(On a side note, sorry this took a lot longer than predicted. I had to get everything just perfect in order to explain how I see/others see the game - FM)
Spoiler Free Review - no major plotholes were exploited in this review
It's fair to say that this game has been the most talked about title, even outside the gaming community
Since its release, never before has a game made this much of a splash in not only the gaming community, but in our media, in our news, in our day to day lives and its for this reason that I believe Bioshock Infinite will now take it's place among the greats of history.
More of a prequel than a stand-alone game, Bioshock Infinite sets us as Booker DeWitt, a man of principles as a gun for hire, now bent on redemption. With a large gambling debt on his head and every other option now exhausted, these words not only begin to shape DeWitt's life but also becomes the theme of the game: "Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt." and with that, DeWitt sets off to Colombia to bring a certain girl back to New York and pay off his large debt.
First off, I have to mention the graphics. Bioshock has been known for it's dark, horrific, underwater world and many fans were worried when their next title was featured in the sky. However, even to this gamer, I was pleasantly surprised by how the game looks and feels. Bioshock, as we know, is a title that draws horrors to the mind but when I first saw Colombia, even I held my breath and sighed in wonder. The bright world that I fell in love with quickly became a war torn place of hatred; the lower class rebelling against those in power, dark clouds swirling above your head and as you travel down the rabbit hole even more, the darker the world seems to get.
Sound effects is very well done, even the newest of sounds make a great piece next to the musical score. With so many Easter eggs in the music around you, the game makes you feel - dare I say - at home. An acapella version of the Beach Boy's title "God Only Knows" to a chimey version of "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", walking around the world, you can be drawn to so many other places by the things you see and hear alone, or even by your companion doing something you'd never expect.
Speaking of which, AI usage. Elizabeth is by far one of the most intelligent AIs in a game in at least the last 10 years. A continuous commentary on things around you, small little clips of interaction with items around you (Such as stones, toys, guns, rides ect). Over the years gamers have had many AI companions over the year, the best by far being Ashley in Resident Evil 4, but Elizabeth definitely top her by far. Need ammo? Elizabeth will search until she finds some. Running low on Salts? Elizabeth has some handy. While she has been criticised for not picking up lockpicks (The only thing she uses), she still points them out to Booker and they become highlighted. Even despite that, she is definitely not frustratingly annoying and useless like 98% of other game's AI characters.
Now into the heat of things: Gameplay and the voice cast. Some folks, myself included, were worried about the new Salt system, which effectively replaces Plasmids. In brutal honesty, they're the same items as before but with different names and trap abilities. Originally, Salts weren't available and each Vigor was only able to be used for a certain amount (So one bottle of Murder Of Crows would last eight uses) and players were unable to use them again until they find another bottle. With foodstuff with Salt and bottles of Salts, you can quickly and efficiently restock your Vigors. While they have added many new abilities, Vigors tend to fall into "The Backup Plan" as no Vigor outright kills any NPC, no matter the strength. Weapons tend to be the main go-to. Don't get me wrong, the gameplay is smooth and extremely fun and the game itself has re-playable value through the roof, but Vigor and gun strength could have been levelled out a little bit more.
Now, onto the voice cast. One of the most well known voice actors Troy Baker takes the main role as Booker and while he has less lines than our dear Elisabeth (Courtnee Draper), his lines still bring much depth and emotion to them, Courtnee bringing not only a cutesy feel to Elisabeth in the early stages and also by the end, a dark and sorrowful performance. Elisabeth is the main character with the most change over the coarse of the game. With other well known voice actors such as Laura Bailey as Lady Comstock (From other works such as Kushina from Ninja Storm 3 and Rivera from Halo 4) Kimberly Brooks(Ashley from the Mass Effect series) and other well known names such as Steve Blum, Jennifer Hale, Robin Atkin Downes, Yuri Lowenthal and so many more in main and additional roles, the developers bring the world to colour, the voice cast brings it to life.
In closing, Bioshock Infinite has seem many positive reviews in the last few weeks while some like to nitpick at the smaller things. Granted, the storyline does have a few fallouts when it comes to a few mistakes but otherwise delivers a brilliant story. With a unique storyline that will literally leave you breathless by the time you finish, a game that will give you a warm feeling in your heart as Elisabeth sings warmly to a child and so much more, I had to create my own reward for the game.
I officially pronounce that Bioshock Infinite is the very first of FATMAN'S CHOICE!Out of 10, I give Bioshock Infinite a 10/10
PERFECT SCORE
Good Points
+ Voice acting is utter brilliance
+ Storyline is jawdropping
+ Gameplay is fun and addictive
+ Voxaphones makes the world larger
+ Infusion bottles truly do help
+ Definitely a game you can play over and over
Bad Points
- Admittedly, a few small plotholes
Bioshock Infinite is out now for $78
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