BioShock 4 is currently in development from Cloud Chamber, having been announced in late 2019. Few details have been confirmed about the new title, but some fans are hoping it'll be reminiscent of the first two games of the series more than BioShock Infinite. BioShock 4 is likely a ways away from release, and in the meantime fans will be wondering about what the game will be like. There's no indication as to what direction it's taking yet, but many are hoping for similar levels of immersion as the first two games.

BioShock Infinite was praised after it was released, though not without its share of criticism. While some applauded the change in direction and move to a new world, others disliked the world of Columbia, especially when compared to Rapture. BioShock Infinite was reviewed well for its story and memorable twist at the conclusion, but there is a case to be made that BioShock 4 should be more influenced by the first two entries in the series.

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BioShock 4 seems poised to establish a new setting that isn't Rapture or Columbia, though Cloud Chamber could still take notes from the original Rapture setting. Rapture was lauded by fans and critics alike for its strong theming, environmental storytelling, and dilapidated state that helped create an unsettling atmosphere. At times, BioShock and BioShock 2 verged on survival horror, thanks to its atmosphere and surprise attacks from erratic splicers.

BioShock 4 also seems unlikely to return to Columbia, something that has been indicated by job listings for Cloud Chamber. Columbia was received favorably when BioShock Infinite launched, but some felt it paled in comparison to Rapture. Columbia was a lot brighter and felt larger than Rapture, but it lost a lot of the atmosphere of the first two games. Where Rapture encouraged players to wander semi-open areas, Columbia was a bit more straightforward to navigate and didn't have the same nerve-wracking feel. BioShock 4 might be better off looking to the first two games for inspiration and regaining that palpable sense of dread from Rapture, rather than the comparative brightness of Columbia.

A large portion of players have said the first two games encouraged more experimentation with guns and special abilities. Infinite, by comparison, is often thought to be more straightforward. It might be in the best interests of Cloud Chamber to design encounters closer to BioShock 1 and 2 by encouraging player ingenuity, especially if it's going to be RPG influenced.

Though few concrete details are known about the new game, job listings at Cloud Chamber have suggested a few key details. Players could be introduced to a new location with RPG-influenced combat, but this remains to be seen until a formal reveal takes place. Cloud Chamber is likely to go in a new direction for the series, but looking at the first two games for inspiration might be a good idea. The atmosphere of Rapture and the challenging combat from BioShock 1 and 2 could be smart influences for a brand-new title.

BioShock 4 is currently in development.

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