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[Braag]

Welcome to modern videogames. There's got to be an inner voice if there's no permanent sidekick, can't be travelling in peace & quiet.

Everything goes through a focus group these days, your average person playing a game gets bored in 7 seconds if it's too quiet and nothing is happening.

My girlfriend was putting on makeup yesterday and had pewdiepie playing in the background (I have no idea why), I stopped for a few minutes to watch his playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077 and it looked like someone trying to speed run a game while being on coke.
These are the type of people they unfortunately get into a focus group.

I hope that Twitter handler got replaced or at least got an earful from the higher ups, cause that's embarrassing.

 

[ecosse_011172]

From their preview.

Thanks , that was my fear.
I've been interested in a vampire RPG since the original , will take a better look.

 

[ecosse_011172]

Everything goes through a focus group these days, your average person playing a game gets bored in 7 seconds if it's too quiet and nothing is happening.

My girlfriend was putting on makeup yesterday and had pewdiepie playing in the background (I have no idea why), I stopped for a few minutes to watch his playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077 and it looked like someone trying to speed run a game while being on coke.
These are the type of people they unfortunately get into a focus group.

This is why BoTW is so glorious.

 

[Emedan]

You can pick your gender and class I think. Beyond that it's a mystery.

Class? Not different clans like in the first one?

 

[amigastar]

Thanks , that was my fear.
I've been interested in a vampire RPG since the original , will take a better look.

IMO it looks good, adult and matured, very atmospheric. I like it (but thats just me)
Also very good voice acting.

 

[Kacho]

Class? Not different clans like in the first one?

That's what I meant. They're functionally the same thing to me.

 

[diffusionx]

Look what we lost, guys. Where is Elif? Bastards.

I can fix her

 

[Emedan]

That's what I meant. They're functionally the same thing to me.

Gotcha! Hope they have the same flavour as they had in the first one. Wonder if Nosferatu will have as high of a gameplay impact.

 

[Kacho]

Gotcha! Hope they have the same flavour as they had in the first one. Wonder if Nosferatu will have as high of a gameplay impact.

My assumption is the sequel will be RPG-lite compared to the first game but we shall see.

 

[Braag]

Gotcha! Hope they have the same flavour as they had in the first one. Wonder if Nosferatu will have as high of a gameplay impact.

The clans in Bloodlines 2 are:

Brujah
Tremere
Banu Haqim
Ventrue
Lasombra (DLC)
Toreador (DLC)

So clans like Malkavian and especially Nosferatu which had a big gameplay impact are not playable.

 

[amigastar]

The clans in Bloodlines 2 are:

Brujah
Tremere
Banu Haqim
Ventrue
Lasombra (DLC)
Toreador (DLC)

So clans like Malkavian and especially Nosferatu which had a big gameplay impact are not playable.

I wonder if it will live up to the original (which wasn't the most polished game in the first place) or if it will go down as another disappointment.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Theres....a....constant....inner...voice....what the fuck. I already got annoyed in the first minutes. Dont tell me the entire fucking game Ill hear someone describing every single fucking thing...Also just an fyi, that youtuber is like the most fake guy ever, he's literally "this is top tier" for every single game.

Probably to emulate the Storyteller(aka GM) from the original TTRPG. IIRC there were some elements of that in the first two games.

I like it. I love a good inner monologue. Different strokes.

 

[Emedan]

The clans in Bloodlines 2 are:

Brujah
Tremere
Banu Haqim
Ventrue
Lasombra (DLC)
Toreador (DLC)

So clans like Malkavian and especially Nosferatu which had a big gameplay impact are not playable.

Ah, well that's kind of a cop out I guess. Thanks for the info!

 

[Braag]

I wonder if it will live up to the original (which wasn't the most polished game in the first place) or if it will go down as another disappointment.

I could have a knee jerk reaction and flat out say, no of course it wont live up to it, as I believe that will be the reaction of most people who are fans of the first Bloodlines.
But as someone who has deep nostalgia towards the original game, I know that nostalgia will color how I view this sequel. Considering Bloodlines is over 2 decades old game at this point, it's good to remember why it became a cult classic in the first place.

Really thinking back on the old game, I would have to be honest and say the gameplay was pretty bad even for its time, it was also janky, and had a fair bit of bugs.
It had some interesting elements like playing as a nosferatu meant you couldn't really be seen much by random NPCs, which made the game substantially harder, and Malkavian which had it's own personalized dialogue choices.

The story was very intriguing, but honestly, quite simple. It's basically a story about you following a MacGuffin with the endings being slightly different form one another. There was some flavor in dialogue choices and how you completed missions, but there weren't any massive choices and consequences which would completely change the course of the story. Only meaningful choices came near the end, in the form of which faction you would align yourself with.
The writing was top tier and the characters you met were really well realized. It almost felt like every NPC you met had some mysterious aura to them. But most importantly the game had impeccable atmosphere. The locations and the music really set the tone for the game and the source material that it pulls from is some of the best when it comes to vampires.

So I believe that if Bloodlines 2 manages to tell an intriguing story with good characters and manages to really nail the athmosphere, then it should make a lot of the fans of the first game happy. The combat only needs to be serviceable if it manages to nail these other aspects.
There will absolutely be those who will denounce this game purely due their nostalgia towards the first game, and some new players might be put off if the game has a mid combat.

At this point it looks sort of promising, but we have seen so little of the game that it's hard to say yet.

 

[amigastar]

So I believe that if Bloodlines 2 manages to tell an intriguing story with good characters and manages to really nail the athmosphere, then it should make a lot of the fans of the first game happy. The combat only needs to be serviceable if it manages to nail these other aspects.
There will absolutely be those who will denounce this game purely due their nostalgia towards the first game, and some new players might be put off if the game has a mid combat.

At this point it looks sort of promising, but we have seen so little of the game that it's hard to say yet.

Judging from this 2 hour gameplay i can say that (for me at least) the writing is there as is the atmosphere. I also wanted to know how the story evolves further down the road. I love the og bloodlines but i can put the nostalgia goggles aside.

 

[StereoVsn]

Looks better than expected but I am still going to wait for patches and at least 50% off. They can get the f out here with the Day 1 DLC shenanigans.

 

[Mister Wolf]

Looks better than expected but I am still going to wait for patches and at least 50% off. They can get the f out here with the Day 1 DLC shenanigans.

I don't understand why they would do that dumb shit. They had to have knew it would sour the majority of us potential customers.

 

[Gp1]

From their preview.

Exactly my fear. We are going to see "Vampir 2" not VTBM 2.

In a game that's trying to emulate the first game script they went with the dredge short answers Fallout 4 style....

And holly shit a inner voice describing and talking at every single scene the character see? Who thought this is a good idea?

 

[Moses85]

After the developing hell this game got through, I had zero hope this game would be a good one!

I am positivly surprised!

 

[Dazraell]

Gotcha! Hope they have the same flavour as they had in the first one. Wonder if Nosferatu will have as high of a gameplay impact.

Some previews implies that clan differences might be only tied to different outfit character has on start, unique skill tree and some minor changes in the dialogue and that's basically all. Skill trees are apparently only combat-focused. Social skills aren't a part of it either, excluding them being a part of the segments of the second playable character who has gameplay focused around using some of them

I could have a knee jerk reaction and flat out say, no of course it wont live up to it, as I believe that will be the reaction of most people who are fans of the first Bloodlines.
But as someone who has deep nostalgia towards the original game, I know that nostalgia will color how I view this sequel. Considering Bloodlines is over 2 decades old game at this point, it's good to remember why it became a cult classic in the first place.

Really thinking back on the old game, I would have to be honest and say the gameplay was pretty bad even for its time, it was also janky, and had a fair bit of bugs.
It had some interesting elements like playing as a nosferatu meant you couldn't really be seen much by random NPCs, which made the game substantially harder, and Malkavian which had it's own personalized dialogue choices.

The story was very intriguing, but honestly, quite simple. It's basically a story about you following a MacGuffin with the endings being slightly different form one another. There was some flavor in dialogue choices and how you completed missions, but there weren't any massive choices and consequences which would completely change the course of the story. Only meaningful choices came near the end, in the form of which faction you would align yourself with.
The writing was top tier and the characters you met were really well realized. It almost felt like every NPC you met had some mysterious aura to them. But most importantly the game had impeccable atmosphere. The locations and the music really set the tone for the game and the source material that it pulls from is some of the best when it comes to vampires.

So I believe that if Bloodlines 2 manages to tell an intriguing story with good characters and manages to really nail the athmosphere, then it should make a lot of the fans of the first game happy. The combat only needs to be serviceable if it manages to nail these other aspects.
There will absolutely be those who will denounce this game purely due their nostalgia towards the first game, and some new players might be put off if the game has a mid combat.

At this point it looks sort of promising, but we have seen so little of the game that it's hard to say yet.

Well, the thing is that Paradox didn't wanted a successor to Bloodlines 1. They wanted an action game with RPG elements set in The World of Darkness and it's exactly what this game is. It has Bloodlines in the title only because Paradox knows they will get more money by using this name than renaming the project to its own thing, which imo should have been the first thing that should happened the moment the game switched devs and changed direction

 

[GymWolf]

Theres....a....constant....inner...voice....what the fuck. I already got annoyed in the first minutes. Dont tell me the entire fucking game Ill hear someone describing every single fucking thing...Also just an fyi, that youtuber is like the most fake guy ever, he's literally "this is top tier" for every single game.

Hopefully the voice is not as annoying as keanu in cp2077.

I agree on the streamer, dude is beyond terrible.

 

[Spukc]

Ganz geil

 

[Von Hugh]

Heard only two lines from Fabian/the inner voice, and already got annoyed. Stupid dialogue with stupid Marvel-esque enunciation.

 

[Braag]

Some previews implies that clan differences might be only tied to different outfit character has on start, unique skill tree and some minor changes in the dialogue and that's basically all. Skill trees are apparently only combat-focused. Social skills aren't a part of it either, excluding them being a part of the segments of the second playable character who has gameplay focused around using some of them


Well, the thing is that Paradox didn't wanted a successor to Bloodlines 1. They wanted an action game with RPG elements set in The World of Darkness and it's exactly what this game is. It has Bloodlines in the title only because Paradox knows they will get more money by using this name than renaming the project to its own thing, which imo should have been the first thing that should happened the moment the game switched devs and changed direction

RPG is a very broad term these days with everyone interpreting it differently.
To some it means deep character customization or very stats and numbers heavy loot and build system, while to others it means the game must have a complex story with dozens of branching paths.

Vast majority of RPGs these days aren't RPGs to some people, apart from maybe BG3.
I've seen people argue that Expedition 33, Witcher 3, CP2077, Kindom Come, all BioWare games after DA Origins, none are RPGs to some people. I've also seen people argue that latest Assassin's Creed games are RPGs.
So again, it's a broad term and means different things to different people.

The previous bloodlines had a lot of skills and attributes to level up but was pretty light on branching story paths and character appearance customization. I have no idea how much Bloodlines 2 skills trees affect gameplay or if the stort branches much.

 

[Nocty]

it looks nothing like the original game in the slightest

Troika created a masterpiece albeit a little janky, this is not it.

 

[Dazraell]

RPG is a very broad term these days with everyone interpreting it differently.
To some it means deep character customization or very stats and numbers heavy loot and build system, while to others it means the game must have a complex story with dozens of branching paths.

Vast majority of RPGs these days aren't RPGs to some people, apart from maybe BG3.
I've seen people argue that Expedition 33, Witcher 3, CP2077, Kindom Come, all BioWare games after DA Origins, none are RPGs to some people. I've also seen people argue that latest Assassin's Creed games are RPGs.
So again, it's a broad term and means different things to different people.

The previous bloodlines had a lot of skills and attributes to level up but was pretty light on branching story paths and character appearance customization. I have no idea how much Bloodlines 2 skills trees affect gameplay or if the stort branches much.

Well, let's sum what is said on the previews. Based on them there is no inventory, no quest log, no stats, no equipable weapons like guns or melee weapons (you can use telekinesis to attack enemy with those though), no vendors or currency you can use to buy stuff. Skills are primarily tied to combat which is brawling combined with vampire powers and some opportunities to be more stealth during encounters. Quests they shown on the preview doesn't have branching, are more linear and doesn't give you an option to talk your way out from confrontation or find a different path to solve. To my understanding, each clan has combat different skills and some minor dialogue changes (I assume it's kinda like Cyberpunk lifepath differences but without unique prologue). Bear in mind though, those previews are based on first hours of the game but I assume it's a chunk that is reflective on the rest of the game

 

[March Climber]

I don't mind Fabien but I understand why people here don't like a 'traveling voice'.

I think the worst version of the traveling voice was your gun from High on Life. I turned the banter bar all the way down on him after 1 hour.

Fabien is nowhere near as bad. If anything, he kind of sounds like Jeffrey Wright and that guy has a cool voice.

 

[Emedan]

Some previews implies that clan differences might be only tied to different outfit character has on start, unique skill tree and some minor changes in the dialogue and that's basically all. Skill trees are apparently only combat-focused. Social skills aren't a part of it either, excluding them being a part of the segments of the second playable character who has gameplay focused around using some of them

That's kinda sad then, was part of what made the first one so special, how intricate it was.

What's the point of this sequel then if its nothing like what made the first one so loved?

 

[negator2vc]

Fabien don't even sound like a Malkavian.
Where are the special Malkavian dialogs that made, in the original Bloodlines, a Malkavian playthrough a must playthrough?

 

[Wildebeest]

Fabien don't even sound like a Malkavian.
Where are the special Malkavian dialogs that made, in the original Bloodlines, a Malkavian playthrough a must playthrough?

Malkavian are not really supposed to sound like anything different most of the time. Bloodlines probably did it right in that the Malkavians you meet are weird because they have access to information they should not, like seeing the future. Such as, Alistair Gout was very rational and a scientist but struggled with the voices telling him secrets. It is player nonsense that Malkavians are an "agent of chaos" clan who run around doing stupid random things while burbling like a drainpipe because they are "nutty". On the other hands Nosferatu are difficult just because they are so ugly that people should be expected to react.

 

[Peroroncino]

I thought it'd look much worse, but now I think there's a chance of an enjoyable experience to be found there.

 

[Dazraell]

That's kinda sad then, was part of what made the first one so special, how intricate it was.

What's the point of this sequel then if its nothing like what made the first one so loved?

Yeah... That's why I mentioned earlier I feel they should have renamed it to something else rather than keeping Bloodlines in a title. But it is what it is, I guess

As for your question about the point, Bloodlines 2 development story is so long that I feel that initial reason got lost over time. This sequel was initially pitched by the team who first worked on it when they heard Paradox acquired White Wolf and World of Darkness IP. They approached them, pitched the game and signed a publishing deal. Unfortunately there is not too much about reasons behind cancellation of the previous version and I'm sure there has been some faults on both sides, but based on some tidbits you can find online, the original version was much closer to the first game, while Paradox wasn't happy with it as they wanted a more action-oriented game with modern standards and ultimately felt Hardsuit is not gonna deliver a product they wanted it to be. Looking at what type of game this final take at Bloodlines 2 is, I guess there was some truth to those rumors

 

[Toots]

I wonder if it will live up to the original (which wasn't the most polished game in the first place) or if it will go down as another disappointment.

It could never live up to its predecessor, even without all the development troubles. First one is an unrivaled masterpiece of storytelling and rpg choices.
This one, according to the previews, has the depth of a puddle.
I'll still play it, but anyone wanting more than a competent third person stealth action game with dialogue choice (which won't change anything to the progress of the game) will be disappointed.
If they manage to make it competent it will be a a huge victory in itself.

 

[StereoVsn]

RPG is a very broad term these days with everyone interpreting it differently.
To some it means deep character customization or very stats and numbers heavy loot and build system, while to others it means the game must have a complex story with dozens of branching paths.

Vast majority of RPGs these days aren't RPGs to some people, apart from maybe BG3.
I've seen people argue that Expedition 33, Witcher 3, CP2077, Kindom Come, all BioWare games after DA Origins, none are RPGs to some people. I've also seen people argue that latest Assassin's Creed games are RPGs.
So again, it's a broad term and means different things to different people.

The previous bloodlines had a lot of skills and attributes to level up but was pretty light on branching story paths and character appearance customization. I have no idea how much Bloodlines 2 skills trees affect gameplay or if the stort branches much.

I don't get how one can argue that KCD 2 is not an RPG. It's one of the deepest RPGs that I have seen, alongside BG3.

The Bloodlines 2 being more of an ARPG seems disappointing.

 

[Braag]

I don't get how one can argue that KCD 2 is not an RPG. It's one of the deepest RPGs that I have seen, alongside BG3.

The Bloodlines 2 being more of an ARPG seems disappointing.

Dunno man, someone argued that since it has a fixed protagonist it's not an RPG.

 

[StereoVsn]

Dunno man, someone argued that since it has a fixed protagonist it's not an RPG.

Sigh…. RPG has never meant a custom protagonist, but whatever floats their boat.

 

[Toots]

Sigh…. RPG has never meant a custom protagonist, but whatever floats their boat.

We are lucky they used this bad faith argument, they could have said we don't have custom protagonist to prevent the chuds to make alt right characters or something even more stupid

 

[Mister Wolf]

 

[Wildebeest]

Dunno man, someone argued that since it has a fixed protagonist it's not an RPG.

A game can be an RPG with a single fixed player character just not a very good one. That's just science. It's like saying a supermarket sells biscuits, but all they have are plain digestive biscuits, no variety. It would be a shit supermarket even if they are the best digestive biscuits you have ever tasted and the price is good. But if it was called "Dan's best digestive biscuit in the world shop" it would be a great place.

 

[Gp1]

Malkavian are not really supposed to sound like anything different most of the time. Bloodlines probably did it right in that the Malkavians you meet are weird because they have access to information they should not, like seeing the future. Such as, Alistair Gout was very rational and a scientist but struggled with the voices telling him secrets. It is player nonsense that Malkavians are an "agent of chaos" clan who run around doing stupid random things while burbling like a drainpipe because they are "nutty". On the other hands Nosferatu are difficult just because they are so ugly that people should be expected to react.

Jeanette and specially Therese are very "normal" until their final act.

 

[Mister Wolf]

 

[amigastar]

I personally looking very much forward to it.
Question, can i choose the gender of the protagonist(Phyre) or is it always a woman?
Edit: I just looked it up and it seems you can choose between male or female.
I will play as female since i really liked the look of her.

 

[Mister Wolf]

I personally looking very much forward to it.
Question, can i choose the gender of the protagonist(Phyre) or is it always a woman?
Edit: I just looked it up and it seems you can choose between male or female.
I will play as female since i really liked the look of her.

This would be a day one for me if not for the gatekeeping two of those clans behind $30 DLC. One of the most ridiculous day one DLC decisions I've seen a publisher do in a long time

 

[amigastar]

This would be a day one for me if not for the gatekeeping two of those clans behind $30 DLC. One of the most ridiculous day one DLC decisions I've seen a publisher do in a long time

Yeah, it sucks but what can you do (beside not buying it)?

 

[Mister Wolf]

Yeah, it sucks but what can you do (beside not buying it)?

When I see a keycode for the premium edition for $60 I'll "bite". The game will drop in price fast when they see people are not buying. The publishers have too much hubris. I feel sorry for the developer, because like the Dead Island 2 developer, it looks like the turned a game in development hell into a quality final product.

 

[amigastar]

When a see a keycode for the premium edition for $60 I'll "bite". The game will drop in price fast when they see people are not buying. The publishers have too much hubris. I feel sorry for the developer, because like the Dead Island 2 developer, it looks like the turned a game in development hell into a quality final product.

Yeah, its quite astounding turning a mess into a respectable product but we will see on the 21st october.