Bioshock Infinite Launch Marketing Begins, Reveals Collectors Editions

It's been quite a while since we had a story to relate about Bioshock Infinite. Other than the promise of a new trailer this month and the reveal of the four minibosses in March we haven't had anything substantial to go on. Today seems to mark the beginning of a shift though as Irrational and 2K have kicked off the launch marketing campaign with the announcement of Infinite's collectors editions.

Bioshock Infinite's special editions come in two forms and as you'd expect, these higher-end sets include the usual assortment of an art book, soundtrack and a figur-

Hold on a second.

Is that...?  Is that the Songbird?

Oh my god.  OH MY GOD.

IT'S THE SONGBIRD!

Sweet Jesus tap dancing Christ, that is amazing. Oh yeah, I had a news story to type.

So, as I was saying, it comes in two forms: the Premium Edition for $79.99 and the Ultimate Songbird Edition for $149.99.  The Premium version comes with the in-game character buff bonuses, the art book for the game, a collectible 2.5cm Handyman figurine that can be used in the upcoming Bioshock Infinite board game (there was a board game announcement?), a 5x7in lithograph of a Colombia ad, a 3in keychain replica of the Murder of Crows vigor bottle and, finally, system-specific themes (PS3/PC) or avatar costumes of Booker and Elizabeth on the 360.

The Songbird is easily the highlight of it all though.  Standing at 9.75in, the resin-cast statue sees this incredible enemy standing atop a crumbled statue, eager to introduce pain into your life in the most viscious way possible.  It looks absolutely amazing and far exceeds the Big Daddy figure that came with the Bioshock limited edition.  It's also worth noting that everything in the Premium Edition comes in the Ultimate Songbird version so don't worry about losing out on something.

Some preorder notes: Irrational is listing both editions as having limited quantities so don't expect to be able to get either if you wait until the last two weeks to order them.  These editions are available for preorder now in North America and can be preordered in Europe and Australia starting October 22nd.  Also worth noting: as of press time, only Gamestop in the US is offering these editions but expect them to be available through the Irrational store and probably Amazon before the week's out.  Also of note: NECA's Skyhook replica will be releasing on launch day, February 23rd.

Here's a look at everything together.

See Joseph? I TOO can write the news! Take THAT!