Originally intended to release this spring, it would appear that Ken Levine’s highly anticipatedJudasis still a ways away. It missed its initial, tentative March 2025 deadline, leading many to believe that the sci-fi immersive sim/roguelike/action-RPG/space horror extravaganza won’t be available until 2026 or beyond. ButwheneverJudaslaunches, it’s sure to be an interesting experience, as it’s the first game directed by Ken Levine sinceBioShock Infinitein 2013.
Judas' mashing-up of genres, in addition to its prestigious director, makes it rather interesting to consider. With a healthy smattering of immersive sim elements and high-octane first-person shooter mechanics to go along with its roguelike structure, it’s sure to appeal to players of several different kinds. As one might expect from Levine at this point, it is also concerned with some heady philosophical subject matter, exploring the nature of existence and the relationship between body and mind.Judaspromises to deliver on this hodgepodge of mechanical and narrative facets, but players can explore games with similar sensibilities in the meantime.
Best Games To Play While Waiting for Judas
Granted, there are a few obvious options out there for those excited aboutJudas, withtheBioShocktrilogybeing chief among them. But for those who have somehow never playedBioShockdespite being excited forJudas, now is the perfect time to start. The first game in the series is often lauded as the best thanks to its ambition, atmosphere, and expertly delivered story, butBioShock 2andBioShock Infinitebring unique elements to the table as well, andJudaswill likely share at least some DNA with all of them. Ultimately, all threeBioShockgames are unique, so it’s worth trying them all.
For those most excited aboutJudas’s more action-heavy elements,BioShock 2orInfinitemight be the bestoption, as they contain far more gunplay and power combinations than the first game.
Other immersive sims are worth checking out as well.System Shock, a spiritual predecessor toBioShock, is often cited as one of the most important releases in the genre, and its sequel wasdesigned by Ken Levinehimself. Levine also worked onThief: The Dark Project, another iconic immersive sim. But these titles are rather dated by modern standards, so those looking for more contemporary immersive sims,Prey, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and theDishonoredgames are great alternatives—Preyis even set aboard a rogue spacecraft, much likeJudas.
Though considerably different in terms of gameplay,Soma,The Swapper, andWe Happy Feware perfect for those intrigued byJudas’philosophical elements.SomaandThe Swappermight be particularly good fits, as they hone in on the same questions of identity and consciousness, with some plot elements that are remarkably similar toJudas' ostensible narrative.
Finally, there areAtomic HeartandDead Space. Though they are both more action-oriented, withAtomic Heartbeing almost all action, they do share some similarities withBioShock’s combatand, in the case ofAtomic Heart, environment design.Dead Spaceis a good match thanks to its setting, though, which is spacebound and leverages horror elements to elevate player uncertainty and fear. Backtracking also plays a big role in the firstDead Space, which may put it in conversation withJudas, which will naturally have a lot of repetitive elements as a roguelike.
Judas
WHERE TO PLAY
Judas is a sci-fi first-person shooter game made by BioShock creator Ken Levine that’s set on a massive spaceship called the Mayflower.
