BioShock 4is almost as mysterious as when 2K announced it. Leaks and rumors indicate that the game may take place in Antarctica, features two cities, and has an open world. It is rumored to occur in the 1960s, around the same time as the first two games, and one rumored title isBioShock: Isolation. However, with reports indicating thatthe newBioShockis in development hell, it may be some time before anything is officially confirmed, and it’s entirely likely that none of this is true.
Given its reportedly troubled development, Cloud Chamber’sBioShock 4might change radically over the next few years. However, assuming the leaks are accurate, the nameBioShock: Isolationmay indicate that developers aim for the horror-adjacent atmosphere of the first two games. It would not be the first piece of horror media set in Antarctica, and one might even draw some comparisons to John Carpenter’sThe Thing. In fact, Cloud Chamber might benefit by taking a few cues from the horror classic.
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BioShock Meets The Thing
1982’sThe Thingfollows the crew of an Antarctic research station as they are hunted by a shape-shifting alien creature. The titular Thing can absorb humans and animals, taking on their form to better stalk its next prey. Paranoia is a significant theme of the movie, as the alien’s shape-shifting makes it almost impossible to know who is human until it’s too late.The Thingis also famous for its grotesque yet creative scenes of body horror. The movie went on to have a massive influence on later media, including games likeResident Evil 4andAmong Us.
BioShockis not a stranger to horror, andBioShock 2,in particular, features a fair amount of body horror. It never goes anywhere near the grotesque monsters ofThe ThingorResident Evil, but Alexander and theBioShock 2version of Splicers arguably qualify. Cloud Chamber could play up this aspect in the newBioShock, with players encountering much more monstrous creatures. Being pursued through dark corridors by a misshapen hunk of teeth, flesh, and limbs would be a new experience forBioShock, but not one that is off-brand. However, whileBioShock 4could take or leave the body horror, the smart move would be to emphasize the theme of paranoia.
BioShockandBioShock 2do a pretty good job of making the player feel alone most of the time. Sure,BioShockhas Atlas and Dr. Tenenbaum talking to Jack over the radio, whileBioShock 2has Eleanorand Sinclair. However, it’s mostly the lone protagonist surrounded by hordes of psychotic Splicers.BioShock: Infinitemoved away from this, featuring large crowds and a support NPC in the form of Elizabeth, but a title likeBioShock: Isolationmay imply a renewed focus on this aspect of the earlier games.
This is whereThe Thing’s paranoia comes in.BioShock 4couldfeature a shape-shifting enemythat can disguise itself as useful objects or friendly NPCs. This wouldn’t just be a one-off either, but a recurring threat that played a major role in the collapse of the city’s society. This might encourage players to shoot first and ask questions later. However, doing so could drag players into unnecessary fights and may have other unforeseen consequences down the line. There are, of course, other ways to make players paranoid, but there would be a nice combination of intrigue and horror if the game asked players to figure out who is a spy, who is a monster, and who is not.
BioShock 4is in development.
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