Bioshock Infinite Review: Lord the Racism is unbelievable

Sometimes, somethings so beautiful on the outside, can be very ugly on the inside.  If you get offended easily, then I suggest you don't play Bioshock Infinite.  The writers and developers at Irrational Games were blunt and really took a whole hearted swing at every minority this time around.

Minorities are like the Vox in the book Animal Farm, meaning they are oppressed and told to suffer in silence for the benefit of the greater white society.  The racism is accurate for the time period, but it seemed like Ken Levine really pushed it more than necessary. I don't know what brought this push out and it was disturbing to say the least.

If you can get past the racism, then Bioshock Infinite's story is on par with Bioshock I & II.  The story centers around Booker Dewitt who is looking for a girl named Elizabeth that can open doors to different times and space.   Booker has a cumbersome past filled with pivotal moments that help shape your social standing in the floating utopia  known as Columbia. Constantly you hear a repetitious tagline "deliver the girl, wipe away the debt".  Dewitt can be a racist or freedom fighter depending on your choice.  A big leap from choosing to save or harvest the girls like in the previous Bioshock titles.

The improved gameplay and combat is a welcome change of pace.  Exploring the world of Columbia can be one of the most enriching experiences since Rapture. On foot you can travel to various structures using the Skyline or via grappling hook on a series of railways.  While in first person perspective, it brings a feeling of being on a roller coaster.  You can change clothes/gear that offer different buffs such as elemental melee damage or increased ammo.  Plasmids are replaced by vigors. Vigors give you powers like telekinesis, electrical shock, murder of crows, and power over machines.

The franchise took major steps back in terms of direction and development.  It's a linear game that goes from level to level and does not allow you to revisit areas so you can collect items you missed.  Sometimes it seems like your hand is being held and led in the direction Elizabeth wants to take you.  Graphics, sound, and gameplay was perfect, but that still it felt empty like something was missing.

Bioshock Infinite had regal potential to be unique among other titles. It evokes nostalgia for the first Bioshock game.  It was unfortunately the elephant in the room was that damn racism, and some racist aspects will offend and overshadow a good game and interesting main story. The ending is a mind fuck similar to Inception that is worth a rental.  Overall, the Bioshock Infinite earned a 7.5/10.