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The Art of BioShock Infinite
In The Art of BioShock Infinite, delve deeper into the city of Columbia--the fabled floating metropolis that serves as a beacon of technology and achievement for the early 1900s! This deluxe hardcover features production designs and concept illustrations focusing on main characters Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth, and Songbird from the BioShock Infinite video game. See the evolution of Sky-Hooks, Heavy Hitters, the populace of Columbia, Vigors, airships, and much more!
* BioShock Infinite won over 75 video game awards, including Best Original Game and Best of Show!
* Introduction by creative director Ken Levine.
* BioShock Infinite won over 75 video game awards, including Best Original Game and Best of Show!
* Introduction by creative director Ken Levine.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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997 people want to read
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April 2, 2017
Click here to watch a video review of this book on my channel, From Beginning to Bookend.
The Art of Bioshock Infinite not only provides a stunning array of concept art for the game, but it also includes early design sketches and color illustrations of a darker, more sinister version of the city of Columbia that was eventually scrapped in lieu of the colorful and airy city in the sky featured in the game.
Early concepts for mechanical creatures were macabre in design, crafted with bronze and copper and featuring lifeless eyes and disproportionate anatomy. Initial designs for human characters demonstrate art nouveau inspired scarring on the faces, flesh eating creatures with clawed hands, and gruesome facial splicing.
The chapter on Elizabeth is a particular favorite. Before her personality was nailed down, concept artists created myriad sketches of her at all ages with varied clothes, posture, demeanor, and disposition. Several pictures depict her states of evolution, ultimately arriving at the big blue-eyed, intelligent and capable beauty that was the final iteration.
Surprisingly few pages are dedicated to the lead protagonist, Booker DeWitt. In initial concepts, he went from brutish thug to scowling youth to a square-jawed comic book hero before arriving at an everyman with a pronounced jawline and piercing eyes.
Booker DeWitt's image needed to match his gruff voice and irascible character. [. . .] Getting Booker just right was a complex task.
A chapter on Songbird reveals initial sketches where he went from mechanical dragon to flying man to mythical beast and, finally, to giant mechanized bird capable of flight. Illustrations depict the complex mechanical workings of his construction and reveal how challenging it was to make him articulate varied expressions.
Brief attention is given to characters like Zachary Comstock, Rosalind and Robert Lutece, Fink, Cornelius Slate, and Daisy Fitzroy.
Heavy hitters, on the other hand, get their fair share in the limelight: Boys of Silence with their horn ears and gaping mouths; the Siren dressed in tattered threads of cloth and surrounded by film-like grain; Motorized Patriots bearing the cracked rubber faces of past presidents; and the Handyman, gruesomely constructed and bearing over-sized appendages.
A chapter on vigors - beverages the protagonist drinks to gain supernatural powers - offer a tantalizing array of concept designs for bottles.
Before its conclusion, the book also provides sketches and colorful concept art for the skyhook, weapons, airships, and the final iteration of Columbia - dazzling city in the sky.
The Art of Bioshock Infinite not only provides a stunning array of concept art for the game, but it also includes early design sketches and color illustrations of a darker, more sinister version of the city of Columbia that was eventually scrapped in lieu of the colorful and airy city in the sky featured in the game.
Early concepts for mechanical creatures were macabre in design, crafted with bronze and copper and featuring lifeless eyes and disproportionate anatomy. Initial designs for human characters demonstrate art nouveau inspired scarring on the faces, flesh eating creatures with clawed hands, and gruesome facial splicing.
The chapter on Elizabeth is a particular favorite. Before her personality was nailed down, concept artists created myriad sketches of her at all ages with varied clothes, posture, demeanor, and disposition. Several pictures depict her states of evolution, ultimately arriving at the big blue-eyed, intelligent and capable beauty that was the final iteration.
Surprisingly few pages are dedicated to the lead protagonist, Booker DeWitt. In initial concepts, he went from brutish thug to scowling youth to a square-jawed comic book hero before arriving at an everyman with a pronounced jawline and piercing eyes.
Booker DeWitt's image needed to match his gruff voice and irascible character. [. . .] Getting Booker just right was a complex task.
A chapter on Songbird reveals initial sketches where he went from mechanical dragon to flying man to mythical beast and, finally, to giant mechanized bird capable of flight. Illustrations depict the complex mechanical workings of his construction and reveal how challenging it was to make him articulate varied expressions.
Brief attention is given to characters like Zachary Comstock, Rosalind and Robert Lutece, Fink, Cornelius Slate, and Daisy Fitzroy.
Heavy hitters, on the other hand, get their fair share in the limelight: Boys of Silence with their horn ears and gaping mouths; the Siren dressed in tattered threads of cloth and surrounded by film-like grain; Motorized Patriots bearing the cracked rubber faces of past presidents; and the Handyman, gruesomely constructed and bearing over-sized appendages.
A chapter on vigors - beverages the protagonist drinks to gain supernatural powers - offer a tantalizing array of concept designs for bottles.
Before its conclusion, the book also provides sketches and colorful concept art for the skyhook, weapons, airships, and the final iteration of Columbia - dazzling city in the sky.
May 15, 2020
Booker: "I don't understand."
Elizabeth: "We don't need to, it'll happen all the same."
Booker: "Why?"
Elizabeth: "Because it does. Because it has. Because it will."
When I first saw the promo art for this game I was disappointed. It seemed a cheap knockoff of one of the greatest and most unique settings in video games history (Rapture, the underwater utopia gone to hell). But when I finally played the game it shocked me. It not only lived up to one of the greatest games I've ever played (Bioshock 1) but in many ways surpassed it.
While this game doesn't have the isolated, dark, horror-style feeling of the first game I truly came to appreciate the world of Colombia. Where Rapture in the first 2 games felt like a tomb overrun by zombie like creatures Colombia felt alive (albeit filled with violence, oppression and uprising). The combat as well was more slick, dynamic and varied than the first game with more powers and more open areas to sneak or fight around.
However what really made this game great was the story, primarily the relationship between Booker and Elizabeth. It's kind of a cliched trope. The cynical mercenary forced to protect the vulnerable young girl (see: Last of us, Logan etc.) but it was done beautifully with both characters brilliantly written.
Like the first game this game also had some real curve-ball plot twists. However parts of the plot-twists in this game were not as convincing
The game also provided some of the most memorable scenes of any game I've played. 2 of the most notable were Booker having to battle through a robotic recreation of the battle of little bighorn to take out his deranged (but still perversely honourable) former Commanding Officer and friend. Later in the game a flash forward into a potential future for Elizabeth was horrifying and heartbreaking with a brilliant gradual build-up to it.
Finally this game had a very good DLC in Burial at Sea 1 and one of the greatest DLCs I've played in it's sequel. Together they did a brilliant job of tying up some loose ends in the story, tying this game in with the first 2 and providing a savage emotional gut-punch at the very end.
Overall Bioshock was one of the greatest video-game series I've ever played. Easily one of the most compelling series in games with thought-provoking political commentary and shocking plot twists. And unlike many series it refused to drag on to try to drag as much cash as possible out of fans. It ended with just 3 games leaving fans wanting more. And Infinite was the perfect ending to one of the most intelligent and unique series' in gaming
Elizabeth: "We don't need to, it'll happen all the same."
Booker: "Why?"
Elizabeth: "Because it does. Because it has. Because it will."
When I first saw the promo art for this game I was disappointed. It seemed a cheap knockoff of one of the greatest and most unique settings in video games history (Rapture, the underwater utopia gone to hell). But when I finally played the game it shocked me. It not only lived up to one of the greatest games I've ever played (Bioshock 1) but in many ways surpassed it.
While this game doesn't have the isolated, dark, horror-style feeling of the first game I truly came to appreciate the world of Colombia. Where Rapture in the first 2 games felt like a tomb overrun by zombie like creatures Colombia felt alive (albeit filled with violence, oppression and uprising). The combat as well was more slick, dynamic and varied than the first game with more powers and more open areas to sneak or fight around.
However what really made this game great was the story, primarily the relationship between Booker and Elizabeth. It's kind of a cliched trope. The cynical mercenary forced to protect the vulnerable young girl (see: Last of us, Logan etc.) but it was done beautifully with both characters brilliantly written.
Like the first game this game also had some real curve-ball plot twists. However parts of the plot-twists in this game were not as convincing
The game also provided some of the most memorable scenes of any game I've played. 2 of the most notable were Booker having to battle through a robotic recreation of the battle of little bighorn to take out his deranged (but still perversely honourable) former Commanding Officer and friend. Later in the game a flash forward into a potential future for Elizabeth was horrifying and heartbreaking with a brilliant gradual build-up to it.
Finally this game had a very good DLC in Burial at Sea 1 and one of the greatest DLCs I've played in it's sequel. Together they did a brilliant job of tying up some loose ends in the story, tying this game in with the first 2 and providing a savage emotional gut-punch at the very end.
Overall Bioshock was one of the greatest video-game series I've ever played. Easily one of the most compelling series in games with thought-provoking political commentary and shocking plot twists. And unlike many series it refused to drag on to try to drag as much cash as possible out of fans. It ended with just 3 games leaving fans wanting more. And Infinite was the perfect ending to one of the most intelligent and unique series' in gaming
June 2, 2013
This review has been cross-posted on my Happy Indulgence blog. Check it out for more reviews!
Now for something a bit different with a combination of my love for games and books. The Art of Bioshock Infinite is a hardcover artbook featuring concepts that made it to the final game, but mostly those that didn't. A lot of love and attention has gone into creating and producing one of the games of the year, and the artwork showcased here is evidence of it. With paintings, sketches, coloured designs and comic book sketches covering the major parts of the game, including characters, advertisements/propaganda, vigors, weapons and columbia itself, the book is beautiful to look at.
The way the artbook is set out itself tells us a story of how the game evolved. At first, we're given a very different introduction of Columbia's first concepts, the evolution of characters in between and Columbia in it's final stages at the end of the book. I enjoyed the journey that this artbook had to offer and it heightens my appreciation for the artists themselves. They have a difficult task ahead of them by nailing the concepts in the final game, and we see the stages that they have to go through, from exploring different footwear to their technical design.
What's immediately evident from flipping through the pages, is that most of the concepts did not make it to the final cut. The artists meticulously explored many aspects of character design and concept creation, from Elizabeth's costume to Songbird's mechanical design and the vigors themselves. Many of the concepts are excellent, such as the terrifying enemies of Columbia including an evil toymaker, mutilated people caught in the tears, and flying Big Daddies. From the first cuts to the final drafts, The Art of Bioshock Infinite shows how Bioshock could have been a very different game in it's earlier stages. Frustrating in a sense, but perhaps for the better considering how the game turned out.
With an introduction by Kevin Levine, the game's creative director, there isn't a whole lot of reading to be done here other than extremely brief explanations on some pages about what the artwork is. While this is primarily an artbook, I would have appreciated a bit more depth to it, accompanying the pages of pages of imagery here.
I probably would have been more wowed if I had received this book in hardcover format, but alas, one cannot complain when awarded a Netgalley even in mobi format. I'd recommend this artbook to hardcore fans of Bioshock Infinite who wish to explore the world a bit further, and perhaps budding artists or game designers, but the audience is probably limited to that.
I probably wouldn't have had the chance to check out this game companion if not for the galley, so thank you to Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley for this review copy.
Now for something a bit different with a combination of my love for games and books. The Art of Bioshock Infinite is a hardcover artbook featuring concepts that made it to the final game, but mostly those that didn't. A lot of love and attention has gone into creating and producing one of the games of the year, and the artwork showcased here is evidence of it. With paintings, sketches, coloured designs and comic book sketches covering the major parts of the game, including characters, advertisements/propaganda, vigors, weapons and columbia itself, the book is beautiful to look at.
The way the artbook is set out itself tells us a story of how the game evolved. At first, we're given a very different introduction of Columbia's first concepts, the evolution of characters in between and Columbia in it's final stages at the end of the book. I enjoyed the journey that this artbook had to offer and it heightens my appreciation for the artists themselves. They have a difficult task ahead of them by nailing the concepts in the final game, and we see the stages that they have to go through, from exploring different footwear to their technical design.
What's immediately evident from flipping through the pages, is that most of the concepts did not make it to the final cut. The artists meticulously explored many aspects of character design and concept creation, from Elizabeth's costume to Songbird's mechanical design and the vigors themselves. Many of the concepts are excellent, such as the terrifying enemies of Columbia including an evil toymaker, mutilated people caught in the tears, and flying Big Daddies. From the first cuts to the final drafts, The Art of Bioshock Infinite shows how Bioshock could have been a very different game in it's earlier stages. Frustrating in a sense, but perhaps for the better considering how the game turned out.
With an introduction by Kevin Levine, the game's creative director, there isn't a whole lot of reading to be done here other than extremely brief explanations on some pages about what the artwork is. While this is primarily an artbook, I would have appreciated a bit more depth to it, accompanying the pages of pages of imagery here.
I probably would have been more wowed if I had received this book in hardcover format, but alas, one cannot complain when awarded a Netgalley even in mobi format. I'd recommend this artbook to hardcore fans of Bioshock Infinite who wish to explore the world a bit further, and perhaps budding artists or game designers, but the audience is probably limited to that.
I probably wouldn't have had the chance to check out this game companion if not for the galley, so thank you to Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley for this review copy.
January 24, 2021
Sometimes I just want to give my brain a rest and cozy up with a nice art book. Bioshock is one of my favorite video game franchises and it was lovely to revisit the third installment, Bioshock Infinite. The color scheme, creativity, and theming were all so beautiful and unique. It was great to see behind the scenes and the beginning stages of the game. It was very nostalgic and I'll have to find some Let's Play videos on YouTube to revisit this spectacular series. Would you kindly recommend any other art books for me to read?
August 19, 2018
Redenzione come espiazione
Esistono giochi che segnano indissolubilmente la vita di un videogiocatore; possono persino cambiarne la percezione della realtà, affilare lo spirito critico e in qualche modo insediarsi nella testa senza più andarsene.
"Bioshock Infinite" rientra tranquillamente in questa categoria.
L'artbook si prefigge l'obiettivo di illustrare le evoluzioni e scelte definitive di design per quanto concerne non solo i protagonisti principali della vicenda, ma soprattutto il mosaico di dettagli che va a delineare l'affascinante città sospesa sulle nuvole.
Patrioti motorizzati, Handyman, Songbird, armi da fuoco, vestiti, oggetti decisivi per lo sviluppo narrativo - si pensi alle chiavi o alla collana di Elizabeth -, schizzi di alcuni ambienti: tutto viene passato al setaccio con una ricostruzione certosina capace di far luce sul difficilissimo lavoro creativo che sta dietro un'opera complessa tanto nella storia quanto nell'ambientazione che propone al videogiocatore.
Esistono giochi che segnano indissolubilmente la vita di un videogiocatore; possono persino cambiarne la percezione della realtà, affilare lo spirito critico e in qualche modo insediarsi nella testa senza più andarsene.
"Bioshock Infinite" rientra tranquillamente in questa categoria.
L'artbook si prefigge l'obiettivo di illustrare le evoluzioni e scelte definitive di design per quanto concerne non solo i protagonisti principali della vicenda, ma soprattutto il mosaico di dettagli che va a delineare l'affascinante città sospesa sulle nuvole.
Patrioti motorizzati, Handyman, Songbird, armi da fuoco, vestiti, oggetti decisivi per lo sviluppo narrativo - si pensi alle chiavi o alla collana di Elizabeth -, schizzi di alcuni ambienti: tutto viene passato al setaccio con una ricostruzione certosina capace di far luce sul difficilissimo lavoro creativo che sta dietro un'opera complessa tanto nella storia quanto nell'ambientazione che propone al videogiocatore.
September 23, 2016
Wow, the art in this book is amazing, the styles, influences and creativity are ingenious and brimming skill and love.
Because Irrational games didn't have to stick to the rapture concept, it makes for some truly amazing and diverse art and whilst I love the game it makes you wonder what bioshock infinite could have been in an alternate universe. I especially love the really dark and gritty concepts.
For fans of the game, art or both I would say that this is a must.
Because Irrational games didn't have to stick to the rapture concept, it makes for some truly amazing and diverse art and whilst I love the game it makes you wonder what bioshock infinite could have been in an alternate universe. I especially love the really dark and gritty concepts.
For fans of the game, art or both I would say that this is a must.
November 24, 2020
The art is just beautiful 😍 ✨ nuff said really! Bioshock is an amazing world/series 👏
April 4, 2017
Picked this book up to use as reference for an upcoming Comic Con, this book is absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommend to anyone a fan of Bioshock and the worlds of both Rapture and Columbia.
April 24, 2013
Full review posted at My Book Addiction.
I am a gamer at heart. Always have been, always will be. My husband really hit the jackpot, didn’t he? We have two PS3 consoles in our house so we can game together; one in the kids playroom (we told them it’s for them, but really… lol), and one in our living room. Sure there are games that he likes that I don’t, and vice versa, but there are many games we both love to play. The BioShock series is definitely on the list of games we both enjoy. Survival horror is my favorite genre in the video game world; add to that some phenomenal steampunk graphics and I’m in heaven.
Everything about BioShock Infinite has drawn me in, from the very first time I saw the commercial advertising the newest game in the franchise, to this superbly crafted book of art. I have a huge Steampunk fetish, so my jaw drops every time I see anything related to this game. The concept art in The Art of BioShock Infinite is stunning; almost too striking to find words that adequately describe it. The dynamic presence of this art stirs an emotional reaction inside of me. Perhaps being surrounded by artist for a large portion of my life has taught me an appreciation for it that I wouldn’t feel so deeply otherwise. The colors are so bold and bright in contrast to the perfectly placed shadows. Having only an advanced ebook copy of this book is not nearly acceptable. I will definitely be purchasing the hardcover, which I know for certain will further blow my mind.
"I imagine there are some people who want to get in the games industry who envision the development of a video game goes like this: A team of smart and talented people just get together in a glass-walled conference room, order some pizza, and emerge after a big all-nighter with the blueprint for a great game. From there, it’s imagined, all that’s required is for everyone to rest up for a weekend, show up to work on Monday morning, and start building to spec. If anybody knows a place where it works like that, please give me their number."
– Ken Levine, Irrational Games, November 2012
I love the concept notes within these pages. Being able to read them while witnessing the evolution in this art book gave me a glimpse into the minds of this remarkably creative team. This book not only gives us another look at what we’ve already seen inside the world of BioShock Infinite, but it also greatly compliments the video game because of the comprehensive perspective of what didn’t make the final cut. Being able to observe the characters, the villains, and structures brought to life, or not, in some cases, is an amazing gift for anyone that truly appreciates the creative process. I highly recommend The Art of BioShock Infinite to avid collectors of art books and/or gamers. This one will be going on my “most prized possessions” shelf!
I am a gamer at heart. Always have been, always will be. My husband really hit the jackpot, didn’t he? We have two PS3 consoles in our house so we can game together; one in the kids playroom (we told them it’s for them, but really… lol), and one in our living room. Sure there are games that he likes that I don’t, and vice versa, but there are many games we both love to play. The BioShock series is definitely on the list of games we both enjoy. Survival horror is my favorite genre in the video game world; add to that some phenomenal steampunk graphics and I’m in heaven.
Everything about BioShock Infinite has drawn me in, from the very first time I saw the commercial advertising the newest game in the franchise, to this superbly crafted book of art. I have a huge Steampunk fetish, so my jaw drops every time I see anything related to this game. The concept art in The Art of BioShock Infinite is stunning; almost too striking to find words that adequately describe it. The dynamic presence of this art stirs an emotional reaction inside of me. Perhaps being surrounded by artist for a large portion of my life has taught me an appreciation for it that I wouldn’t feel so deeply otherwise. The colors are so bold and bright in contrast to the perfectly placed shadows. Having only an advanced ebook copy of this book is not nearly acceptable. I will definitely be purchasing the hardcover, which I know for certain will further blow my mind.
"I imagine there are some people who want to get in the games industry who envision the development of a video game goes like this: A team of smart and talented people just get together in a glass-walled conference room, order some pizza, and emerge after a big all-nighter with the blueprint for a great game. From there, it’s imagined, all that’s required is for everyone to rest up for a weekend, show up to work on Monday morning, and start building to spec. If anybody knows a place where it works like that, please give me their number."
– Ken Levine, Irrational Games, November 2012
I love the concept notes within these pages. Being able to read them while witnessing the evolution in this art book gave me a glimpse into the minds of this remarkably creative team. This book not only gives us another look at what we’ve already seen inside the world of BioShock Infinite, but it also greatly compliments the video game because of the comprehensive perspective of what didn’t make the final cut. Being able to observe the characters, the villains, and structures brought to life, or not, in some cases, is an amazing gift for anyone that truly appreciates the creative process. I highly recommend The Art of BioShock Infinite to avid collectors of art books and/or gamers. This one will be going on my “most prized possessions” shelf!
November 11, 2015
So I'll admit that I am a big fan of art books based on video games and tv shows, there is something about seeing all the cool concepts and work that went into a loved project that just makes the experience even cooler. I'd have to say that this one is no exception.
Bioshock Infinite is a game that a lot of game fans were looking forward to since the first two games in the series, and since it took a long time to come together it is really cool see what kind of ideas the creators were throwing around before settling on the final storyline and designs. If you are not familiar with Irrational Games' still of game, it tends to lean towards the designs that elicit some sort of emotion from the player, it could be repulsion or it could be curiosity (is it human or machine?) but it's guaranteed to catch your eye.
The concept art is really strong in itself and I'm actually a bit sad that somethings couldn't be used in the new game because they look amazing. There are whole sections dedicated to the character design/development for Elizabeth and Booker, as well as sections on the vigors, Columbia, Songbird, and propaganda posters seen through out the game. I am a big fan of the Vigor section because I honestly think I'd buy the bottles they designed if they were available, some of them are really great looking. The propaganda section is also really great because many of the posters in the game might end up being glanced over during the action, so it's a good chance to see them. The artwork is beautiful and I love the full page scenes they depict some of the early ideas for the city of Columbia and Elizabeth.
The one complaint I have about this book is that while there is a ton to look at, there is not a lot of reading involved. I know it's not meant to be textbook thick, but I would have loved a bit more explanation about the ideas behind some of the concepts or why they went the way they did. Other than that it is a beautiful artbook that makes a great companion to the game, and if you are a Bioshock fan then I'm sure you'll really like this one.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
Bioshock Infinite is a game that a lot of game fans were looking forward to since the first two games in the series, and since it took a long time to come together it is really cool see what kind of ideas the creators were throwing around before settling on the final storyline and designs. If you are not familiar with Irrational Games' still of game, it tends to lean towards the designs that elicit some sort of emotion from the player, it could be repulsion or it could be curiosity (is it human or machine?) but it's guaranteed to catch your eye.
The concept art is really strong in itself and I'm actually a bit sad that somethings couldn't be used in the new game because they look amazing. There are whole sections dedicated to the character design/development for Elizabeth and Booker, as well as sections on the vigors, Columbia, Songbird, and propaganda posters seen through out the game. I am a big fan of the Vigor section because I honestly think I'd buy the bottles they designed if they were available, some of them are really great looking. The propaganda section is also really great because many of the posters in the game might end up being glanced over during the action, so it's a good chance to see them. The artwork is beautiful and I love the full page scenes they depict some of the early ideas for the city of Columbia and Elizabeth.
The one complaint I have about this book is that while there is a ton to look at, there is not a lot of reading involved. I know it's not meant to be textbook thick, but I would have loved a bit more explanation about the ideas behind some of the concepts or why they went the way they did. Other than that it is a beautiful artbook that makes a great companion to the game, and if you are a Bioshock fan then I'm sure you'll really like this one.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2013
A brilliant collection of artwork from both the finished game and unused material. Character and enemy designs, beautiful artwork of Columbia, Vigors and propaganda posters and advertisments from the game are all found here for our enjoyment.
While I'd definitely recommend the book to anyone (BioShock fans in particular), I warn anyone that playing 'BioShock Infinite' will evoke mixed reactions to this book. On one hand, you get an appreciation of how different the finished game is to the original 'BioShock', despite the similar starting point brought out in the initial designs and concept in the book. On the other hand, you become somewhat frustrated that the creative process which led to some great concepts in the finalised game is not covered here. For instance, I love the Luteces and think they were an innovative element, but they only get one image each in an entire book which are not even labelled as such. I couldn't help but compare to another Dark Horse art book I own which told me so much about the creative process. To add insult to injury, Ken Levine wrote a great introduction which just scratched the surface of this aspect.
So it's still a brilliant book overall with stunning artwork, but could have been a bit better if the creative process were described in more detail.
While I'd definitely recommend the book to anyone (BioShock fans in particular), I warn anyone that playing 'BioShock Infinite' will evoke mixed reactions to this book. On one hand, you get an appreciation of how different the finished game is to the original 'BioShock', despite the similar starting point brought out in the initial designs and concept in the book. On the other hand, you become somewhat frustrated that the creative process which led to some great concepts in the finalised game is not covered here. For instance, I love the Luteces and think they were an innovative element, but they only get one image each in an entire book which are not even labelled as such. I couldn't help but compare to another Dark Horse art book I own which told me so much about the creative process. To add insult to injury, Ken Levine wrote a great introduction which just scratched the surface of this aspect.
So it's still a brilliant book overall with stunning artwork, but could have been a bit better if the creative process were described in more detail.
June 3, 2013
After reading/going through this book, I want nothing more than to go play some more of the game. Yes, for those of you unaware, Bioshock: Infinite is a 2013 released video game. Both similar and yet very different from the original Bioshock games.
The art here is incredible. When playing the game, it is easy to miss things are the scene is constantly changing. This give you the change to really stop and look. Especially at some of the enemies you fight. This book really breaks down how things work. Details drawings of weapon's parts, enemies, characters and more. They even show how the architecture for the game was done. I loved how we get to see all the initial drawing concepts for Elizabeth. How they toyed with various ages, clothing, hairstyles, etc. Very enjoyable to look at. Also very cool was how we get to see things that ultimately didn't make it into the game, such as extra enemies.
My only real complaint is that I would have liked to see more time put to use in explained what I was sometimes looking at. Where an idea came from, etc. The books Shows so much, but Tells so little. A better blend would have nice. Not much time spent actually reading. Lots of time looking at fantastic drawings! Nicely done.
The art here is incredible. When playing the game, it is easy to miss things are the scene is constantly changing. This give you the change to really stop and look. Especially at some of the enemies you fight. This book really breaks down how things work. Details drawings of weapon's parts, enemies, characters and more. They even show how the architecture for the game was done. I loved how we get to see all the initial drawing concepts for Elizabeth. How they toyed with various ages, clothing, hairstyles, etc. Very enjoyable to look at. Also very cool was how we get to see things that ultimately didn't make it into the game, such as extra enemies.
My only real complaint is that I would have liked to see more time put to use in explained what I was sometimes looking at. Where an idea came from, etc. The books Shows so much, but Tells so little. A better blend would have nice. Not much time spent actually reading. Lots of time looking at fantastic drawings! Nicely done.
January 16, 2016
Bioshock Infinite was an average game set in an amazing, beautiful world. This is an average book detailing the creation of that world. Considering how much the environment and design of Columbia made the game, I would think a book of concept art would have more inspiring images of it. But this book is broken down into chapters focusing on different pieces (like characters, vigors, weapons, etc.) and manages to not capture the world of Bioshock Infinite as much as I hoped it would. What's here is nice, but it doesn't feel like there's enough, and I'm sure there's all kind of additional concept art that was left out that would have been better used than pages of minor variations of vigor containers (seriously - 30+ variations of one vigor design, a quarter of which are functionally identical? Not space well used). What it comes down to for me is that I should see images I want on my walls when I'm reading an art book, and there weren't many if any. And there's hardly any real information in here; the occasional details about the designs are sparse and weirdly uninformative. It's okay for Bioshock Infinite fans, but wouldn't really sell it to anyone else. Although it does kind of make me want to play the game again, so maybe it does serve its purpose.
October 19, 2014
Although the actual gameplay mechanics of bioshock infinite are perfectly fine, it's the game world itself and the associated art and characters that make it worth playing. As such this book is well worth reading, especially in the way it reveals fascinating ideas and drafts that never made it into the game itself.
April 11, 2023
"The Art of BioShock Infinite" is a stunningly beautiful and meticulously crafted book that any fan of the "BioShock" series should not miss. The book is a visual feast, featuring gorgeous concept art, sketches, and renders from the development of the game. The level of detail is truly astounding, and it's evident that a lot of care and attention went into every aspect of the art direction.
One of the things I appreciated most about the book was how it offered insight into the creative process behind the game. The commentary from the developers was illuminating and gave me a newfound appreciation for the amount of thought and effort that went into designing the world of Columbia. It was fascinating to see how the team drew inspiration from real-world events, historical architecture, and literature to create a fully realized and immersive world.
The book is also a testament to the incredible talent and skill of the artists who worked on the game. The art style is distinct and memorable, with a mix of retro-futuristic designs and whimsical elements that make the world of Columbia feel simultaneously familiar and otherworldly. I was especially impressed with the level of detail in the character designs, which bring to life the unique personalities and backgrounds of each character in the game.
Overall, "The Art of BioShock Infinite" is a must-have for any fan of the series or anyone interested in the art of video games. It's a gorgeous, immersive, and insightful book that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of the development team. Highly recommended.
One of the things I appreciated most about the book was how it offered insight into the creative process behind the game. The commentary from the developers was illuminating and gave me a newfound appreciation for the amount of thought and effort that went into designing the world of Columbia. It was fascinating to see how the team drew inspiration from real-world events, historical architecture, and literature to create a fully realized and immersive world.
The book is also a testament to the incredible talent and skill of the artists who worked on the game. The art style is distinct and memorable, with a mix of retro-futuristic designs and whimsical elements that make the world of Columbia feel simultaneously familiar and otherworldly. I was especially impressed with the level of detail in the character designs, which bring to life the unique personalities and backgrounds of each character in the game.
Overall, "The Art of BioShock Infinite" is a must-have for any fan of the series or anyone interested in the art of video games. It's a gorgeous, immersive, and insightful book that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of the development team. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2018
Bioshock will forever and always be my favourite video game series. This book not only featured breathtaking artwork but a look into the world of Bioshock, how it came to be. The sheer effort and creativity that is bleed from the animators and artists here is astounding. I have never been so enthralled and moved by a paper to screen process before in my life. Bioshock will always be more than just a video game and this book will always be more than just a showcase of concept art. It’s a full blown masterpiece. 10/5.
August 29, 2025
A little less descriptive text than I normally like, but some really cool and wacky designs. I never played these games but the creativity on display is impressive. The book also avoids having too many double-page spreads, another point in its favor. A couple of the pieces would actually look nice framed.
If this concept art were properly finished, it’d look great on the wall.
https://i.ibb.co/fGGtmmGT/IMG-8673.jpg
If this concept art were properly finished, it’d look great on the wall.
https://i.ibb.co/fGGtmmGT/IMG-8673.jpg
January 12, 2018
Este libro no solo es un concept art del juego, también incluye los primeros sketches de todo el mundo que rodea Columbia que inicialmente no iba a ser tan colorida como es.
Todos los secretos de Bioshock Infinite están en este libro cuyo contenido es precioso. Los estilos, las influencias y la creatividad son increíbles y están llenos de talento.
Todos los secretos de Bioshock Infinite están en este libro cuyo contenido es precioso. Los estilos, las influencias y la creatividad son increíbles y están llenos de talento.
June 26, 2020
This is one of the most beautiful art books that I've ever seen. I find something new to appreciate every time I open it up. Even the book itself without the dust jacket is gorgeous. If you are a fan of BioShock or art in general, I would highly recommend this.
February 5, 2018
Really enjoyed the artwork
August 1, 2018
Just wanted to look through this again. I always enjoy looking through artbooks for my fav video games.
August 19, 2019
Interesting character concepts and art. Plenty of creativity.
July 6, 2020
Awesome Story. Elizabeth 😚😇👍
August 17, 2020
I'm cry this book is so beautiful
August 25, 2020
Not a lot of text, but lots and lots of big beautiful artworks.
July 28, 2021
I actually have not even played Bioshock Infinite, but I just think the Bioshock art style is so cool and I like to see creative processes and decisions.
July 3, 2022
Neat concept book of art for the game.
April 16, 2023
The artstyle of this game is fascinating and seeing the early concept of the game truly shows how many changes happened to the final product. The art is pretty, dark and beautiful.
August 18, 2023
There is always a lighthouse, there's always a man, there's always a city
January 5, 2024
Disappointing. Just lots of characters and location studies. Not having played the game. It did not registered with me.
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