Would You Kindly Check Out Our Recommendations
Imagine a world where dystopian societies, political intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and the power of science and technology converge. This is not a description of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, but rather the narrative landscape of the critically acclaimed video game, Bioshock.
If you’re a fan of Bioshock’s immersive storytelling, atmospheric settings, and thought-provoking themes, you might be wondering if there are books out there that can satisfy your literary cravings in a similar vein.
Well, your search ends here. We’ve compiled a list of ten books that echo the overarching themes and ambience of Bioshock and its sister games. These books, much like the games, will challenge your perceptions, ignite your imagination, and transport you to worlds both unsettling and captivating. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Enter The Bathosphere To Rapture
Before we start, let’s take a brief look at what makes Bioshock so special. Released in 2007 by 2K Games, Bioshock presents an underwater city called Rapture, created by objectivist Andrew Ryan who creates a utopia for the world’s elite, but it slowly turns into a dystopian nightmare.
The first Bioshock game follows a man who discovers Rapture after his airplane crashes near the entrance to the city. He learns about the downfall of the once revolutionary city while he fights for survival. The game delves deep into themes of objectivism, moral choice, and the nature of humanity, all wrapped in an Art Deco aesthetic that lends a unique atmosphere.
In 2010 and 2013, Bioshock received two sequels, Bioshock 2 and Bioshock Infinite, which have their own unique themes too.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged had a clear influence on Bioshock, with the game’s setting of Rapture being a direct reference to the novel’s depiction of a utopia for society’s elite. The book’s exploration of objectivism and the role of the individual in society are themes that Bioshock delves into as well.
Just like the game, Atlas Shrugged presents a society that collapses under the weight of its own ideals. However, it is our world that collapses while the elite mysteriously disappear, never to be heard from again. The book’s examination of objectivism is one that Bioshock fans could read before they jump into the world of Rapture to see how Ayn Rand’s world would actually work out.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Just as Bioshock explores a utopian dream turned nightmare, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World presents a future society that, on the surface, appears perfect. At its core though, is a deeply flawed society. Huxley’s world mirrors the game’s exploration of scientific progress, as it presents a society dominated by genetic engineering and mind control.
The parallels to Bioshock are striking, as Brave New World not only presents a society that has lost its humanity in pursuit of perfection but also explores the individual’s struggle against the system.
1984 by George Orwell
Another classic dystopian novel, George Orwell’s 1984, shares Bioshock’s exploration of power and control. Just like in the game, where the city of Rapture becomes a battleground for power, Orwell’s book portrays a society under the thumb of a totalitarian regime.
The protagonist’s struggle against Big Brother mirrors the player’s fight against the powers that be in the Bioshock games. The pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and the sense of being watched at all times are also reminiscent of the game’s oppressive feel.
Neuromancer by William Gibson
While not a dystopian novel per se, William Gibson’s Neuromancer shares Bioshock’s fascination with technology and its impact on society. The book is famous for coining the term “cyberspace,” and it paints a vivid picture of a future where the line between the digital and the physical world is blurred.
The book’s exploration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality is in line with Bioshock’s exploration of scientific advancement and its implications. Furthermore, the gritty and atmospheric depiction of the future has a similar vibe to the game’s dark and moody aesthetic.
Finally, it’s hard not to say anything about Bioshock without bringing up its predecessor System Shock. While it isn’t part of the Bioshock lore, no list would be complete without a shout out to the 90’s game, which perfected its method of storytelling. This method was brought over to Bioshock and brought Rapture to life for many of us.
The Stand by Stephen King
Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic epic The Stand shares Bioshock’s exploration of humanity’s struggle for survival in a devastated world. The book presents a world decimated by a deadly virus and the ensuing struggle between good and evil.
Just like Bioshock’s protagonists, The Stand delves into the moral choices its characters have to make, and it questions the nature of good and evil in a world turned upside down. The book’s atmospheric depiction of a post-apocalyptic world and its exploration of human nature make it a compelling read for any Bioshock fan.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic novel The Road echoes Bioshock’s bleak and desolate atmosphere. The book presents a world devastated by an unspecified cataclysm and the journey of a father and son through this harsh landscape.
The book’s exploration of survival and the resilience of the human spirit mirrors Bioshock’s themes. As a Bioshock fan, you’ll appreciate the book’s bleak yet poignant depiction of a post-apocalyptic world and its exploration of the depths of human endurance.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry’s The Giver presents a seemingly utopian society that, much like Rapture in Bioshock, hides a darker reality. The book’s exploration of memory and the loss of individuality are themes that resonate with the game’s narrative.
Just like Bioshock, The Giver presents a society that controls its citizens to maintain order, and it explores the individual’s struggle against this system. The book’s nuanced portrayal of a dystopian society and its exploration of themes like memory, individuality, and freedom make it a must-read for any Bioshock fan.
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash shares Bioshock’s fascination with technology and its impact on society. The book presents a future where the physical and digital worlds are blurred, much like the exploration of multiple realities in Bioshock Infinite.
Just like Bioshock’s games, Snow Crash delves into the consequences of unchecked technological progress and the commodification of human life. The book’s depiction of a society dominated by corporations and its exploration of themes like identity, reality, and control make it a compelling read for any Bioshock fan.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury’s dystopian classic Fahrenheit 451 shares Bioshock’s exploration of a society under the control of a totalitarian regime. The book presents a future where books are banned, and free thought is suppressed, much like the game’s depiction of a society that stifles individuality.
Bioshock Infinite’s Columbia uses a revised version of history to promote its ideology. While in Rapture, in order to keep his idealist society, Andrew Ryan bans books and places restrictions on the outside world. In Bioshock Infinite, Comstock goes as far as to rewrite history in order to make himself look as if he is the hero.
The book’s exploration of censorship and the importance of knowledge mirrors Bioshock’s themes. Furthermore, Bradbury’s vivid and atmospheric prose creates a sense of unease that’s reminiscent of the oppressive atmosphere of the Bioshock games.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go echoes Bioshock’s exploration of the ethics of scientific progress. The book presents a dystopian society where human clones are created for organ harvesting, a theme that resonates with Bioshock’s exploration of genetic modification and its implications.
In Bioshock, Plasmids and Vigors are used to make life easier for the people of Rapture, but it is all done to the detriment of young orphan girls, who are used to harvest Adam and produce Eve for public use.
Just like Bioshock, Never Let Me Go delves into the moral implications of scientific advancement when it comes to human life. The book’s poignant exploration of these themes and its haunting depiction of a dystopian society make it a must-read for any Bioshock fan.
Whether you’re a fan of the game or a lover of thought-provoking, atmospheric literature, these books offer a wealth of stories that will resonate with you long after you’ve turned the last page. So pick up a book, dive in, and let these stories transport you to worlds as rich and complex as Rapture itself.
Do you agree with these choices? Do you have more to say about the game or these books? Comment below and let us know!
Solid recommendations. I’ve read The Giver, Atlas Shrugged, and 1984, all of which were great and gave the Bioshock feel. I can’t wait to read some of these others. Thank you!