BioShock Infinite introduces 1999 Mode for the hardcore

Irrational Games has released a gem of information about BioShock Infinite.  The game will be coming with a “1999 Mode” geared for the hardcore BioShock players.  The 1999 Mode will be for those who don’t want the standard BioShock Infinite game play experience – but something more.  This will be harder, way harder, harder than even ‘hard mode.’

In what ways will it be difficult you ask?  There will be a feature demanding weapons, powers, and health management.  The big feature, for me, will be no respawning.  That’ right, you die and you go to a classic “Game Over” screen.  That’s rough but CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.  I personally like that Irrational Games added this feature for those who can never get enough BioShock.  Completing the game on this difficulty will be quite rewarding.

On this mode Ken Levine, Creative Director of Irrational Games, said:

We want to give our oldest and most committed fans an option to go back to our roots.  In 1999 Mode, gamers face more of the permanent consequences of their gameplay decisions. 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.
 
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.

So not only is Irrational Games making harder options but they are also doing survey to find out what their fans like.  I fully support this.  I for one enjoy permanent upgrade choices and specialization.  Gameplay shouldn’t always be completely catered to flip-flop decisions making.  If you make a decision you are stuck with it.  This news has found a way to make me even more excited about BioShock Infinite.