Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2

In addition to close quarter fights, we can use ranged weapons or operate in hiding, quietly sneaking behind the enemy's back and attacking them by surprise. The creators made an effort to ensure that our bloodsucker was not a typical stealth hero, but a true night hunter. Our actions in the shadows are therefore not driven by fear of enemies, but by the desire to play "cat and mouse".

We can also solve problems (at least some of them) by relying on the power of persuasion.

Vampire powers

The vampire controlled by us possesses supernatural powers, the range of which can rely on being affiliated with a specific clan. Telekinesis is one of the major powers, allowing us to throw objects at targets or pull weapons towards our character. We can also quickly climb obstacles, glide or perform long jumps.

As we progress, we develop the vampire in the direction we choose, which gradually makes them more powerful. Despite everything, it's worth being on guard, because the hero is not omnipotent and invincible. We should also remember the necessity of hunting to provide ourselves with life-giving blood.

Masquerade

Caution must be exercised when playing the game and the Masquerade law must be respected. This means that we have to act in such a way as not to reveal our true nature to outsiders. Otherwise, we expose ourselves to retaliation from law enforcement and other vampires, which can end with a sudden wooden stake being driven into our heart, meaning death and the need to load the previous save.

Story

As already mentioned, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 takes us on a journey to Seattle. During the game, we play as an older vampire named Phyre, who after waking up from a hundred-year sleep hears in his head the voice of Detective Fabien from the Malkavian clan. This unusual duo must not only find out how their "meeting" occurred in Phyre's head, but also solve the murder mystery threatening all vampires living in Seattle. Fabien's presence also provides an opportunity to experience flashbacks set in the 1920s.

Over time, Phyre joins forces with one of the clans shaking the city after dark. It depends on us which one we will support, and the decisions we make affect the protagonist's possibilities and the course of the story. In doing so, it is important to carefully choose allies, because in the World of Darkness everyone has their own hidden motives and not only do they weave their intrigues, but they also act with exceptional ruthlessness.

Connection with VtM Bloodlines 1

Despite the "two" in the title, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is not a direct continuation of the story presented in the first part of the series, and familiarity with it is not necessary to understand the plot of the second game. We are dealing with an independent position, which only shares the universe with its predecessor.

Plot according to Hardsuit Labs

It's worth noting that Hardsuit Labs studio had a completely different idea for the plot of this production. In the first version of Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, players were to embody a newly created vampire, and their task was to unmask the conspiracy at the root of the conflict between powerful factions of bloodsuckers.

Engine

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 operates on Unreal Engine 5 technology.

Premium and Deluxe Editions

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 debuted in three editions. In addition to the standard one, the following went on sale:

1. Deluxe Edition is enriched with the Santa Monica Memories shelter decoration pack (containing the Ankara Sarcophagus, clan neon collection, stop sign, and portrait of Sister Voerman);
2. Premium Edition also offers Expansion Pass, consisting of three story add-ons.

Delays and change of developer

In 2020, some employees of Hardsuit Labs were laid off (for various reasons, not always clear). In February 2021, the game's publisher - Paradox Interactive - ultimately decided to remove this team from production. As a result, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 officially had no developer for a long time, which put the future of the project into question.

It was only announced in September 2023 that the project had been handed over to The Chinese Room studio, which not only completed it, but also introduced a number of significant changes.