Summary
In 2007, Irrational Games’BioShockwas released and, in short order, indelibly impacted the face of gaming and the perception of the medium in multiple ways. Via its commentary on politics and philosophy, notably the illusion of choice often found in games of its nature tied to its famous plot and character twists,BioShockshattered conventions and expectations of what had been seen in many titles previously. Still, it did so through a fairly familiar FPS/RPG-lite design framework, one which was admittedly often standard at the time. The first entry was mostly linear, with some larger areas but mainly condensed into manageably-sized levels that served its immersion and mechanics well.
Since the original,BioShock’s influence on numerous gamescan be clearly seen well into the modern era. But there also have been notable advancements in design and technology, along with major changes in the industry at large, such that the first entry, as highly regarded as it rightly may be, could be in danger of looking quaint when compared to some of the subsequent titles that have built upon its elements since. With a few notable upcoming titles that are either directly or in some manner channelingBioShock’s vibes, it’s an interesting proposition to consider how it might appear in retrospect.
Officially announced in 2019, and being developed by Cloud Chamber,BioShock 4has been in production for 5 years, though still with little information regarding its direction and possible release schedule.
BioShock’s Older Design Could be Seen as Outdated in the Modern Gaming Landscape
BioShock’s Status in Gaming, Past and Present
Boiled down to its most basic description,BioShockcould be classified as “an FPS in anunderwater dystopian city.” Of course, there is much more to it, and the exploration of that dystopia and the reasons it occurred are one of its most famous and enduring elements.
BioShockis approaching turning 20 years old, and measured against the timescale of gaming, that entails multiple generations and leaps within them, as well as the sheer number of titles that have come out since. The latest entry, 2013’sBioShock: Infinite, is now over ten years past too. And thoughInfinitetook the franchise to new places, and the fourth title is ostensibly still in development,BioShockhas not had a presence in terms of new titles or related output since that time.
BioShock’s landmark status can hardly be denied, yet even other similarly celebrated but older titles can show their cracks when held against modern standards. The case ofgamers of younger generationswho might be discoveringBioShockfor the first time must also be considered, alongside those who may have otherwise missed playing it, but are aware of its reputation. With the shifts in the landscape of the industry as well, the experienceBioShockprovides at the current moment, while still engaging, may not be what it once was simply due to those, and other, factors.
BioShock’s Next Closest Successors Are Striving to be Much More
Ken Levine, original creator and director of the series, has been working with his studio Ghost Story Games on its upcoming title,Judas. In the same vein as the reductive description attributed toBioShockabove, some have quipped that “Judasmay simply beBioShockin space.” Many elements shown about it so far do appear to liken it to aspiritual successor toBioShock, which makes sense given Levine’s involvement. However,Judasalso looks set to break away from a number of previous conventions, such as including more narrative and dialogue-driven player choices, in addition to roguelike mechanics that will go hand-in-hand with these.
Levine’s “Narrative LEGO” ideaforms the basis of many ofJudas' other aspects, and it seems to be striving for a design in story and gameplay that may not have been able to be fully realized due to prior limitations.BioShockthus now occupies a position that may make it seem less impactful or innovative in comparison toJudas, and perhaps other upcoming adjacent games, like inXile’sClockwork Revolution. Still,BioShock’s mark on gaming remains, and it will be both interesting and hopefully a boon for all gamers to see what the latest modern titles that are aiming to incorporate some of its core themes, mechanics, and other elements will turn out like.
BioShock Infinite
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Indebted to the wrong people, with his life on the line, veteran of the U.S. Cavalry and now hired gun, Booker DeWitt has only one opportunity to wipe his slate clean. He must rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned since childhood and locked up in the flying city of Columbia. Forced to trust one another, Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond during their daring escape. Together, they learn to harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities, as they fight on zeppelins in the clouds, along high-speed Sky-Lines, and down in the streets of Columbia, all while surviving the threats of the air-city and uncovering its dark secret.
