After years of uncertainty, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is finally getting back on track, slated for a release next fall. The game has undergone significant changes, not only in its development team but also in its narrative and gameplay mechanics. Paradox Interactive has now entrusted the project to The Chinese Room, known for atmospheric games like Dear Esther and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture.
The original sequel was mired in setbacks, most notably the firing of its lead writer Brian Mitsoda and creative director Ka'ai Cluney. Developer Hardsuit Labs was also shown the door, putting the game on an indefinite hiatus in 2021. Enter The Chinese Room, which promises a different take on the RPG elements and narrative experience, while still retaining the gritty atmosphere that fans loved in the original game. The setting remains Seattle, but the protagonist is now an "Elder" vampire who's been asleep for 300 years, a stark departure from the "thin blood" new-gen vamp originally planned.
Alex Skidmore, the game’s new creative director, expressed his enthusiasm for working on the project. With a history in developing crunch-heavy RPGs like Gears Tactics and the Fable series, Skidmore adds a new layer of expertise to the development team. According to Skidmore, the game won't be "a sort of poor homage" to the original but aims to stand as its own entity in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe.
The new concept art and trailer showcase a Seattle engulfed in a historic snowstorm, adding a layer of grimness to the game’s already dark narrative. The changes seem to have invigorated the game’s community, adding a newfound excitement for what has been a long-awaited sequel.
While specifics on gameplay mechanics remain under wraps, it's clear that The Chinese Room aims for an experience that allows role-playing but also gives the protagonist a well-defined backstory, creating an interesting balance for players to explore.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, Screenshot
With a more detailed gameplay reveal expected in January, the anticipation for Bloodlines 2 has shifted from cautious optimism to palpable excitement. It looks like Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 has been saved from the depths of development hell, and fans can once again look forward to diving into this dark and compelling universe.
Source: YouTube