By Jamie Miller
Vampires, one of pop culture’s most well-known monsters. They’ve been horrifying killing machines, suave and dangerous charmers, bad boys who sparkle in the sun, and a strange combination of all three. You can’t turn around without seeing something vampire-related, be it a vampire movie, book, or, in today’s case…video games.
“Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2” which was released on Oct. 21 is both based on the “Vampire: The Masquerade” tabletop role playing game as well as a sequel to the cult classic “Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines” the game follows the story of Phrye also known as the Nomad, Phrye a so-called elder vampire of 400 years of age who has awakened in modern day Seattle after a centuries long torpor or hibernation. In a new and strange environment with a strange person in his mind and literal blood on their hands, Phrye must find what allies they can and do battle with an enemy that threatens not just humanity but vampire kind as well.
The game features the voices of Tommy Sim’aan, known for voicing characters such as Orpheus in “Baldur’s Gate III” and Sargon in “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” as the voice of male Phrye, Hara Yannas, known for roles in the likes of “Baldur’s Gate III” and Diablo Immortal” as the voice of female Phrye. Jane Perry, known for voicing the likes of Rogue Amendiares in “Cyberpunk 2077” and Mystra in “Baldur’s Gate III” as Lou Graham, the former prince or leader of Seattle’s vampire community, and a woman who hasn’t stepped out of the 20’s. Finally, Ronan Summers, known for roles in the likes of “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Helloween,” provides the voice of Fabien Laguna.
Now, what did I think of this game? Well, I think it’s appropriate that so many of the voice actors did voices in “Baldur’s Gate III” as the whole time I played it, I had the sudden and persistent urge to turn it off and play that game instead. This game wasn’t glitchy or janky, and I feel that was part of the problem. It was just boring. It’s not like “Skryim” where it’s got some glitchiness to it, but it actually makes the game more entertaining, nor is it like “Mass Effect” or “Cyberpunk 2077” where the game and its themes stick with you long after you’ve finished. And it sure as heck is no “Baldur’s Gate III,” it’s just meh. It exists, it was made, but I’m not entirely sure why. There is no ambition, no risk-taking story-wise. The controls are bizarre and uncomfortable to use. The voice acting, while fine, is nothing to really write home about. And the development, the development is the reason why the term “development hell” exists. The game was originally supposed to be released in 2020 with a very different story and protagonist. But that of course didn’t happen; they even changed development teams, going from Hardsuit Labs to the Chinese Room. And I feel like that’s the reason I really don’t like this game, I have been anticipating and looking forward to it for literal years. Only to get a mediocre game that is really depressing and makes you question why get hyped for the next big game at all. The graphics were pretty good, and the game did have a good atmosphere. I will give them that, but when that’s all the game has going for it, that doesn’t really save it.
All in all, I have to give the game two torches out of 10. I can’t go any lower as the game does technically function, but it’s just not what we were promised, and I don’t see a redemption story like “Cyberpunk 2077” in its future. It is likely doomed to the bargain bin of history. And with a $60 price tag just for the basic edition, I can’t recommend the game. My advice is this: if you want a bloody good role-playing game, play “Baldur’s Gate III” or “Cyberpunk 2077” instead.
