BioShock is a critically acclaimed video game series known for its unique underwater setting, philosophical themes, and gripping story. It draws on influences from various sources, including literature, art, and film.
In this post, we’ll look at some books similar in style to BioShock.
What is BioShock similar to?
The following are some books that are similar to Bioshock.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
- Audible Audiobook
- Ernest Cline (Author) – Wil Wheaton (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/16/2011 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
This is a science fiction adventure novel in a virtual world called the Oasis where gamers must compete to find an Easter egg left by its enigmatic creator, who has willed his entire fortune to the first person who finds it. It is a thrilling exploration of the possibilities of virtual reality and what it means for our future.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
- Jules Verne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 12/30/1998 (Publication Date) – Wordsworth Editions Ltd (Publisher)
Yet another classic science fiction novel here tells the story of Captain Nemo and his submarine Nautilus as he navigates the ocean’s depths. It is an exploration of what lies beneath us and a look into how our actions might affect those around us.
Dune by Frank Herbert
- Audible Audiobook
- Frank Herbert (Author) – Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
- 12/31/2006 (Publication Date) – Macmillan Audio (Publisher)
This novel follows the life of Paul Atreides as he navigates politics and power struggles in a futuristic universe where interstellar travel has become a reality. It is a story of ambition, power, and the lengths one might be willing to go to achieve their goals.
What books inspired BioShock?
The developers of BioShock have cited many books as sources of inspiration. We’ll take a look at a few.
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged
- Audible Audiobook
- Ayn Rand (Author) – Scott Brick (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 63 Pages – 12/02/2008 (Publication Date) – Blackstone Audio, Inc. (Publisher)
The novel is known for its themes of objectivism, which are explored in the game in the form of Andrew Ryan’s character. This book explores the power dynamics in a dystopian society and how those with exceptional talents or abilities can change the course of history.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
- Audible Audiobook
- Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (Author) – Jim Donaldson (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 09/27/2011 (Publication Date) – Trout Lake Media (Publisher)
The themes explored in this classic novel, such as morality, scientific progress, and human suffering, are also present in BioShock. Players must grapple with their own moral choices and consider the consequences of their actions.
“The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells
- Audible Audiobook
- H. G. Wells (Author) – Peter Batchelor (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/22/2012 (Publication Date) – Trout Lake Media (Publisher)
This science fiction novel is known for exploring human nature in the face of a looming alien threat, and these themes are also present in BioShock. Players must make choices that affect themselves and those closest to them.
Arthur C Clarke’s The City and the Stars
- Audible Audiobook
- Arthur C. Clarke (Author) – Geoffrey T. Williams (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 09/15/2009 (Publication Date) – Geoffrey T. Williams (Publisher)
The novel explores identity, self-discovery, and exploration themes. These same ideas can be seen in BioShock as the player faces moral choices that shape their character’s journey. It’s a must-read for fans of the game.
These are just a few of the books cited by the developers of BioShock as influencing their work. Fans of the series should also consider exploring works such as Brave New World and 1984 and other dystopian fiction.
What was BioShock inspired by?
BioShock was inspired by various sources, including literature, art, and film. It draws heavily from classic dystopian works like 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Also, the game was inspired by several other books, such as The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, Time Machine by HG Wells, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and We by Yevgeny Zamyatin.
These books provide insight into the themes and ideas explored in BioShock. If you enjoy BioShock, these books are worth checking out.
Takeaway
There’s no doubt that BioShock is an incredible series of games, and it draws heavily on several different sources for its unique atmosphere, themes, and story. Fans of the game will appreciate these books that have inspired the authors. If you’re looking for something similar in style or tone to BioShock, check out some of these works. They’ll give you a better understanding of what makes BioShock unique.
