It’s been a long wait for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. After its original reveal back in 2019 and several changes behind the scenes, Paradox Interactive brought the game back into the spotlight at Gamescom 2025. Now developed by The Chinese Room, the sequel to the cult classic is closer than ever – and after going hands-on with the PC version, it’s clear that this revival of the World of Darkness has the potential to satisfy both returning fans and newcomers alike.
What we know
In Bloodlines 2, players step into the role of the Nomad, an elder vampire who awakens in modern-day Seattle after a century of slumber. Guided by the mysterious Fabien, a vampire detective whose voice is bound to your Blood, you’re drawn into a cold case that threatens both mortal and vampire society.
The game blends narrative-driven roleplaying with visceral action combat. As in the original, players must feed to sustain their powers, but doing so recklessly risks breaking the Masquerade – the fragile secrecy that keeps vampires hidden from the human world. Different clans support different playstyles, from brute force and melee-focused powers to ranged sorcery and stealthier approaches. Choices extend beyond combat, as your interactions with Seattle’s vampire factions and its many morally gray characters will shape the balance of power in the city.
Developed by The Chinese Room, Bloodlines 2 is planned for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
What we saw
We met with the developers at Gamescom, where we played a lengthy demo that focused on both narrative choices and action gameplay. The mission showcased dialogue options with branching outcomes, as well as combat sequences that allowed for different approaches depending on your chosen powers. It felt like a blend of storytelling and action, with plenty of room for player agency.
What we thought
Having last seen the game in a much earlier state back in 2019, the contrast was striking. That demo leaned heavily into slower, narrative-driven interactions, but this new build impressed us with its balance of engaging action and atmospheric storytelling. The combat felt fast-paced and visceral without losing sight of the series’ narrative roots, and the darkly stylish presentation gave the whole experience a sense of weight and authenticity fitting for the World of Darkness.
The new focus on player choice stood out as well. Conversations often offered multiple directions, letting you decide whether to rely on persuasion, intimidation, or deception, while combat encounters allowed for flexibility depending on your preferred clan abilities. This variety seems to encourage replayability right from the start, with different playstyles leading to distinct experiences despite some sequences (like an early escape from a building) offering some linear cinematic flair as well.
Visually, the game left a strong impression. Seattle is rendered with a moody, neo-noir atmosphere that enhances the sense of lurking danger, with detailed environments that reflect both the modern city and its supernatural undercurrents. Cutscenes transitioned smoothly into gameplay, while the audio design – from whispered voices to the weighty impact of combat – reinforced the tone.
Of course, questions remain about pacing and depth, as a bigger focus on action might overshadow traditional RPG systems. But based on our session, The Chinese Room seems to be threading the needle between accessibility and depth, offering a game that feels like both an action-packed vampire fantasy and a narrative-driven RPG. If the full release maintains that balance, Bloodlines 2 could finally deliver the sequel fans have been craving for over two decades.
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