Bioshock Infinite: The Handyman Revealed?

[SelectivelyEvil13]

Those who have been following the upcoming Bioshock Infinite may have heard that the shadow-clad antagonist of the debut trailer has been given the moniker of the "Handyman." The Handyman is established as a powerful brute that tosses our hero around through the video creating a first-person view akin to a rag doll in a washing machine. This towering giant also bears an exposed heart within a glass tank, presumably in the creature's chest. Darkness conceals much detail other than the brief flashes we see in the trailer, leaving the question as to whether or not the Handyman will just be a Big Daddy clone.

The other night I randomly came across a few pictures from a game magazine detailing some Bioshock Infinite art in a style reminiscent of the original Bioshock's old-fashioned posters.So, without further ado, here is a poster that is unquestionably familiar to the video...

I have to say that I was quite surprised to see the rest of the Handyman because I expected something much more mechanical in appearance. It will be very interesting to see how the Handyman's place in Colombia was started, as well as what abilities he wields. Judging by the picture, the Handyman might be more involved in society than the Big Daddy's. Perhaps instead of an isolated being dedicated to a single task, they are a more authoritarian figure that make Colombia [i]their[/i] business.

[URL=http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/09/04/October9981-Cover9981-Revealed9918.aspx]This link has the rest of the period-art for Bioshock Infininte[/URL]

 

[Benmonkey7]

If you want to view the link to the picture, you copy and paste it. Or that was what I had to do.
Anyway, I think he looks cool although I prefer the Big Daddy.

 

[Irridium]

Handyman?

Spoiler: So we're going to be fighting this?

 

[Jim Grim]

At first I thought that looked a little silly, but it's actually kinda... Creepy.

 

[Gigaguy64]

I saw a few leaked Pics on 4chan that were from Game Informer's upcoming Bioshock:Infinite Special a few days ago, one showed a in-game shot of the Handyman.

I LOVED it.
It really fits with the style that the game is going for and like you said, i think that they(if there is more than one) are apart of Life in Columbia a lot more than Big Daddys were in Rapture.

 

[scnj]

I was wondering when someone else would notice that cover.

EDIT:

 

[iForget2Sleep]

I was wondering when someone else would notice that cover.

EDIT:

Is that Bioshock: Infinite?

 

[MercurySteam]

Holy shit, I was waiting for this thank you so much. I can safely say this game is looking more and more awesome.

 

[SelectivelyEvil13]

I saw a few leaked Pics on 4chan that were from Game Informer's upcoming Bioshock:Infinite Special a few days ago, one showed a in-game shot of the Handyman.

I LOVED it.
It really fits with the style that the game is going for and like you said, i think that they(if there is more than one) are apart of Life in Columbia a lot more than Big Daddys were in Rapture.

I have to say that the more I looked at the picture and after re-watching the video, I think that the Handyman could prove to be a great addition to the game. I noticed in the trailer the Handyman grunting as he threw the protagonist, so this leads me to believe that he/they will be at the very least a little more vocal than the Big Daddies of Rapture (not hard ha ha).

After donning my speculation spectacles, I inferred from the Handyman poster that their role may follow that of an enforcement figure that could tie into themes of Colombia's society as a whole. these could range in possibilities from authoritarian ruling, strict social order, to blatant jingoism. Unlike the relatively neutral Big Daddies who minded their business if you and everyone else minded theirs', the Handyman might demand respect and deference to keep order.

 

[Gigaguy64]

I saw a few leaked Pics on 4chan that were from Game Informer's upcoming Bioshock:Infinite Special a few days ago, one showed a in-game shot of the Handyman.

I LOVED it.
It really fits with the style that the game is going for and like you said, i think that they(if there is more than one) are apart of Life in Columbia a lot more than Big Daddys were in Rapture.

I have to say that the more I looked at the picture and after re-watching the video, I think that the Handyman could prove to be a great addition to the game. I noticed in the trailer the Handyman grunting as he threw the protagonist, so this leads me to believe that he/they will be at the very least a little more vocal than the Big Daddies of Rapture (not hard ha ha).

After donning my speculation spectacles, I inferred from the Handyman poster that their role may follow that of an enforcement figure that could tie into themes of Colombia's society as a whole. these could range in possibilities from authoritarian ruling, strict social order, to blatant jingoism. Unlike the relatively neutral Big Daddies who minded their business if you and everyone else minded theirs', the Handyman might demand respect and deference to keep order.

I can see that.
They also look to me like Super Bodyguards.
And from the Pic scnj provided, he is dressed very Patriotically, so im speculating that they are apart of the Law enforcement of Columbia.
So much so that they are the ones who carry out the difficult and "Dirty Jobs" to keep Colombia running and in relative Order.
Also from their Names it could be inferred that they are Jacks of all Trades.

Like in Bioshock you could see Big Daddys doing Maintenance on Rapture, the Handymen might be sort of a Public Servant.

 

[sgtshock]

That's... interesting. I gotta say Bioshock Infinite probably has one of the most original art styles I've seen yet in a game.

Handyman?

Spoiler: So we're going to be fighting this?

Oh god, the nightmares. Damn you for posting that.

 

[Zhukov]

Cool.

While I absolutely loved the Big Daddies, it's nice to see them going somewhere different with the visual design.

Incidentally, I wonder where his weak spot is...hmm...

 

[Sylocat]

Handyman?

Spoiler: So we're going to be fighting this?

Spoiler: I was thinking of this...

 

[Nouw]

Handyman?

Spoiler: So we're going to be fighting this?

Spoiler: I was thinking of this...

Made me laugh!

The Handyman doesn't look as awesome as the Big Daddy... I'm going to deliver my judgement when I play this game or when more information is released.

 

[Snarky Username]

So we'll be fighting a Teddy Roosevelt mech? Awesome!

 

[FallenJellyDoughnut]

Handyman?

Spoiler: So we're going to be fighting this?

CURSES! I HAVE BEEN NINJA'D AGAIN!

 

[Z(ombie)fan]

So we''l be fighting a Teddy Roosevelt mech? Awesome!

Awesome post is awesome.

 

[SelectivelyEvil13]

I just wanted to make a little update based on the latest News Room article as it discusses the two warring factions of Colombia.

Of particular interest is this segment:

"Currently holding the reins of power is an ultranationalist group that promotes the good of the city ahead of all other concerns, while rejecting outside influence. The group will protect Columbia at all costs, including taking up arms against anyone who would try to change things. According to Levine, this ruling class is based on various nationalist movements that have sprung up over the years, as the feelings that inspire them wax and wane over time."

Being that this is the ruling class of Colombia, I wonder if they will be the faction that utilizes the Handyman/Handymen, assuming they are not an autonomous being. Several factors lead me to believe this:
1). For those who cannot click on the link or read the writing on the Handyman's chest, it says "Bettermen's Autobody." The Handyman could be an extension of the human body in a likely expensive and dangerous procedure, bringing me to...
2). The ruling class have the monetary funds to supply such armaments and...
3). They are called ultranationalists for a reason, and from the sounds of it, they will do anything and everything to quash their opposition. This includes abandoning their humanity.The heart is separated in the video and the larger human portion in could indicate some sort of genetic mutation (Bioshock).

 

[ThaBenMan]

I have to say, I love those old-timey illustrations in the original post. Is that what the cover is going to look like for the next issue of Game Informer? Awesome. The first BioShock was inspired by artwork of the 50's - this looks a little older, like the 20's or 30's. I love it (and that screen shot is very cool as well - it looks like it's gonna be a little freaky fighting them. Unlike Big Daddies, the Handyman has a face capable of making expressions).