Bioshock is returning in 2012 as 2K Games announces Bioshock: Infinite.

But we shall see no return to the world of Rapture as this time we head to Columbia, a huge floating city in the sky.

Set in 1912 Columbia was originally conceived as a floating representation of the American ideals as they rose to power within the world.
Columbia is set off to distant shores but quickly it goes wrong as Columbia simply disappears into the clouds.

You will take on the role of Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton agent, as he is sent to the floating city to rescue Elizabeth who has been held captive since childhood.
They form a relationship augmenting his abilities with hers so they can escape the city that is literally falling from the sky.

 “We are excited to expand the world of BioShock, which is one of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and beloved franchises,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “We believe that Irrational Games will lend their meticulous attention to detail and unique storytelling expertise to make BioShock Infinite an incredible entertainment experience that will immerse new and diehard fans of BioShock alike.”

“But when it came to begin work on BioShock Infinite,” said Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games, “we only had one rule: No sacred cows. This game is both true to what people love about the series and unafraid to question every assumption.”

Levine continued, “In order to explore the floating city of Columbia, we needed an entirely new engine. To bring Elizabeth to life, we had to build brand-new animation and AI systems. To create wide-ranging indoor and outdoor firefights at 30,000 feet, we had to rethink, rebuild and expand the BioShock arsenal. The only thing gamers can be certain of is this: the rules of the BioShock universe are about to change”

Bioshock Infinite is being developed by Irrational Games who brought us the original Bioshock and will be wowing players in 2012.