Key recommendations
- Early comparisons between Vampire: The Masqerade – Bloodlines 2 and Dishonored have sparked optimism.
- Changes in the development studios changed the style of the game towards action RPG elements.
- Paradox aims to ship Bloodlines 2 in the first half of 2025, despite previous production issues.
Mattias Lilja of Paradox Interactive commented on its development Vampire: The Masqerade – Bloodlines 2noting that early testing of the much-anticipated sequel drew comparisons to the beloved action RPG dishonor. Changes between development studios and the elimination of several protagonists left many fans tired of the direction Vampire: The Masqerade – Bloodlines 2but these latest comments from the game's publisher have sparked a new wave of optimism.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has already experienced tumultuous development, with the vampire title having its release date pushed back yet again following an August 2024 update. Audiences have been unhappy with repeated delays and a trailer that reveals less-than-satisfying gameplay for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2so it would seem that Paradox wants to put any concerns to rest with a healthy comparison to a successful title.
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Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Release date has been pushed back yet again
Fans of the hit RPG from 2004 will have to wait a little longer as Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 faces yet another delay.
During an interview with GamesIndustry, Paradox's Deputy General Manager Mattias Lilja mentioned that Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 drew early comparisons to Arkane Studios dishonor. The original cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines has gained a dedicated following due to its strong focus on World of Darkness TTRPG story and an extensive RPG skill tree system with an emphasis on dialogue choice. However, early looks at Bloodlines 2 drew backlash for a seemingly action-heavy approach to the original game's prioritization of stealth and deception. Lilja attributed the change in gameplay to current developer The Chinese Room, but noted that early reviews repeatedly compared this new gameplay to that of dishonor. He also pointed out that the “vision” of the game remained the same, while the gameplay simply changed more in the direction of a true action RPG.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is similar to Dishonored
Lilja also spoke at length about the struggles of switching studios during development, stating that the Chinese Chamber was given the freedom to decide which aspects of the existing version of the game were kept and which were completely changed. He complimented The Chinese Room's “stability” as a developer and said Paradox has “more confidence” that it can deliver a game with a solid story and setting. Despite the troubled production that leads to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 almost cancelled, Lilja reaffirmed Paradox's intentions to release Bloodlines 2 in “the first half of 2025”.
dishonor is among the most popular and successful first-person action RPGs of all time, so Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 being compared to such a title rekindled curiosity among fans. While many still remain skeptical due to the high number of delays, others are keeping their fingers crossed that a hidden gem is waiting to be revealed. If Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 will be greeted with the same praise as dishonor remains to be seen, but it would seem that the teams at Paradox Interactive are optimistic about the game's future.
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