Summary
BioShockis an iconic game for a number of reasons, not least of which are its memorable locale, compelling characters, and story. As players explored the once-beautiful but recently ruined city of Rapture in the 2007 original, and were confronted with philosophical musings on the nature of humankind’s ambition,BioShockpresented them with absorbing gameplay alongside them. It was an engaging title all around, and to this day is fondly counted as a top-tier gaming experience which many in its wake have taken cues from.
2019’sClose to the Sun, from developer Storm In A Teacup, is one such title.CttSchannels heavyBSinfluences, although on a smaller scale, and in more of the walking simulator genre, along the lines ofAmnesiaorLayers of Fear. Still, it hits many of the points theBioShockfranchise is known for, making it worthwhile for fans who are looking for a title that might tide them over whilewaiting forBioShock 4to emerge from its 5 (and counting) year-long development cycle.
While sharing many aspects, players should be aware thatClose to the Suncontains no combat or skills, and is a much shorter experience thanBioShock.
Close to the Sun is Close to BioShock
Close to the Sun and BioShock’s Setup, Settings, and Gameplay
From its opening cinematic,Close to the Sun’s resemblances toBioShockare quite clear. The main character, investigative reporter Rose Archer, reads a letter while en route to a mysterious destination. Rose’s sister, Ada, a theoretical physicist, has invited Rose to join her aboard the Helios, an enormous technologically advanced city-sized ship cruising the high seas of an alternate history 1897, designed and created by a version of Nikola Tesla.
Once Rose arrives, it quickly becomes apparent that something has gone terribly wrong, and players must unravel the nature of the catastrophe that befell the Helios and its passengers. The vessel itself is immediately highly evocative ofBioShock’s Rapture, with Art Deco trappings and classical Greek references and iconography scattered throughout. Rose quickly receives instructions via radio, as players are prompted to delve deeper into Helios' depths for answers.
Gameplay is in first person, with areas opening up through further progression into the eerily empty and claustrophobic sections of the ship. The atmosphere is tense and ominous, peppered with environmental storytelling and collectible logs to build upon it, and complimented by a fitting jazzy noir soundscape that turns dramatically dark when appropriate. Mechanically, players will mostly be solving fairly straightforward puzzles, and although a few require some deduction skills, nothing is too obscure or difficult.Close to the Sunis most likeBioShock Infinite’sBurial at SeaDLC, where players controlled Elizabeth in more stealth-based situations.
BioShock and Close to the Sun’s Thematic Similarities
Helios is also like an amalgamation of Rapture and Colombia in design, as it’s separated from any nation and equipped with extensive experimental and highly effective weaponry, populated by a collection of scientific and philosophical pioneers recruited by its visionary leader, Nikola Tesla. The figure himself displays characteristics ofBioShock’s Andrew Ryanin his ongoing intellectual and engineering arms race with rival Thomas Edison, asClose to the Suncleverly integrates bits of real history with its steampunk spin on them.
As Rose uncovers more of the truth about Tesla, Ada, and what occurred on the Helios, the deeper mystery begins to reveal echoes ofBioShock’s commentary on Objectivism and utopias. A fair criticism ofClose to the Sunmay be that some of its messages are a little more on the nose compared toBS’s subtleties, but it never collapses under its own weight. While there is definitely a fine line betweenBioShockhomageand blatant copy, in deft hands a good title falls into the former category, andCttSachieves this. It’s a briefer slice of an adjacent experience, with an enjoyable alt-history turn of the century era narrative bolted on and executed well, thatBioShockfans would likely have a satisfying time with.
Close to the Sunis currently available on Xbox Game Passas of writing.
