Paradox is working on a sequel to the cult classic RPG, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines called, appropriately enough, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is a full sequel to the original game and not a remake or re-imagining as some suspected this upcoming project might be. Its story takes place in Seattle where an event known as the “Mass Embrace” has left the city overrun with vampires. You play one of the young vampires created during this event. In fact, your first (and main) mission is to find out who it was that sired you during this event that seems to have not been approved by high ranking members of the vampire community.
The set-up is somewhat similar to the one in the first game, as is the purpose of this premise. Much like before, Bloodlines 2 asks you to discover what kind of vampire you really are. While that involves working with and against various vampire clans in order to determine your allegiance, it also means answering that question through your every action. Considering that the original Bloodlines had one of the better morality systems in gaming, we fully expect this title to continue its legacy in that respect.
However, there is one area where Bloodlines 2 thankfully abandons what came before: the combat system. The original game’s combat mechanics were widely considered to be among its worst features. Bloodlines 2 has upgraded that combat system and made it much more fluid and cinematic. Early reports indicate that the game’s revamped combat mechanics emphasize things like combos, melee weapons, and your character’s wide range of powers. While Bloodlines 2 is still not a full-on action game, those who were turned off by the original title’s often cumbersome action shouldn’t hesitate to give this one a try.