Ex-Dragon Age lead hopes Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 pulls an ‘Expedition 33 or Baldur’s Gate 3’ by leaning into the combat-light, roleplaying-heavy gameplay of the tabletop version

Fraser Brown from PC Gamer has stirred a mix of nostalgia and hope regarding the long-anticipated sequel, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. His recent preview has rekindled the flickering flame of optimism in fans who had long since accepted that the sequel might not live up to the cherished memories of its predecessor. As the excitement builds, it seems I am not alone in this resurgence of hope. Notably, David Gaider, the creative mind behind the Dragon Age universe, has also expressed his enthusiasm for the original Bloodlines, sharing his aspirations for what the sequel could achieve in a conversation with PCGamesN.

Gaider’s Vision for Bloodlines 2

Gaider envisions a new installment that aligns with the depth and complexity of titles like Expedition 33 or Baldur’s Gate 3. His comments suggest a desire for a game that embraces the rich political intrigue and character-driven narratives of the original tabletop experience. “Wouldn’t it be great to have a full-on RPG that wasn’t beholden to the fantasy or sci-fi genre?” Gaider muses, advocating for a game that fully immerses players in the roleplaying systems of Vampire: The Masquerade.

He further elaborates on the tabletop’s focus, stating, “If you’ve played the tabletop version, it didn’t do a lot of combat. What it did with characters and inter-character relationships, as well as the various powers you had and how those changed the way you played the game completely… I wish somebody would just take that to its logical conclusion and give us the game that’s meant to exist.”

While Gaider’s lofty expectations may not be entirely met, there is still reason to believe that the sequel could deliver an engaging experience. Fraser’s preview describes the game as a blend of chaotic action and intricate storytelling, where players can expect to navigate a world filled with visceral encounters and complex moral dilemmas. He notes that the gameplay features “gleeful controlled chaos as you juggle bodies, rip out throats and use your vampiric powers to make mortals and vamps alike explode in a shower of blood.”

Despite the intense action, Fraser assures that Bloodlines 2 will also offer rich roleplaying opportunities. He highlights the game’s labyrinthine mysteries and Machiavellian conflicts, suggesting that tense interactions with characters like LA’s vampire prince LaCroix and his rebel anarchs will showcase the game at its finest. If the sequel can build upon these moments, it promises to be a captivating addition to the franchise.

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Ex-Dragon Age lead hopes Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 pulls an 'Expedition 33 or Baldur's Gate 3' by leaning into the combat-light, roleplaying-heavy gameplay of the tabletop version