There has been a lot of talk amidst fans about Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 and yes, a lot of them don’t exactly look positive. It has mixed reviews and has divided fans on how they feel about the game… and honestly, I get it. It’s the much-awaited sequel to a cult classic and I can see the comparisons being made. Thing is, I walked into Bloodlines 2 with no nostalgia, no knowledge of the original, and no expectations. And I really think there’s still something special here. It may not live up to the heights that the first game established but I think that, for a newcomer to the franchise, this still might be a game worth experiencing. Here’s why I think you should give Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 a chance.
An Amazing Setting of Darkness
The game opens up with a man waking you up and, after having a moment or two to come to, you bite him ferociously. Yup, you are a vampire. An elder even as you’ll find out. While the opening sequence has you escaping an abandoned building, you soon begin to take in the sights and sounds of this slice of Seattle that the game has you going around in. I was kinda taken aback with the visuals of this game. Yes, it was nice but there was something more to it than that. The lights of the city and how this game plays with darkness, while I was initially put off by it, it slowly kind of started growing on me as part of the whole theme of the game. This was a darker setting than what I was used to. The light glares (especially the red ones) honestly felt oppressive. Like sure, this was a beautiful city but there was an unsettling air about the whole thing. It was nice, sure, but it also felt like there was an invisible tension that was shrouding everything. It felt dark? Maybe even evil? I was never really sure. It just felt different and unique and, for a story about vampires, it fits. Don’t worry. I still recognise that there were some visuals in the game that did feel like a strain to my eyes to look at (which I do wish could’ve been improved on) but, as part of the theme, does kinda work and does set the mood for the experience.
The Vampire: The Masquerades Lore is Truly Mezmerizing
Like I said, this technically only applies to first-timers to the VTM universe but I think that’s why it had such a big impact on me. It was so cool seeing that there were various types of Vampires and how distinct each one was from the other. How they had factions that pulled the strings of society from the shadows. You then add the the rich background of Phyre as the Nomad who is like an almost legendary figure amongst his kin. Being placed in the middle of all this and experiencing first-hand what the lore of VTM has honestly just made me want to find out more about it and even play the first game for myself! Overall, it’s just so cool seeing as how the essence of VTM is shown in various aspects of the game like with its politics, its stories, how it affects the main story, and more.
Mystery ala Noir
As someone who enjoys stories in gaming, I gotta say that the whole vibe that Fabien gives as the second voice in your head was something I cheered on hard. Fabien looks and sounds like a noir-style detective. And then you combine that with you solving mysteries left and right — most importantly, the mystery behind the symbol in your hand (which seems to inhibit your powers as well AND the mystery of WHY ARE THERE TWO VOICES IN MY HEAD?? Among other things of course. It’s actually also cool that you get to decide for yourself how you impact this world because of how there is a loyalty meter of sorts that’s attached to each faction. Yes, it may not be the most robust choice system but, while you’re playing it (especially if you’re actually ROLE playing it and immersing yourself), it’s quite the awesome vibe for a game.
Vampiric Power on Display
Lastly, I actually liked the way I felt during my playthrough. As a vampire, wow was I powerful. I mean I could vastly overpower any human I encountered but I liked the restraints that the game puts on you because of the Masquerade (aka the rule that no normies must know about vampires). It was nice feeling that I had all this power and yet, I still had to keep it on the down-low. But when everything is fair game, I had so much power to unleash. I could lop off the heads of foes in one swift motion. I could make blood boil from afar. I could move so fast it was like I stopped time. Having these powers at my beck and call was a great thing to experience. But yes, I’m not glazing over that the combat is far from perfect. But it’s one of those things that when it works, it works.
Overall, I know that Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 isn’t the perfect comeback fans dreamed of. But as someone stepping into this universe for the first time? I found myself genuinely pulled in. The atmosphere works, the lore of VTM had me immersed, and I felt the joy and amazement of being able to check out what VTM had to offer first-hand.
If you’re a fresh player looking for a dark RPG and want to dip your toes into Vampire: The Masquerade, Bloodlines 2 may just be worth checking out.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is out now for PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.