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| Will the BioShock Infinite sequel take place in space? |
But, obviously that hasn't been the case. Irrational Games looks to be hard at work on a new BioShock game. It was strongly hinted that Levine wouldn't helm another one, at least not yet, but that was a marketing ploy pulled off brilliantly.
This one, unlike the others, is set in a floating city called Columbia, in 1912. More on it below.
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In a time between the Industrial Revolution and World War I, ideas and inventions were splayed across American society -- the unbridled potential for new and novel creations had reached a level that had never been seen to that point. And so, what a perfect place for a story about cultural dissenters and corrupt politicos.
It is awash with red, white, and blue Vaudevillian pinstripe, surrounded by burlap balloons and spinning rotors. There are the familiar Andrew Ryan-esque propaganda posters all around, and huge statues depicting famous historical figures. In the distance, the plaid greens and blues of a midwestern agricultural landscape. That landscape is about 15,000 feet below. The city is lifted by zeppelins.
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The Chicago World's Fair was initially called the World's Columbian Exposition, and it has been largely regarded as the catalyst that made America what it is now. When the World's Fair opened in 1893, it showcased what a big city should look like, it proliferated the Arts, it showed the world a true spectacle. And it was the location of the US's first serial killer -- a man who lured fair-goers to a hotel where he gassed and dissected them. As you can see, all things very American.
The city itself looks like it was built by a man who had taken the ideas of the World's Fair and, after gaining significant political or industrial power, decided to create a place fully inspired by it. Presumably, like Ryan, the idea of unchecked capitalism and total libertarianism was the draw, and a portion of the world broke off from the status quo and landed in the sky.
So it wouldn't be too much of a jump to see the themes of BioShock Infinite go into the world of industrial expansion, trade, and brash political moves. All centered around a floating city.
Here's the trailer. The game is set for release in 2012.
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