BioShock 4carries the long and lofty legacy of the series, and the lack of anything other than an acknowledgment of its existence is a concern. The series has been dormant, save for a few remasters, for a decade, but theimmense quality of 2007’sBioShockand 2013’sBioShock Infinitemeans that regardless of how much time passes there will always be huge expectations on a game that carries the same name. This would be enough pressure on new developer Cloud Chamber, but the ever-changing times and the lasting impact of the Irrational-made trilogy has nurtured the perfect environment for similar games to flourish.
BioShockis built on a few essential pillars: effective environmental storytelling, elemental combat, and a tone that skates the line between immersive and unsettling. It’s something that seems simple in theory, but the timeBioShock 4has spent in a reported development hell has shown that the aforementioned blueprint is deceptively more complex. Competition is coming from all sides. With entirely new developers and some familiar faces bringing options to the table,BioShockfans could have their pick of the bunch to get their fix ofBioShock-style gameplay.
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BioShock 4’s Competition looks Stronger than Ever
The butterfly effect thatBioShockhas had is becoming more obvious in 2023, as there are plenty of games that use its philosophy. Some are excellent, or have the potential to be amazing, while others miss some of the magic the series is known for.Atomic Heartwas a sign of things to come, and the announcement trailer ofClockwork Revolutiongave offBioShock Infinitevibes with its early 20th century setting and style, making it a game that will be compared withInfinite.Arkane Studios was obviously influenced byBioShockwith games likeDeathloopandPrey, but even with that company working on something different inRedfall, there are a lot of imitators on the horizon in the midst of the obvious absence of the officialBioShock 4.
One of those ‘imitators’ is perhaps even more anticipated amongBioShockfans than the fourth game in that series. Ken Levine’s studio Ghost Story Games finally announced its projectJudasat the 2022 Game Awards, which is plainly taking cues from Levine’s past works. Perhaps the closest in style and substance toBioShock, albeit set in the deep abyss of space, it had components like elemental powers, a damp, dark atmosphere, and a prevalent wrist tattoo in common with the 2007 Irrational masterpiece.
A Lot Has to Be Done to Keep BioShock 4 Relevant
In the wake of all these new announcements,BioShock 4is looking more insignificantby the day. The name is the only real connector to the three games that preceded it, as an entirely new developer is responsible for the revival of the franchise, and it’ll likely be a few more years before it actually hits shelves and digital storefronts. It has to start on the same level as the games that are inspired by its predecessors, which may be hard for a developer’s debut project.
This competition could be the cause ofBioShock 4’s downfall, or could be the fire it needs to come out swinging. It still has the backing it needs to be a big event on the gaming calendar, but the landscape is different to how it was 10 or 15 years ago.BioShock 4has to fend off some heavy hitters, and time will tell if it has the quality and longevity to do so.
BioShock 4is in development.
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