BioShock: The Collection
A compilation of remastered BioShock games with all single-player content.
BioShock: The Collection bundles together the three main games in the series—the original BioShock, its sequel, and BioShock Infinite—into one package. Blind Squirrel Games handled the development, with 2K publishing the compilation in September 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. Mac and Nintendo Switch versions arrived later, in 2017 and 2020 respectively. The collection updates the first two games with sharper textures and effects, and all three titles support higher resolutions and smoother framerates.
The set includes every piece of single-player content from the series, such as the *Minerva’s Den* expansion for *BioShock 2* and the *Burial at Sea* episodes for *Infinite*. It also brings back challenge modes from each game and the Museum of Orphaned Concepts, a gallery of scrapped ideas from an earlier release. Missing from the package is *BioShock 2*’s multiplayer mode. A new director’s commentary, *Imagining BioShock*, features creative director Ken Levine and lead artist Shawn Robertson; players unlock its episodes by finding fresh collectibles in the remastered *BioShock*. On Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the remastered games run at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second.
Blind Squirrel Games had previously worked with Irrational Games on *BioShock Infinite*, and they assisted 2K in building this collection. 2K chose not to remaster the Windows version of *Infinite*, since its highest settings already matched the graphical quality of the updated console editions. Rumors of a remastered collection had circulated for years, fueled by retailer listings and trademarks, before the official announcement in June 2016.
The collection hit North American stores on September 13, 2016, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a worldwide release two days later. The Windows version launched on September 15, and owners of the original PC editions received the remastered *BioShock* and *BioShock 2* as free upgrades. Feral Interactive published the macOS version in August 2017. A limited run of 450 “Ultra Limited Edition” copies included an art book, reversible poster, and a coin. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 retail release came on two discs.
Shortly after launch, Windows players reported that the remastered games still had old bugs and had removed some graphics options unless users tweaked configuration files.
Quick Facts
- Title
- BioShock: The Collection
- Developer
- Blind Squirrel GamesBioShock was developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia, BioShock 2 by 2K Marin, and BioShock Infinite by Irrational Games.
- Publisher
- 2K
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / Windows / macOS / Nintendo Switch
- Series
- BioShock
- Genre
- First-person shooter
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The collection contains all three BioShock games, which are first-person shooters focusing on story and character customization, with players using guns and genetic modifications called Plasmids or Vigors. It includes all single-player content originally released as exclusives or downloadable content, such as BioShock 2: Minerva's Den and BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea, but omits the multiplayer component of BioShock 2. The compilation also features challenge game modes from all three releases and the Museum of Orphaned Concepts, an in-game gallery of abandoned development concepts.
BioShock and BioShock 2 were remastered with higher-resolution textures and new effects, running at 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The collection adds a director's commentary called Imagining BioShock, featuring series creative director Ken Levine and lead artist Shawn Robertson, unlocked by finding new collectible objects in the remastered BioShock. 2K decided not to remaster the Windows edition of BioShock Infinite, which already met their graphical standards for the updated console editions at its highest settings.
News of the remastered collection leaked from retailers and trademarks before its June 2016 announcement. After release, players of the Windows versions noted that the remastered games retained bugs and removed graphic options without tweaking configuration files. 2K acknowledged issues and released a patch in early October 2016 addressing graphics options, crashes, monitor support, and mouse controls. Enhancement patches in 2020 boosted resolution on Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro.
Reader's Guide
BioShock: The Collection received generally favorable reviews, with critics recommending it for players unfamiliar with the franchise. The updated visuals for the first two games were praised, though some noted they felt dated compared to modern games. Frame rate inconsistencies were highlighted in BioShock Infinite, and the earlier games' lack of recent genre conventions like aim down sights or sprinting gave them an old-school feel. Some critics lamented that most improvements were for the first BioShock, with subsequent titles receiving less attention. Other criticisms included inconsistent controls between games and audiovisual glitches. The game was the first best-selling retail video game in the United Kingdom in its week of release, maintaining the top position for two weeks before dropping out of the top ten. In the United States, it was the fifth best-selling title of September according to NPD Group, then dropped out of the top ten the following month. The collection's value and appeal for new players were consistently noted, while its draw for longtime players was considered less clear.
Did You Know?
- The collection includes the Museum of Orphaned Concepts, a gallery of abandoned development concepts.
- The Windows edition of BioShock Infinite was not remastered because it already met 2K's graphical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BioShock: The Collection?
It is a remastered compilation that bundles the three mainline BioShock titles—the original, its sequel, and BioShock Infinite—into a single package. Blind Squirrel Games handled the development, and 2K published it in September 2016.
What games and content are included in BioShock: The Collection?
The bundle contains the full single-player campaigns of BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite, along with all downloadable single-player content from each title. No multiplayer or DLC beyond that single-player material is part of the set.
What platforms is BioShock: The Collection available on?
It launched on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows in September 2016, with a macOS version following in August 2017 and a Nintendo Switch port arriving in May 2020.
What technical improvements does BioShock: The Collection bring over the original releases?
The first two games received upgraded textures and visual effects, while all three titles now run at higher resolutions and smoother framerates. These updates make the older entries look and perform noticeably better on modern hardware.
How was BioShock: The Collection received by critics?
The compilation earned Metacritic scores in the 80–84 range across its platforms. It was generally praised for giving fans a convenient, polished way to experience the entire mainline series in one purchase.
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