Bioshock Infinite: Combat, Environment, New Engine

Anything we can learn about Bioshock Infinite is appreciated. Why? Because the series is awesome. ...simple, right?

There's an interview over at the PlayStation Blog, where they talk to Irrational Games co-founder and creative director Ken Levine about the upcoming new installment. The first question involves a very interesting response; we've heard Levine call Bioshock a shooter "first and foremost;" what exactly does he mean by that?

"One of the reasons we were so specific about defining BioShock as a shooter was because it was so strange. It was such an odd beast that we thought [defining it as a shooter] helped ground people’s understanding of what they’d be doing. But I think people now understand what BioShock is, so I’m less focused on that now. People understand that it’s a shooter, but that it’s a particular kind of shooter that’s unique to what Irrational Games and what we do. It’s a shooter that has quite a lot of expressiveness outside of the shooting as well."

Ah, so it was to lure those in who love their shooters, but aren't necessarily expecting the depth and story that sets Bioshock apart. Then they went on to talk about the combat, and whether or not Infinite will play like the first two titles in the franchise. One of the things Levine says they'll change is the environment; in the other games, there was a lot of close-quarters fighting, which meant weapons like the sniper rifle (that crossbow) weren't used as often.

"We wanted to make sure we had a broad range of weapons and powers [for BioShock Infinite], and that the environments and challenges demanded those weapons and powers. So there are a ton of interior spaces in the game that will feel like a traditional BioShock spaces, very intimate. But we also focus on spaces that are quite different from what you’ve seen in a BioShock game: huge, open, outdoor spaces with broad ranges. And instead of one or two enemies, you might fight 15 enemies at one point."

He also mentions the team is using "an entirely new graphics engine," primarily because they "couldn't do what they wanted to do otherwise." They needed a larger scale for the new game and Levine alludes to particular scenes where "you're in combat while traveling at 60 miles per hour" or "fighting 15 enemies at once." You should definitely check out the remainder of that interview (along with the new screens); Bioshock Infinite should be one of the best of 2011.

Related Game(s): Bioshock Infinite

Tags: bioshock, bioshock infinite, 2k games

8/20/2010 12:05:37 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (46 posts)

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Jawknee
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:20:04 PM
Reply

aaaah, so Unreal is starting to show its age even with developers.

While i think Bioshock 1 and 2 are two of the best games using Unreal i will welcome the change. I just hope its for the better because they seem to know how to use Unreal better than other developers.

Last edited by Jawknee on 8/20/2010 12:20:30 PM

6 up, 1 down

Fane1024
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 5:07:08 PM

In the full interview, Levine says the new engine is still based on Unreal:

"...though it’s based on Unreal 3.0 technology."

So, good news: you'll still have something to complain about in 2012. ;)

Last edited by Fane1024 on 8/20/2010 5:07:36 PM

1 up, 3 down

aaronisbla
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 9:18:34 PM

oh great, another multiplat that is Doomedz since it will appear on the 360 /s ...

Last edited by aaronisbla on 8/20/2010 9:18:58 PM

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 11:17:17 AM

Wow, your beginning to prove to be a bigger troll then first thought. And yor trolling isnt even clever. Where did I mention the 360 in my post? Oh wait, I DIDN'T!

Putting words in my post like in peoples mouths now it seems? Hope you had enough straw to build all those men.

Last edited by Jawknee on 8/21/2010 11:20:55 AM

0 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 2:40:49 PM

Simmer down fanboy,was i even talking to you? Where did i mention Jawknee in my post? oh wait, I DIDN'T!

You obviously feel threatened, it was a response to the poster right above yours. Jawknee, surely you have seen people say something along those lines, i didn't even mention it was you. Thats who the post was meant for.

I'm a troll now because you get your panties in a bunch over a comment, one that was a general even directed towards you? If i feel the need to direct something towards you, i will. But please in the mean time, get over yourslef

Last edited by aaronisbla on 8/21/2010 2:47:28 PM

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 3:11:11 PM

Oh really genius, considering there is no comment above mine and neither me or Fane made any mention of the 360, id say your comment was pretty stupid and out of place. You were attempting to troll me or him or whoever. it doesn't matter. The fact is your comment was dumb and your attempt to troll failed miserably.

I love it. Keep it up smart guy.

Last edited by Jawknee on 8/21/2010 3:11:58 PM

0 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 3:33:26 PM

genius, there is a comment two above the one when your panties got in a bunch, and obviously im not referring to mine. I was makin a joke building off his post, trolling him wasn't even the plan but obviously your feelings got hurt. It wasn't even about you but you go right along and keep thinking it was

Last edited by aaronisbla on 8/21/2010 3:36:17 PM

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 3:45:14 PM

It really never ends with you does it? My feelings aren't hurt. There are more important things in life than arguing with trolls over the internet. Seems your the one who needs to get over ones self. so long and thanks for all the laughs troll.

0 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, August 22, 2010 @ 12:42:43 AM

You jumped on what i said which wasn't even directed towards you at all and looked stupid for it. Yep Jawknee, you seem butthurt. If i were actually trying to troll you ( which i wasn't ) why the constant responses? If you see me as a troll, why not take your own advice? Perhaps its because you seem flustered and resort to name calling, typical i guess

You jumped on what i said which wasn't even directed towards you at all and looked stupid for it. Congrats fanboy, you've been 'trolled' when I wasn't actually trying to troll you.

Last edited by aaronisbla on 8/22/2010 12:45:37 AM

1 up, 0 down

Xombito
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:21:05 PM
Reply

Just make sure that new engine is PROPERLY optimize for the PS3 and everything will be fine wine.

9 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:22:37 PM

They did a better job then most at making multiplat games using one of the worst engines in the industry.

I think they will do a good job.

7 up, 2 down

shadowscorpio
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:21:58 PM
Reply

Never played the Bioshock series. Are they FPS's?

1 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:24:42 PM

Yes. And i will tell you, for some one like me who doesn't really care for FPS unless they are super good, Bioshock 1 and 2 are two of the best FPS out there right now. If you haven't played them, you need to. They are both very story rich experiences with good(Bioshock 1)and excellent(Bioshock 2) gameplay.

5 up, 0 down

Xombito
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:28:36 PM

Jawknee beat me to my answer. Yeah, what he said.

Last edited by Xombito on 8/20/2010 12:29:45 PM

4 up, 0 down

CharlesD
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 1:19:37 PM

If you are thinking FPS as in CoD, Battlefield, MAG, KZ2, etc. then no, certainly not what your looking for. It is a shooter but nothing eve remotely like the tradition fast paced, online, simple experience that you would expect. However, it is quite good so far and if you are willing to step away from your previous concept of the shooter realm, then this is the game for you. Haven't finished it yet but having a blast for now.

4 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 1:55:43 PM

Xombito, you mentioned the RPG elements before your edit, which i did not. So you get a brownie too. ha

The RPG elements aren't heavy, but just enough to make building your character fun and rewarding.

5 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 12:08:59 AM

Thanks guys.

@ CharlesD

That's great because I have never like shooters nor have I ever been attracted to the typical warlike themes. I will probably never be into those. Bioshock kind of reminds me of that old psone game Overblood. Does anynoe remember that one. Haven't played something that scary since. That game would freak me out but I just had to find out what happened next.

0 up, 0 down

Amazingskillz
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:36:45 PM
Reply

@shadowscorpio - I must echo Mr. Jawknee, I too don't really like 1st person shooters all that much but Bioshock 1&2 are exceptions to that rule. FPS with guns are one thing, but a FPS with customizable super powers is just insane. Plus guns too! The Bioshock games are like no other. They have this eerie music that set the stage. They are two of the most ingenious games you will ever play. You almost forget they are FPS while playing.

3 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 12:09:43 AM

Very cool.

0 up, 0 down

Amazingskillz
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:43:02 PM
Reply

If you are a real gamer you won't miss either one. Part ones story is better but part 2's combat takes it to a whole new level. After playing part one I was so blown away I pre-ordered part two. First time I've done that. These games resonate with you long after you play them. In fact, when someone cuts me off while driving. I can't help but to hold up my left hand and pretend I'm electro-bolting their car lol.

5 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 12:10:38 AM

Ha! Lol!

0 up, 0 down

chedison
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 12:46:54 PM
Reply

I haven't gotten around to playing the second one yet, but the first one was a really fun game. But I'm excited for this. I think it will be even better than the first two, just because of the new engine.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 1:18:09 PM

2 is just as good as the first if not better.

I'm in the minority. I thought 2 was better.

2 up, 2 down

piratedrunk
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 5:54:26 PM

I agree Jawknee. I felt that the gameplay in particular was much better in 2. Something as simple as being able to shoot and use plasmids at the same time made a difference and the new hacking kept the pace going.

2 up, 0 down

Amazingskillz
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 1:04:31 PM
Reply

City in the sky should be real interesting. I heard the plot deals with xenophobia. I sure hope they improve on that wack a.. multiplayer. The characters looked cheeseball.

0 up, 0 down

Amazingskillz
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 1:27:04 PM
Reply

Part two had a better ending in my opinion and better combat. Part one had more twists to the story and it had the crazy Sander Cohen guy. Gotta admit I felt really bad killing Grace Holloway on my 2nd play through.

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 1:52:32 PM

I agree. 2 was more fun to play and i liked the focus on the relationship between the Big Daddy and the Little Sister. One certainty did have more surprises though.

1 up, 0 down

PAKINIPS
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 5:16:29 PM

Didn't like the way it took the worst part of bioshock 1 and made it most of the game in 2 (protecting little sister rubbish) that got annoying... and the way you get most of the guns and plasmids straight away and there isn't really any progression.

Bioshock 1 is still the daddy

Last edited by PAKINIPS on 8/20/2010 5:17:09 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 2:31:13 PM
Reply

I think I'm gonna like this game.

2 up, 0 down

RadioHeader
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 4:27:55 PM
Reply

Had a terrible time trying to get through the 1st as my last 360 was dying. Never got round to playing 2. I want 1,2&3 on a single blu-ray (and yes, I'd pay extra).

I really hope the new MOH game sets a trend of throwing bonus games on the disc.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 11:24:53 AM

Shouldn't mention the 360 in your posts anymore. The 360 police will crawl out from under it's rock and light a fire under your arse. You've been warned. ;)

0 up, 0 down

RadioHeader
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 1:51:54 PM

I'll certainly 360 sucks! try but I can't 360 sucks! make any promises.

0 up, 0 down

PAKINIPS
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 5:20:30 PM
Reply

! like the sound of different environments.
The crossbow in 2 was quality but you never really got a chance to use it ad it was all close quarters.

Come to think of it there isn't really a stealth element to the game either which would be cool. The turning invisible in the first game was great but didn't really need it in the second.
Blah blah blah

Last edited by PAKINIPS on 8/20/2010 5:20:36 PM

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 5:24:32 PM
Reply

I'm most excited about the new engine and how good the screenshots look. But then, the massive floating world should just be a ball to play in. My only concern is that the weapons won't really be period. I'm sure it'll be reminiscent of turn of the 20th century, but they won't feel right, I think. Either way, here's hoping Irrational can create another brilliant game with the mind-bending plot, fun minigames and horror elements that we've come to expect from them.
Peace.

P.S. I still don't understand why they've felt the need to tie this into the Bioshock universe. Wouldn't it be better to incorporate it into the wider 'Shock' series?

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 11:30:15 AM

Where are these screen shots you speak of? I thought they only showed the reveal trailer which is a high quality, prerendered, CGI cut scene.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 12:22:55 PM

Ooooh, i found some on IGN. The new engine does look juicy.

0 up, 0 down

CHAOS THEORY X
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 9:14:57 PM
Reply

I loved the first two, however is it just me or was the story very difficult to keep up with? Also, I would like to see boss battles on a larger scale, instead of a boss battle being an individual, normal looking, enemy with higher health and firepower, or where they throw in a group of big daddies and splicers. Id like something similar to a giant monster like from god of war or a machine like the end of portal, to throw in some strategy and timing (learn HOW to kill the boss on your own, I love that)...it gets repetitive sometimes

Last edited by CHAOS THEORY X on 8/20/2010 9:16:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 11:26:30 AM

The first game left me with some questions but im sure it's nothing another play through won't clear up.

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Friday, August 20, 2010 @ 9:35:04 PM
Reply

i think if you could combine the first game's story with the minor yet good refinements to the plasmid system of the second game and turn it up a few notches ( bioshock was nice for its time graphically but 2 was a letdown in that department ) infinite would be great

1 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 2:56:51 AM
Reply

great to hear there using a new engine for this!
bioshock 2 is still one of my favorite games this gen, its a shame it looks like a bloody 2007 title!

im still not sure on this though, i mean one minute your under the sea playing as a big daddy with little sisters and such.
than the next minute your in a whole new environment no big daddies, no little sisters.
honestly, what does this have to do with bioshock?
its like going to sleep tonight in your house, than waking up the next day and its 50 years into the future and your in a place you have never been before.
your going to be like WTF happened!?

0 up, 2 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 4:36:36 AM

so you didn't notice this big daddy-like golem chasing the person in the video? If the game would have been made by the same team as the first game, it more than likely wouldn't have took place in rapture again.

Are you against a totally new game? do you actually want to return to rapture for a third unneeded trip? You complain that CoD series is rehash after rehash but when it comes to this game, you'd want more of the same?

3 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 10:16:23 AM

no, i could not care less where the game takes place as long as they link the 2 games.
at least explain to us here is where infinite happens in comparison to the other bioshocks, this is how we got from one to the other, and this is what infinite has to do with the other 2.
you cant just slap a name onto a game than make it completely different to the series.
imagine if konami did that for MGR, have the metal gear name but have no metal gear characters, no reference to the MGS storyline or time line.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 11:27:48 AM

Maybe they will no name. Your making an assumption about a game that's not out for another 2 years.

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 2:50:09 PM

No name, they have said the game takes place some years before the events in Bioshock 1 and 2. About 1912 if i recall correctly, look for their official site, it does explain a little bit

0 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 5:24:10 PM
Reply

BioShock Infinite, now with 100% MORE CLEAVAGE!

That said, I wish Ken Levine would make another System Shock...

Last edited by FlyingKickPunch on 8/21/2010 5:25:12 PM

0 up, 0 down

Amazingskillz
Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 9:35:29 AM
Reply

@__________
Why would they have a big daddy who wears a diving suit in a game in the sky. That would be stupid. Also, Bioshock is obviously short for biological shock to the system not hydroshock. With that said, they can go anywhere they want with the story.

0 up, 0 down

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