BioShock Infinite

Irrational has built a believable, fantastic world rooted in dark pieces of American history

87%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

91% User Score Based on 63,802 reviews

Critic Score 82%Based on 8 reviews

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BioShock Infinite is a single player role playing shooter game with horror, fantasy, drama and science fiction themes. It was developed by Virtual Programming (Linux) and was released on March 25, 2013. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

+16

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91%

Audience ScoreBased on 63,802 reviews

story18.6k positive mentions

grinding306 negative mentions

The game features an ambitious narrative with complex themes, praised for its rich storytelling and character development, particularly the dynamic between Booker and Elizabeth.
The graphics and art style have aged remarkably well, creating an immersive environment that captivates players, complemented by a stunning soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
Gameplay mechanics like skyline traversal and vigors add depth to encounters, and many players appreciate the fast-paced combat and engaging atmosphere.

The story is polarizing, with many finding it convoluted and difficult to follow, leading to confusion and frustration, especially towards the end.
Gameplay is criticized for being overly linear and repetitive compared to earlier titles in the series, with some players describing combat encounters as tedious and grindy.
The game suffers from significant technical issues, including bugs and performance problems that can disrupt gameplay, making it unplayable for some users.

story
37,535 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
46%
4%
The story of "Bioshock Infinite" is a polarizing aspect among players, with many praising its ambitious narrative and complex themes, including racism, nationalism, and the nature of reality through multiverse concepts. While some find the plot engaging and filled with unexpected twists, others criticize it for being convoluted and difficult to follow, leading to confusion and frustration, especially towards the end. Overall, the game is recognized for its rich storytelling and character development, particularly the dynamic between Booker and Elizabeth, but opinions vary widely on its coherence and execution.
- “The gameplay, atmosphere, and story all work together so well that it’s hard not to fall in love with it.”
- “The return to Rapture, the noir vibe, the storytelling, everything feels polished.”
- “The story is incredible and super immersive, all the characters have such depth to them, the set pieces still look incredible especially for it being over 10 years old.”
- “This game is a Bioshock game in name only, generic 2010s shooter slop with an unintelligible story that sullies the whole franchise.”
- “The story is a bunch of nonsense.”
- “The plot is poorly written and full of inconsistencies; the gameplay is 'fun,' but if you've played any of the other games in the series, you'd know how much is lacking in terms of actual gameplay variety.”
gameplay
14,607 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
47%
6%
The gameplay of "Bioshock Infinite" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its fast-paced combat and innovative mechanics like the skyline traversal and vigors, which add depth to encounters. However, some critics argue that the gameplay is overly simplified compared to its predecessors, feeling more linear and repetitive, with a two-weapon limit that detracts from the experience. Overall, while the gameplay is generally enjoyable and engaging, it lacks the complexity and immersive elements that defined the earlier titles in the series.
- “The gameplay, atmosphere, and story all work together so well that it’s hard not to fall in love with it.”
- “The gameplay, the story, the world, the atmosphere, everything comes together perfectly.”
- “The gameplay is a powerful engine for this story.”
- “Insanely stupid story and bland gameplay, this is not a Bioshock game.”
- “The gameplay is a huge improvement from Bioshock 1 and 2.”
- “The gameplay is extremely linear and shallow, basically follow the quest marker style of gameplay.”
graphics
8,687 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
32%
1%
The graphics of "Bioshock Infinite" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning art style and vibrant visuals, which many players feel have aged remarkably well since its 2013 release. The game's unique aesthetic, characterized by a blend of steampunk and early 20th-century Americana, creates an immersive environment that captivates players, even on lower settings. While some critiques mention occasional graphical glitches and a lack of realism, the overall consensus highlights the game's impressive visual design and its ability to evoke strong emotional responses through its artistic presentation.
- “The graphics have aged well over the years too and the audio is handled pretty well.”
- “The graphics still hold up phenomenally for its age.”
- “The visuals are stunning, the music is beautifully done, the weapons are good, some vigors are better than others but overall they're pretty fun to use!”
- “Aged and dated graphics, I'm sorry I waited so long to play this.”
- “The graphics are far more primitive than Bioshock Remaster, but this isn't the issue at all; it is that the game just stopped working.”
- “The graphics hold up relatively well, thanks to a 'semi-realistic' style and a solid turn-of-the-century artistic direction.”
music
2,240 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
45%
1%
The music in *Bioshock Infinite* has been widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively blending original compositions with anachronistic covers of modern songs, which enhances the game's early 20th-century setting. Many players noted the emotional impact of tracks like "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and the clever use of familiar tunes reimagined in vintage styles, contributing to the overall narrative and emotional depth of the experience. While some felt the combat music could become repetitive, the soundtrack overall is considered one of the game's standout features, elevating the storytelling and gameplay.
- “The soundtrack complements this perfectly, mixing original compositions with anachronistic covers that reinforce the themes of the story and leave a lasting impression.”
- “The music and sounds perfectly match the new setting, and I love how they reflect the early 1900s vibe of Columbia.”
- “The music, a true gem in its own right, elevates the game to even greater heights.”
- “The music was also lacking compared to the memorable themes of previous games.”
- “The soundtrack is not that interesting, has its moments during peak story moments but other than that, I doubt you'll notice it very much.”
- “The music feels repetitive in fights, but overall this is a great game.”
atmosphere
2,192 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
42%
2%
The atmosphere in "Bioshock Infinite" is a significant departure from its predecessors, trading the dark, claustrophobic environment of Rapture for the vibrant, open skies of Columbia. While many players appreciate the stunning visuals and rich detail that create an immersive experience, some miss the intense, eerie atmosphere that defined the earlier games. Overall, the game successfully establishes a unique atmosphere that blends beauty with underlying tension, making it a captivating setting for its complex narrative.
- “The art direction and atmosphere are incredible, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish.”
- “The attention to detail, lighting, and dynamic environments make Columbia feel alive and deeply atmospheric in a way that surpasses its predecessors by a huge gap.”
- “The atmosphere and world-building alone are worth the trip.”
- “Everything about it seemed to lack the atmosphere and tension that made the first two games so special.”
- “And I'll be honest, it took me a bit to figure out why it wasn't catching any interest... and it's because somehow this city has zero atmosphere.”
- “Although the game offers a brand new city to explore that is quite stunning, I did find myself missing the dark and gritty atmosphere of Rapture that the first two games had to offer.”
emotional
1,143 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of "Bioshock Infinite" is widely praised for its depth and complexity, particularly through the relationship between the protagonists, Booker and Elizabeth. Players report a profound emotional connection to the characters, with many experiencing tears during key moments, especially the game's conclusion and its DLCs. The narrative tackles heavy themes such as racism, free will, and redemption, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after the game ends, making it a standout emotional experience in gaming.
- “Booker and Elizabeth’s journey is emotional, mysterious, and full of themes that stick with you.”
- “The emotional weight of the narrative sneaks up on you, and by the end, you’re left staring at the screen, wondering what you just experienced.”
- “The relationship between Booker and Elizabeth generates more emotional moments than I have experienced in any recent shooter.”
- “With such an expertly crafted setting and many compelling characters, the game wastes itself on a nonsensical and frankly boring story.”
- “Linear, easy, uninteresting, boring story atmosphere and characters, unlike Bioshock 1 and 2.”
- “> Cliché and boring story filled with plot holes, meaningless choices, a message about racism that goes literally nowhere with an ending so bad that it creates a time paradox.”
replayability
602 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
55%
16%
The replayability of the game is a mixed bag among reviewers. While some praise its engaging story and the potential for multiple playthroughs to uncover hidden details, many criticize its linearity and lack of meaningful choices, leading to a perception of low replay value. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable for a single playthrough, but it often lacks the depth and variety that would encourage repeated play.
- “Oh god, this game was amazing! The replay value is through the roof; the story is amazing even after completing it for a third time. There are always some new details popping up that were missed in the previous playthrough.”
- “This game is a lot of fun and the DLC is well worth it, but it doesn't have much replayability. However, the gameplay is extensive and has very high replay value.”
- “The gameplay is extremely satisfying, while sometimes repetitive, the combinations of weapons and vigors give the game a lot of replayability.”
- “Unfortunately, I'd have to say there is no replayability value for this game whatsoever.”
- “The open-ended maps are gone, the arsenal is hefty but you're limited to two guns, this game's version of plasmids and tonics have been heavily simplified and the replayability factor suffers because of it.”
- “The ending is also a middle finger to the player, telling you that nothing you choose will ever make a difference...and thus ruining any replay value the game ever had.”
optimization
494 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
35%
12%
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its ability to run smoothly on a wide range of systems, including older hardware, some players report significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly when transitioning between areas or during intense gameplay. Overall, the game is generally considered well-optimized, but certain users have experienced frustrating performance hiccups that detract from the experience.
- “The PC port is robust and well-optimized, scaling well from high-end systems to handhelds.”
- “This game is heavily optimized to run on older machines and is even running on my 13-year-old PC at good FPS with low graphics.”
- “Great game, it's optimized; a very optimized game so it runs smooth on old PCs.”
- “Wanted to end this beautiful game but looks like this game is not optimized for newer systems.”
- “The problem with this game was the performance; sometimes each area of cutscene just stuttered, making the game unbearable or unplayable.”
- “Even with my 4060 ti and optimized settings, the game is incredibly glitchy in some parts; I'm right at the end and that problem has sadly stopped me from completing it.”
grinding
373 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
17%
82%
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing combat encounters as tedious and repetitive, particularly in the latter stages. Reviewers frequently mention the need for excessive grinding to achieve completionist goals, which detracts from the overall enjoyment and pacing of the game. While some players found moments of fun, the general consensus is that the gameplay often feels like a chore, leading to frustration and a diminished experience.
- “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.”
- “It's tedious and unrewarding.”
- “Repetitive combat scenarios and a lack of meaningful choices make the whole experience feel like a tedious exercise in shooting wave after wave of enemies.”
- “The gameplay is generally average and at times, tedious, but the intro into the world of Columbia is great and the payoff you get from the 5-star outro makes it worth investing your time into this game!”
character development
362 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
42%
4%
Character development in the game is widely praised, particularly for the depth and complexity of the main characters, Booker and Elizabeth, whose evolving relationship drives the narrative. While many reviewers highlight the exceptional storytelling and emotional engagement, some note inconsistencies and abrupt character changes that can disrupt the flow. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong character arcs and immersive dialogue, making it a standout in the realm of narrative-driven gaming.
- “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 of Booker and Elizabeth is exceptional, creating a genuine connection between the player and the game's world.”
- “The character development is next level with the storyline and multiple universes.”
- “The tonal whiplash between quiet character development and intense firefights sometimes undermines the narrative flow.”
- “Even the characters seemed bland and boring, no real character development; there’s just sudden character change, which made me like each and every character less.”
- “There is zero character development until the end of the game, which throws massive turns at you... but by then the game is already over.”
stability
271 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
3%
80%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a significant number of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including freezes, crashes, and issues with NPC behavior. While some users have experienced smooth performance without major issues, others have found the game nearly unplayable due to frequent technical problems, particularly in the DLC content. Overall, while the game is praised for its engaging story and graphics, its stability remains a notable concern for many players.
- “It runs great, looks beautiful, the gameplay is fun, the story is engaging, the atmosphere and setting add so much, and the acting is amazing.”
- “Also, this game is very well optimized, (unlike other AAA games) no glitches and the fun of fast pace comes with its smoothness.”
- “Overall, the game almost completely lacks glitches, the visuals are gorgeous (if not utterly breathtaking), the action is good, fast-paced, and usually challenging, and the story is amazing.”
- “A masterpiece game, of course, but after reaching the warden's office at Comstock House, it becomes unplayable because of freezes.”
- “Game locks up and freezes my whole computer pretty much.”
- “Unacceptably buggy in its current state; I was at the 85% mark of the game before it became unplayable.”
humor
237 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
1%
1%
The humor in "Bioshock Infinite" is often described as clever and dark, with many players appreciating the witty banter between characters, particularly the Lutece twins and Elizabeth. While some moments elicit genuine laughter, others blend humor with serious themes, creating a unique tone that can be both funny and unsettling. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to provoke a range of emotions, from laughter to introspection, making it a memorable experience.
- “The story spirals into multiverse madness, with plot twists so wild they’re practically laughing at themselves, and it’s all so clever you can’t help but grin.”
- “The lutece twins are hilarious, the story is a little confusing but good regardless, and the enemy design could have probably been a bit cooler.”
- “Their interactions are beautifully crafted, blending humor, vulnerability, and depth, making you genuinely invested in their journey.”
- “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.”
monetization
144 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
12%
86%
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism for its aggressive approach, including the introduction of a mandatory launcher that displays ads and promotes microtransactions, which many players view as a cash grab. Users express frustration over the collection of extensive personal data and the intrusive nature of advertisements, which detracts from the overall gaming experience. Despite some positive aspects of gameplay, the monetization practices have left a sour impression, leading to accusations of prioritizing profit over player satisfaction.
- “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.”
- “At this point, I would be very happy with at least one more as long as there are no microtransactions or forced multiplayer.”
- “A lazy cash grab by people who don't know why the original game was popular in the first place.”
- “Great game broken by a greedy studio in a cash grab.”
- “They basically used an 'old' game as a trojan for an advertising campaign.”

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82%Critics’ scoreBased on 8 critic reviews

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11h Median play time

22h Average play time

8-16h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 229 analyzed playthroughs

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One of BioShock Infinite's best narrative devices is its music

February 1 on pcgamer.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

BioShock Infinite is a role playing shooter game with horror, fantasy, drama and science fiction themes.

BioShock Infinite is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 22 hours playing BioShock Infinite.

BioShock Infinite was released on March 25, 2013.

BioShock Infinite was developed by Virtual Programming (Linux).

BioShock Infinite has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

BioShock Infinite is a single player game.

Similar games include BioShock, BioShock 2, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Metro Exodus, NieR:Automata™ and others.

BioShock Infinite

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