BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea - Episode 2

Burial at Sea Episode 2 is an excellent coda to the series, one that excels both its predecessor and Bioshock Infinite.

Burial at Sea Episode 2 feels very much like a send-off for the Rapture and Columbia eras of BioShock – a carefully crafted, appropriately mind-bending sendoff. If this is indeed the end, it’s been a hell of a ride from the bottom of the ocean up to the clouds and back down once more. Then again, Elizabeth herself taught us that there’s always a lighthouse, there’s always a man, and there’s always a city...

Burial at Sea feels essential because of what it accomplishes with its narrative, explaining previously unanswered questions within both Columbia and Rapture. Even more significantly, it’s deeply connected to the original campaign but at the same time maintains its originality. Burial at Sea Episode 2 strengthens the amazing world of both Rapture and Columbia by offering more insight into each of these wonderfully crafted environment. If you own a copy of BioShock Infinite you owe it to yourself to download and play this final piece of DLC.

Burial at Sea: Episode 2 is a perfect send-off for a franchise that defined a generation of console shooters. It isn't without its faults, but the new stealth gameplay is a welcome re-purposing of the tried and true BioShock mechanics. More importantly, Episode 2 is a marvel of storytelling: a careful navigation of the existing BioShock universe that provides new insights into a narrative that was already rich with detail. Finally, against all odds, Irrational stuck the landing, bringing everything full circle as only they could. Needless to say, this is a must-play for fans of BioShock.

BioShock Infinite Burial at Sea Episode 2, for the most part, is a fitting end to the entire series. It brings everything full circle and connects the first game with the third game. Playing as Elizabeth, you're forced to be more patient in going through the game as well as using some different techniques than if you were playing as Booker. The game crashes were certainly far more than what I've experienced in the past. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes confusing, Episode 2, while not the crowing achievement for Irrational Games' last effort, was a good end and a better DLC than Episode 1.

Burial At Sea: Episode 2 combines a cool fan-pleasing story, enjoyable new gameplay (that you’ll wish Bioshock had attempted more), wonderful level design, a satisfying conclusion to the series, and I haven’t even mentioned how great Rapture looks and sounds. Irrational Games as a developer may have become unwieldy, but damn they know how to make a great game when they try. Episode 2 may be only 6 or so hours long but it does its job perfectly, and that job is sending off Bioshock (and Ir...