BioShock Infinite

Years ago, this game was almost universally praised, but objectively, it is closer to 'good but flawed'. Pros: [list] [*][b] Art direction and world design: [/b] the floating city is gorgeous, colorful, and unique. Its retro-futurism also stands out: airships, automatons, and floating architecture - technologies that feel like a fantastical extension of early 20th-century inventions. It's fair to call it one of the most visually striking games ever. [*][b] Memorable atmosphere: [/b] the game portrays US society of the late Gilded Age / early Progressive Era (1890s-1910s). It doesn't just borrow surface aesthetics - it builds its entire world as a mirror of real tensions. The opening of the game presents a beautiful, celebratory facade - parades, music, idealized families - whereas later the game shows a hidden underclass of laborers and the culmination of their struggle: [spoiler] class revolt [/spoiler]. We also see other historical markers such as hyper-nationalism and American exceptionalism, normalized racism, revivalist Christianity, and prophetic leaders (to name a few). [/list] Cons: [list] [*][b] Confusing setting: [/b] the game introduces the idea of infinite parallel universes with 'constants and variables', but never clearly explains why some things stay constant (like the main character's existence) while others change randomly. That makes it feel like anything can happen without clear logic. [*][b] Messy storytelling: [/b] the story depends heavily on implication rather than explanation. It also blends literal events with metaphorical scenes (which are left for the player to interpret). Most of the plot twists (especially the ending) sacrifice clarity for shock value and symbolism. As a result, to understand the story, you either need an external explanation or a replay to fully piece it together. [*][b] Pacing issues: [/b] the game is overly reliant on cutscenes that constantly break the rhythm. Some of these are fairly meaningless too (elevator rides, controlled 'tour' moments with Elizabeth). [*][b] Simplified mechanics and gameplay: [/b] Unlike [i] Infinite [/i], earlier BioShock games allowed you to combine plasmids, tonics, and upgrades into detailed builds with stacked bonuses. Furthermore, the two-weapon limit forces constant weapon swapping instead of planning ahead. [/list]

Oh hey, I played this a long ass time ago and never left a review. Well here goes! As far as story goes, this is one of my all time favourites, it honestly gave me chills, and there are so many little details to what's going on through the game that you're not necessarily going to pick up on all of it in a first playthrough. And if you love a good linear first-person shooter it's great. But let's be real, if you're looking for a SystemShock / BioShock successor, or something to tickle that immersive sim itch, this isn't it. Mechanically it's so watered down by comparison, it could be a swimming pool. This game is a product of development hell and a push to pull everything together into a viable product right near the end, and in retrospect, it shows. But I'd still recommend it. Just keep your expectations in check.

Good game with beautiful visuals and nice story. At first you wouldn't understand anything (Anna, debt, etc.) but it all will make sense at some point. Combat is kinda meh when enemies start to have tons of hp, but since the game is around 10-12h long on Hard it won't be much of a problem.