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Geek Review – BioShock Infinite: Burial At Sea (Episode 1)

If you have not played BioShock Infinite, I highly advise you to do so before playing the DLC. Well, that only makes sense right? There may be spoilers in this review, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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If BioShock Infinite’s ending left you with questions (especially the clip after the credits), you can be assured that Burial at Sea Episode 1 will leave you with more. That aside, gameplay has not changed much apart from the introduction of new weapons and vigor. Not to forget, you still have Elizabeth throughout the game to keep you company. But take my word for it when I say that she is not the innocent girl she once was. Personally, I felt sad playing the DLC because after all that Elizabeth and “I” had been through in Columbia, the cold shoulder treatment is unsettling. It’s my blessing and curse to be heavily invested and immersed in the story and characters that it takes me awhile to get over them.

Burial at Sea Episode 1 is the continuation of BioShock Infinite (Somewhat. Even though it is set 46 years later), where we briefly explore the city of Rapture towards the end of the game when Elizabeth opens the tear and drowns Songbird. Talk about nostalgia from the first BioShock – It’s great! As always, Irrational Games does a superb job in breathing life into the environment and making it a character of its own, which enhances the overall storytelling experience. What I particularly loved about it was how they showed a different side of this underwater city. So even if you’ve played the first BioShock, the Rapture in Burial at Sea is refreshing, yet strangely familiar.

The only downside is the same with most: It’s too short. But if you find pleasure in overturning every rock and scrutinizing every inch of the rooms like I do, then it will be worth your while (especially if you purchase the season pass)! And here’s a little tip, if you really want to enjoy the story, set the difficulty to something that is comfortable for you. I was a little over my head when I set it to Hard. I finished the game eventually, but I couldn’t count the number of times I died, nor could I upgrade any of my vigors or afford to buy health, salts or ammo because I had no money – Living the life of a true splicer by looting bodies, literally.

With no reservations, I highly recommend Burial at Sea Episode 1. The world is beautiful, the characters are more darker and mysterious. Last but not least, you get to play as Elizabeth in Episode 2, so you really do not want to miss out on this. The thing about BioShock is… Everything (but BioShock 2) is connected in some way. And to experience the full “aha! moment” when it all concludes, you have to play it from the start to the end.