Irrational Games will introduce a new difficulty mode to BioShock Infinite called '1998 Mode'.
Players will already be familiar with the existing '1999 Mode', an unlockable bonus that serves as the hardest difficulty setting in the game. The new 1998 mode will up the difficulty level further by restricting players to using non-lethal tools only. 1998 Mode will be released as part of the upcoming BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea - Episode Two DLC expansion, which is due for release on March 25.
Irrational Games head Ken Levine said, "In Burial at Sea - Episode Two we put a focus on balance and stealth mechanics. As we were developing this new style of gameplay, we started to see people self-impose non-lethal playthrough's. Given the fan reception of 1999 Mode, we thought it would be cool to give them another way to play Burial at Sea that challenged their mastery of stealth tools."
The second episode of the DLC story - which is said to last around six hours - is played through the eyes of new player character, Elizabeth, and features new stealth-oriented gameplay, as well as new weapons and modes. BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea - Episode Two will release on PSN, Xbox Live and PC starting March 25 priced at $14.99 USD / £11.99.
Levine announced on February 18 that Irrational Games will close downas he commits to a "new venture" with a smaller studio.
Levine detailed plans to shut the BioShock studio and form a new outfit made up of "about fifteen members of the Irrational team", with a focus on "narrative-driven" digital games "that are highly replayable".