Unleashing the Ultimate Gaming Experience: Why Singularity 2010 is a Must-Play While Awaiting BioShock 4

Highlights

Singularity, a first-person shooter released in 2010, deserves a revisit since it offers a classic experience reminiscent of early BioShock titles.

Set on a secluded island and featuring a device that manipulates time, Singularity effectively captures the unsettling atmosphere and meticulous world-building that propelled BioShock to its popularity.

Despite facing initial criticism for its resemblances to BioShock, Singularity has emerged as a captivating game that serves as an ideal choice for fans eagerly awaiting the release of BioShock 4.

The 2010s saw the release of numerous ambitious games that garnered positive feedback but failed to gain widespread popularity within the industry. Singularity, a first-person shooter game developed by Activision's Raven Software in 2010, serves as a notable example. With its immersive gameplay and thought-provoking concepts, Singularity impressed many players.

Unfortunately, at the time of its release, Singularity struggled to capture the same level of attention as the BioShock franchise, which unveiled its second installment in the same year. Now, as the BioShock series remains inactive for a decade, fans should consider revisiting Singularity as a means to pass the time during the anticipated lengthy wait for BioShock 4.

Singularity's Great Take On the BioShock Formula

Although BioShock 4 is confirmed to be in development, fans must accept that the release is still far in the future. Unlike the previous game, BioShock Infinite, which departed from the gritty aesthetic, many fans are eagerly awaiting a return to the atmospheric decay of Rapture in the upcoming installment.

Singularity draws clear inspiration from the early BioShock titles, offering fans a nostalgic and classic experience that they crave in BioShock 4. Set on a remote island once under Soviet control, players assume the role of a U.S. Marine investigating strange electromagnetic pulses emanating from the abandoned location. The game even begins with a helicopter crash, reminiscent of the iconic plane crash opening in the original BioShock.

Singularity's main gameplay feature is the Time Manipulation Device, empowering players to manipulate the flow of time to their advantage. This device enables players to either revert or fast-forward the movement of objects and unleash devastating attacks on the island's enemies. The game seamlessly integrates this mechanic into its narrative, as the protagonist frequently shifts between the present day and the 1950s. The player's actions in the past directly shape the current state of the island, creating a captivating dynamic.

Just like BioShock's Rapture, Singularity instills a sense of unease by contrasting the island's former glory with its dilapidated and abandoned state in the present. This juxtaposition deepens the immersive experience, evoking a similar feeling to the haunting world of Rapture. Furthermore, this switch in time periods allows the game to masterfully build its world, capturing the essence of the Cold War era and evoking the aesthetic of Rapture and Columbia's early 20th Century artistry.

As the game progresses, players gradually master the unique technology of the island in a similar fashion to BioShock. The imposing setting becomes more manageable as players delve deeper into the mystery, rivaling the environmental atmosphere and distinct gameplay of the BioShock franchise. Singularity's success has led many fans to believe that Raven Software should be entrusted with their own original Call of Duty project in the future.

Ironically, Singularity initially faced criticisms for its noticeable inspiration from BioShock, with players accusing it of lacking originality. However, these similarities actually contribute to Singularity's appeal in modern times, serving as a homage to the popular gaming experiences of the 2010s. Singularity skillfully incorporates elements from BioShock in a tasteful and constructive manner, making it an ideal game to satisfy fans until the release of BioShock 4.

Singularity is available now on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.