0

Metacritic: 96%

The Amazing Bioshock E3 2006 Trailer

Bioshock won the best story of 2007 here at Gamespot, and won the Game of the year award at X-Play, GameInformer, Spike TV, and BAFTA. It is argubly one of the greatest shooters of all time and is one of the highest rated games of this generation.

Plot

The game is set in 1912 and takes place in the floating city of Columbia, where the player assumes the role of Booker DeWitt, a disgraced Pinkerton agent. Booker has been given the job of finding a woman named Elizabeth in Columbia, who has been confined by a hulking beast called Songbird.

Following in the footsteps of previous BioShock games, the world of Infinite explores the chaos that results when strong ideals are taken to the extreme. At the time of DeWitt's arrival, Columbia is a hotbed of ultra-nationalism, specifically American exceptionalism, as shown by the copious numbers of flags, patriotic music, and propaganda posters that boldfacedly spurn the idea that the Columbia could be a 'haven' from the so-called 'unwanted' of the world.

Gameplay

"DeWitt will possess extraordinary abilities, called Vigors and Nostrums. They are similar, but not identical to, the Plasmid and Gene Tonic abilities of the BioShock series."

"Infinite features a range of environments that will force the player to adapt different weapons and strategies for each situation. Interior spaces will feature close combat with enemies, but unlike previous games set in Rapture, the setting of Infinite contains open spaces with emphasis on sniping and ranged combat against as many as fifteen enemies at once. Combat will also take place while the player is traveling at great speed along the Sky-Lines, a major transport system of Columbia."

"Once DeWitt has found Elizabeth, she will accompany the player at various points in the game. Elizabeth has her own set of abilities complimentary to Dewitt's, and can combine them with his for unique and powerful attacks. An example is where Elizabeth creates a rain cloud and the player uses a lightning attack. The player will not be able to directly control Elizabeth, but instead she will react to the player and the current situation. However, using Elizabeth's abilities also has consequences, draining her of strength and possibly harming her."

"Infinite features several varieties of enemies. These range from seemingly average humans with weapons, to the iconic Handyman seen in the trailer. Unlike the previous BioShock games, many enemies will not attack on sight, but instead will remain neutral to DeWitt unless the player performs an action that causes them to become hostile. Other powerful opponents, such as the Handyman, can act as leaders for other enemies, augmenting their abilities. The most powerful creature in the game, known as Songbird, is the most feared creature in all of Columbia, but his bond with Elizabeth prevents Booker from fighting Songbird without damaging his relationship with her."

Columbia Timeline

1875

• Booker DeWitt is born.

1892

• Elizabeth is born.

1893

• The 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair occurs. The concept of American exceptionalism arises. At some point afterward, Columbia is conceived and construction begins on it.

1895

• "Marlowe" begins to sell bottles of Murder of Crows in the city of Columbia.

1897

• While construction of Columbia is still underway, Elizabeth is imprisoned in the city.

• Sometime during this year, a creature called Songbird is also put into Columbia by The Founders to guard and protect Elizabeth.

1900

• The United States of America proudly launches the air-city of Columbia, which begins a global tour of major cities.

• The city becomes involved in an international incident during the Boxer Rebellion when Columbia opens fire on Chinese citizens, revealing to the world that the city is heavily armed. The U.S. government disavows Columbia, and its location is soon after lost.

• After being disavowed, the city's citizens knew that they needed some type of government; Thus, The Founders took control. However, it is certain that some citizens did not agree with the Founders and soon later became a part of the rival Vox Populi.

1904

• Payton Lane Easter & Sons begins producing Automated Stallions.

• The Emporia Towers district is bombed by a man the Vox Populi believe to be an unnamed postman.

1905

• Vanderwall & Palmer begins to sell Sky-Hooks for traveling on Columbia's Sky-Line.

1912

• Vox Populi is founded and Civil war begins after an attack on the Founders.

• Events of BioShock Infinite occur.

Confirmed Characters

Booker DeWitt

Age: 37

"The protagonist of BioShock Infinite, whom the player controls throughout the game. Through his vocalization, the player comes to understand DeWitt's past experience and his ability to make decisions for himself."

Elizabeth

Age: 20

"Elizabeth is a woman who has been imprisoned in Columbia since she was five years old. Booker is sent to retrieve her from the flying city, and bring her back to New York. She is guarded by the Songbird, a monstrous, winged creature who has become her only friend. She is extremely gifted with various powers, including manipulation of "tears" that exist in the time fabric. Although freed from imprisonment, both The Founders and the Vox Populi covet Elizabeth and her abilities, while her former guardian is determined to recapture her at all costs."

Daisy Fitzroy

Age: Unknown

The leader of the Vox Populi.

Zachary Hale Comstock

Age: Unknown

Charles

Age: Unknown

"A Columbian citizen, who is known to assist Saltonstall. He appears to be an elderly man, who passes his time by sitting on a park bench while he feeds crows."

Saltonstall

Age: Unkown

One of the first antagonists, Saltonstall is an elderly politician in Columbia, and is a member of the Founders political faction. He is insane, as he is found speaking to a crowd of empty chairs about the "importance of preserving the purity of Columbia" and his eyes, face, and voice undergo an inhuman change at times.

Columbia Civil War of 1912: The Founders vs. Vox Populi

After the city-wide incident years before, the citizens of Columbia began to split into two factions: The Founders, and the Vox Populi.

The Founders

The Founders are a major citizen faction in the city of Columbia. Their name arises from the fact that they see themselves as the true founders of the city, and they attempt to model their ideals after the founding fathers of the United States. The party promotes ultra-nationalism, religious fanaticism and extreme xenophobia, and is currently engaged at war with the resistance group known as the Vox Populi.

Vox Populi

A diverse underground resistance faction in Columbia that opposes The Founders' nationalist and xenophobic ideals. They are also called "The Anarchists".

Confirmed Enemies

Citizens

While not all of Columbia's population is hostile against DeWitt, a great many have a vested interest in Elizabeth and her abilities, which places Booker as their prime target. Armed with weapons and superpower-inducing substances (such as Vigors and Nostrums), the citizens of Columbia tend to attack Booker DeWitt in large groups, forming the bulk of most encounters. Two factions oppose each other in Columbia: the Founders, who champion American exceptionalism and xenophobia, and the Vox Populi, a socialist-anarchist workers' union movement whose ideology progressively became more violent and extreme as they clashed against their opponents.

Handyman

The Handyman, also known as Alpha, is a human artificially bonded to a mechanical suit, possessing great strength and speed, as well as a short temper. Handymen are dressed in patriotic uniforms and have a gorilla-like posture and build. They also have exposed human body parts, particularly their head and heart, the latter of which is kept in a fluid-filled glass tank on their chests attached to several hoses. Thick bundles of cables run from their limbs to a pair of conductors on their backs. Handymen also sport early 1900s sty1e mustaches and hairsty1es (the one seen in the demo has a twirled mustache and parted black hair).

Security Zeppelins

Security Zeppelins are large vehicles used for patrolling Columbia in BioShock Infinite.

Songbird

When Elizabeth was imprisoned in Columbia for 15 years, a 30-foot, winged creature, called Songbird, was created for the sole purpose of keeping her in prison. During that time, Songbird was Elizabeth's only company. Although Elizabeth was held captive by Songbird, the creature had been her caretaker and protector. When she had escaped, the creature was intent to bring her back, even if it meant destroying anyone and anything near Elizabeth, including Booker DeWitt.

The Motorized Patriot

The Motorized Patriot is a clockwork automaton that has taken the guise of a violent and demented George Washington. Wearing a removable porcelain mask, the Motorized Patriot was inspired by the animatronics of The Hall of Presidents. The Motorized Patriot is a part of an all new "Heavy Hitters" class of enemies, and is described as "relentless" and "fearless". While other enemies might shirk away in the face of danger, the Motorized Patriot will be unwavering in his assault, as he fires his new Pepper-Mill gatling gun at the player. As the player does damage to The Motorized Patriot, his mask will fall off, revealing his skeletal-like wooden frame. The Pepper-Mill gatling gun will also be useable by the player, but will only be obtainable after defeating the Patriot.

The Boy of Silence

The Boy of Silence is the alarm equivalent of a Security Camera in Columbia. Wearing a blue suit, and blind by his large helmet, he's able to detect Booker via large funnel-like horns that increase his hearing. The player must choose wether to sneak by one, or engage in combat, which either by detection or open fire can trigger a Boy of Silence to open the mouth of his helmet, and emit an alarming screech to alert nearby enemies.

Siren

The Siren is a enemy that has a ghost-like appearance, and has the ability to bring back dead enemies with the call of her screeching voice. She provides a challenge to the player of focusing their attention to attacking her or the once-dead enemies.

Confirmed Weapons

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

The long-distance weapon of BioShock Infinite. Although hard to use at close ranges, the weapon boasts flawless accuracy and a zoom function. In addition, it is powerful enough to down a civilian in a single shot. The rifle is bolt-action, as DeWitt manually ejects the spent cartridge after firing each shot.

Shotgun

The short-ranged weapon of BioShock Infinite. Its ability to kill civilians in one hit is tempered by its short range and low rate of fire, as Booker is forced to cock the gun's lever after every shot. This weapon holds 8 shells.

Machine Gun

Known in-game as the Rolston Reciprocating Repeater, this is the automatic weapon of Infinite. It holds 45 rounds in the magazine and also appears to be partially based on a Sten Gun. It appears to have moderate damage, medium range and has a set of iron sights.

Pistol

The mid-range small weapon of BioShock Infinite, seen in the hands of civilians. In the "About Sky-Lines" developer commentary, the pistol used by Booker possesses a clip size of eighteen rounds.

RPG

The explosive-based weapon in BioShock Infinite, the Rocket Launcher is one of the guns available to Booker DeWitt as he progresses through the game. It is very powerful, capable of downing an airship on its own, and is fitted with a scope for long-range bombardment and holds 3 rockets, similar to BioShock 2's Launcher.

Sky-Hook

Designed for both transport and combat, the Sky-Hook is an essential part of Booker's arsenal in BioShock Infinite. The tool is fitted with a series of gears and three rotating scoops to attach to the Sky-Lines running through the city of Columbia.

Confirmed Vigors

Vigors are the primary abilities that players will attain in BioShock Infinite. Similar to Plasmids, they grant the user access to extraordinary abilities. Unlike Plasmids, which are powered by a single resource, Vigors have a limited set of charges before they are used up. Weaker Vigors (such as two electric and psychokinetic-based abilities) will have more uses, while the more powerful ones (such as Murder of Crows) will have fewer. Charges are picked up like a form of ammunition, causing the player to be more strategic with which powers they choose to employ. Elizabeth will also be able to augment Vigors using her abilities, making them more powerful. However, doing so drains her physical strength.

Bucking Bronco

Blasts enemies and objects in front of Booker, levitating them in the air for a period of time, and allowing Booker to damage them without resistance.

Electric Vigor

Allows Booker DeWitt to temporarily stun enemies, preventing them from moving or attacking. Can be used in conjunction with Elizabeth's weather-changing ability to create a lightning storm, killing any enemies under it.

Mesmerize

Grants Booker an irresistible charm, turning nearby enemies into allies.

Murder of Crows

This Vigor sends a large group (or "murder." hence its name) of crows to attack enemies, distracting them. It was the first revealed Vigor, and only used once during the first gameplay trailer. It is found on Charles' corpse.

Telekinetic Vigor

Allows Booker to pull objects through the air towards him, disarm and shoot enemies using their own weapons, and throw objects in his grasp with deadly force.

Weapon Slave

This Vigor allows Booker to animate an unused weapon and direct it at enemies.

Nostrums

Nostrums are the passive abilities of BioShock Infinite, similar to the Gene Tonics of the other BioShock games. They are permanent character upgrades, and have no need to be equipped or managed. Nostrums allow Booker DeWitt to be upgraded in a manner that suits a player's sty1e There is no limit to the amount of nostrums that can be used. The player also comes across unstable Nostrums, such as Pot Luck, granting the user a choice of three different abilities. Once one Nostrum is chosen from those three, it cannot be removed.

Tears

"A Tear is a rip in dimensional time and space, revealing an alternate event which does not exist in the current Columbia world. Every citizen of Columbia is able see Tears, but Elizabeth is the only one capable of interacting with them. When tapping into these Tears, she is able to transport something from there to the current world. However, she does so with the possibility of losing her concentration and causing the Tear to widen, producing unpredictable results."

"When fighting the citizens of Columbia, Booker may encounter multiple Tears ranging from a single turret, to a few members of either the Vox Populi or The Founders, to a completely separate Sky-Line. Elizabeth is then able to transport these to Columbia's world to either supply objects or mend an existing counterpart, yet this also forces a risk to herself when using her ability."

"The player will be presented with choices of what type of Tear Elizabeth should open. Once one of them is activated, the others will become temporarily unavailable. Some Tears appear individually and are only prevented by Elizabeth's inability to open Tears for a set amount of time."

Gameplay Videos and Trailers

Debut Trailer

Gamescom 2010 Gameplay

E3 2011 Gameplay

Spike TV VGAs 2011 Gameplay Trailer

Heavy Hitters #1: Motorized Patriot

Heavy Hitters #2: Handyman

Heavy Hitters #3: Boys of Silence

Heavy Hitters #4: Siren

Beast of America

City in the sky

False Shepard

Metacritic

PlayStation 3 - TBD

Xbox 360 - TBD

PC - TBD

Special thanks to the Official Bioshock: Infinite Website and the wiki with all that contribute to it!

Premium Edition

Price: $79.99

• ART BOOK - This 64-page collectible mini-edition of The Art of BioShock Infinite provides a substantial look at the full version, published by Dark Horse Comics. This special-edition art book offers an exclusive peek at the development of the game's unique art style, and features a handdistressed linen cover, early designs, and concept art.
• DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT - Digital Soundtrack: Downloadable soundtrack features music from BioShock Infinite and is exclusive to the Premium and Ultimate Songbird Editions.
• Gear Pack: Start the game with three exclusive Gear power-ups:
• Bull Rush: Melee strikes from a sprint have a chance to knock the enemy down.
• Extra! Extra!: Audio logs also grant a bounty of "Silver Eagles" - ingame currency.
• Betrayer: Killing your possessed enemies causes them to explode in a fireball that deals damage. Console Users: Xbox 360 players receive free Booker & Elizabeth avatar costumes, and PlayStation 3 players get BioShock Infinite themes.
• LITHOGRAPHIC PRINT - A real-life piece of propaganda from BioShock Infinite's world of Columbia, this heavy-stock lithograph print, an ad for the Devil's Kiss vigor, was designed by Jorge Lacera, concept artist at Irrational Games.
• HANDYMAN FIGURINE - Get ready to play the upcoming BioShock Infinite board game, BioShock Infinite: The Siege of Columbia, created and published by Plaid Hat Games. With this exclusive, 25mm resin-cast Handyman figure, you'll have a head start.
• MURDER OF CROWS KEYCHAIN - This follow-up to the highly-demanded, full-size Murder of Crows replica bottle is an exclusive 3" keychain. It is fully 3-dimensional, hand-painted and distressed, and features a sturdy brass ring.

Ultimate Songbird Edition

Price: $149.99

The Ultimate Songbird Edition includes:

• 9.75 inch Songbird statue
• A 3-inch baby version keychain of the sold-out Murder of Crows vigor bottle replica.
• A 5 x 7-inch lithograph by Jorge Lacera.
• A 25 millimeter, resin-cast Handyman miniature from the upcoming BioShock Infinite board game by Plaid Hat Games, makers of Summoner Wars.
• A mini art book, full of BioShock Infinite concept art and commentary, with a hand-distressed cover.
• Various digital goodies: exclusive in-game gear, a digital soundtrack, and platform specific downloadable content (Avatar costumes for Xbox 360, and Themes for PC and PlayStation 3)

Playstation Move Support/Free Bioshock

The PlayStation 3 version of this game will include move support and the original Bioshock.

Bioshock: Industrial Revolution

Developer: Lazy 8 Studios

Those who preorder Bioshock: Infinite will have access to a browser-based puzzle game that ties into the retail game; solving puzzles will grant the player items in the main game once it releases.

Bioshock: Infinite HYPE Counts:

AAAA

XVision84

ChubbyGuy40

Phoenix534

FollowY0urBliss

AzelKosMos

killa4lyfe

AAA

Wesrcks13

TheGuardian03

timmy00

SolidTy

argetlam00

spookykid143

Zassimick

johny300

archvile_78

R4gn4r0k

IPWNDU2

DarkLink77

NeonNinja

GD1551

ShadowMoses900

Shadow

FireSpirit177

the_bi99man

TheErocia

CasualMike

stizz-

agpickle

hummer700

arto1223

harshv82

Kiro0

TheOtherTheoG

50u1r34v3r

999realthings

freedomfreak

moistsandwich

speedfog

TecmoGirl

Seiki_sands

TheGrudge13

Wanderer5

dracolich55

bardock47

lamprey263

padaporra

TH1Sx1SxSPARTA

Nintendo_Ownes7

silversix_

PatchMaster

Cherokee_Jack

RyanShazam

Animal-Mother

Big_Pecks

SNIPER4321

Cheleman

MercenaryMafia

TheEpicGoat

blackace

getyeryayasout

ps3theJT

Frostbite24

Joedgabe

chocolate1325

HaloPimp978

silversix_

TheWalkingGhost

TheGuardian03

rjdofu

planeforger

AA

AmayaPapaya

DragonfireXZ95

WilliamRLBaker

Stevo_the_Gamer

Jankarcop

whiskeystrike

eboyishere

SaltyMeatBalls

Obviously_Right

DivineSword

A

Zurrur

B

I cant see any way this game wont be game of gen... It looks THAT good... Levine seems locked in to make another masterpiece!

I'm gonna say AAA but from what I've seen so far, it has the makings of gaming nirvana.

Pre-ordered, day one buy :D

Over under for delay beyond March 2012? I'm going to say over, unfortunately. :(

It's a tad bit early but I guess that's alright.

Pre-ordered, day one buy :D

Over under for delay beyond March 2012? I'm going to say over, unfortunately. :(

Basinboy

Oh definitely over. It's dissappointing but it's almost guaranteed.

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Just a tad too early for this don't you think?

Wesrcks13

Wow way too early, but i'll vote and i say AAA.TheGuardian03

It's never to early to HYPE a game. :) May I ask you guys to delete your posts and post again, thanks. :)

I'm going to agree with other posters, just a tad too early for a hype thread. Should at least wait for a release date to make one.

Nice thread nonetheless =D

Nice one, Wes :) We still have aways to go before release, but it's looking amazing so far :o I can't wait to see how much better Bioshock: Infinite looks since we last saw it.

My HYPE is AAAA btw. I don't like AAA since it's boring, either go small or go big :P

I'm gonna go with AAA, though I can see this game getting 8.5'd. I will definitely pick this up though. I haven't been let down by any of the Bioshock games yet, and this one looks like it'll be the best.

It looks *infinitely* better than the first game.

Can't say my hype right now, I do NOT want to overhype another game :P

AAAA from me. The flop train's a commin'!!!

I'm hyping it AAA.

AAA from me.

Oh, I just realised I didn't post a hype. I'm going all the way, AAAA. Just from the gameplay so far it looks better than anything I've seen this entire generation and if there is anyone that I have confidence in to make the perfect game it would be Ken Levine and Irrational.

Well god damn Wes, you really outdid yourself with this.

Hype is AAA.

Will probably be the best shooter of 2012 easily. AAA

Put me down for AAA Wes, another nice HYPE thread btw. :P

I can't wait to play this bad boy Bioshock, looks great.

I need this game.

Another AAA title that sheep are going to miss!

Well god damn Wes, you really outdid yourself with this.

Hype is AAA.

timmy00

It's a nice hype thread, and I'm giving the game a AAA hype, but is it not a little too early for one of these?

Ugh.... this is a tough one. I wanna say AAAA, but realistically the game will probably be AAA. DEFINITELY no lower than AAA.

Ah, screw it. Sign me up for AAAA.

AAA on lock.

Completely convinced this will be game of the year 2012. Mass Effect 3 what? Put me down for AAA, I don't see another game getting AAAA this gen.

Early or not, this is an awesome hype thread!

So pumped for this game.

Day 1 purchase for me and I'm hoping for AAA

It's a nice hype thread, and I'm giving the game a AAA hype, but is it not a little too early for one of these?

arto1223

I am hoping for AAAA.

I will say AAA.

Sounds fair.

AAA no doubt....

Also,TC.

Good job leaving out the poll,counting only the people that post their hype.I like that.

AAA, Game looks great :). Nice HYPE Thread.

It's Bioshock-- the third entry to the best FPS this gen. No way is it getting anything under a 'AAA'.

Nice HYPE thread by the way.