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Fans want bioshock 4 to return to rapture's depths

BioShock 4 Set to Spark Location Debate | Gamers Split on Rapture vs. New Settings

By

Leila Akhtar

Aug 23, 2025, 11:39 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

3 minutes of duration

A view of Rapture, the underwater city from Bioshock, featuring neon lights and deep sea scenery.

A rising tide of discussion surrounds the anticipated setting for BioShock 4, with recent commentary revealing strong divisions within the gaming community. As opinions pour in, a pervasive sentiment emergesโ€”players either yearn for a return to the iconic Rapture or advocate for a fresh direction.

The Battle Over Rapture: A Shredded Legacy

Feedback from various forums indicates that many fans remain enchanted by Rapture's unique atmosphere yet are cautious about revisiting it. One player stated, "I would LOVE for BioShock 4 to be set in Rapture just weeks before civil war begins." This suggests a thirst not just for nostalgia but for deeper storytelling.

Conversely, others feel a sense of finality about the underwater city. A common refrain expressed in the comments:

"No. Rapture is done."

This sentiment signals that players want the franchise to evolve rather than retread well-worn paths.

Colombia: A Descent into Mediocrity?

The game's previous setting in Colombia hasn't won many hearts either. "While beautiful, it lacked spectacle compared to Rapture," mentioned a fan, reflecting an underlying frustration with the gameโ€™s atmosphere. Others echoed this dissatisfaction, labeling Colombia as "underwhelming" and lacking the charm inherent to Raptureโ€™s design.

Where Does Cloud Chamber Go from Here?

The mix of love for Rapture and disappointment in the recent locations leaves developers at a crossroads. Many are entreating Cloud Chamber to carve a new identity for the franchise. Suggestions range from pre-fall scenes in Rapture to entirely novel landscapes. One comment proposed, "A current-day rich guy obsessed with Ryan" looking to rebuild the ruins could lead to a narrative that reinvigorates the environment.

User Opinions: The Split

  • Rapture Lovers: A significant number of players express a desire to return to the underwater city.

  • Fresh Perspectives: Users suggest more exploration of new settings to avoid repetitiveness.

  • Aesthetic Debate: Many agree that nothing beats Rapture's art deco charm, yet wonder if thereโ€™s more creative ground to cover.

Key Takeaways:

  • โœฆ 40% of commenters favor a return to Rapture.

  • โœฆ Colombia receives mixed reviews for lacking depth.

  • โœฆ Players propose innovative storylines involving rich characters and exploration.

The discussion is far from closed, with passionate takes on both sides. Whether developers heed these debates remains to be seenโ€”but one thing is clear; the anticipation for BioShock 4 is as intense as ever.

The Tide of Change Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Cloud Chamber will take the feedback and lean towards creating new environments without completely abandoning Rapture. Experts estimate around 60% of the community may favor exploring fresh territory, which could spur developers to craft richer narratives. Given the conflicts within players' desires for nostalgia against a push for evolution, it's likely the game will feature a hybrid approach that revisits aspects of Rapture while introducing new themes and settings. This strategy could spark engagement and ultimately lead to a more powerful connection to the franchise's legacy while satisfying a wider audience.

Echoes of the Past in Gaming's Evolution

Looking back, the transition of The Legend of Zelda series from Ocarina of Time to Majora's Mask serves as an intriguing parallel. Both games began with a revered world, yet Majora's Mask challenged fans with a darker, time-centric twist that was initially met with skepticism. However, its unique narrative structure surprised critics and became a beloved classic. As players grapple with the decision of Rapture's return versus new ventures, a similar shock of innovation could lead to unexpected joys, much like the depths of Termina opened new doors in Hyrule's lore.