Summary
News about the next entry in the much-belovedBioShockseries has been slow-going. Cloud Chamber is set to develop the game, but very little has been revealed with regard to how the next game will connect to the greater series, where it will be set, or what the gameplay will be like. There have beenrumors about the nextBioShockgame, but even its exact title has yet to be unveiled, leaving it shrouded in mystery.
Although the last game in the series was released over a decade ago, theBioShocktrilogy remains one of the most influential and iconic IPs in gaming. Countless big-budget and indie titles have tried to replicate the same thick atmosphere, political commentary, and emergent gameplay systems of the best-selling series over the years, and a number of great games have emerged as a result. TheBioShockfranchise was characterized by its unique science-fiction world and environmental storytelling to such a degree that it has almost birthed its own sub-genre of FPS, one that is heavily centered on single-player, narrative-driven content - an evolution of seminal titles likeDeus ExandSystem Shock.BioShockstill holds upagainst modern FPS titles, but there are some games on the horizon that are ostensibly aiming to provide aBioShock-like experience, and any fans of the series should certainly keep them in mind.
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Clockwork Revolution Has Heavy BioShock Infinite Vibes
Fans of the third entry in theBioShockfranchise should pay special attention toClockwork Revolution, a new title from developer inXile entertainment. Taking place in a world laden with steampunk 1920s atmosphere, the parallels between it andBioShock Infiniteshould be immediately apparent. Coming out sometime in 2024, it’s likely to hit shelves beforeBioShock 4, which could make it the perfect tool to scratch that itch.
There’s a good chance thatClockwork Revolutioncould compete withBioShock 4in a number of different arenas. One of the crowning achievements ofBioShockInfinitewas its beautifully designed world, but the game is over ten years old now, and Clockwork Revolution is serving up a similar style with modern graphics and other technical capabilities. On top of this, it looks to be taking a unique approach to gameplay, with time travel mechanics that appear to function on both a micro and a macro scale. IfClockwork Revolutioncan stick the landing, it might just be something of a spiritual successor toBioShock Infinite.
Judas is the Latest from Former BioShock Developer Ken Levine
Time will tell how closeClockwork Revolutioncomes to hitting the mark, but fans can also bet onJudasto provide aBioShock-like experience.Judascan be viewed asBioShock’s direct competitorin some ways, mainly due to the fact that it is being developed by Ghost Story Games, formerly known as Irrational Games - the studio behind the originalBioShocktrilogy. Helmed by series creator Ken Levine,Judastakes place on a space station where, unsurprisingly, everything seems to have gone wrong. Based on the reveal trailer for the game,Judaswill offer a combination of gunplay and superhuman powers, making the gameplay at least somewhat similar toBioShock. It looks like a premium is being placed on world-building, which is yet another similarity to the original series. As the next release from the creator ofBioShock,Judaslooks to be attempting a similar sort of experience. It’s a bit further away, with a planned release in 2025, but it’s still worth following.
The world ofBioShock 4, despite the rumors, is still a mystery, and many fans of the series are itching for more games that follow the formula and hit the same notes as Ken Levine’s cerebral trilogy. Surpassing the originalBioShockgames is no easy feat, butJudasandClockwork Revolutionhave a chance to be truly special experiences regardless of their influences.
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