Summary
BioShockis unquestionably a milestone in gaming. ThroughBioShock’s deep philosophical issuesand immersive sim/RPG design, the first entry set a new high bar for merging engaging gameplay with mature storytelling. Since cementing its legacy with two more titles, though, the franchise has not had much presence in the wider gaming world. The final piece ofBioShockcontent was the Burial At Sea DLC forBioShock Infinitein 2014. Following that, it went through a period of radio silence, with many of the original creators moving onto other projects and studios.
The silence continued until the announcement ofBioShock 4in 2019. A new studio under 2K’s umbrella, Cloud Chamber, revealed it had been tasked with helming the fourth official installment of the revered franchise. With the weight of theBioShockworld on its shoulders, leaks and rumors about how the developer would advance it have been circulating since inception. Though few firm details have yet emerged, given some existing elements, one direction it could take is to bring backBioShock’s original protagonist, Jack, in some form.
The Case For BioShock 4 to Bring Back Jack
Jack’s Story in BioShock
Jack was the player character and silent protagonist inBioShock 1. Although not immediately apparent, his name was hidden in plain sight from the opening scene, with keen-eyed players being able to spot it. Eventually, his origins and nature were exposed inBioShock’s famous twist. In one of the most well-known scenes in gaming history, the devastating truth about Jack is revealed:
Following this, Ryan forces Jack to kill him via the trigger phrase, choosing to end on his own terms. Jack subsequently breaks Fontaine’s hold over him, and eliminates him as well, before escaping the crumbling remains of Rapture with a group ofBioShock’s Little Sistersto the safety of the surface.
Though players can either save or harvest the sisters, canon depicts Jack as rescuing them.
BioShock Infinite Provides a Path For Jack’s Return
Whilethe first two games were largely self-contained stories,BioShock Infinite’s plotopened up a can of worms. By introducing multiverses and alternate realities/timelines,Infinitecreated the possibility of almost anything being fair game. The concept is always a bit of a double-edged sword, as it can sometimes be viewed as a lazy way of justifying inclusions that would otherwise be nonsensical. But when handled correctly, the device can provide an excellent avenue for Jack’s return while moving forward in the greater story.
How Jack Could Appear in BioShock 4
BioShock 4faces a number of challengesin how it will advance the series, particularly regarding the above aspects. In a series known for having some of the best narratives, Cloud Chamber has a hefty job in front of it. Given the doors thatInfinite’s multiverse opens, though, having Jack return could be the crucial component in tying the stories together while exploring new ideas.
Since nothing is necessarily outside the realm of possibility,BioShock 4could take elements from the first gameand remix them in a way that coheres into a fresh and satisfying story, without losing its identity. Perhaps inBS4’s world, Jack acts as the new Andrew Ryan–his “father,” and the very villain he defeated in another reality. Whatever direction Cloud Chamber chooses to go, having the first character fans were introduced to (and played as) in the series would be an incredibly intriguing prospect if incorporated thoughtfully.
