BioShock Infinite

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 44,366 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
BioShock Infinite Game Cover
Irrational has built a believable, fantastic world rooted in dark pieces of American history
Starting at $3.60Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store Get on Epic Games Store

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter where private investigator Booker DeWitt must rescue a powerful woman, Elizabeth, from the flying city of Columbia to pay off a debt. The Complete Edition includes Burial at Sea episodes 1 & 2, exploring the underwater city of Rapture before its fall, Clash in the Clouds with new combat environments and challenges, and bonus packs with in-game items and upgrades. This edition provides a full and enhanced BioShock Infinite experience.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 44,366 reviews
story13,095 positive mentions
grinding202 negative mentions
  • story25,966 mentions

    The story of "Bioshock Infinite" is widely regarded as both captivating and complex, featuring intricate themes of racism, nationalism, and the consequences of choices across multiple realities. While many players appreciate the depth and emotional weight of the narrative, some find it convoluted and difficult to follow, particularly towards the end, leading to mixed feelings about its execution. Overall, the game is praised for its rich storytelling and character development, especially the dynamic between Booker and Elizabeth, making it a memorable experience despite its narrative challenges.

    • “Bioshock Infinite is a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling and gaming.”
    • “The story is beautifully written, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.”
    • “The story, atmosphere, music, and characters made this an experience like nothing I have seen before.”
    • “Opening the multiverse in your plot for your game or movie is not a bright idea because you will create endless possibilities and plot holes. After finishing the base game and the DLCs, I had to read some PhD-level explanations on Reddit to understand what was going on. I don't know what's the obsession of the writer of this game to choose the worst ending for the characters. Story-wise, I didn't enjoy it because I got lost after Elizabeth opened portals to other realities.”
    • “The story is convoluted and doesn't make sense when you start applying thought around the halfway point, but before that, it's slightly intriguing. It especially falls apart near the ending story-wise.”
    • “The story is a complete mess. It tries to be deep and complex, but if you even think about the story for more than a second, it completely falls apart.”
  • gameplay9,883 mentions

    The gameplay of "Bioshock Infinite" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fast-paced action and unique mechanics like the skyline and vigor systems, which add depth to combat. However, some players feel that the gameplay is overly simplified compared to its predecessors, with a two-weapon limit and a lack of strategic depth, leading to repetitive encounters. Overall, while the gameplay is generally enjoyable and engaging, it may not meet the expectations set by the earlier titles in the series.

    • “The gameplay is a huge improvement from the first two games, offering a more dynamic and engaging experience.”
    • “The gameplay is fun, fluid, and frantic; the story is complex, abstract, and engaging.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics in Bioshock Infinite are equally captivating, with a combination of fast-paced gunplay, inventive vigor powers, and the ingenious skyhook system for navigating the city.”
    • “The gameplay is a repetitive snorefest while the story, characters, and overall writing is obnoxiously pretentious while being incredibly one-dimensional.”
    • “The gameplay is so generic that it feels like a knock-off of the original bioshock, with less depth and complexity.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely simplistic and repetitive, lacking the depth and variety that made the previous bioshock games engaging.”
  • graphics5,988 mentions

    The graphics in "Bioshock Infinite" are widely praised for their stunning artistry and vibrant color palette, creating a visually captivating experience that still holds up well even years after its release. Many reviewers highlight the game's unique art style, which blends steampunk aesthetics with early 20th-century Americana, contributing to an immersive atmosphere that enhances the storytelling. While some critiques mention minor graphical issues or a lack of realism, the overall consensus is that the game's visuals are a significant strength, making it a must-play for fans of beautiful graphics and engaging narratives.

    • “The graphics are well-crafted, complementing the game's lovely art style.”
    • “The graphics are incredible and it looks so good.”
    • “The graphics still hold up pretty well despite its age and the entire floating city is absolutely beautiful.”
    • “The graphics are dated at this point, but the story and gameplay are excellent.”
    • “The world feels emptier and almost copy-pasted in certain spots; the art style is just not on the same level as its predecessors even though it isn't bad by any means.”
    • “The graphics are flat and dull and are just washed out with post-processing effects, which make the layman go wow great graphics.”
  • music1,506 mentions

    The music in "Bioshock Infinite" has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and storytelling. Reviewers praised the soundtrack for its blend of original compositions and anachronistic covers of popular songs, which effectively capture the early 20th-century setting while adding emotional depth to key moments. Many noted that the music not only complements the visuals but also plays a crucial role in immersing players in the game's rich narrative and environment.

    • “The music, composed by Garry Schyman, complements the period setting while enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.”
    • “The music perfectly captures the time period and adds another layer of depth to the gaming experience.”
    • “The soundtrack includes unforgettable compositions that illuminate the grandeur of Columbia and the story.”
    • “The game has a decent soundtrack made of piano pieces, but it wasn’t too noteworthy.”
    • “The music is average; nothing special.”
    • “The soundtrack is your typical boring wannabe movie symphonic orchestra crap that can be found in too many contemporary high-budget titles.”
  • atmosphere1,420 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Bioshock Infinite" is widely praised for its vibrant and immersive design, showcasing the colorful city of Columbia, which contrasts sharply with the darker, claustrophobic environments of the previous games. While many players appreciate the stunning visuals and rich world-building, some miss the intense, eerie atmosphere of Rapture, feeling that Infinite's lighter tone lacks the same depth and tension. Overall, the game successfully creates a unique atmosphere that captivates players, blending beauty with underlying themes of societal conflict and personal struggle.

    • “The atmosphere and universe they have created is top notch.”
    • “Columbia is a living, breathing city with a vibrant atmosphere, diverse locales, and a rich history that players can unravel through various audio logs and environmental storytelling.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game draws you in and you experience an adventure in the sky.”
    • “They took away the underwater, gritty atmosphere of Bioshock 1 and 2.”
    • “Finally, in the beginning, I was a little disappointed with this game because the atmosphere in Bioshock 1 and 2 was darker and a bit scary while the atmosphere in this game was bright and not scary.”
    • “The atmosphere is very different from the first two Bioshock games, and they aren't really connected aside from the Burial at Sea DLC.”
  • emotional775 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Bioshock Infinite" is widely praised for its profound storytelling and character development, particularly the relationship between Booker and Elizabeth, which resonates deeply with players. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, often leading to tears during key moments, especially the impactful ending and the "Burial at Sea" DLC. The combination of a rich narrative, memorable characters, and a haunting soundtrack creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting emotional impression on players.

    • “The relationship between Booker and Elizabeth is central to the story, and it unfolds in a way that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.”
    • “The emotional therapy you'll need after finishing this costs more than the game.”
    • “The dynamic between Booker and Elizabeth is truly heartwarming, and you immediately become attached to the duo.”
    • “With such a expertly crafted setting and many compelling characters, the game wastes itself on a nonsensical and frankly boring story.”
    • “This game was not for me. I buy all the BioShock franchise; the first is a masterpiece, the second was good, but this is boring. Boring story, boring skills; I want to play a game, not see a movie.”
    • “A horribly easy game with a bit of a boring story and a pretentious mood.”
  • replayability422 mentions

    The replayability of "Bioshock Infinite" is a mixed bag among players. While some appreciate the game's captivating story and the potential for multiple playthroughs to uncover hidden details, many criticize its linearity and lack of meaningful choices, leading to a generally low replay value compared to earlier entries in the series. Overall, it seems that while the game can be enjoyable for a second or third run, especially for story enthusiasts, it doesn't offer the same depth of replayability as its predecessors.

    • “Bioshock Infinite offers decent replay value for those who wish to revisit its breathtaking world.”
    • “The gameplay is extensive and has very high replay value.”
    • “Incredible story, fantastic gameplay, and wonderful replayability.”
    • “It's a rushed ending that retcons everything you did in the game to begin with, making the replay value quite low compared to the first two Bioshock games.”
    • “The story is told and that's that - not much replayability after the fact, but the experience was still worth it.”
    • “The only downside is that there is little replayability for me since, unlike Bioshock 1, you can't romp around previous levels with the skills you have at completion.”
  • optimization322 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including older and lower-end systems, often achieving high frame rates without significant issues. However, some users have reported performance problems, particularly related to the 2K launcher, which has been noted to cause stuttering and crashes. Overall, while the game is generally well-optimized, certain configurations and the launcher can lead to frustrating performance inconsistencies.

    • “I have integrated graphics card (Iris Xe) and it runs smoothly even in very high resolution.”
    • “Great story, beautiful art style, and surprisingly well optimized for older computers.”
    • “The game is well optimized and runs smoothly on my work laptop.”
    • “Game keeps stuttering and glitching.”
    • “Don't buy, has stupid 2K launcher that tanks performance and causes crashes.”
    • “So poorly optimized it's unplayable.”
  • character development249 mentions

    Character development in "Bioshock Infinite" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly between the protagonists, Booker and Elizabeth. Players appreciate the intricate storytelling that allows for significant growth and connection with the characters, making their journey compelling and immersive. While some critiques mention inconsistencies or a lack of development in secondary characters, the overall consensus highlights the game's strong focus on character arcs and relationships, elevating it above its predecessors in the series.

    • “The character development of Booker and Elizabeth is exceptional, creating a genuine connection between the player and the game's world.”
    • “The character development is exceptional, with Booker and Elizabeth forming a powerful bond that drives the player's investment in their journey.”
    • “The character development is next level with the storyline and multiple universes.”
    • “There's something about Booker and Elizabeth's acting and development that just doesn't work.”
    • “It feels extremely inorganic, as nobody in these two people's shoes would react in the way that Booker and Elizabeth did.”
    • “There is basically zero character development, so it is hard to care about them; not much story either, just running from objective to objective, on rails.”
  • grinding247 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game can often feel tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the need to backtrack and engage in combat that lacks variety. While some aspects of gameplay, such as the story and mechanics, are praised, the overall experience is frequently marred by a sense of monotony and the feeling that players are merely grinding through levels to reach narrative milestones.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Collectables in the form of audio tapes that provide lore as to the rise and morphing of Columbia from a US state into the cult-run dystopia of Comstock are challenging; however, they are not tedious to find and are voice acted, an especially pleasing touch as going out of your way to learn the game's deeper messages is rewarded with quality content creation and attention to detail.”
    • “The gameplay involves tedious shooting on linear maps.”
    • “This game is mediocre yet really punishing and tedious to play.”
    • “The fights get very tedious, very quickly.”
  • stability197 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting numerous bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, such as freezing, falling through the map, and issues with the user interface. While some users noted that the game runs well on certain systems and praised its graphics and story, the prevalence of technical issues, particularly with the 2K launcher, has led to frustration and a perception of the game as "buggy" or "unplayable" for many. Overall, while some players experienced minimal problems, a significant number found the game's stability to be a major drawback.

    • “Runs great on my 2008 PC which has a crap processor and only 8GB RAM with a decent GPU.”
    • “Also, this game is very well optimized, (unlike other AAA games) no glitches and the fun of fast pace comes with its smoothness.”
    • “The gameplay and the story is great, bug free, it's worth it for that price.”
    • “While playing for 13 hours, I fell out of the map 3 times, got stuck with a white screen during cutscenes twice (restarting from the checkpoint helped), and had to restart the game a lot because the 2D overlay (item icons) freezes and stays permanently on the screen.”
    • “The DLC is super buggy and unplayable, like getting stuck in airlocks, Elizabeth getting stuck and not triggering events, etc.”
    • “This game is buggy as all hell and too much 'first person shooter in a hallway' for my liking.”
  • humor176 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as dark, quirky, and thought-provoking, with standout characters like the Lutece twins providing comedic relief throughout the narrative. Players appreciate the blend of humor with serious themes, noting that the game elicits both laughter and emotional responses, often through absurd situations and witty dialogue. While some find the humor to be hit-or-miss, many agree that it adds a unique charm to the overall experience.

    • “The Lutece twins are hilarious; every scene they're in is both funny and thought-provoking.”
    • “The game is hilarious if you have a dark sense of humor.”
    • “The world is built beautifully, with interesting and funny conversations spread among the characters like a big pinch of flaky salt.”
    • “Not funny at all.”
    • “This game crashes so much it's not funny.”
    • “It has a ton of game-breaking glitches on the Mac; it's not funny.”
  • monetization73 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players expressing frustration over the introduction of a mandatory launcher filled with advertisements and microtransactions, which many view as a cash grab. This update has not only disrupted gameplay but also compromised the experience of a previously well-regarded title, leading to complaints about intrusive ads and a lack of transparency regarding the game's requirements. Overall, the monetization approach has overshadowed the game's strengths, leaving many players disillusioned.

    • “In the age of microtransactions and games as piecemeals, ehm... services, this game was refreshing beyond my expectations.”
    • “The game is still a strong take on the single player FPS story-rich game without any microtransactions, underperforming graphics, and allows you to explore enough to capture the city's atmosphere.”
    • “I'm incredibly sad because the game itself is 10/10 one of the best games I've ever played that doesn't need any microtransactions.”
    • “They basically used an 'old' game as a trojan for an advertising campaign.”
    • “Great game broken by greedy studio in a cash grab.”
    • “A recent 'quality of life' update has added a superfluous 2k launcher as a prelude to them adding microtransactions and other nonsense to a decade-old game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Buy BioShock Infinite

Play time

11hMedian play time
26hAverage play time
7-15hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 168 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games