Gaming is often lauded for capturing the imagination and running wild with it and Bioshock is a series that does this better than most. When we descended into Rapture, our first glimpses of the underwater utopia came from a bathysphere ride, showing off neon signs and tall, impressive buildings, all while hinting that this isn't quite the paradise that was advertised. It's a great introduction to an iconic video game setting... Yet Bioshock Infinite still manages to better it. After arriving in Columbia and emerging from the mysterious Church Of Comstock, you'd be forgiven for thinking you've been robbed of a proper introduction to this world. Then, you step out into it for real and it takes your breath away. The vivid, bright blue skies are intersected by floating tower blocks, all built in lavish style. Everything is bright and colourful; it looks like a pastel drawing come to life. Your first steps into Columbia are filled with amazement. It's full of life and sound (featuring a wonderful barbershop quartet version of the Beach Boys' 'God Only Knows') with little hint towards the darker elements lurking within the area's beauty. It's a shame really that Infinite doesn't allow much room for exploration; Columbia looks like the sort of place people dream of getting lost in. Regardless of what you may think of the game, Columbia's idyllic appearance immediately won us over and immersed us in a rich, fantastical world.
I have an addiction to achievements, a craving for new bands and a dream to become Captain America. I once finished second in a Mario Kart 7 tournament so I'm kind of a big deal.
