God of War Ragnarokmaintains the excellent narrative between Kratos and Atreus from its predecessor while improving Atreus' mechanics as both a partner and now-playable character. That should greatly influenceBioShock 4. Over a decade later, the highly-praised dynamic betweenBioShock Infinite’sBooker DeWitt and Elizabeth has been overshadowed by Joel and Ellie fromThe Last of Us,Nier Automata’s9S and 2B, or thegreatly improved Ashley inResident Evil 4 Remake.BioShock Infinitewasn’t the first to bond players with an AI partner, but shouldBioShock 4include a similar dynamic, its developers could useGod of War Ragnorakas a reference to go bigger and better.
There are many reasons whyGod of War(2018) was a successful reboot, but the core of its success can be attributed to the father-son duo of Kratos and Atreus. The reboot proved an established franchise can shed its skin and try something new so long as it remains true to its characters.BioShock 4already has a lot to consider for the future, as the franchise is known for its isolated cities, plasmids, vigors, and immersive sim style. However, an improved companion system could add a lot to a universe that is known for its established constants. A good companion could emotionally ground the player in an unfamiliar city, add depth to the world, offer more combat variety, and give fans something to fight for beyond their own survival.
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BioShock 4 Could Attempt a New Companionship
Whether to improve uponBioShock Infinite’scompanionship or stand out against series creator Ken Levine’sJudas,BioShock 4might consider another companion like Elizabeth - who herself could return givenInfinite’s multiversal plot. Whatever the reason may be,God of War Ragnarokserves an excellent starting point. Narrative dynamic aside, Atreus offered a lot to the general gameplay and combat.
Backtracking across an open world for collectibles and side quests can become tedious, but Atreus serves to disrupt the monotony; every encounter is apotential lesson for Atreus, the boy has no shortage of questions for his father, and there are plenty of stories to share between the two. Atreus can also distract and stun enemies during combat, while a flurry of arrows from his upgradable bow is only a button press away.
Atreus expands on Kratos' arsenal and serves as a vessel for players who are new to Norse mythos, but most of his improvements inGod of War Ragnarokare on the narrative side.Atreus has changed a lot sinceGod of War(2018), becoming more independent - if not somewhat impetuous. Following major developments in the previous entry,God of War Ragnarokintroduces an older, brazen Atreus as he learns more about himself and his place in Norse mythos. Outside of combat, his brashness and struggle with self-identity neatly ties the narrative to his relationship with Kratos.
WhenBioShock Infinitecame out, it was praised for its complex story and Elizabeth’s execution. However, time has not been so kind to the entry, its story often discussed retroactively as convoluted; Elizabeth and Booker’s gameplay relationship now argued as shallow. A combination of the complicated development cycle and future games likeThe Last of Usmay have left their mark, butInfinite’s influence is undeniable.BioShock Infiniteremains a legendary game in its own right, and it serves a good argument for the inclusion of a companion inBioShock 4. If it goes in this direction, the future Elizabeth should take inspiration from the carefully written and ever-helpful Atreus.
