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Bioshock Infinite Will Be More Open, But Not Like GTA

Bioshock titles are pretty linear, although they often boast decent-sized maps that require a little exploration.

But as we've seen in some gameplay footage of Bioshock Infinite , the world definitely seems more open than normal, and this has been verified by developer Irrational Games. We'll have more freedom when it comes to wandering around that immersive, fascinating environment, but that doesn't mean we're looking at an open-world game. Lead artist Shawn Robertson clarified this point in a recent interview :

"As far as exploration, the amount a player can explore and the amount of narrative we’re going to present to the player, it’s going to be roughly the same as we had in the original BioShock. In terms of open space, we’re not creating a Grand Theft Auto game, it’s not like everywhere in the city will be open to the player. Narratively, where we want the player to go will definitely be open. A specific example: the skylines that you saw. Yes, there are rails that you’re traveling on, but you saw a few different rails and all of those represent different options you can jump to. You’re also not stuck on one rail you’ve jumped on. You can turn around, jump off at any point, and there are roofs you can get onto. So you can use those rails to get to other places, or you can just ignore them and stick to the narrative. They’re just another tool that we’re providing to the player.

We certainly don't need every game to be open-ended and in fact, we enjoy the excellent narrative found in this franchise. That tends to take a definite backseat to exploration in sandbox adventures, and we'd hate to lose the Bioshock Infinite storyline amidst a huge Fallout -like world. At any rate, we know we want this game. Badly.

Related Game(s): Bioshock Infinite

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Zemus101
Zemus101
12 years ago

I've never played any Bioshock games. The shooting aspect I've seen in videos and the like have turned me away from it over the years. It really seems like there's something special about it that doesn't come across in conversation about the game. What's the hook? Why should I pick up the first one? Especially since it's most likely fairly cheap now.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

They're not just shooters. They have great stories and almost unparalleled atmospheres, and character outfitting and advancement is very RPG-like. That's why Bioshock is actually quite unique.

It actually reminds one of Deus Ex, in that it blends genre elements and favors a strong narrative.

jimmyhandsome
jimmyhandsome
12 years ago

I've never played them either. Apparently the Bioshock Infinite PS3 game comes bundled with the orginal Bioshock though.

Does anyone know if Infinite contains a seperate storyline from the first two or is it a continuation in anyway?

Qubex
Qubex
12 years ago

Same here, haven't really got into them. Maybe BioShock Infinity will convince me otherwise. I have been a little put off by the subject matter… but from what I have seen, and the short demo experience playing Bioshock, it does have an intense experience going for it…

We'll see what the next installment brings… I may jump on-board and experience those "rails"…

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

Fabi
Fabi
12 years ago

I was on the same boat as all you guys! Well at least for the first year after the game came out on the 360.

I remember seeing the demo played on G4 and thought to myself that it didn't look special at all.

THEN I played it for the first time on my friend's PC, and right from the first minute I could tell that it was a different kind of game. I knew it was something special. It's just that feeling you get when you come across a game you KNOW you're going to enjoy from the moment you start moving the character around.

The way it starts off is awesome, and the world it takes place in is just interesting as hell.

The shooting is great in it, the weapons and powers are fun as hell to combine. There is actually more to the shooting than other shooters because of your special powers that you use. You not only shoot someone with a shotgun, you freeze them first and then shoot them!

The feeling I got from playing the first 20 minutes of Bioshock are about the same feeling I had when I first picked up Half Life 2.

Now Bioshock 2 is fun, but it was just missing that feeling of a fresh experience, it was too much of the same, still a good game though.


Last edited by Fabi on 6/23/2011 11:54:37 AM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

For the record, the first two Bioshock games are two of my favorite games of the generation. 🙂

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

Guys, BioShock is one of those games you just *have* to play. The atmosphere is unlike anything else I've ever played.
The fascinating story, the *amazing* sound, the well designed maps, the awesome weapons and skills, the collectible "tapes" that tells you bits and pieces of what went wrong, all performed by *excellent* actors…
This is definitely not just a shooter.


Last edited by Beamboom on 6/23/2011 12:04:19 PM

Zemus101
Zemus101
12 years ago

Thanks for the quick replies guys! RPG elements eh? I also know that the original game has trophies (Not a sole reason to purchase, but rather an added incentive) Well… I recently bought Assassin's Creed II: Deluxe Edition from the PSN for a measly $10, if Bioshock had a similar digital copy option, I'd jump in. I was hesitant about ever playing an Assassin's Creed game for fear that it was a generic action adventure, but …I was mistaken. Sounds like I can expect a similar experience from Bioshock. Thanks again guys.

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

BioShock is dirt cheap on the web nowadays, head over to Play or Amazon. I believe both has it at around £10, no additional costs at play (free delivery).

The Assassins Creeds are really good games too, not to mention *beautiful*, but when it comes to uniqueness I'd place BioShock on top.


Last edited by Beamboom on 6/23/2011 12:25:58 PM

FM23
FM23
12 years ago

Shame on anyone who hasn't play either game. Both are classics, from their stories to their gameplay. Bioshock 1 is one of the best games every made and the atmoshpere like Ben said is brillant. Very very mature titles that are Dirt cheap to quote Beamboom, so try these games out.

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
12 years ago

jimmy,
As far as we know, it is a completely different storyline with only thematic ties to the original two Bioshock games.

But yeah, they are both extremely good games, though the shooting does now feel quite loose compared to other games out there. The Plasmids though, Tonics, all the collectibles; something about the game just makes you want to keep playing and unravel the mystery. A definite recommendation from me.
Peace.

Zemus101
Zemus101
12 years ago

Wow, thanks for the overwhelming response people! Great stuff. Certainly way more interested in this game than I was before. It's always better hearing it from the fans than reading straight-up reviews.

Oh …also I absolutely love how I got a thumbs down because I haven't played Bioshock lol I feel dirty even mentioning that, but I thought it was funny.

Glad PSXE's overall community is still kick-ass though. Been following this site for around 5 years now, something like that. Nice to still see the usuals.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
12 years ago

Hey zemus-

Check out glyde dot com, I got both bioshock and bioshock 2 for around $20 total (B1= $9.00, B2= $11.00, plus shipping) they were used of course but everything I've ordered from glyde has been very affordable and in excellent codition.

For the record I'm with everyone else and actually felt like you do. When I seen footage of Bioshock 1, I just went meh this doesn't look special at all. But the games are so immersive and the environments are so amazing, it has a narrative that keeps you interested and the shooting and powers are a huge plus among a game that begs you to keep playing!


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 6/23/2011 7:48:56 PM

BeezleDrop
BeezleDrop
12 years ago

The Bioshock series is a very good one. Not only is it unique, but as Mr. Dutka stated, its very well designed and has a great premise to explore and experiment on. It isn't just about shooting, its about wielding powers and character development. A fist full of lightening and a Tommy-Gun are a match made in heaven. I highly suggest you at least try the 1st Bioshock if you haven't. Not only will you be pleasantly surprised, but it could suck you in and never let you go.

Bioshock: Infinite appears to be the game of show and The Move addition is very welcomed. BI is shaping up very nicely and I wish it wasn't coming out next year, that 10 minute gameplay video I saw months ago was incredible to me.

FM23
FM23
12 years ago

I concur!lol

SpikeSpiegel
SpikeSpiegel
12 years ago

No matter what news it is, I can't help but get more and more pumped for this game. I especially can't wait to experience the story of this game. The other Bioshock games' stories were so freakin good, this one should not be missed. Thankfully there's also the awesome art direction, acting, sound work, and overall execution to look forward to as well.

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
12 years ago

I don't understand how that's possible exactly. If you're free to travel about the rails at your own discretion, doesn't that imply that it's completely open world? Or will certain levels restrict you to travelling certain places? Eh, who cares? It's Bioshock by the original team, and it's going to be frickin' awesome.
Peace.

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
12 years ago

The more I see or hear about this game, the more I want it!!!

The environment and atmosphere in the game looks like a breath of fresh air (pun intended) and the gameplay looks familiar but plays out fresh at the same time, which is really hard to achieve in game development.

I applaud Ken Levine and Irrational Games for creating a franchise that really can go anywhere at anytime and feel fresh and new at the same time. Haven't been this excited about a game since Mass Effect 2 was announced way back.

Adam Sessler really hit the nail on the head when he commented on this game. He said that watching someone play the game was just as satisfying as playing the game yourself, and even then, spectating allowed you to take in the gorgeous visuals. It plays like Bioshock with weapons and powers at your fingertips, but that's where the similarities end. A whole new game.

This is gonna be one helluva ride!!! Literally like a rollercoaster with those rails joining the city together!! Dammit, I wanna play it right now!!! I need a demo or something!!!!

___________
___________
12 years ago

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CANT WAIT FOR THIS!
i hope its got the complex evolving story of the original with heaps of twists and surprises, unlike its sequel.
bioshock had the better story, but bioshock 2 had the better gameplay, environments, level design.
basically everything was better in the sequel except the story.
hopefully that will change with this, the original had one of the best stories of the generation!
will you kindly will be a line etched into peoples minds for the rest of time!

Chamoru_Warrior
Chamoru_Warrior
12 years ago

Soooo basically not sandbox Far Cry 2 style open but huge map non-linear style open like Crysis/Crysis 2. Cool. I figured as much from the gameplay trailers.

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