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 to BioShock. BioShock is also famous for its twist, and there are plenty of indie games that have equally shocking twists.
RELATED: BioShock 4 Shouldn’t Shy Away From Political Storytelling
We Happy Few
Released in 2018, We Happy Few is an indie game taking place in an alternative history of 1960s England. Not only does it have alternative history in common with BioShock, 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.
Unlike BioShock, 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. Unlike BioShock, the game leans more into dark humor.
SOMA
SOMA is made by the same people that made Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Like BioShock, the game is incredibly atmospheric, philosophical, and scary. It also takes place in an underwater facility, much like BioShock’s Rapture. Many reviews of the game mention its likeness to BioShock, mentioning the philosophical topics are reminiscent of both BioShock and System Shock.
SOMA is 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 Machine is a survival horror indie game inspired by BioShock. 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 behind Bendy and the Ink Machine consisted of BioShock fans, which resulted in the visuals and time period being reminiscent of BioShock.
It is not just the story and atmosphere that makes these games have a lot in common. Bendy and the Ink Machine is 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 Descent is one of the most famous indie games out there. It came out in 2010, just three years after BioShock, and while it has less in common with BioShock thanSOMA, 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 unlike Bioshock, the only defense the player has is to hide.
The games leans more into Lovecraftian horror than Bioshock, but it shares the same level of fame for its mechanics, atmosphere, and storytelling. Despite some differences, Amnesia and Bioshock have an intersecting fan base due to their memorable dark atmosphere and environmental storytelling.
Albino Lullaby
Albino Lullaby is an indie horror game. The game is Lynchian and psychological in its design and creepiness. Polygon called the game “Part Stanley Parable, and part Alfred 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 for BioShock Infinite. The darkness of the game definitely has BioShock vibes, but it also delves into comedy at times.
BioShock 4 is currently in development.
MORE: Video Games That Were Influenced by BioShock
Sources: Game Reactor, Polygon
