Irrational Games has commenced work on BioShock Infinite. The new instalment, a prequel, promises to be considerably more ambitious than 2K Marin’s BioShock 2, which, though an excellent game in its own right, recycled the setting and themes of its thought provoking predecessor.

BioShock Infinite takes place in 1912, almost 50 years prior to the events of the first game. In place of the sunken city of Rapture, you will encounter Columbia, an airborne marvel of American science. As former detective Booker DeWitt, you’ll be charged with infiltrating the city and liberating Elizabeth, a mysterious woman held captive within its walls.

The scant promotional material released to date confirms that the game is, like its predecessors, a first person shooter. We also know that you will need to work in concert with Elizabeth to have any hope of escape. Apparently, your abilities are strangely complementary.

According to publisher 2K Games, BioShock Infinite will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in 2012. Though The Black Panel is unashamedly committed to covering original games, we can’t help but be excited at the prospect of a true successor to Irrational’s masterwork.