BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter game where you play as detective Booker DeWitt, who must find a young woman named Elizabeth to pay off his debts. She's being held captive in the floating city of Columbia, which is an alternate version of 1912. During his journey, Booker encounters different factions within the city that are battling each other, including the Founders and the Vox Populi. The city is built around the idea of exceptionalism with a strong religious doctrine and open racism. Elizabeth has mysterious powers that can cause tears in space-time, exposing parallel universes.
The game uses similar gameplay styles and mechanics found in previous BioShock games. Vigors give you superpowers to do various things, such as summoning crows or charming enemies. You can also possess humans or machines to temporarily turn them into allies. Booker can be upgraded with gear that provides permanent bonuses. The game features a typical FPS array of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and rifles. One notable weapon is the Sky Hook, which can be used as a melee attack. Money can be exchanged for upgrades and consumables at vending machines.
The three main bars on the screen (health, salt, and shield) can be extended by using infusions. The story is also furthered through optional voxophones and kinetoscopes. Skylines provide a unique way to move throughout the world, allowing you to quickly slide along them or reach higher ground for a combat edge.