Welcome to the first out of three parts of Video Game Tourism on BioShock Infinite (Irrational Games, 2013). As the game is diverse, and to offer you a “complete” experience of it, the segmentation in three episodes seemed necessary. The first part thus deals with Booker DeWitt’s journey to Utopia, where he encounters the enigmatic Other which is Columbia. So without further ado, welcome to Booker’s nightmarish delusions, harbouring at their core a wish-fulfillment of a certain kind.
With the lighthouse–a phallus symbol par exelence–the journey to Utopia begins.When the pod burst through the white of the voluptuous clouds, the player–for the first time–witnesses the supposed Utopia of Columbia.The Utopia of Columbia seems beautiful, at least at first glimpse. First scepticism, however, soon emerges.First doubts arise with the forced baptism. Freedom seems to be absent from the city in the sky.Have we encountered the City of God? Preparing humankind for Christ’s Second Coming?Welcome to the enigmatic Other that is Columbia.Father Comstock seems to be quite fond of himself!At first sight, Columbia is absolutely beautiful.You cannot deny the vista!Life seems carefree, children seem happy.But then, the Disneyfication hooks at a very young age.The canary in the cage, in a beautifully inverted metaphor.She, who will embark on a journey from initial acceptance, to revolution, and finally to enlightenment.Seems very anti-utopian!Madam Lutece …Oh, it’s Abraham!Estrangement at a minimum! The Ku-Klux-Klan naturally found its way into Columbia.Hello, Lady Comstock!How far would you go for your belief and prophet?… maybe too far …Come on, smile!Burn!… to ashes …Welcome to Frankenstein’s monster.Observing the specimen and holding her back in the iron cage of …… Anti-Utopia ….The game not only harbours the wish-fulfillment of Booker …… there’s always a …Welcome to the utopian microcosm of Battleship Bay … or …Isn’t she charming ..?!?Exercise to keep the Utopians in shape.or…. not …… dreams and wish-fulfillments …
Leisure time in Utopia!
Choose: iron cage or guardian of the status quo?the downfall …Rather sooner than later will Elizabeth loose her naiveté!…Welcome to Disneyworld!When time freezes …… she’s gotten angryExploring Disney’s theme park.A moment to relax.Meet the Utopians and, at the same time, victims of the capitalist machinery.The phallus always on screen …The propaganda shows its effect at a very young age.…another victim …But Liz soon begins to see more than one door ……
Leisure time in Utopia!
