Ten Things You Should Know About BioShock Infinite: Day 4

The world of BioShock Infinite is situated in a crucial era of American history, when a young and troubled nation was fast becoming a major player on the world stage.

In the latter parts of the 19th century, the United States was still reeling from tragedies like the Civil War and President Lincoln’s assassination. But as the turn of the century approached, the agrarian society transformed. Immigration and industrial production skyrocketed, and victory in the Spanish-American War catalyzed an international influence that continues to this day. Told in 1898 that they could soon be living above the clouds, many Americans would not have blinked.

It is that society’s optimism, drive, and ingenuity–not to mention its fears and prejudices–that underpin BioShock Infinite‘s airborne city of Columbia and all the secrets it contains.

This is the fourth in a series of short posts about BioShock Infinite being released one a day until the unveiling of its first gameplay demonstration video, which will go live September 21 on Xbox LIVE and Xbox.com, and September 22 elsewhere.