Hooray, this post is actually legit.
You guys should prepare yourselves, because I’m guessing a lot of our upcoming posts for the next couple of weeks will have to do with Bioshock Infinite in one way or another. Not only is it just a hot commodity right now in terms of gaming news, but the thing is just really damn good.
While we’ve already talked about its design and storytelling on the most recent podcast, one thing that’s stuck out to me as I traverse through Infinite’s floating Americana utopia of Columbia is just how gorgeous of a place it is. Bioshock Infinite might be one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever played. I don’t mean that from a graphical fidelity standpoint, but more in terms of the game’s design.
While most games try to go with realism over style, Infinite crafts a timeless, artistic world that I believe will be cemented as one of gaming’s most iconic locales for years to come. Even though I wasn’t a fan of the original Bioshock, the aesthetic and atmosphere of Rapture was hard to ignore, and Columbia might even go above and beyond (almost literally).
In fact, the game is so stupid good-looking, so fully realized and so fun to explore, I’ve spent about 80 percent of my time playing it so far just staring at everything. I kid you not, as soon as the game gives me license to explore Battleship Bay, or the main Boardwalk, or a fairground, I’m all over the place, taking in every passing conversation, searching every trash can, reading every piece of propaganda. The world is tantalizing and hypnotic, to the point that it’s almost distracting. I honestly can’t remember the last time a game’s setting has been so well-crafted that it pulled me away from the narrative to the point where I just enjoyed existing as part of its world.
What about you guys? What’s the most recent game that’s left you transfixed with its art style or its visuals? Have any of you played Bioshock Infinite yet, and what are your impressions so far? Go!
I was completely blown away, the moment I broke through the clouds and was introduced to Columbia. The soundtrack accompanying this came blends so well that I may or may not have shed a manly tear because of how good it looks and how great it’s soundtrack score was done. The story was fantastic and I look forward to playing through again. Definitely my GOTY 2013
Having now finished it, I am ready to return to Columbia because it is just that darn gorgeous.
I’m essentially on the same page as Anthony. Having finished the game and experienced the story, I’m ready to dive back in and see everything I missed the first time around. This includes the myriad of propaganda posters, collectibles I’ve glossed over, et cetera.
I loved the game, it blew my mind. But for everyone else I will not go into the reasons why it has. Everything I want to talk about is spoiler central.
Just adding a bit on here, I was looking at some screenshots from the game, All of them look like they could just be a picture by themselves.
Completely agree. The story telling is so perfect and subtle and its just so damn pretty to look at. I’m about 5 hours in and my only complaint so far is that it isn’t particularly scary.
Azaezle, there are a few points in the game where i actually screamed out of Holy crap fear moments. theres not many, but infinite isnt exactly like the original was ment to be.
@Azaeazle,
Killklii is right, this isn’t meant to be scary at all. You will jump in a few spots, but this is a different animal than the original.
I slow-walked through the entire game, examining every nook and cranny. What stands as a real testament to the game’s art direction is that my girlfriend, who doesn’t play games, watched me play the entire first half of the game without missing a beat, and was constantly surprised at how interesting the world is.
I will agree that it was mostly my fault having false expectations based on the previous games. That said, the two scarier sections of the game were easily my favorite and where enough to satisfy my horror appetite.
Have to agree with what everyone else is saying, it’s already up there for game of the year for me.