VtM Bloodlines 2: A Counter Point (spoilers warning!)
So I finally played and finished Bloodlines 2 this weekend and wanted to share my thoughts because I’ve seen a lot of negative opinions on Youtube and the web.
To preface, I’d like to mention that I played Bloodlines 1 when it came out and loved it. Still one of my favorite games. Discovered Chiasm thanks to it ;)
I’ve always loved vampires. I’ve played Redemption, Bloodlines, Legacy of Kain.
I’ve seen Dracula, Interview (film and series), Nosferatu, Shadow of the Vampire, Lost Boys, Near Dark, Let the Right One In…
I’ve read Anne Rice and several VtM core books over the years…
Like most of you I followed the development of Bloodlines 2, with all its ups and many downs. I was very cautiously optimistic, and trying not to take it at face value.
So with that out of the way I’ll come right out and say I had a great time with Bloodlines 2! It’s not a perfect game but I feel it delivers in my ways to what makes a good game, a great vampire game, and I’d even argue that it’s a (really) good VtM Bloodlines game.
Let me break it down.
The Vampire / VtM feel
We have 6 clans to choose from. Yes it’s missing two big ones with Gangrel and Nosferatu, but you get many mainstays Ventrue, Toreador, Tremere, Lasombra, Brujah, and Banu Haquim. I’d also argue that Malkavian are playable, even if it’s not by choice.
The skills are limited and you don’t really have choice if you stick to your clan stuff. But again, you get all the big ones that really are ‘classic’ to each clan.
We don’t get to chose stats, we don’t have skill choices per se, but what we have delivers.
The feel of being a vampire is there too. You have celerity, you have Cloud Memory, Impostor’s Guise, Spirit Touch, plus the skill of your chosen clan. You also have all the kindred politics.
The feeding is well handled, you have to avoid breaching the masquerade… It worked for me.
Graphics/World
I really enjoyed this. It’s not AAA but I found the game art and characters beautiful. The speaking animations are good and not over exaggerated. Each character has a very distinct look, personality, definitely feels like their clan.The politics of the VtM world are everywhere (more on that later).
Seattle itself is fine with me. The number of open locations are limited and some locked behind plot progress (the big offender is clearly Club Atrium) but you still get a good variety of spots to visit with distinct vibes.
There’s a good quantity of population in the streets and I didn’t feel like the streets were empty at all, especially with the city going through a Blizzard (easy plot explanation but I’ll take it).
Music
It may not reach the greatness of Bloodlines 1 but it’s still very good. You good ambiance tracks, creepy tracks, action tracks; the Atrium club track is a banger too. Rik Schaffer is back to compose several tracks… all in all, we really can’t complain.
Gameplay / Missions
I’m sure the gameplay varies greatly depending on which clan you pick (I chose Lasombra). You can learn other clan disciplines but I didn’t really do that much (you get plenty XP for it but it’s more bottlenecked by the blood types you have to collect and I didn’t bother much). You can stealth, go all guns blazing. Up to you.
I will mention that there was a section about midway where I really struggled and had to restart 4-5 times. Lots of big guys with heavy hammer and very powerful shotguns. I switched to Easy at that point, to limit frustration (come at me! lol)
One thing I really love in Bloodlines 1 are the creepy missions/places (Ocean Hotel, the snuff apartments, the sewers…) and I was really happy to see Bloodlines 2 deliver on those.
I was a few hours in and even told my friend that nothing was creepy yet and I hoped it would change. Boy did it! The Atrium level was awesome and creepy in all the right ways. Definitely my favorite part of the game. There was also the mind trip with all the mannequins, the old Seattle section. Good stuff.
You also have all the Fabien parts which play more like a film noir detective story. This is where you get to use all your mind trickery and Spirit Touch. I enjoyed these a lot but I guess your mileage could vary.
The plot was very interesting to me. I enjoyed discovering more about the murders, what happened to me etc… There are lots of dialogue options in the game, and decisions that affect the ending of the game. The politics of Kindred society are in full display. Who will you side with? Will you turn or kill this person? Will you throw X under the bus and support Y?
So again here, I can't complain.
Overall I had a blast playing it, it really delivered the VtM feel for me. I know people really shat on it at release but I would sincerely recommend that if you love Vampire, you give this game a chance.