BioShock fans now have a new way to return to the underwater city of Rapture, as a new PC mod has transformed the entirety of BioShock Remastered into a virtual reality experience.

Originally released in 2007, BioShock quickly became one of the most acclaimed games of its generation. Directed by Ken Levine and blending first-person shooting with immersive sim elements, the game earned widespread praise for its storytelling, atmosphere and world design. It also launched a franchise that would eventually include two sequels, multiple DLC expansions, novels and other projects.

BioShock 2 followed in 2010, while BioShock Infinite arrived in 2013. Although the franchise has been dormant for more than a decade, fans now have several reasons to remain interested in its future. Levine is developing Judas with his new studio, while Cloud Chamber is working on the long-awaited BioShock 4.

In the meantime, however, one fan has found a way to make the original BioShock feel new again.A new PC mod created by modder mohamad-balouza converts BioShock Remastered into a full VR experience. The project was recently showcased by YouTuber Beardo Benjo and allows players to explore Rapture in virtual reality while using motion controls.

The mod provides an entirely different way to experience the game's environments, combat and exploration. Walking through Rapture in VR also highlights just how well BioShock's detailed environments could translate to a fully immersive format.

It's particularly interesting considering that an official BioShock VR game has never been released. The franchise's atmospheric environments and first-person gameplay would seem like a natural fit for virtual reality, making the mod an intriguing demonstration of what an official VR adaptation could potentially look like.

Unfortunately, fans are still waiting for the next proper BioShock game. BioShock Infinite remains the most recent mainline release, having launched more than 13 years ago.

There is at least plenty happening behind the scenes. BioShock 4 is officially in development at Cloud Chamber, although very little has been revealed about the project so far. Rumors have claimed that the game could be set in Antarctica and feature an open or semi-open world, with reports suggesting that its development has experienced some difficulties.

Ken Levine's Judas is also expected to arrive in the coming years and appears to carry many of the design ideas associated with his previous work on BioShock.

The franchise is also expanding beyond games. A BioShock movie is currently being developed for Netflix, with Francis Lawrence attached to direct. Production is expected to move forward after Lawrence completes The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

For now, BioShock fans have plenty to look forward to, even if the wait for the next official game continues. And for PC players with compatible VR hardware, this new mod offers perhaps the most immersive way yet to return to Rapture.