Vampire: The Masquerade – Will It Be A Proper Sequel?
Nov. 6, 2024Vampire: The Masquerade – Will It Be A Proper Sequel?
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2is an upcoming RPG developed by The Chinese Room that seeks to redefine theWorld of Darknessfor the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game centers on Phyre, an Elder vampire who awakens after centuries of slumber in Seattle, where the vampiric landscape has changed significantly. The narrative is described as a neo-noir thriller, emphasizing player choice, and allowing decisions about Phyre’s gender, appearance, and clan to impact gameplay and story outcomes.
The game builds on the legacy of the originalBloodlinesby combining rich narrative and roleplaying elements with action-oriented mechanics based on the player’s chosen clan. Each clan offers unique abilities and gameplay styles that influence how Phyre interacts with the world and its inhabitants.
The story ofVampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2kicks off with Phyre, an elder vampire who’s just been woken up from a long slumber in Seattle. After a hundred years of being in torpor (a state of vampiric hibernation), they find themselves in a world that’s changed a lot, and not just because of the time that’s passed. Phyre has a mysterious mark on their hand that’s somehow linked to their new reality, and there’s also a thin-blooded vampire named Fabian hanging out in their head, offering insights and commentary. This setup is meant to introduce new players to the game’s world while also giving Phyre a reason to learn about the modern era, even if it gets a bit annoying with Fabian chiming in all the time.
As Phyre navigates this new life, their choices matter. The game focuses on how they interact with the people of Seattle, whether they treat them as mere food or try to maintain some humanity. There are different clans to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, and those decisions will impact the gameplay and the story’s outcomes. The narrative is designed to reflect how the player treats the world around them, leading to multiple endings based on their actions and interactions. So, it’s all about balancing the dark side of being a vampire with the desire to connect with the world they’re in.
InVampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, customization plays a significant role in shaping the player’s experience and interaction with the game world. Players can fully customize the main character, Phyre, allowing them to choose their gender, appearance, and vampire clan. This flexibility ensures that each player’s Phyre is unique, reflecting individual preferences and playstyles. The selection of a clan is particularly impactful, as it not only influences Phyre’s abilities and combat styles but also determines how players engage with the game’s narrative and the various factions within the vampiric society.
Additionally, customization extends beyond physical appearance to include a variety of gameplay elements. The choices players make regarding dialogue, outfits, and interactions affect how NPCs respond to Phyre and can lead to different story outcomes. This layered approach to customization means that players are not just altering the character’s looks but are also actively shaping their journey through the game’s world. The developers emphasize that choices made throughout the game will resonate with the environment and other characters, enhancing the sense of agency and immersion in the vampiric experience.
InBloodlines 2, each vampire clan offers a unique playstyle, blending combat strengths, powers, and distinct role-playing dynamics that influence a player’s approach to missions and interactions.
TheBrujahclan, known for its brutal, melee-based combat, is characterized by raw physical strength and a rebellious spirit. As a clan of outcasts and punks, Brujah vampires rely heavily on their fists and physical abilities to deal damage up close, often using their immense power to dominate in combat. This makes the Brujah ideal for players who prefer to dive into confrontations head-on, using sheer force to make their point.
TheTremereclan, on the other hand, brings a more mystical, magic-based approach to combat, positioning them as the “warlocks” or “blood mages” of vampire society. Known for their pursuit of knowledge, Tremere vampires wield blood magic and telekinetic powers, controlling both their own blood and that of their opponents. This power allows for strategic, ranged combat, as seen in early gameplay where a Tremere vampire can lift and hurl enemies using telekinesis. Players who choose Tremere will likely find themselves using spells and mystical attacks rather than engaging in direct physical confrontations, making them ideal for players who enjoy a more calculated, magic-centric playstyle.
TheBanu Haqimclan is defined by stealth and assassination skills, known for their strict moral code and their pursuit of justice within vampire society. Often acting as “hunters of hunters,” Banu Haqim vampires are driven by a sense of justice and a thirst for the blood of other vampires. Their abilities make them well-suited for stealthy, hit-and-run tactics, allowing players to take down foes silently and efficiently. Drawing inspiration from popular vampire archetypes like Blade, the Banu Haqim clan is perfect for those who want to play as a morally driven, principled hunter.
Lastly, theVentrueclan represents the “blue bloods” of vampire society, known for their high status, wealth, and command over others. Ventrue vampires specialize in mind control and high defense, often using their powers ofPresenceto influence andDominatetheir enemies. This clan’s Disciplines allow for manipulation and control-based combat, giving players a strategic advantage in social and combat scenarios alike. The Ventrue’s focus on status and authority makes them an excellent choice for players who enjoy political intrigue and a commanding presence within the game’s vampire society. Each clan inBloodlines 2offers a distinct experience, from Brujah’s raw power to Tremere’s mysticism, Banu Haqim’s stealth, and Ventrue’s control, providing a variety of ways to approach the game’s dark, vampire-dominated world.
Bloodlines 2takes a first-person perspective for most gameplay, switching to third-person for specific interactions like conversations and feeding scenes. In recent gameplay footage, we follow Phyre, a female Brujah vampire in this playthrough, as she investigates a mysterious mark on her hand, leading her to infiltrate a warehouse. This mission has her navigating an illusion puzzle, facing off against a Nosferatu vampire named Willem, and using her clan-specific super strength to tackle obstacles and enemies. The blend of puzzle-solving and action highlights both exploration and combat mechanics.
The game’s feeding mechanics involve players pressing both controller triggers to bite a target, adding a more interactive feel to the process. Combat also draws on each clan’s unique strengths; for the Brujah, it’s a melee-heavy, brawler style, using a targeting system similar toRed Dead Redemption 2’s Dead Eye mechanic. So far, we’ve mainly seen the Brujah in action, but future reveals are expected to showcase combat styles for other clans, like Tremere or Banu Haqim.
There is also a unique Blood Resonance system that enhances gameplay, affecting both interactions and powers. Blood is categorized into melancholic, sanguine, and choleric resonances, each offering specific boosts when consumed. Players can draw out these states in targets by engaging in certain dialogues and actions—like provoking anger to create choleric blood. Resonances can also occur naturally, allowing players to feed without manipulating their victim. This system doesn’t just empower the character with clan-specific abilities but also reinforces the Masquerade, as players must be smart in their feeding to avoid suspicion.
Dialogue and roleplaying choices offer flexibility, with paraphrased options that allow players to choose an assertive, diplomatic, or manipulative approach based on their style. According to Senior Narrative Designer Sarah Longthorne, the goal is to keep responses flexible while avoiding overly simplistic choices, which adds some depth to interactions. The combination of dialogue and Blood Resonance systems creates a layered experience, where players are encouraged to think through their responses, using social skills and vampiric powers in a world filled with intrigue and danger. Every choice impacts the narrative, making players feel more immersed in their vampire roles and the complex society they inhabit.
Vampiric abilities extend beyond combat to include solving environmental puzzles and overcoming obstacles. In one instance, Phyre uses supernatural senses to shatter an illusion by destroying hidden gramophones, emphasizing non-combat skills that fit well with the game’s vampire roleplaying focus. The character of Fabian, a thin-blood vampire, also appears as a guide, offering commentary and insight along the journey. This approach brings together exploration and roleplaying elements, giving players agency and immersion as they navigate the dark world ofBloodlines 2.
As development pressed on, the project has seen numerous shifts in both direction and personnel. Early previews showcased a vibrant Seattle setting and intriguing story elements that had players excited, but reports of ongoing struggles hinted at deeper issues behind the scenes. Paradox’s decision to part ways with Hardsuit Labs added to the uncertainty, marking a turning point where the team had to rebuild and refocus under new leadership. Delays pushed the release further down the line, but there’s still some hope that a fresh approach might breathe new life into the game and tackle its previous challenges. Now with a different development team at the helm,Bloodlines 2is trying to chart a new course after everything it’s been through.
This has left fans feeling frustrated as it seems Paradox is trying to distance itself from the original while still marketingBloodlines 2under its name. Liljur’s remarks suggest that the original’s reputation rests mainly on nostalgia, undermining the very qualities that made it special. Fans argue that the depth of storytelling, character development, and meaningful player choices were hallmarks of the first game that just don’t appear to be part of modern titles. Many believe that Paradox’s comments indicate a misunderstanding of what madeBloodlinesso beloved and a lack of engagement with its legacy. As excitement forBloodlines 2continues to fade, questions about the franchise’s future and whether Paradox truly appreciates the value of the IP they manage loom large.
Castielle
Senior Editor at Fextralife. I enjoy gaming, playing and watching sports, cooking yummy food, watching a good movie and hanging out with Fex.
