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Going into Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, I used to be anticipating to dive deep into the Gothic underbelly of vampire society. This is able to be my first direct publicity to this explicit taste of vampire lore, having not performed the unique and thus not been tortured by the sequel’s beleaguered growth or impacted by the PS5 refund controversy.
What the sport’s advertising led me to consider awaited me within the moon-soaked streets of Seattle was a dynamic and wealthy RPG the place each dialog alternative and motion I took can be accounted for. Nevertheless, that is not what Bloodlines 2 actually is. It straddles the road between that and its true type, and finally ends up falling brief on each fronts.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Solely Masquerades As An RPG
My Selections Hardly Matter, And The World Is Lifeless Set Dressing
Even in essentially the most dynamic and responsive RPGs, there are borders. Video games could make us really feel like we’re coloring exterior the traces, however we are able to by no means draw off the web page. My subject with Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is that it tells me I can draw exterior the traces, solely to slap my hand again once I attempt.
From the leap, Bloodlines 2 introduces the standard RPG dialog and selection programs we’re all accustomed to at this level. I am offered with a ton of early conversations that I can steer barely in a technique or one other based on my dialog choices. It would not take lengthy in any respect, although, to see that I am on a really set observe.
I am proven the standard “X favored that,” or no matter else, immediate that informs me how my alternative impacted my standing with that character typically, nevertheless it by no means really quantities to something. Strive as I would, I might by no means destroy a relationship with a essential character.
Worse is once I’m given an early alternative within the sport that looks like it might have rippling and substantial penalties for the remainder of the sport. I selected the “unhealthy” possibility, to maintain this spoiler-free, but it did not change my trajectory in any respect. I had basically betrayed a serious group, but I used to be nonetheless introduced in as one in every of them.
Solely within the closing hours do selections have any influence. However by that time, it looks like a poor comfort prize. I had been starved of any true role-playing alternatives all through all the sport, so these ending selections felt hole and flat.
Much less egregious, however nonetheless notable, is the open world. My first time strolling via the snowy Seattle streets, a lo-fi noir beat setting the temper, I allowed myself to suppose its vacancy was tonally applicable. Cozy, even.
When that vacant world remained static and lifeless, save for just a few repeated facet quests and boring collectibles, it become a chore. With nothing of worth to do or see on the way in which, it’d as effectively have been an interactive loading display between essential missions.
Bloodlines 2 Would’ve Been Stronger Breaking Away From The Previous
Being Beholden To The Franchise Cut up Its Focus
I’ve a ton of sympathy and endurance for the developer, The Chinese language Room. The truth that this sport even exists is one thing of a miracle, however I am unable to assist however learn it for example of a sport torn between legacy and its strengths.
As many issues as I’ve with Bloodlines 2, there’s a variety of good in there. The preliminary premise is nice, and it has the substances for a compelling vampire thriller. The tone and elegance are likewise filled with potential.
The problem lies in its lack of ability to be each a devoted immersive sim-like RPG that followers need and inform a well-crafted story. Had Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 shed its namesake, ditched the facade of being a reactive, choice-driven RPG, and gone with a extra linear type, it might’ve had a stronger probability at discovering an viewers.
- Launched
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October 21, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Nudity, Drug Reference, Robust Language
- Developer(s)
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The Chinese language Room
- Writer(s)
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Paradox Interactive
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
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