When one talks about some of the most immersive and memorable games of all time, then it's only a given that the BioShock series would read its head at one point or the other. Ken Levine's masterstroke has become one of the most popular trilogies of all time, featuring some of the most devilishly clever storytelling ever seen in any game. These narratives still stand strong as some of the most compelling video game stories to this day, with the first BioShock and BioShock Infinite, in particular, being singled out for their excellence in this particular department.
However, as is the case with titles that are easily comparable, fans have been up in arms when it comes to debating which game is the definitive BioShock experience. While this argument might seem completely unnecessary at first glance, there's certainly some merit in picking out five positives of each game and how they help elevate one game above the other. So, keeping this in mind, let's objectively analyze which game is better by looking at five salient points of both games.
10 Bioshock: Rapture Is A Truly Captivating Setting
There's a reason why most people who've played the original BioShock rave about the setting — Rapture is easily one of the most memorable and iconic settings in video game history. Of course, that's no to say that BioShock Infinite was behind the curve in this regard...
9 Bioshock Infinite: Columbia Is Simply Beautiful
BioShock Infinite decided to discard the setting of Rapture in order to focus on a more open environment that would compliment both the new narrative and the evolving gameplay.
The end result was Columbia, an airborne city that has become legendary in its own right for all the right reasons.
8 Bioshock: The Big Daddy Is An Iconic Video Game Enemy For A Reason
One simply can't talk about BioShock without mentioning one of the most iconic video game enemies that this game introduced: the Big Daddies.
Trying to fight these enemies in the early stages of the game is a challenge in every sense of the word, and, while these foes do become easier over time, they never devolve into the kind of foe that one can sleep on; players need to always be on their toes if they wish to defeat these imposing enemies.
7 Bioshock Infinite:Â There Aren't Any Forced Moral Options Like The Little Sisters' Fates
BioShock might've hit numerous nails on the head when it came to crafting the perfect game, but one thing that the game should definitely be criticized for are the shoehorned moral choices when it comes to the fate of the Little Sisters.
Regardless of whether the player kills or rescues the Sisters, the difference in the amount of Adam they'll receive is negligible and not worth sacrificing one's moral compass, making this decision have a distinct "choose your own ending" feel as opposed to actually making the player feel conflicted.
6 Bioshock: The Game's Atmosphere Is Simply Unparalleled
However, one thing that the game should definitely be lauded for is the fact that its atmosphere is absolutely brilliant. Roaming around the isolated city of Rapture feels as haunting as it should, and this is mainly due to the stellar art direction.
Regardless of whichever area the player might explore, it goes without saying that the atmosphere will never cease to be oppressive or isolating.
5 Bioshock Infinite: The DLC Chapters Are Excellent
BioShock Infinite's base game is great enough as is, and people who can't get enough of Ken Levine's brainchild can choose to play the brilliant DLC of this title, as well.
BioShock Infinite: Burial At Sea is a brilliant title that continues the tale of Rapture, giving players a new and updated look into the workings of this city before the events of the original BioShock and setting the stage for a brilliant side story indeed.
4 Bioshock: The Plot Of This Title Is Still Mind-Blowing To This Day
Speaking of the original BioShock, one can't talk enough about the brilliance of this game's story. The "would you kindly" reveal still stands strong as one of the greatest plot twists in video gaming history.
While the final boss might've dampened the ending's impact somewhat, there's no denying that BioShock has a brilliant plot in every sense of the word.
3 Bioshock Infinite: The Gameplay In This Title Is Refined To A Tee
BioShock Infinite did everything possible to make use of the latest hardware in order to augment the title's gameplay, and it managed to do so in spectacular fashion.
The gunplay is as tight as can be, the vigors (this game's version of plasmids) are a blast to use, and the sky rails add some much-needed mobility to a combat system when quickly darting around environments is of the essence for one to survive.
2 Bioshock: The Game Didn't Have To Lie In Its Trailer To Sell Copies
However, one can't talk about BioShock Infinite without mentioning its misleading trailer, which straight-up falsely marketed the game in order to sell as many copies as possible.
Regardless of how great the title might be, one can't deny that this scummy marketing strategy definitely left a bad taste in the mouths of players who expected great things with this title.
1 Bioshock Infinite: The Ending Elevates The Game To A Whole New Level
That being said, one really can't say that BioShock Infinite didn't deliver on the promise of making a game as great as the first BioShock, if not better. BioShock 2 was a decent title, but it lacked the core things of what made the original BioShock such a masterpiece.
BioShock Infinite rectified this with an ending that stands as one of the greatest — and most convoluted — endings of all time, which has still left fans speculating to this day about this brilliant title.