The strangest decisions have the most adverse effects. That statement, while sounding impressive, just popped into my head when I thought of doing this topic. With word that BioShock Infinite cleaned up during the many E3 award presentations, the change of landscape from underwater to among the clouds seems fitting. And since this is the true sequel to BioShock (Irrational Games had no part in developing BioShock 2), is the world of Rapture dead-and-buried? Speculation on the ending ahead, so don't read on if you wish to be completely surprised.

The initial response to the teaser trailer for Infinite caught many off-guard. People living on a floating metropolis swinging on transport lines, a mysterious woman with powers grabbed by an archaic prototype of the Big Daddy, and huge advertisements detailing a revolution and selective breeding. While nonsensical, the premise was certainly intriguing. The fruitful collective imagination at Irrational came up with the magical world of Rapture, therefore making the sky-city of Columbia even more captivating. And the idea of a prequel to the original BioShock made the new project that much more fascinating. But the change in scenery left much to be desired from the fans. Questions about Rapture, the future of the franchise and speculation of the next numbered game arose quickly.

The underwater city of Rapture is a mysterious and beautiful place where the possibilities for adventure and discovery are endless. Many anticipated the then-unknown sequel would be set in the underwater city, which could still be followed through, given Infinite is a prequel. How the two settings are related is still not known right now, but many speculated, somehow, Columbia crashes amidst the ongoing chaos and the wreckage is used to construct Rapture. Quite the ludicrous theory at first thought, but given the ridiculousness of this franchise, the thought is not that outlandish.

The introduction of Columbia took many by surprise, mostly because Rapture is so memorable. An underwater city completely self-sustainable engulfed in a civil war? Sign me up! The argument could be made, however, that Rapture was growing tiresome and fans were desperate for a change. The storyline of the franchise is very grim, a city gripped by war, and the surrounding landscape of Rapture - the dark and murky floor of the Atlantic Ocean - is metaphorical to how desolate and isolated the city truly is. Fans grew attached to this mysterious metropolis, like a child to lollipop, and these passionate fans felt heartbroken when Irrational stomped on their favourite candy.

Personally, I am extremely excited for the potential of this aerial paradise. Though Bioshock was an experience unlike anything else, the emptiness of Rapture didn't affect me like everyone else. I'm glad Irrational is taking such a drastic measure and actually making this franchise lively. Very colourful, very pretty, and some clear insight into how the disturbed minds at Irrational pictured the early happenings of last century. A flying city is exaggeration at its finest.