It has been five months since the surprising announcement by Paradox Interactive that The Chinese Room, renowned for developing Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, had taken over the troubled development of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. During this period, the studio has been openly discussing its approach to the sequel, with the latest update focusing on what it terms “visceral immersive combat.”
In a recently shared blog post, creative director Alex Skidmore details three primary gameplay styles the studio aims to accommodate upon release, each highlighting or downplaying combat in distinct ways.
The first style, known as the Strategic Stalker, revolves around the “vampire predator fantasy,” emphasizing staying hidden and employing surprise tactics.
According to Skidmore, this stealth-oriented combat approach involves sneaking up on enemies, creating distractions, and swiftly feeding on them before a confrontation ensues. In contrast, the second style, the Action Brawler, caters to players who prefer diving into direct combat, relying on fast reflexes and combat skills.
This more aggressive playstyle, well-suited for Brujah clan players, focuses on being in the midst of a brawl and utilizing abilities to control the crowd for maximum damage.
Skidmore acknowledges that most players will likely adopt a middle-ground approach, alternating between stealth and violence as the situation demands. The studio aims to accommodate a third player type, the Narrative Adventurer, who prioritizes the fantasy, narrative, and exploration elements of the game.
To cater to these diverse playstyles, Skidmore reveals that Bloodlines 2 will prioritize “immersion over complexity.” The core of this approach is a streamlined control scheme featuring accessible core actions upon which the studio can build depth.
For instance, the basic defensive mechanic is a dash, allowing players to reposition or dodge attacks. Dodging toward an enemy performing a melee attack transforms it into a counter capable of staggering foes.
Furthermore, players will be limited to four abilities at a time, striking a balance between simplicity for uninterrupted gameplay and depth for long-term mastery.
The studio aims to encourage players to think about their next move rather than the mechanics behind it. The final touch is what the studio terms Visceral Combat, ensuring that combat always feels like “bloody business.”
Skidmore explains that as an Elder vampire, the character Phyre has become desensitized to violence, and the studio aims for players to undergo a similar experience throughout the game. The acceptance of violent carnage as commonplace is expected to mirror the reality of being a centuries-old vampire in a city where everyone is a potential threat.
This approach to visceral combat is the second “game pillar” around which The Chinese Room is building Bloodlines 2, with the first being the overarching theme of “Feeling like a Vampire.”
The studio promises more details on the third and final pillar, “Exploring the World of Darkness,” in the next two weeks. A first gameplay trailer for The Chinese Room’s iteration of Bloodlines 2 is scheduled for release on January 31st, providing a glimpse into the game’s potential release date.
