Since the originalBioShockcame out in 2007, it has created a legacy in the gaming industry. Not only was it a solid first-person shooter with RPG elements, but it explored the deep philosophical systems of American exceptionalism, total utilitarianism, and objectivism. With all that it dives into, theBioShockseries is one that puts games in the realm of art.
Such a game cannot be copied, but there are definitely games out there with similar traits. In terms of indies, there are a lot of titles rich in the exploration of philosophy or with similar environments toBioShock.BioShockis also famous for its twist, and there are plenty of indie games that have equallyshocking twists.
RELATED:BioShock 4 Shouldn’t Shy Away From Political Storytelling
We Happy Few
Released in 2018,We Happy Fewis an indie game taking place in an alternative history of 1960s England. Not only does it have alternative history in common withBioShock, but it shares the traits of a retro futuristic city and no shortage of creepy drug-fueled characters. Society is under a delusion of happiness while living in a dystopian nightmare.
UnlikeBioShock, the game has three acts with three different characters. On Steam, the overall reviews are mostly positive. The game is loved for its engaging world, crafting system, story-based missions, and overall well-done aesthetics. UnlikeBioShock, the game leans more into dark humor.
SOMA
SOMAis made by the same people that madeAmnesia: The Dark Descent. LikeBioShock, the game is incredibly atmospheric, philosophical, and scary. It also takes place in an underwater facility, much likeBioShock’sRapture. Many reviews of the game mention its likeness toBioShock,mentioning the philosophical topics are reminiscent of bothBioShockandSystem Shock.
SOMAis a work of psychological horror, with its greatest elements being its underwater atmosphere, interesting story, and how it addresses societal issues (particularly with artificial intelligence). It is one of those games that is both scary but also gets the player thinking about what it means to be human.
Bendy And The Ink Machine
Bendy and the Ink Machineis a survival horror indie game inspired byBioShock. In the story, the owner of the studio the game takes place in, Joey Drew, is like Andrew Ryan in that he was a man with a strong vision which ultimately lead to the downfall of everything he built. In an interview with Game Reactor, game developer and co-creator Mike Mood revealed that most of their development team behindBendy and the Ink Machineconsisted ofBioShockfans, which resulted in the visuals and time period being reminiscent ofBioShock.
It is not just the story and atmosphere that makes these games have a lot in common.Bendy and the Ink Machineis also in first person with combat elements, and players can even find audio logs that detail what happened to the studio and its employees.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Amnesia: The Dark Descentis one of the most famous indie games out there. It came out in 2010, just three years afterBioShock, and while it has less in common withBioShockthanSOMA, it still has a great overlap in its fans. It is first person and there are dangers are all around, with the big difference being that unlikeBioshock, the only defense the player has is to hide.
The games leans more into Lovecraftian horror thanBioshock, but it shares the same level of fame for its mechanics, atmosphere, and storytelling. Despite some differences,AmnesiaandBioshockhave an intersecting fan base due to their memorable dark atmosphere and environmental storytelling.
Albino Lullaby
Albino Lullabyis an indie horror game. The game is Lynchian and psychological in its design and creepiness. Polygon called the game “Part Stanley Parable, and partAlfred Hitchcock.” However, the game has mixed reviews because it has not been finished. Only one out of three promised episodes are out, and the last two are overdue.
Outside the fact the trilogy appears abandoned, what does exist is admitted to be fantastic in its atmosphere. Creative director of the game, Justin Pappas, was actually a level designer forBioShock Infinite. The darkness of the game definitely hasBioShockvibes, but it also delves into comedy at times.
