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Bioshock Infinite “1999 Mode” Will Test The Faithful’s Mettle

When a game features a mix of various genre elements and offers the player choices, everyone is going to approach the adventure in slightly different ways.

But for the hardcore, those who plan to tackle Bioshock Infinite with the meticulous nature of the role-playing lover, developer Irrational Games has a special mode just for you…

Today, 2K Games has announced the "1999 Mode" for the hotly anticipated Bioshock iteration, and it's "designed to challenge players in a variety of ways – each requiring substantial commitment and skill development." Essentially, it's a nod to the golden age of the industry, when video games "demanded more of the player." Irrational creative director Ken Levine said that while 94.6% of gamers polled said the upgrade options in the franchise enhance the gameplay experience, 56.8% said that being required to make permanent decisions about their character would be even better.

And so, welcome the new challenge. Said Levine:

"We want to give our oldest and most committed fans an option to go back to our roots. In 1999 Mode, gamers face more of the permanent consequences of their gameplay decisions. In BioShock Infinite, gamers will have to sweat out the results of their actions. In addition, 1999 Mode will demand that players pick specializations, and focus on them."

So not only will you be faced with permanent decisions, 1999 Mode will also feature demanding weapon, power, and health management. Oh, and if you don't have the resources necessary to respawn…it's Game Over. As the press release concludes- "it's not for the faint of heart."

Related Game(s): Bioshock Infinite

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Geobaldi
Geobaldi
12 years ago

This is good news as it basically sounds as if it's adopting the RPG gameplay elements that helped make System Shock 2 such an awesome game back in '99. Now if only EA would get off their butt and give System Shock 3 the ok to be made, as I still enjoy that series more then Bioshock.

AcHiLLiA
AcHiLLiA
12 years ago

System Shock, is that series on the PC?


Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 1/19/2012 12:32:04 PM

TGSA
TGSA
12 years ago

This is great, glad that we're acknowledging our roots and listening to the fans whilst not isolating others and newcomers.

SmokeyPSD
SmokeyPSD
12 years ago

So basically how gaming is supposed to be?

Awesome but come on… This is ridiculous that this should be a special mode.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

It's a different world. You can't make a game that only the minority (the hardcore niche) will play and love. That's financial suicide these days, and developers know it.

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
12 years ago

SmokeyPSD –

Speaking of 1999, if you need evidence to support Bens statement, take a look at JRPG's.

Axe99
Axe99
12 years ago

Games for everyone, Smokey, not just for you ;). Gaming isn't _meant_ to be anything, and the fallacy that all games used to be hard as nails is just that – a fallacy. The best possible approach is designing in options for people that like the 'live with your decisions' thing (which is most definitely me for this – 1999 mode sounds awesome :D)), but also keeping it accessible for others.

I mean, imagine if GT5 or Forza only had all the assists off? I'd personally love it, but it'd mean many, many people wouldn't enjoy those games for pretty much no good reason, and the publishers and devs would make a lot less money, again for no reason.

JLB1
JLB1
12 years ago

As if I needed any other reasons to get this game. D1P

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

THAT's my game mode for sure. I love it when I have to make irreversible decisions. The pondering. The intense reading of the descriptions. The planning ahead… LOVE IT.

Awesome, 2K Games. You are steadily climbing on my chart here!


Last edited by Beamboom on 1/19/2012 12:22:48 PM

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
12 years ago

Same here Beamboom!

ZenChichiri
ZenChichiri
12 years ago

I love that aspect of gaming. Sucks me into the RPG elements a lot more. It attaches me more to the game when I know my own decisions could have dire consequences. I will definitely be playing on this mode.

Kingharris
Kingharris
12 years ago

No idea what this is but I did Survivor without Vita Chambers on PS3!

ZenChichiri
ZenChichiri
12 years ago

Me too. The beginning of the game is really intense when you have limited weaponry!

Yukian
Yukian
12 years ago

Can someone please explain this mode with more detail 'cause I don't understand what's the difference.

I mean, we had to think thoroughly what to do and what to get before making any rash decisions, right?…

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
12 years ago

1999. One of the greatest years ever.

My son was born.
My football team went on to win the Super Bowl.
My favorite NFL player made the HOF.

Fitting name for one of the best franchises out there. I didn't really need any additional reason to get hyped up over Infinite, but now, now, I am excited.

Axe99
Axe99
12 years ago

This is awesome sauce – Ken Levine and his crew are easily one of the best design teams in gaming today :).

Oyashiro
Oyashiro
12 years ago

1999 is oldskool… I FEEL SO OLD!

Lairfan
Lairfan
12 years ago

Umm…don't we already have to think out our decisions before we make them in this game? I don't see the difference there, unless they're also talking about skills again, in which case it was weirdly worded.

As for the rest, it definitely sounds like 1999. I just don't like being restricted to one class/specialization throughout the game, because focusing on one class is not my play style (I usually like to be a jack of all trades, since its a lot better than people would have you believe). I also have never liked having to start over in a game just because I died once. Never liked it in the arcades, still don't like it. Just because it was the norm back in the day doesn't mean it was good, even if it added difficulty.

In other words, I'm glad they have the option, but its definitely not the option for me.

berserk
berserk
12 years ago

While it will be a great mode to replay the game , i don t see myself playing this mode in my first playthrought .

" demand that players pick specializations, and focus on them " Seem to restrictive for a first run to me .

Maybe if he was more clear on the difference i might think otherwise .

Hoagie324
Hoagie324
12 years ago

I'm excited that this will pose a good challenge, but at the same time I'm kind of really NOT looking forward to it… especially if you get REALLY far in the game and have to restart the WHOLE thing. I'm hoping there's some kind of save system similar to Dead Space 2's hardcore difficulty. If not, I'll still try anyways, though. Alway looking forward to a good challenge 🙂

___________
___________
12 years ago

sweet!
finally someone with the balls to give a nod to the oldschool!

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