A decade after Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was first announced by Paradox Interactive, fans finally have the opportunity to experience the much-anticipated sequel. However, the reaction has been less than favorable, with the game currently holding mixed reviews on Steam. Many players argue that Bloodlines 2 fails to capture the essence of its predecessor and features surprisingly limited RPG elements.
Player feedback reflects a consensus that, despite being an enjoyable title within the Vampire: The Masquerade universe, Bloodlines 2 does not measure up to what fans expected from a sequel. One positive review states, “It is a good VtM game, but it is not a Bloodlines game,” suggesting that marketing may have contributed to the disappointment. On the other hand, negative reviews voice frustration with the game’s divergence from earlier promises, with one stating, “Nothing about this game is what you sold us 6 years [ago].”
The game’s narrative-driven adventure and investigative gameplay elements, while engaging, are criticized for lacking the role-playing depth that defined the original Bloodlines. Although sequels often explore new creative avenues, many feel that key aspects of the original that fostered its cult classic status are conspicuously absent.
The circumstances surrounding the original sequel attempt by Hardsuit Labs added to the disappointment. This prior version appeared to have more RPG features and retained a stronger connection to the original legacy. However, early previews weren’t universally positive, and developer and publisher sentiments suggest that the path forward may be uncertain. Paradox’s Deputy CEO, Mattias Lilja, expressed that if Bloodlines 2 succeeds, any potential Bloodlines 3 would likely be developed by another team under the franchise’s license.
Despite the mixed feedback on Bloodlines 2, the title highlights the intrigue of inhabiting a character within the World of Darkness universe. With a lack of recent titles set in this rich narrative world beyond Bloodlines 2 and some visual novels, fans remain hopeful. Nonetheless, given the troubled history of the franchise, the future of any potential sequels is clouded by the challenge of finding a willing developer, intertwining enthusiasm with caution as the saga of Bloodlines continues to unfold.