Mild spoilers for BioShock Infinite ahead.
Summary
Though the overallBioShockfranchise has been critically acclaimed, the entries within it are arguably of varying quality. One of the most celebrated entries is the third one,BioShock Infinite, which follows the adventures of Booker and Elizabeth. The tale delves into themes that are seldom addressed in gaming, including religion and racism.
One of the reasons whyBioShock Infiniteis such a memorable title is due to the complex characters, including the protagonist Booker DeWitt. Far from being a stock hero, he is a man with depth and a slew of shameful secrets. Furthermore, players get to learn more about the world around him and his character because, unlike prior protagonists in the series, he is voiced, allowing him to express his own thoughts and comment on events around him. This is something the nextBioShockgame should build upon, as it contributes greatly to the worldbuilding.
The Characters of BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infiniteis an iconic game for several reasons, including its themes and gameplay. It is also notable for the effort put into the depth of the main characters. This is true of the main protagonist,Booker DeWitt, who is a complex character, and as the story progresses, players' feelings towards him are likely to change. This is largely because he is voiced (by Troy Baker), giving players a window into his mind and his emotions, unlike the silent heroes of previousBioShockgames..
He initially appears to be a typical hero who rescues Elizabeth. However, as more time is spent with him, it is revealed that he has a dark history as a former Pinkerton National Detective Agency agent, and he has committed atrocities against Native Americans. His relationship withBioShock’s Elizabethis also complex. Although their desires intersect at times, she is aghast at his dark past, and he feels great guilt. He wrestles with the idea of forgiveness and repentance, struggling to find a resolution within himself about his past deeds.
Will the BioShock Franchise Continue?
It was announced in December 2019 that anewBioShockgameis in development. However, nothing has been revealed regarding what’s in store, and it appears a long wait is in store, as 2K states that it will be in development for several years.
The Next BioShock Needs Another Compelling Protagonist
BioShock Infinitefeatures a protagonist that bucks typical conventions far better thanBioShock 1and2, which wouldn’t be possible without giving Booker a voice. It would be a step backward if the nextBioShockgame went back to a voiceless protagonist, as players would lose insight into the hero’s thoughts and inner world, which is something that makes Booker stand out not just in his franchise, but among FPS games as a whole.
Giving Booker a voice also allows him to have a much more complex relationship with Elizabeth, who is one of the mostmemorable female characters in gaming. It never feels as though Elizabeth and the other characters are simply talkingatBooker. Instead, there’s an exchange going on, allowing for relationships to change their form in response to the things Booker says and does.
Is There Any Value In a Silent Protagonist?
Silent protagonists aren’t completely useless. They can be highly effective in allowing players to self-insert and immerse themselves in a new world. However, this comes with downsides. Too many mysteries remain and players are robbed of the protagonist’s inner world. This can be detrimental in narrative FPS games, which tend to devolve into mindless shooters if there isn’t a strong enough story.
BioShock Infinitecertainly isn’t the only game to feature complex characters, but with a compelling story set in theunforgettable backdrop of Columbia, it’s hard not to crave more. Hopefully, the nextBioShockgame can surpass the heights reached by its predecessor.
BioShock Infinite (dupe)
WHERE TO PLAY
Indebted to the wrong people, with his life on the line, veteran of the U.S. Cavalry and now hired gun, Booker DeWitt has only one opportunity to wipe his slate clean. He must rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned since childhood and locked up in the flying city of Columbia. Forced to trust one another, Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond during their daring escape. Together, they learn to harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities, as they fight on zeppelins in the clouds, along high-speed Sky-Lines, and down in the streets of Columbia, all while surviving the threats of the air-city and uncovering its dark secret.The City in the Sky – Leave the depths of Rapture to soar among the clouds of Columbia. A technological marvel, the flying city is a beautiful and vibrant world that holds a very dark secret.Unlikely Mission – Set in 1912, hired gun Booker DeWitt must rescue a mysterious girl from the sky-city of Columbia or never leave it alive.Whip, Zip, and Kill – Turn the city’s Sky-Lines into weaponized roller coasters as you zip through the flying city and dish out fatal hands-on punishment.Tear Through Time – Open Tears in time and space to shape the battlefield and turn the tide in combat by pulling weapons, turrets, and other resources out of thin air.
