Summary
A unique mix of retrofuturistic dystopian themes and fast-paced gunplay, nothing has truly filled the void left since the release ofBioShock Infiniteover 10 years ago. While a new game was confirmed to be in development back in 2019, a lack of news since has left fans in the dark regarding what the nextBioShocktitle could entail. As discussion builds about what a potential fourth entry in theBioShockseries could look like, the return of the signature superman abilities featured in each game has become a major topic of speculation.
Acting as mutations that essentially grant the player various superpowers at the cost of either EVE or Salts,Plasmidsand Vigors define much of the player experience in all threeBioShockgames. While it’s unknown ifBioShock 4will feature either system, go on to create a brand-new one or forgo powers entirely, it’s safe to say that many fans would love to see their favorite Plasmids and Vigors alike return in some form.
Bucking Bronco
BioShock Infinite
A shockwave that suspends enemies helplessly into the air when it makes contact, this power makes up for its lack of raw damage potential through amazing utility. Potentially leaving large groups of enemies vulnerable to weapons and otherBioShockVigorslike Devil’s Kiss alike, Bucking Bronco is a great asset to have when faced with several of Columbia’s many foes at once. Unique to the more isolated world ofInfinite, a power of this nature could make the nextBioShockmore of a culmination of past entries.
Insect Swarm
BioShock/BioShock 2
A Plasmid that summons swarms of bees to stun and damage enemies, Insect Swarm is one ofBioShock’s most recognizable abilities. Despite not being the most effective in terms of straight-up offensive potential, this ability both homes in on targets and leaves them vulnerable to a follow-up. Murder of Crows inInfinitewas essentially a spiritual successor to this ability, and something between the two inBioShock 4could become iconic for the franchise.
Electro Bolt/Shock Jockey
BioShock/BioShock 2/BioShock Infinite
Likely the signature power of theBioShockseries as a whole, Electro Bolt is a mainstay that has always defined its gameplay. Dealing some damage along with stunning the opponent, thisfan-favorite Plasmidis a poster boy for the kind of abilities featured in the franchise. With Shock Jockey further acting as a very similar power in Vigor form withinInfinite, it’s highly unlikely that an electricity attack won’t make it intoBioShock 4in some way.
Security Bullseye
BioShock
One of the Plasmids that takes advantage of the unique circumstances within the city of Rapture, Security Bullseye is centered around the manipulation of technology. By marking an opponent for a low EVE cost, Security Devices will target them and attack for the player. A highly efficient way of handling Splicers andBig Daddiesalike, a new version of this Plasmid that fits into the world ofBioShock 4is a solid opportunity to infuse a similar level of strategy into the next game.
Return to Sender
A highly unique Vigor befitting of its status as the final one to be obtained withinthe world ofBioShockInfinite, Return to Sender has some of the best defensive potential in the series. Capable of granting immediate moments of invincibility and reflecting damage along with its ability to be placed around the map for similar absorption and reflection, this power can easily create a complete shift in the course of a fight. Ironsides provides a similar effect with added ammo absorption, and Telekinesis featured similar protective potential before it, but upgraded Return to Sender brings the best of these together to make an ability that is sure to makeBioShock 4more engaging than ever if it returns.
BioShock Infinite (dupe)
WHERE TO PLAY
Indebted to the wrong people, with his life on the line, veteran of the U.S. Cavalry and now hired gun, Booker DeWitt has only one opportunity to wipe his slate clean. He must rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned since childhood and locked up in the flying city of Columbia. Forced to trust one another, Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond during their daring escape. Together, they learn to harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities, as they fight on zeppelins in the clouds, along high-speed Sky-Lines, and down in the streets of Columbia, all while surviving the threats of the air-city and uncovering its dark secret.The City in the Sky – Leave the depths of Rapture to soar among the clouds of Columbia. A technological marvel, the flying city is a beautiful and vibrant world that holds a very dark secret.Unlikely Mission – Set in 1912, hired gun Booker DeWitt must rescue a mysterious girl from the sky-city of Columbia or never leave it alive.Whip, Zip, and Kill – Turn the city’s Sky-Lines into weaponized roller coasters as you zip through the flying city and dish out fatal hands-on punishment.Tear Through Time – Open Tears in time and space to shape the battlefield and turn the tide in combat by pulling weapons, turrets, and other resources out of thin air.
