Ask any gamer for a list of their five most anticipated 2012 releases, and I'd bet that 9 out of 10 of those lists include BioShock Infinite. Some will probably list the game more than once, such is the fervor for Irrational Games' gorgeously realized franchise. Today brings the reveal of Infinite's "1999 Mode," a feature that stands apart from the game's difficulty settings but still makes for a more challenging experience.
"In 1999 Mode, gamers face more of the permanent consequences of their gameplay decisions," Irrational's Ken Levine says in a morning press release. "In BioShock Infinite, gamers will have to sweat out the results of their actions. In addition, 1999 Mode will demand that players pick specializations, and focus on them."
The news release doesn't get too specific, but beyond what Levine describes above, players can also expect to be facing a more demanding focus on "weapon, power and health management" as well as a limitation on respawns that requires the player to possess "the resources to be brought back to life."
Levine adds, "I'm an old school gamer. We wanted to make sure we were taking into account the play styles of gamers like me. So we went straight to the horse's mouth by asking them, on our website, a series of questions about how they play our games. 94.6 percent of respondents indicated that upgrade choices enhanced their BioShock gameplay experience; however, 56.8 percent indicated that being required to make permanent decisions about their character would have made the game even better."
What do you make of all this? Will you be starting off your BioShock Inifinite adventure later this year in 1999 Mode, assuming it's an option that won't require a first game completion to unlock? What sorts of features are you hoping to see?
Comments
Displaying 1–13 of 13
InLokiWeTrust
This, to me, is awesome news. I have been thinking lately that game now-a-day are getting more, and more forgiving and easy. I have been gaming since NES. And as anyone who played that era of games know, those games bash you in the face while screaming, "No Mercy! No Weakness!" in your face until you get scared and give up, or manage to beat it.
Anywho, Let's party like it's 1999!
geomancer21
Hardcore gamers are masochists, we all know this. ask any HC gamer what they want and what they will tell you are ways to make the game harder. And only a hc fan of bioshock and games in general is gonna be signed up for their site.
Personally, i don't want to be forced into choosing something for my character that if it turns out was a bad move then i will be f'ed for the rest of the game, or have to start over.
choices are a good thing, but the abilities to fix problems is even better.
Really, where's my "Tyrant Mode". where all the enemies, upon seeing me, bow before me, give me all their weapons and money, and pledge to do my bidding?
Lroy-Reesh-ikkens
theres the brass balls achieve in bioshock one. now theres going to be the sack of titanium.
RPG-fan
Good, I like a challenging experience. Most gamers today whine when there's no regenerating health, no auto-aim or getting their hands held to complete objectives in games.
TrevorYork
Anyone else notice the picture looks a little Duke Nukem 3D inspired?
M4ttlock
Each installment of the Bioshock games has blown me away. I like that they are adding more features to the single player modes to make it more re-playable. i always like replaying a game on the next difficulty level or whenever there are thing to unlock or replay with. I think 1999 mode should be available from the start, but if you have to unlock it, it's not the end of the world
Gel214th
If I wanted to play 1999 mode I would want to do it from the start of my play.
So...I would first try to crack the PC version to allow me to do that. ;-)
If I don't agree with the developer's decision on weapon/power/health management (i.e. I'm one of the 6.4%) I'll use a Trainer or the cheat codes the developer included to take care of us folk and play the game my way.
It's good when Developers make an effort to take as many playstyles into account as possible. Sites like cheathappens.com with hundreds of thousands of downloads per game may feel threatened by this though...
hoof_hearted4
seems like a really great game, but i have yet to even play the first two
Numbertoxy
I can't wait for this game! >.<</safety_wrapper&g t;
CptToushiro
I really hope it is not just a difficulty increase in terms of you just die in 2 shots from the AI instead of like 10. Because that is what all games do basically which isn't making a challenging game that is also fun at the same time. Just a annoying and aggravating one.
NShepherd_N7
I loved New Vegas's Hardcore mode. I'll need more details on this 1999 mode though. Making a game more realistic is one thing, making it just harder in general is different.
Svederik
How is it that all of these new 'enhancements' being made in today's games are hearkening back to the past?
BrenLeahey
Seems like it's a bit like New Vegas' hardcore mode. Not a bad thing.
Displaying 1–13 of 13
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