Bloodlines 2, developed by The Chinese Room, offers a new narrative within the World of Darkness set in Seattle but faces challenges both as a sequel and action RPG.
Character Development and Storyline
The game's characters are well-written with standouts like Lou, Ysabella, Safia, and Fabien the Malkavian. Fabien's voice work and detective arc are central to the story's progression. Protagonist Phyre, however, is underwhelming, while side quests become repetitive.
Gameplay Mechanics and Challenges
Combat remains a sore point, featuring no lock-on or blocking mechanics; dodging is inconsistent. Fast clan movements like those of the Toreador lead to frame rate issues. The Tremere clan offers a more stable, ranged combat experience. Game progression mirrors the tabletop, with Resonance Points and skill costs reflecting tabletop mechanics.
Atmosphere and Setting
While Seattle provides an atmospheric backdrop, parts of the location feel underutilized. The game struggles with asset and animation reuse, breaking immersion. Despite atmospheric moments, Bloodlines 2 magnifies flaws from its predecessor and lacks satisfying RPG depth.
