1999 Mode announced for BioShock Infinite

Gamers could face permanent consequences of their in-game decisions with new mode

Posted on Jan 19, 2012 - 9:10am EST

2K Games has announced that BioShock Infinite from Irrational Games will feature a new form of play - the 1999 Mode, designed to challenge players in a variety of ways – each requiring substantial commitment and skill development.

1999 Mode is a way of playing designed for gamers who long for the days of games that demanded more of the player. It will include tweaks and features that BioShock fans will not experience in a standard play-through of BioShock Infinite, no matter the difficulty level.

“We want to give our oldest and most committed fans an option to go back to our roots,” said Ken Levine, Creative Director of Irrational Games. “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."

In addition to these permanent decisions, 1999 Mode will feature demanding weapon, power, and health management. The mode also takes a much harder stand on player respawning, sending the gamer directly to a “Game Over” screen if he or she lacks the resources to be brought back to life.

BioShock Infinite is in development for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC. The game is expected to launch in 2012.