Summary
The last ten years have provided gamers with a plethora of exceptional experiences.Baldur’s Gate 3reimagined what an RPG could be last year, indie darlings likeUndertaleorReturn of the Obra Dinnoffer something truly unique, and there has been something to love for everyone through the previous and current console generations. Before that, though, games likeBioShockandFallout 3were the must-play titles.
Each has become known to most with a smattering of sequels and DLC add-ons that make them worth returning to, be it on their native systems, or remasters that have come after.BioShockandFallouthave been usurped over the last decade, however, and now each is in a similar position as 2024 promises even more fresh and exciting games.
BioShock and Fallout were at the Top of the Pile in Years Gone By
BeforeThe Witcher 3revolutionized the open-world, western RPG format andResident Evilsnatched back its survival horror crown with the seventh entry,FalloutandBioShockwere ruling the gaming roost and giving players truly unique experiences. Those days are long gone, paving the way for new experiences beyond iconic franchises that have long-excelled.
Yet, at the height of their popularity, each was an essential date in the gaming calendar.Fallout 3,New Vegas, andFallout4were huge, nonlinear role-playing games that could last an entire year with new curiosities found around every corner, whereasBioShockand its sequels are masterful examples of how atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and an effective setting can conjure all manner of emotions from players.
Fallout and BioShock are More than Just Games
ThoughFalloutis further along than the Irrational-developed titles, both are set to branch out into different forms of media, with aFalloutTV series on Amazon Primeand aBioShockfilm in the works at Netflix. Each is in a great position for those respective forms of entertainment as both have strengths in tone, world-building, and presentation.
To see the pair of gaming franchises that took off in popularity during the Xbox 360 and PS3 generation receive adaptations from big-budget outlets (not to mentiontheBorderlandsfilm by Eli Rothwhich has a release window of 2024) is a telling sign not just of their quality, but their popularity among wider audiences. While they could end up being a fleeting, flash-in-the-pan idea that won’t warrant much more, they could also be the adaptation kickstart that is needed to catapult the franchises back into the gaming mainstream.
Fallout and BioShock are In Need of a Spark
Bethesda has its hands full withStarfield, and likely will for the foreseeable future, whereasBioShock 4has been confirmed, but little more is known about the project. In the face of the likes ofJudasandClockwork Revolution, which give off similar vibes to the latter, it’s concerning forBioShockfans who have waited for a new entry since the fantasticBurial At Seaconcluded with its second episode.
Fallout 5is yet to be officially revealed, but even with confirmation, it’s likely years away asStarfieldDLC andThe Elder Scrolls 6will come first.
Fallout 76was the last players saw of that series and was a few steps behind what was expected.BioShock 4’s reported development hellisn’t doing its reputation any favors, so each is managing to stay on the minds of gamers largely due to their previous successes. This can’t continue forever, so perhaps the TV series and film can be the push they need because both seem to be in the same lull that has to be escaped if they are to restore their lofty images.
