BI is one of my favorite games of all time, but it isn't perfect. If you don't get too bogged down in the multiverse and social commentary aspects the narrative is a deeply emotional and bittersweet tale of people dealing with their choices, destiny, personal relationships, morality, etc. There's a scene close to the end that just breaks me every time. (TL/DR at the bottom) The Good: Booker and Elizabeth's relationship is terrific, the voice acting is superb as well. The aesthetics are gorgeous due to the art style and the general visuals of columbia. And the music in numerous moments really brings the emotion to a climax. I also prefer Booker being voice acted as opposed to a silent protag. I also love the combat, as I may be an avid gamer but am also a casual in some perspectives. It isn't as diverse as B1 but the shooting is really fun and satisfying with plasmid powers mixed in. And while the ending battle is underwhelming, the gameplay stays consistently entertaining as opposed to B1 which really took a dive in the last quarter of the game. The Bad: I get why people think it's overrated. The larger world story has holes and issues (especially with the multiverse parts) that depending on what you care about can really bring down the game. And the implications of you murdering everyone is less justifiable than in B1 The gameplay is also much more linear and limited than B1 with less memorable moments and enemies (nothing is comparable in quailty to the Big Daddies). And Elizabeth is helpful but not anything special to gameplay as she doesn't integrate enough. It isn't an RPG it's an Arena shooter TL/DR: Overall Bioshock Infinite is a game like few others that equally is fun to play why engrossingly emotional and should be considered a gaming masterpiece. It's also simple in it's gameplay and has many plot issues compared to the original classic
So this is the 3rd time I'm purchasing this game. Originally got it for my 360, then again on Steam, and now here. I want to support it as much as I can because they just don't make enough games like this and its initial bad sales hurt the chances for more like it. It's hard to find another game with as emotionally poignant and immersive of a narrative. The voice acting, writing, imagery, it'll hit you down deep. It's one of the few games that makes you feel terrible for playing games but also compells you to keep playing. And to all the reviews that criticize the gameplay: it needed to be a generic shooter. If the game wasn't the basic level of shooting it would have missed the entire theme of the story. But it's still fun, it's hard, but enjoyable.
You don't often find a unique twist on a classic formula like this too often. The writing is fun and enjoyable, the 3rd person shooter elements are unique and interesting, and the game feels good to play
Bioshock is one of those games that almost all types of gamers can enjoy. It has the depth, freedom, and narrative that "true gamers" can appreciate with enough linearity, simplicity, and fun that a "casual gamer" like myself can enjoy. With some of the best voice acting and atmosphere in any game ever made, this is a must buy. If you've never played it, wait until your first Big Daddg fight, and you'll get what all the hype is about. One or the greatest games ever made, now DRM free, What could be better?
Ignore the reviews that hate this game purely for its success or its fanbase. On its own, it's a game that can at one point make you laugh and others hit you in the gut, while still being fun to play. I usually dislike text only turn based RPGs with text only dialogue, but it works here esp due to the incredible soundtrack. Undertale is a gem.
It makes me sad we don't have more unique and entertaining games like this. I played it for the first time ever recently and I think it's fantastic. The writing and voice acting is actually funny and clever. The chatacters are great and the use of enviornment and gameplay to tell the narrative is inspired. The platforming is fun and the graphical style still holds up. Sure, the mechanics are sometimes a bit frustrating and the collectithon aspects can be tedious (I just use the free save editor and give myself all the arrowheads and psycores I want). But the charm and fun outweigh any downsides
I'm not going to downgrade my rating due to not enjoying the game, bc it's really just a product of its time. My biggest critique is the combat just isn't that good, even with the full combat rebalance. It doesn't feel too staisfying and can be a hassle to pull off; even for its time. The other issues are due to age. The voice acting is still top notch and the enviorments are pretty. My dislike is mostly due to the lack of flow that modern games have to their UI and systems. But that's a personal preference really, if you don't mind some early last gen PC RPG mechanics, then you're in for a great game.
It takes the best elements of our nostalgia, modernizes it, and adds enough of its own personality and charm to make a great and fun experience. It's never repetitive or boring. Suffers from small issues like any 3D platformers (some camera issues and depth issues) but they're minor. If you like 3D platformers you will love this
(The vanilla version is good, but with the right mods (especially with Project Reality, CASM, Full Character Overhaul, and Solid} this game is a true gem. With those visual and quaility of life upgrades the game feels so immersive and engaging. I don't know about the other titles, this being the only one I've played, but it feels like theres just so much personality and small touches in the game. The writing is great and the numerous NPC are unique and well written. You really feel like there are so many mini adventures to be had within a great main one as well. I'm a basic gamer, I considered startig with Fallout 4 bc it's the most user friendly and simple, but I got this bc it was on sale and I'm so glad I did. It isn't a perfect game, even with mods, it has a lot of jank with gun combat just good enough that it's more enjoyable than annoying. But it fits. And with the solid mod, you'll always know where you're supposed to go so exploring off the path feels inviting instead of harrrowing. So many weird little stories happened to me in this game that really made the world feel like it was alive. I lost so many hours to this game
The only game that rivals the use of gameplay to tell a deep gut wrentching character story, is Celeste. Finch is the game that every walking simulator wishes it could be, by actually having gameplay that tells the narrative. It is hauntingly beautiful while fun to play
