The Big Daddy enemy type became an instant hit with fans upon its introduction to the original BioShock. It represented a uniquely horrifying enemy type at the time and has maintained its status as a gaming icon since. Despite this, the Big Daddy was absent from much of BioShock Infinite, only appearing as a cosmetic Easter Egg in the Burial at Sea DLC. This proved to be disappointing to fans, although the game’s Heavy Hitters did provide a similar experience to that of the Big Daddy. There are a number of arguments to be made for or against the Big Daddies’ involvement in BioShock 4, with either side having a good case to make.
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Pros of Big Daddy in BioShock 4
The Bouncer Big Daddy is iconic as a symbol for the BioShock series. It is a unique enemy type with a recognizable drill for a hand that has proven to be perfect for fan art. As such, the Bouncer Big Daddy has become synonymous with the BioShock franchise in media. Due to their celebrated status within the BioShock fandom, it may make sense for them to appear in the next BioShock game. While the Heavy Hitters of BioShock Infinite had fans scrambling to developer interviews to find out the backstory of the series’ all-new horrific creations, the absence of the Big Daddy didn’t go unnoticed.
The Big Daddy was an imposing enemy type in the original BioShock, its horrific whale sounds never failing to fill the player with dread. Beyond their appearance, however, the Big Daddies also provided a challenge in gameplay, with potentially great rewards should the player be successful in their battle. In any case, they would be welcomed back by BioShock fans with open arms. The return of the Big Daddy could be a huge selling point for BioShock 4 if Cloud Chamber wishes it to be. As mentioned, their absence from BioShock Infinite raised a few eyebrows, and the return of such an emblematic enemy could only spell good news.
Cons of Big Daddy in BioShock 4
When speaking about BioShock Infinite’s Heavy Hitters, Creative Director Ken Levine mentioned how Irrational Games wanted a Heavy Hitter that would represent the clear system of beliefs of the founders. The Patriot, for example, was used to highlight the technical prowess of Columbia, but also the political beliefs of the founders. Named the Motorized Patriot, it bears the face of George Washington and sports American flags over each shoulder. BioShock Infinite’s Motorized Patriot is relentless and aggressive, not fearing anything the player can throw at it, but at the same time, its moves are easily telegraphed. The Patriot is used as a terrifying symbol of the player’s main foe in BioShock Infinite, showing the player exactly who they’re up against.
BioShock 4 looks set to be a shakeup of the BioShock franchise. Job postings for BioShock 4 suggest the reboot of the BioShock series will be an open-world game with branching dialogue systems. It seems as though the upcoming BioShock game will truly offer fans something new. This could mean it’s a good time to try something new in other areas, including designing some all-new enemy types that will work in the Open World RPG setting of BioShock 4. In order to create some daunting enemies that do a good bit of world-building, taking some inspiration from BioShock Infinite’s Heavy Hitters wouldn’t go amiss.
BioShock 4 is currently in development.
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