Prediction Roundup: Volume III

Prediction Roundup attempts to rationalize and provide insight to some of the gaming industry's most pressing questions by using deductive reasoning and supporting facts. The following are predictions based on existing information and should not be treated as fact.

Endgame: BioShock Infinite

Endgame explores topical videogames through an in-depth analysis of its major components. Games are broken down into five categories and accompanied by a numerical score: Atmosphere, Sound, Gameplay, Story, and Engagement. A verdict is presented followed by the game’s overall rating (out of 5). This article contains major spoilers.

State of the Franchise: BioShock

In this State of the Franchise, the BioShock brand is explored as well as its long term viability. Bioshock Infinite is also profiled and how its performance may impact the future of the series.

When BioShock Infinite was announced in August 2010, it was met with puzzlement and, in some cases, anger by many fans. This uproar wasn't so much about Infinite's premise, setting, or art style, which was marvellously showcased in its reveal cinematic trailer. The controversy surrounding Infinite stemmed from having "BioShock" in the title. Infinite is such a drastic departure from the original, many questioned why it shared the BioShock name. Whatever your stance on the subject, one thing is very clear: BioShock doesn't pertain to specific settings or characters anymore; BioShock is a brand.

Storytelling: Why Games Aren't Inferior to Film

Compared to movies, games are absolute crap at telling stories. They are horrid, absolutely horrid. Sometimes, when  in the middle of an intense firefight, completely oblivious to the jarhead chatter of my fellow marines, I ponder as to why games seem to be incapable of telling tales a notch above B-list action movies. Now, some games aren't like this (and I'll get to those rare cases in a second), but most are and it's becoming a little embarrassing. Through narrative, film can create incredible emotional experiences like The Hurt Locker, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Cast Away. Why are games completely incapable of even touching stories of this level? Never, in the history of playing video games have I experienced a game that has even touched on what film achieves countless times every year.