Bioshock is a game that has turned its genre upside down. The trilogy is undoubtedly one of the most famous RPG franchises ever. If you are an RPG fan, chances are you would have played at least one of those 3.
Once you play any of the 3 games, you will not only become a fan of the game itself but of the entire genre. That is why it is natural to be on the lookout for other games that you might like if you have liked Bioshock.
Today, we will help you with the same. Our list of the best 15 games to play if you like Bioshock will instantly help you discover these games. No need to spend hours going through numerous games to find a similar one. Our list will do that for you.
1. We Happy Few
We Happy Few is on top of our list because it is pretty similar to Bioshock. It is identical not only in aesthetics but also in theme.
The story is based in a dystopian society that is on the verge of collapsing due to drug abuse. The era is around the 1960s.
The game offers you 3 characters that incorporate different playstyles. The fact that the game environment changes depending on the character you choose and your choices makes it very unpredictable.
While on the action quotient, it might not rank as high as Bioshock, but the continuous environment generation makes it a great choice.
2. System Shock 2
In many ways, Bioshock can be regarded as a successor of System Shock 2. That is because the designer of both the games, Ken Levine, is the same.
System shock 2 incorporates horror elements and has plenty of RPG action. Both these aspects are also part of Bioshock.
The game has much more extensive RPG features than Bioshock. While some time has passed since the game’s launch, it is still one of the best Bioshock alternatives.
3. Prey (2017)
Prey is another game that is pretty similar to Bioshock. When you compare the gameplay of 2, you will notice the similarities. Not only that, the RPG mechanics, as well as the design elements, are quite similar.
The premise, however, is a bit different. The game is set in a space station. The neuromods are what makes this game unique. They allow you to upgrade your ability so that you can progress to the next level of the game by indulging in some fast-paced action.
Multiple approaches make it replayable.
The striking similarities with Bioshock coupled with the unique premises certainly help it stand out.
4. Dishonored
Dishonored is a game to play if you’re looking for something unique in its own right but with a few similarities to Bioshock. It is a stealth game. Due to the same, the use of guns is much lesser than in Bioshock.
The premise of the game is pretty bleak. The aesthetics resemble the steampunk theme.
The semiopen gameplay ensures that you can replay the game again and again without getting bored.
Even though the use of weapons is limited, but the options you get are plenty.
There are 2 sequels to the original game as well. They improve the storyline and have much more action as compared to the original game.
The fact that it is a trilogy and focuses on stealth makes it an excellent alternative to Bioshock.
5. Dead Space
Dead Space and Bioshock were launched pretty close by. The game has a 3rd person view. The exploration and atmosphere of Bioshock might get a great fit for this list.
The horror quotient and the graphical nature of the game are much more intense than Bioshock.
The story revolves around a dilapidated spaceship. The enemies are Necromorphs, whom you have to slaughter in the hundreds.
The survival horror game provides you with a vast cache of arms to choose from. You have to select the right weapon for the right enemy. The action quotient and the unique atmosphere of the game are what makes it a good choice.
6. SOMA:
SOMA has an excellent pedigree. It is developed by the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The name of the studio is Frictional Games.
The game, however, has a bit of different gameplay. It encourages you to explore and move through the storyline.
The premise is based on an underwater research station. It is one of the primary reasons why it is similar to Bioshock.
The oppressive atmosphere in the game and the similar graphics will provide you with Bioshock vibes. That is the reason why it is on this list.
7. DOOM Eternal:
There are very few games that are more gruesome than Bioshock. DOOM Eternal is one of them. The engaging gameplay ensures that it is much more intense than Bioshock.
You can use various power-ups as well as weapons to go on a spree to slay the demons.
The first person perspective ensures that there will never be a dull moment in the game. The game packs plenty of surprises every second. That is why it is one of the most entertaining games you can play if you like Bioshock.
8. Mad Max:
Mad max is a game set in the post-apocalyptic setting. The game consists of wastelands as well as zombies. It is one of the rare games which has expanded its genre. The game revolves around gaining access to vehicles and accessing new areas using the same. However, the wastelands are full of threats, and there is plenty of gunfire.
The more you explore the map, the more enemies you will come across makes it all the more entertaining.
The choices you need to make to come on top of others make it similar to Bioshock. This game is only identical to a certain extent to Bioshock and has plenty of unique elements to it. That is why it is a must-play.
9. Divinity: Original Sin 2:
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a game that allows you to strategize, develop and improve your skills consistently. The same concept is present in Bioshock, where you mix and match various weapons, tonics, and plasmids to make your character more powerful.
Divinity allows you to combine certain characters’ special powers or use spells to gain an advantage over others. The vast map ensures that there is always plenty to explore. The vivid world which it showcases can immerse you for hours together. All these features certainly make it a game worth trying.
10. Thief II: The Metal Age:
The thief franchise combines stealth and mystery in perfect combination. The aim is to raid houses anonymously and get as much treasure as you can.
The sequel to the game Thief II: The Metal Age combines stealth with strategy. The fact that the guards have a personality of their own and it is much harder to get past humans makes it so spellbinding.
While the gameplay might be different from Bioshock, the game’s strategic aspect certainly makes it similar to Bioshock.
11. STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl:
STALKER did not get as much coverage as some other games on this list. However, it has its dedicated fan base.
It is a 1st person survival horror game based in Chernobyl.
You need not just worry about the radiation but also the mutant creatures. Due to the same, you need to tackle a different kind of creature at every corner. The action which follows is what makes it so attractive.
The realistic premise, along with the horror feel, certainly makes it better than even Bioshock in some regards.
12. Far Cry 3:
Far Cry 3 is developed by Ubisoft. The developer is one of the most famous ones in its industry.
The 1st person combat gameplay ensures that you enjoy not only the exploration but also the action involved. The venue is a lawless island plagued by violence.
You can only escape using drugs or gun. You are stranded there as a character and have to escape the island.
The survival premise certainly makes it worth playing.
13. Dead Space:
Arguably, this game is the scariest on this list.
The adventure starts when a mining ship comes in contact with the alien aircraft. After that, it loses communication to earth. The protagonist goes by the name Isaac Clarke. He is an engineer who is tasked to repair the ship. Once he arrives on the ship, he notices that the crew has been killed.
The more he explores the ship, the more he finds that he has to repair the ship and kill the necromorphs if he wants to survive.
The unique storyline and the survival aspect of the game make it a good choice.
14. Fallout: New Vegas:
Fallout: New Vegas, as the name itself suggests, is based in Las Vegas. The post-apocalyptic las vegas are more like the wild south-west where you have to slay others or be slain.
With various weapons to gain access to, a vast area to explore, and new features to utilize, it’s a game as enormous as Bioshock.
The background of Sin city makes it even more enjoyable.
The open-world premise of this game helps it stand out. You can side with others, play alone or explore. The choice is yours.
The vast scale of the game makes it a great option if you like Bioshock.
15. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2:
No list of games like Bioshock is complete without mentioning Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2.
The game is based in Seattle in 2021. The game is entirely night based, and you have to survive the vampires and brave it out.
The 1st person combat mode, along with a massive cache of weapons and firearms to choose from, ensures that you can decide how you want the game to be.
The reactive storyline ensures that it has excellent replay value as well.
The vampire-based storyline, along with the unpredictable nature of this game, makes it one of the best games to play if you like Bioshock.
There are numerous games which you will love to play if you like Bioshock. Our list above can help you find such games easily. Now is the time to take your gaming experience to the next level by these games similar to Bioshock.
