The originalBioShockis considered a classic game, being an iconic release that launched a massively influential franchise which still commands a large community despite its recent lull in content. Although the IP’s original 2007 release is still regarded as a fantastic experience, many of its mechanics and overall aesthetic have aged considerably in the nearly two decades since.
With this in mind, there is a clear opportunity for the originalBioShockto receive a comprehensive remake, as enough time has passed to foster many peoples' strong desire to replay a title that has otherwise fallen victim to the passage of time. Contemporary examples of comparable titles also receiving successful remakes likeDead Spaceset a strong precedent for the idea. When looking at how thisDead Spaceremake was approached and received,BioShockcould easily follow a similar framework.
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Originally being announced in 2021, theDead Spaceremake gained traction among fans who felt nostalgia for the 2008 version of the game. Being spearheaded by Motive Studios and EA, theDead Spaceremake was built using the Frostbite Engine, which provided a huge level of graphical fidelity when compared to the aging original.
On top of clearvisual improvements within theDead Spaceremake, the release smartly chose to implement several gameplay changes while maintaining the general framework and plot of the original game. The remake crucially gives more life to protagonist Isaac Clarke via voice lines for the previously silent character, while giving players more freedom in the way of exploration and weapon accessibility. Players lauded theDead Spaceremake for its sensible blend between faithful recreations and a new experience, with the game already having a popular reputation to justify such a remake. With this in mind, it is clear to see how similar levels of success could be garnered by 2K Games via aBioShockremake.
The Potential For a BioShock Remake
TheDead Spaceremake acts as a perfect case study into how successful a potentialBioShockremake could be. Both original games launched in similar timeframes, withBioShockreleasing in 2007 andDead Spacein 2008. These also became the groundwork for two defining franchises in their respective genres, with both franchises receiving their mostrecent mainline releases in 2013 -BioShock InfiniteandDead Space 3. With a decade having passed since then, it is clear that a desire for content is more than present for both sets of fans.
The pre-requisite conditions of anticipation are almost identical betweenBioShockandDead Space, with the success of the latter only compounding the potential of similar remakes. LikeDead Space,the originalBioShockis known for its striking artistic visuals, which would only be heightened by a remake within a modern game engine.
Crucially, similar gameplay changes could also be implemented in aBioShockremake, such as giving more dialogue to the mostly silent protagonist. These changes could even see a different ending, with the original twist ending ofBioShockhaving a lot more potential to expand upon. The overtsimilarities betweenDead Spaceand the originalBioShockmakes 2K’s title just as deserving of a dedicated remake, with such a title surely able to generate huge amounts of attention.
BioShockis available on PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
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