Neither game is the universal winner: choose BioShock for Rapture’s underwater dystopia, or BioShock Infinite for Columbia, Booker and Elizabeth, and a different combat toolkit built around weapons, Vigors, and Tears. If you want both, BioShock: The Collection bundles the two alongside BioShock 2 and add-on content.
How do their settings and stories differ?
BioShock: Rapture beneath the sea
The original BioShock takes place in Rapture, an undersea city conceived as a haven for society’s greatest minds. By the time of the game, that ideal has collapsed into a dystopian nightmare. The setting is the clearest reason to choose this game: its premise centers on exploring a failed underwater society. 2K’s game description describes Rapture and its fall.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Bioshock: The Collection Playstation 4 | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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BioShock: The Collection | $29.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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BioShock: The Collection (Nintendo Switch) | $29.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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BioShock: Rapture | $10.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Funko POP! Super: Bioshock - Bouncer Big Daddy | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
BioShock Infinite: Columbia in the sky
BioShock Infinite is set in 1912 and shifts the series from Rapture to Columbia, a city in the sky. Booker DeWitt is sent to find Elizabeth, making their story the game’s central premise. 2K’s description and the release announcement from Take-Two establish the setting and premise.
How does combat differ?
Both games are first-person shooters with supernatural abilities, but they present different tools and opportunities rather than a settled ranking of which combat is better.
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- Remastered in 1080p
- Bio Shock main game and all single player DLC
- Bio Shock 2 main game and all single player DLC
- Bio Shock Infinite main game and all single player DLC
- Director's Commentary: Imagining Bio Shock, featuring Ken Levine and Shawn Robertson
BioShock Infinite’s toolkit
Infinite combines weapons with Vigors and the ability to open Tears in space and time. Irrational creative director Ken Levine discussed how the gameplay differs from the original and how Elizabeth creates new combat possibilities in a PlayStation interview. A separate PlayStation hands-on feature described its author’s impression that the shooting felt more confident than the original’s and noted a two-weapon system and upgradeable Vigors. Those are that reviewer’s subjective impressions, not a guarantee that every player will prefer the feel.
Which combat style is better?
That depends on what you enjoy in a shooter. The documented differences support comparing the games’ toolkits and combat opportunities; they do not establish an objective winner. Consider the weapons and abilities each game emphasizes, then choose based on which approach sounds more appealing.
Rank #2
- Category: Miscellaneous Compilation
- Content Rating: Graphic Violence, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Alcohol and Tobacco Use
- Origin: United States
Which game should you play?
| If you’re drawn to… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| An undersea city and a dystopian society | BioShock | Rapture is the game’s defining setting and premise. |
| A city in the sky, Booker and Elizabeth, and weapons, Vigors, and Tears | BioShock Infinite | Those elements define its setting, story premise, and combat toolkit. |
| Both games and more of the series in one bundle | BioShock: The Collection | 2K describes it as including the remastered original and BioShock 2, plus BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition and single-player add-ons. |
These recommendations are based on which setting, story focus, and combat tools interest you—not on a claim that one game is objectively superior.
Should you play BioShock or BioShock Infinite first?
If you are choosing one, start with the game whose setting and premise appeal more. If you intend to play both, the comparison here does not establish a required order; pick the entry you are more excited to begin with. BioShock: The Collection is a direct option for playing more of the series, but verify the platform, region, and edition on the retailer listing before buying.
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- BioShock: The Collection contains all three games within this critically acclaimed franchise
- BioShock Remastered - Explore the undersea city of Rapture, a haven for society's greatest minds
- BioShock 2 Remastered - See Rapture through the eyes of Subject Delta
- BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition - Private investigator Booker DeWitt must take on an impossible task
What should you know before buying?
BioShock Infinite was announced as available for Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on March 26, 2013. That historical release information does not confirm present-day stock, compatibility, or format on a particular store. 2K describes BioShock: The Collection as containing remastered versions of the first two games and Infinite: The Complete Edition, including single-player add-ons; PlayStation’s Collection listing also describes the three games and their single-player add-ons. Check the current listing for your platform and region to confirm exactly what is included and available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- PERFECT GIFT FOR BIOSHOCK FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any Bioshock merchandise collection
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Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
