The Terrifying Transformation Bioshock 4 Must Embrace for Unforgettable Horror!

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BioShock, released in 2007, became an instant phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique genre and groundbreaking concept. The franchise dominated the gaming scene, with a sequel in 2010 and BioShock Infinite in 2013, before going dormant for several years. However, in 2019, the highly anticipated BioShock 4 was confirmed to be in active development, much to the delight of fans craving a new adventure in either the underwater city of Rapture or the sky-high steampunk paradise of Columbia.

While Rapture and Columbia were iconic and enjoyable settings in previous games, it would be wise for BioShock 4 to offer something different to rejuvenate fan interest. In fact, the next installment should veer away from its traditional high-stakes first-person shooter roots and fully embrace the horror genre. These games have always incorporated elements of horror, and now would be the perfect opportunity to fully immerse players in that chilling experience.

BioShock Was Always Rooted in Horror Themes

Despite not having the same level of fear as franchises such as Resident Evil or Silent Hill, BioShock still captures the essence of a horror game. The various elements that contribute to the overall experience are actually quite terrifying, ranging from the storyline to the setting. In the original game, players find themselves in a dark and treacherous underwater city overrun by mutated humans. Even BioShock Infinite, with its vibrant setting of Columbia, still manages to convey a sense of corruption and violence, drawing inspiration from iconic films like The Shining and Blue Velvet.

While the franchise has primarily focused on action, exploration, and puzzle-solving, it wouldn't be a challenge to transition it into a full-scale horror game. This is evident in the infamous plot twist of the original BioShock, where the player's character unknowingly falls victim to a form of mind control. Each time the phrase "would you kindly" is uttered, the player is manipulated into carrying out various tasks. This clever twist adds an element of horror similar to that found in psychological horror games like Layers of Fear.

The Benefits of Modern Gaming Technology

Another advantage of making the next BioShock game a full horror experience is the benefit of current gaming technology. While the original BioShock games are still enjoyable, they have noticeably become dated and the hardware at the time may not have been able to fully capture the eerie atmosphere that the development team intended. However, the landscape has now changed drastically, with studios capable of creating haunting environments and lifelike characters, as demonstrated by Capcom's impressive work with its RE Engine in its various Resident Evil titles.

Equally significant are the advancements in audio design, particularly the implementation of 3D audio in modern consoles, which greatly enhances immersion. Exploring the unsettling corridors and empty rooms of BioShock would become even more eerie, as players would be able to hear the minute details such as the sound of a bottle toppling over or the creak of the wooden walls with impeccable clarity. Recent games like The Callisto Protocol and the Resident Evil 4 remake have effectively utilized sound design to create a more chilling and atmospheric experience for players.

Little is currently known about the upcoming BioShock game, except for the fact that it has been confirmed. It remains intriguing to discover if it will revisit familiar locales like Rapture or Columbia, or introduce a completely new setting. Fans are eagerly anticipating any updates on the project and are especially curious if this next installment will lean more towards horror. BioShock 4 is currently in development.