The unique setting of BioShock has captured the imaginations of many players, but with it having released over a decade ago, the graphics are beginning to show their age. One fan decided to create a proof of concept for a small portion of the game with the enhancements Unreal Engine 5 provides, and the results are impressive.
BioShock, first released in 2007, is set in an underwater city by the name of Rapture. It received near-universal acclaim at time of release and has since seen re-releases on subsequent console generations, sometimes as part of a collection with its two sequels.
The short trailer uploaded by YouTube channel noodlespagoodle shows a section of BioShock re-created in Unreal Engine 5. The trailer includes atmospheric looks out of Rapture's windows, voice acting, and even fundamental mechanics like item collection and combat. A Gatherer's Garden vending machine can also be seen, placed on a floor with impressive reflections of the world. Every second of the trailer is filled with visually lavish rooms and scenery, with high attention to detail paid to even the smallest of objects.
The combat, while not fully realized since this section is from early in the game, looks great. The animations are spot-on, and the wrench swinging looks like it has real weight behind it. BioShock is known for having much more in-depth combat than other horror games, so showing it in detail is essential. The well thought out combat goes alongside the spectacular visuals, and considering BioShock 4 might be using Unreal Engine 5, this look into the past could also be providing a glimpse into the future of the BioShock series.
The description makes clear that this is only a fan trailer, and the creator has no plans to expand it further. Still, the trailer shows both the progression in technology since 2007 and progression in the creator's skills since 2014. The Unreal Engine 5 trailer is a sequel project to a similar Unreal Engine 4 proof of concept from 2014, created by the same artist. In the 2014 version, there is no voice acting or combat, instead opting for a short walkthrough of two rooms. Still, with the official BioShock remasters leaving key upgrades out, the trailer provides a look into what could have been if the official remasters were given more time.
With BioShock 4's setting still unknown, fans of the series may wonder if it will make a return to Rapture or feature a new setting entirely. Regardless of setting, incredible visuals are a hallmark of the BioShock series, and a high level of detail like what is seen in this trailer will no doubt make a return.