BioShock Infinite PC and its many pre-order bonuses

It's common practice for AAA games to offer a variety of retailer-exclusive pre-order bonuses. The upcoming BioShock Infinite is no different. What makes Irrational Games' upcoming title so unique is how different each retailer's offering is.

Steam takes the most novel approach, with a tiered system that promises more bonuses based on the quantity of pre-orders. Already, players have unlocked the first tier of reward: the original BioShock, which can be gifted if you already own it. Later tiers include exclusive Team Fortress 2 items and, ultimately, a free copy of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Steam's approach encourages pre-purchasers to hook others in at an attempt at getting potentially better rewards. (Kotaku argues that it could even be "manipulative.") However, for those wary of tiered bonuses, GameFly offers more immediate gratification. Early purchasers will be rewarded with BioShock and BioShock 2. This offer will help bring latecomers to the series up to speed, or allow series fans to re-visit Rapture one more time before heading off for Columbia. Early adopters will also receive a $5 credit that can be applied to any digital purchase on a 2K Games title.

Green Man Gaming does away with the credit, but offers a bit more flexibility, by including a free copy of BioShock, and a choice of either BioShock 2, Civilization 5, The Darkness 2, Mafia 2, or Spec Ops: The Line.

That's a lot to mull over, so make sure you spend your gaming dollar wisely. BioShock Infinite will be available on March 26th. And don't forget to make sure your PC is up to snuff.