‘BioShock Infinite' Review Roundup: A Near-Perfect Sequel According To Critics

“BioShock Infinite” follows two very successful entries into the “BioShock” series, and the much-hyped game has more than lived up to its predecessor, according to early reviews.

“BioShock Infinite,” developed by Irrational Games, will be released on Tuesday, and the first-person shooter is “set in 1912, players assume the role of former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, sent to the flying city of Columbia on a rescue mission. His target? Elizabeth, imprisoned since childhood. During their daring escape, Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond -- one that lets Booker augment his own abilities with her world-altering control over the environment,” according to the game’s description. The game’s setting of Columbia, a federally created “floating world’s fair,” seceded from the United States and has become an isolated war zone.

The early reviews for “BioShock Infinite” are in and heap praise onto the new game. “BioShock Infinite” defers from its predecessors as the main character, DeWitt, has his own personality and backstory, complete with voice-over work. The world is also different -- still a utopia turned dystopia but set in a floating city instead of underwater.

Kotaku’s review mentions the great architecture and design of Columbia and the game itself as two of the strongest points of “BioShock Infinite.” The left hand controls the powers, called Vigors, while the right hand controls the guns. These new special powers are not radically different from previous “BioShock” games but are well-suited to the challenges Columbia poses on the player.

Another important element of previous “BioShock” games, choices made by the player, is also altered slightly in “BioShock Infinite.” Kotaku notes that how the player augments Vigors to DeWitt will leave “you with a unique experience that you can transform as you.” The two biggest differences to previous “BioShock” games -- Elizabeth as a traveling companion and the use of a transportation system -- are also well-designed and add a lot of value to “BioShock Infinite,” according to Kotaku.

Joystiq gives “BioShock Infinite” a perfect five-out-of-five-stars review. For once, gamers will be satisfied with how a game ends, and the review sums it up by saying, “'BioShock Infinite' is one of the best-told stories of this generation. It simply cannot be missed.” Polygon, the Telegraph, Eurogamer, Game Informer and GamesRadar also give “BioShock Infinite” a perfect score in their respective reviews. The reviews note the strong themes, interesting portrayal of history and America, and the excellent action and combat system.

On Metacritic, out of 35 reviews from critics, “BioShock Infinite” scored a 95 out of 100, while the two outlying reviews, VideoGamer and NowGamer, gave the game an 8 out of 10, noting the game’s strengths but saying the experience was limited. The trailer for "BioShock Infinite" can be viewed below.