The Mind-Blowing Twist BioShock 4 Can't Afford to Miss

Highlights

BioShock 4 should draw inspiration from BioShock Infinite's memorable features, particularly its deceivingly idyllic city and the imposing enemy, Songbird.

The exact setting of BioShock 4 remains unknown, however, it is vital to accurately convey the significance of Songbird's narrative impact and its role as a recurring enemy in the game's development.

Implementing grand scripted sequences and engaging open combat sections involving the enemy can generate impactful and memorable experiences for players, effectively keeping them alert and challenged throughout BioShock 4.

With a decade having passed since the franchise's last installment, all eyes are now focused on BioShock 4. Though confirmed to be in development, little is known about the upcoming title. However, BioShock Infinite, released in 2013, provides a plethora of memorable features that should serve as inspiration for the franchise's next release.

Among the biggest question marks surrounding BioShock 4 is its setting. Unlike the underwater city of Rapture, Infinite introduced a deceivingly picturesque city in the sky. Additionally, it is crucial for BioShock 4 to draw from Infinite's iconic enemy, the Songbird, which plays a significant and foreboding role in the game's narrative. The presence of a narratively significant and formidable enemy such as the Songbird greatly enhanced the worldbuilding of Infinite, and BioShock 4 must take note of this in its own development.

BioShock 4: Going Beyond Infinite's Songbird

The BioShock franchise was founded on the themes and atmosphere of Rapture, the main backdrop of the first two games in the series. The deterioration of a once-thriving underwater city provided a hauntingly sinister vibe to BioShock's origins, with the disturbed inhabitants and iconic enemies like the Big Daddy gaining widespread recognition for the franchise.

When it came to BioShock Infinite, the developers at Irrational Games and 2K had to come up with fresh ideas to compensate for the absence of Rapture's distinctiveness in the heavenly setting of Columbia. The creation of the Songbird enemy served as a prime example of their successful innovation. Songbird, a colossal creature, was brought to life through a pioneering combination of cutting-edge technology and genetic materials, embodying the same purpose and disposition as the Big Daddies from previous games.

The player encounters Songbird consistently throughout BioShock Infinite. Its sole purpose is to protect Elizabeth and keep her captive. Since Elizabeth accompanies the player for most of the game, Songbird frequently hunts down and attacks the protagonist. Its immense size and power often result in devastating large portions of Columbia. This creates a high level of anticipation, as Songbird poses an overwhelming threat that can strike at any moment.

In past BioShock games, Big Daddies created a similar tension, but experienced players could easily defeat them, causing the initial fear factor to diminish. In contrast, Songbird maintains this sense of dread throughout Infinite. It is crucial for BioShock 4 to prioritize the creation of a recurring enemy that looms over the player in a similar manner.

The encounters with Songbird in BioShock Infinite were highly memorable, thanks to their integration into important narrative moments and large scripted set-pieces. BioShock 4 should continue this trend and also incorporate more dynamic combat scenarios with Songbird, adding an element of surprise and keeping players engaged.

Given the connection between Big Daddy and Songbird technology, the possibilities for other enemies in the BioShock universe are limitless. These potential adversaries can be adapted for various settings, including a potential return to Rapture. For example, a twisted leviathan-style creature could be introduced, lurking and hunting the player, with Songbird serving as a benchmark for the size and power of enemies created using this technology.

In BioShock Infinite, Songbird stood out as one of the most innovative and unforgettable elements. The upcoming BioShock 4 needs to meet the high expectations set by the fans by featuring a recurring enemy that is equally significant in terms of narrative impact and scale.

BioShock 4 is currently in development.