The Evolution of Combat in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

In the past five months since The Chinese Room, the creators of “Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture,” took over Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, the studio has been open to discussions regarding the approach to the sequel. In a recent blog post, Creative Director Alex Skidmore introduces three main gameplay styles that the studio aims to incorporate into the game.

The first style is called “Strategic Stalker,” which focuses on the element of surprise and stealth. Skidmore explains that this combat style involves silently approaching enemies, causing distractions, and swiftly consuming their blood before engaging in direct combat. This greatly differs from the second combat style, “Action Brawler,” which is designed for players who enjoy fast reflexes and quick engagement in combat.

However, Skidmore notes that most players will fluidly utilize both combat styles depending on the situation. Additionally, the studio aims to create a third style for players who prefer a more narrative-driven and exploratory gameplay experience.

To accommodate these three distinct gameplay styles, Bloodlines 2 will prioritize “immersion over complexity.” The foundation of this approach lies in a “streamlined control scheme” that encompasses a set of basic actions that the studio can expand upon to provide a sense of mastery for players who desire it. For instance, the primary defensive mechanism is dodging, allowing players to change position or evade attacks. However, when engaged in close combat, dodging transitions into a counter-attack capable of disorienting enemies.

Similarly, Skidmore states that players will be limited to four abilities at a time, “enough to utilize them without interrupting the flow of gameplay,” yet deep enough to offer an interesting and enjoyable combat experience. Ultimately, the goal is for players to focus on the exciting actions they want to perform rather than how to perform them.

Additionally, the studio emphasizes “visceral combat,” aiming to make combat an inherently “bloody affair.” As Skidmore explains, “As an ancient vampire, Phyre has become desensitized to violence, and we want players to gradually develop a similar feeling throughout the game – perhaps initially shocked by decapitations but eventually accepting violence as a normality when you’ve lived for 400 years and everyone’s out to get you.”

In this way, The Chinese Room is constructing Bloodlines 2 around two fundamental pillars (the first being “Feel Like a Vampire”), with the promise of sharing more detailed information about the third and final pillar – “Exploring the Dark World” – in the coming two weeks. The first gameplay trailer for Bloodlines 2 according to The Chinese Room is set to be released on Wednesday, January 31st, and we hope to learn more about the planned release date.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be