BioShock 4 Faces a Challenge to Define Itself within the Established Franchise

BioShock 4 finds itself in the daunting position of having to carve out its own unique identity in a franchise with a rich history. However, this doesn't mean it shouldn't draw inspiration from the best aspects of its predecessors. With over a decade having passed since the last mainline release, BioShock fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment, hoping it will recapture the essence that made the franchise iconic.

Many fans are longing for BioShock 4 to return to the roots of the first two titles, which introduced players to the eerie and decaying world of Rapture, a setting that initially propelled the franchise to fame. While this classic environment serves as an excellent starting point, BioShock 4 should retain a fundamental element from BioShock Infinite: a compelling protagonist in the vein of Booker DeWitt.

The first two BioShock games were known for their atmospheric immersion, taking place in the disturbing underwater city of Rapture. The enigmatic and deranged inhabitants of Rapture allowed for implicit world-building and exploration, which lessened the burden on the games' protagonists to drive the narrative. Consequently, the first BioShock featured a silent protagonist, except for a brief monologue in the opening cut-scene. This approach aimed to immerse players, enabling them to project themselves onto the protagonist while letting the unsettling ambiance of Rapture take center stage. BioShock 2 followed a similar pattern, with a detached and dehumanized protagonist known as Subject Delta.

These silent main characters were ideal for introducing players to Rapture in the first game and, in the case of BioShock 2, revisiting the city from the imposing perspective of a Big Daddy. However, recognizing that this formula might not be sustainable for a third installment, 2K Games diverged from Rapture in BioShock Infinite, departing from the franchise's tradition of silent protagonists.

BioShock Infinite boldly departed from its predecessors by replacing the dark, dilapidated corridors of Rapture with Columbia, a utopian city in the clouds. This dramatic shift was complemented by a protagonist brimming with life, speech, and personality - Booker DeWitt. DeWitt's dynamic character led the narrative, making him one of the most memorable and iconic figures in the BioShock franchise.

BioShock 4 should follow in the footsteps of BioShock Infinite by featuring a protagonist with a strong presence similar to DeWitt. Rumors suggest that the game may explore two brand-new cities, each at odds with the other, one underground and the other in the sky, reminiscent of Rapture and Columbia. In this scenario, the game cannot rely solely on its settings to overshadow the characters, as was the case in the past.

Given the success of Booker DeWitt and his pivotal role in BioShock Infinite, there is every reason to believe that BioShock 4 can recreate that magic with its own compelling protagonist. While there was once a place for the franchise's main characters to remain reserved and allow the settings to shine, that era has passed. As players become more accustomed to the types of experiences the BioShock franchise offers, it seems only fitting that the loss of atmospheric tension be offset by a charismatic and vocal protagonist in BioShock 4.