I've been anxiously awaiting Bioshock Infinite since I like, even heard about the project. I've played Bioshock and Bioshock 2, and I loved them. I bought the action figures, and I have a splicer mask and the creepy as hell soundtracks. These games definitely deserve to be called art even by the most fogey and snotty of critics. I mean, it looks damn beautiful, there's a story that I would read as a novel, and it's playable! What more do they want? But you know, some people see something digital and think robots did all the work. Honestly, I think I can show this book to someone and say, "See? It was someone's idea! A human being had to think it up and then make it! Sure, they used digital tools, but it's not like I make my own paint and pencils."

OMG I want to play Bioshock Infinite right now. I was worried about this book spoiling the game, but it doesn't cover the narrative at all. Lots of character and environment design ideas are shared, but not plot details.

I received an ARC from netgalley in pdf form, which I think is perfect for the digital paintings. A digital artist told me that what he felt he was doing was painting with light. The art was great but I wonder how well these will translate to print though; sometimes I've noticed that digital art gets too dark when they are on paper instead of on a lit screen. Which I can understand; the page isn't the natural medium for it. ( )

I think we can all pretty much agree that BioShock: Infinite is an absolutely gorgeous game. The environment is bright, colorful, dynamic and engaging. The character designs are absolutely perfect for the alternate history setting. Every area works together to paint a seamless portrait of a crazy, floating dystopia built on the long corrupted American Dream. To put it simply, there are some games that prove all the haters wrong. They are in fact a phenomenal art form. BioShock: Infinite proves that better than most.

Now, me? I’m pretty much into games for the story. I can put up with shoddy graphics if I have to in order to pick up what could be a phenomenal plot. Thankfully, BioShock: Infinite doesn’t ask me to do that. But I say that because I’m not the sort that usually picks up artbooks and puts a whole lot of thought into the creative process that goes into designing games. I appreciate the effort and I love good looking games as much as anyone else. The Art of BioShock Infinite, though, is an artbook I’m glad I didn’t pass over. I got a chance to check out an advanced digital copy of the book and it’s just as goddamn gorgeous as the game.

Full of sketches, raw drawings, and finely inked illustrations, the book walks you through just how the designers created the world of Columbia. You’ll see various different evolving models for different enemies and in-game characters. There are also chapters for the individual characters. You’ll see different concept art for Elizabeth and Booker and how they finalized those characters, their attire, etc. The best chapter of the book? The one that’s dedicated to all of the posters and propaganda strewn throughout the game. I thought it was cool, anyway. And the chapter dedicated to painted scenes of Columbia is really worth the price of the book itself.

If you’re a BioShock fan and/or you collect artbooks like this one, it’s certainly one to check out. I wouldn’t pass it up, at least. I mean, I don’t really buy artbooks ever but if they are all as cool as this one I might need to consider it. Maybe one day when I’m a super wealthy lawyer… Haha, as if that will ever happen. But seriously. I wish I could rip some of the pages and post them up here for you guys to see because it really is a cool little artbook.

The book goes on sale April 9th so if you want to add to your BioShock collection get on it! ( )