When you think of the third in a series, normally you think that the sanctity and the purity of the first one would always shine through. Well, much like Captain America: Civil War or The Exorcist III, sometimes, there comes a game that defies that logic to its fullest. Bioshock Infinite looked like a very strange title when just the first promo came out years before. Fans didn't really know what to think, but they did like the overall look and graphics. What was born was a game that was so unlike the first game, but just like the first game that it seemed to bring itself out of a cocoon.
This game is not perfect, but it is so beautiful and glorious to play that you forgive it for its shortcomings. Where Bioshock was grimy, dark and under the water with dark shadowy spaces, most of Infinite is spent out in the sunlight and the clouds as you speed your way across railings to jump off and attack new enemies. The gameplay with the gunfighting is improved in many ways, the powers are just as interesting, if not more. A lot of people liked the bees better than the ravens you use in Infinite, but honestly, they are both awesome in their own right.
The plot revolving around Elizabeth is gripping, for certain. You know that you're not going to be taking her to Paris, but she is adamant to the point where she straight up tries to leave you. Even though you need to escort her, it doesn't turn into an escort mission game. She is able to hide and throw you items as you need them, even money. She also has the power to RIP OPEN PORTALS TO NEW TIMELINES! Did I forget to mention that? Yes, the storyline is one of the flaws of this game because of just how jank these missions get with the portals opening and closing. Sometimes, its used to bring in items from other dimensions, but sometimes, it can straight up screw you completely over.
Beyond that, there is a bit of misdirection when it comes to the maps you need to traverse and the paths you need to go to. It can get a bit confusing because some of the maps are rather samey. The feeling of going on the rails is amazing, though, and leaping off to attack enemies directly is a very good strategy to win some of the areas. This game's enemies can become something of bullet sponges. This is especially true when you get to the metal golems and the Presidents of the United States replicas. Yes, I said that as well. You fight Washington with a gigantic machinegun.
The powers system and a lot of the weapons are basically the same as the first game, which is very easy to learn but hard to master when you're discovering new Adam and getting through some of the trickier parts. Some of the boss battles can also get rather challenging, especially the last one. It not only throws a gigantic robotic bird at you, but you're also fighting off a mob, including Mr. Washington.
The story takes a rather unexpected turn at the very end and I can't help but fall in love with it. I hated it at first, but it has aged like fine wine and the game itself holds up today. This game went far beyond the second one and met with the first game. While I love this game more, Bioshock will forever hold a place in gaming greatness. These two games went above and beyond expectations and are remnants of an era where gaming greatness was sadly fading away in the AAA sector. Still, I'm grateful to have this one, especially since Bioshock 2 was such a major disappointment. That's right, no I don't want to play as a Big Daddy! It was the worst part of the first game and yes I will die on that hill. Virtua Attack!!!!
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