BioShock Infinite’s approach to replayability differs significantly from its predecessors in the BioShock series, particularly in terms of how it handles New Game+ features.

Key Differences in Replayability

– New Game+ Mode:
– BioShock Infinite: The game does not feature a traditional New Game+ mode. Upon completing the story, players can restart the game from the beginning, but they will not retain any of the special powers or abilities gained during their previous playthrough.
– BioShock 1 & 2: Both of these games offer a New Game+ experience, allowing players to start fresh while retaining powers and upgrades, notably in the 1999 Mode, which presents a challenging experience geared towards seasoned players.

– Powers and Abilities:
– BioShock Infinite: Players lose all acquired powers and upgrades when starting anew. The game’s narrative is structured such that powers are unlocked at specific points, making the retention of abilities impractical within its story framework.
– BioShock 1 & 2: Players can carry over their powers and upgrades, leading to a more customized and potentially easier experience in subsequent playthroughs.

– Collectibles:
– BioShock Infinite: Players keep track of certain collectibles like telescopes and voxaphones across different playthroughs. These contribute to overall completion percentages and achievements.
– BioShock 1 & 2: Collectible retention varies, but generally, players have more leeway to collect and retain items as they replay the game.

Summary Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the two series in terms of these aspects:

| Aspect | BioShock Infinite | BioShock 1 & 2 |
|—————————-|———————————|——————————|
| New Game+ mode | No | Yes (including 1999 Mode) |
| Retain powers/abilities | No | Yes |
| Retain collectibles | Yes (telescopes, voxophones) | Varies |

Conclusion
In conclusion, while BioShock Infinite allows for replayability, the lack of a traditional New Game+ mode and the reset of powers and abilities distinguish it from BioShock 1 and 2. The persistence of certain collectibles offers a sense of continuity, but for players seeking the enhanced experience that comes with retaining progression, returning to the earlier titles in the series may be more appealing.