World of Darkness Archives

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Bloodlines 2’s disastrous $37 million write-down “lies fully” with Paradox, says its CEO, as the controversial VTM game flops

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 has a 56% lifetime rating on Steam and has sold approximately 121,500 copies, generating around million in net revenue. Paradox Interactive will not develop a sequel, Bloodlines 3, and has written down SEK 355 million on the game's development costs. The game has been criticized for lacking a coherent sequel experience, a compelling narrative, and suffering from technical glitches and chaotic combat mechanics. Paradox's CEO acknowledged miscalculations in sales expectations, stating the game is outside their core areas. Despite setbacks, two DLCs, Loose Cannon and The Flower and The Flame, are planned for release in 2026. The World of Darkness franchise has struggled with recent video game adaptations, with few achieving notable success.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

After Bloodlines 2 I was going to return to VTM’s underrated battle royale game, but there’s bad news

In May 2023, Sharkmob announced the end of active development for Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodhunt, leading to a decline in player engagement. By September 2023, the game reached a standstill, and Sharkmob confirmed that the servers will permanently close on April 28, 2026. Players can no longer purchase Tokens, the in-game currency, but the store remains open for spending remaining balances. The daily player count had dwindled to 400 to 600. After April 28, 2026, the game will no longer be available for play or purchase on PC and PlayStation platforms.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2’s biggest mistake is being called Bloodlines 2

The World of Darkness tabletop role-playing game introduces the concept of a 'true name,' which reflects the essence of an identity. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 may be misnamed, as it diverges from expectations set by its title. The game immerses players in the atmosphere of Vampire: The Masquerade, featuring enjoyable combat with elder vampire powers. However, it has formulaic elements that can make it forgettable, and nostalgic references to Bloodlines 1 may feel irrelevant or irritating. The game's development involved The Chinese Room's vision, while Paradox's decision to attach the Bloodlines name may have created unrealistic expectations. Players expecting a sequel to Bloodlines 1 may be disappointed, but when viewed as a standalone title, Bloodlines 2 is a commendable effort within the Vampire: The Masquerade universe.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

If Bloodlines 2’s mixed reviews are putting you off, here’s where you can get a sweet launch discount

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines was released in 2004 and is known for its immersive atmosphere and compelling narrative, despite being plagued by bugs at launch. Bloodlines 2, while not a direct sequel, serves as a spiritual successor set in modern-day Seattle and has received mixed reviews, including a score of 5/10 from PCGamesN. Players assume the role of Phyre, a 400-year-old elder, navigating conflicts among factions in Seattle, with various clan options that offer distinct playstyles. Combat mechanics allow for unique abilities and character builds. Bloodlines 2 is currently available for a discounted price of .99 / £45.99 at Fanatical.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Bloodlines 2 is a sequel in name alone, and it isn’t a good enough RPG to combat that disappointment

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 has faced a troubled development process with multiple teams and a lengthy production timeline. It is described as a "spiritual successor" to the original game, but the connection feels weak. The game is set in Seattle, which lacks the vibrancy and depth of the original's Santa Monica. While there are well-designed environments, many areas feel generic and repetitive. Character design is praised, with a diverse cast, but supporting characters lack development and side quests are often mundane. The protagonist, Phyre, is seen as unremarkable, and the narrative becomes convoluted over time. The combat system is criticized for being problematic, with chaotic abilities and a lack of enjoyment. Each clan offers distinct playstyles, and the progression system resembles tabletop mechanics. Overall, Bloodlines 2 is viewed as a diminished version of its predecessor, failing to capture the essence and complexity that made the original memorable.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Ahead of Bloodlines 2, save $950 and immerse yourself in the best the World of Darkness has to offer

The author expresses a deep passion for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), particularly Vampire: The Masquerade, which they have been drawn to since playing the original Bloodlines and Bloodhunt. They have created a new character in the game and engaged with its lore through various media while preparing for the release of Bloodlines 2. The physical copies of Vampire: The Masquerade books are expensive, with core rulebooks around £40 and auxiliary guides ranging from £25 to £36.50. A Humble Bundle is currently offering 57 digital books related to Vampire: The Masquerade and its sister titles for £18.54, with a total value of £724.90. This bundle will be available until the end of October. Smaller bundles are also available at lower prices but may lack some essential texts for newcomers.