BioShock 4is currently in development from Cloud Chamber, having been announced in late 2019. Few details have been confirmed about the new title, but some fans are hoping it’ll be reminiscent of the first two games of the series more thanBioShock Infinite.BioShock 4is likely a ways away from release, and in the meantime fans will be wondering about what the game will be like. There’s no indication as to what direction it’s taking yet, but many are hoping for similar levels of immersion as the first two games.
BioShock Infinitewas praisedafter it was released, though not without its share of criticism. While some applauded the change in direction and move to a new world, others disliked the world of Columbia, especially when compared to Rapture.BioShockInfinitewas reviewed well for its story and memorable twist at the conclusion, but there is a case to be made thatBioShock 4should be more influenced by the first two entries in the series.
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BioShock 1 and 2’s Atmosphere
BioShock 4seems poised to establish a new settingthat isn’t Rapture or Columbia, though Cloud Chamber could still take notes from the original Rapture setting. Rapture was lauded by fans and critics alike for its strong theming, environmental storytelling, and dilapidated state that helped create an unsettling atmosphere. At times,BioShockandBioShock 2verged on survival horror, thanks to its atmosphere and surprise attacks from erratic splicers.
BioShock 4also seems unlikely to return to Columbia, something that has been indicated by job listings for Cloud Chamber. Columbia was received favorably whenBioShock Infinitelaunched, but some felt it paled in comparison to Rapture. Columbia was a lot brighter and felt larger than Rapture, but it lost a lot of the atmosphere of the first two games. Where Rapture encouraged players to wander semi-open areas, Columbia was a bit more straightforward to navigate and didn’t have the same nerve-wracking feel.BioShock 4might be better off looking to the first two games for inspiration and regaining that palpable sense of dread from Rapture, rather than the comparative brightness of Columbia.
BioShock 1 and 2’s Difficulty
BioShock 4is said to be influenced by RPGs, which could change the combat significantly from what players are familiar with. One aspect that Cloud Chamber should look at the first two games for is gameplay difficulty. Depending on the chosen difficulty and player skills, the first two games are commonly considered to be more challenging thanBioShock Infinite.
A large portion of players have said the first two games encouraged more experimentation with guns and special abilities.Infinite,by comparison, is often thought to be more straightforward. It might be in the best interests of Cloud Chamber to design encounters closer toBioShock 1and2by encouraging player ingenuity, especially if it’s going to be RPG influenced.
Though few concrete details are known about the new game,job listings at Cloud Chamberhave suggested a few key details. Players could be introduced to a new location with RPG-influenced combat, but this remains to be seen until a formal revealtakes place. Cloud Chamber is likely to go in a new direction for the series, but looking at the first two games for inspiration might be a good idea. The atmosphere of Rapture and the challenging combat fromBioShock 1and2could be smart influences for a brand-new title.
BioShock 4is currently in development.
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