Stuck Waiting for BioShock 4? These Mind-Blowing Games Will Totally Crash the Party!

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Summary

  • BioShock 4‘s development has been shrouded in secrecy, with rumors suggesting various issues.
  • While BS4 remains elusive, fans can enjoy the original BioShock trilogy and similar games for a fix.
  • Games like System Shock Remake, Prey, and Avowed offer BioShock-like gameplay and themes, and could ease the wait for the fourth installment.

It’s been more than six years since we last heard about BioShock 4, and there hasn’t been much official news regarding its direction or release date. Since then, numerous rumors and leaks have emerged, hinting at potential development problems, shifts in the project’s vision, and designs as Cloud Chamber aims to perfect the long-awaited fourth installment.

Although some details have been somewhat optimistic, job postings for _BioShock 4_ suggest that the project might be moving forward. Regardless of what’s happening internally at the studio, the secrecy surrounding _BS4_ persists at present. Given this situation, there are several games with comparable themes available to help bridge the gap until it (hopefully) eventually comes out.

Ken Levine, creator of BioShock, along with his studio Ghost Story Games, have been busy developing their new game, which is being compared to a spiritual successor. Unfortunately, the release of Judas, initially planned for March 2025, has been delayed, and there are currently no updates on its status from the developers.

Games to Play While Waiting for BioShock 4

Revisit the Original Trilogy

Even if they’re well-known games, it’s still enjoyable for those who haven’t played them in a while or are new to the series. The 2016 BioShock Collection, which includes remastered versions of BS1, BS2, and BioShock: Infinite, makes it an ideal moment to revisit these games. Diving back into any of them serves as a great warm-up before the release of BioShock 4 and offers a refresher on why this franchise left such a lasting impression on gaming.

Excellent Other “Shock-Likes” To Check Out Before BioShock 4

  • Singularity (2010)
  • Dishonored series (2012, 2016, 2017)
  • System Shock Enhanced Edition/Remake (2015/2023)
  • Soma (2015)
  • We Happy Few (2016)
  • Prey (2017)
  • Close to the Sun (2019)
  • Ghostwire Tokyo (2022)
  • Atomic Heart (2023)
  • Stalker 2 (2024)
  • Avowed (2025)
  • Atomfall (2025)

Each of these titles exhibit several commonalities with the game BioShock, and they all exude similar atmospheres in their narratives or gameplay. Singularity, a lesser-known gem from the Xbox 360/PS3 era, delves into time travel, and it’s one of the earliest games that seems to have been influenced by BioShock. Night Dive Studio’s remastering effort on the precursor to BioShock offers an engaging take on a classic from 1994. Games like Close to the Sun and Soma heavily borrow from BioShock’s steampunk aesthetic, underwater settings, and philosophical ponderings, but they focus less on combat.

Arkane Studio’s Dishonored series, including the less-celebrated Prey, share similarities in gameplay and atmospheric design with BioShock, as well as exploring comparable themes. Ghostwire Tokyo might appear dissimilar at first glance, but it shares a resemblance with BioShock through its combat system that involves using mystical sigils to fight off swarms of malevolent spirits, which can be compared to some of BioShock’s distinctive plasmids. The setting of Ghostwire Tokyo is also more distinct from the others.

Lately, the combat system in Obsidian Entertainment’s game, Avowed , seems to blend spells, melee, and ranged attacks in a way that recalls the atmosphere of “BioShock“, although it is set within a fantasy environment. On the other hand, Atomfall, developed by the team behind Sniper Elite, has been likened to Fallout. However, much like We Happy Few, its dark world and unexpected plot twists share similarities with those found in “BioShock“.

Exploring any of the games listed here, whether you’re a newcomer or returning after a long absence, could make the anticipation for BioShock 4 more bearable and offer engaging, enjoyable experiences. These titles might also offer creative inspiration for BioShock 4, helping to shape its evolution within the franchise while preserving the unique elements that initially set it apart.

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2025-04-25 16:34