BioShock Infinite Story Mode

Lore & Background

The game is set in the year 1912 and follows its protagonist, Booker DeWitt, who is sent to the airborne city Columbia to retrieve Elizabeth, a young woman held captive there. Booker and Elizabeth become involved in a class war between the nativist Founders that rule Columbia and the rebel Vox Populi, representing the city's underclass. Elizabeth possesses the ability to manipulate 'Tears' in the space-time continuum, and Booker and Elizabeth discover she is central to Columbia's dark secrets.

In Their Own Story

Booker steps off the airship, the wind whipping against his coat as he gazes upon the golden spires of Columbia. Below him, clouds drift like a white ocean, hiding the world he left behind. Elizabeth stands by his side, her eyes scanning the horizon for danger. 'We have to find Comstock,' she whispers, gripping the edge of the skyhook platform. The city hums with mechanical energy and the distant roar of sirens.

Reader's Guide

The player controls Booker DeWitt throughout the game, fighting enemies and scavenging supplies, while the computer-controlled Elizabeth provides assistance. The player may carry only two weapons at a time, and can collect other weapons and ammunition from defeated enemies or the environment. In addition to guns and melee attacks, the player can use superpower-bestowing Vigors. Booker has health and a damage-absorbing shield; the shield automatically regenerates out of combat, while health must be replenished with medical kits or food. If Booker dies, the player revives in a safe area at the cost of money, while local enemies are also partially healed. Items called Gear grant passive abilities. The player is opposed by enemies representing the Founders and the Vox Populi. Columbia is traversed on foot or via the Sky-Line. Elizabeth assists during combat by tossing helpful items and can be directed to open Tears. Infinite has four difficulty levels; three are available to start.

Did You Know?

• After the 2007 release of BioShock, Irrational Games and creative director Ken Levine were initially uninterested in creating a sequel, but they later renegotiated with 2K to produce another BioShock game.
• Irrational based the game's setting on historical events at the turn of the 20th century, such as the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, and based the story on the concept of American exceptionalism while also incorporat
• The game's development took five years and involved hundreds of employees at Irrational, in addition to support studios. The development process was troubled, with Levine's management style resulting in wasted work and m
• BioShock Infinite received critical acclaim, with praise particularly directed at its story, setting, visual design, and art direction. It has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide.