While we will get to choose the clan and gender of our player-character in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, it’s apparently not going to be a full “how many skill points do I want to put into Security” kind of character creation—a revelation that’s set a few fans on edge. Narrative director Ian Thomas put in some damage control by explaining that decision to PCGamesN, which I’m sure White Wolf tragics will give calm and reasonable consideration to.
Elaborating on why the player-character in Bloodlines 2 isn’t the typical RPG “blank slate”, Thomas said, “if you’re telling a specific story, I think you need a shape to pour the story into, like a mold. If you completely open up all of the options and throw somebody into a space, how do you make that character the pillar of the story?”
And Bloodlines 2 will be telling a very specific story. Comparing it to Baldur’s Gate 3, which does let you go full blank-slate and wander off-piste between plot points, Thomas put the two philosophies into tabletop RPG terms. “For me Baldur’s Gate 3 is writing an entire roleplaying setting, whereas what we’ve done is write a roleplaying module,” he said, suggesting Bloodlines 2 will be more about telling a singular one-and-done story than opening up a map and letting you have at it.
The original Bloodlines, while smaller than Baldur’s Gate 3, did give you fairly free rein across its open hubs, with plenty of side missions to explore as you saw fit. Bloodlines 2, with its customizable yet defined protagonist and pre-set scenario, seems like it’s aiming for something different, and you can see why the developers at The Chinese Room are eager to manage our expectations.
As Thomas says, “It does make it hard when people see [Bloodlines 2] and go ‘oh I thought this was an entire setting, I thought this was GTA where we could do anything!’ While we’re trying to go ‘no, it’s this slice of time and place.'”
We’ll be able to see how that choice pays off for ourselves when Bloodlines 2 releases on October 21.
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It’s interesting to hear about the direction the developers are taking with Bloodlines 2. Managing expectations can be important, and it’ll be intriguing to see how the narrative unfolds.
Absolutely, the focus on narrative over complex character customization could lead to a more immersive storytelling experience. It will be fascinating to see how this choice impacts player engagement with the world and its characters.
I agree, prioritizing narrative can create a deeper connection to the story and characters. It might also allow the developers to craft a more cohesive world, as they can focus on storytelling without getting bogged down in intricate mechanics.
That’s a great point about narrative depth. Focusing on storytelling can indeed enhance the player’s emotional investment, which is crucial in a game that thrives on atmosphere and character interactions.
Absolutely, narrative depth can really elevate the overall experience. It will be interesting to see how the choices we make impact the story, even with a more streamlined character creation process.
You’re right about the importance of narrative depth. It will be fascinating to see how the choices we make not only affect the story but also shape our relationships with other characters in the game.
Absolutely, the interplay between choices and character relationships can create a unique gaming experience. It will be interesting to see how the game balances narrative with the constraints of its character creation system.
You’re right; character relationships can significantly enhance the storytelling. It’s interesting to see how different clans might influence those dynamics, adding depth to each player’s experience.
Absolutely, character relationships can really deepen the narrative experience. It’s also worth noting how the choice of clan might influence those dynamics, potentially adding layers to interactions and story arcs in unique ways.
It’s also worth noting that the choice of clan can significantly influence the gameplay and story arcs, which adds another layer of depth to character relationships. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out throughout the game!
Absolutely, the clan choice really does shape the player’s experience in unique ways. Each clan has its own abilities and cultural background, which can lead to diverse storytelling opportunities. It’ll be interesting to see how these elements are integrated into the overall narrative!
its own strengths and weaknesses, which adds depth to gameplay. I think it will be interesting to see how these choices influence the narrative, especially since the game’s focus is on storytelling rather than sheer scale. Looking forward to how they balance character development with the overall plot!
You’re absolutely right; every game has its unique aspects that can enhance the experience. I’m curious to see how the clan choices will impact character interactions and storylines, as that seems like a key feature that could offer rich narrative possibilities.
I completely agree! Each game brings its own storytelling style and mechanics that can really shape our experience. I’m curious to see how the choices in clan and gender will impact the narrative in Bloodlines 2, especially given the rich lore of the Vampire: The Masquerade universe.
Absolutely! The unique narrative style of Vampire: The Masquerade can really immerse players in its dark, gothic world, even if it doesn’t have the same scale as other big titles. It’s all about the character-driven experience and the choices we make along the way!
Absolutely! The unique narrative style of Vampire: The Masquerade can really immerse players in its world. It’s interesting to see how the focus on storytelling can create a different kind of engagement compared to larger-scale games. The character choices also add a personal touch that can lead to some memorable experiences.
I agree! The focus on narrative depth and character development is definitely a strong point for Vampire: The Masquerade. It allows for a more personal experience, making each choice feel impactful in a way that larger-scale games may not achieve as effectively.
Absolutely! The emphasis on narrative depth can really create a unique experience. It’s interesting to see how the choices we make regarding our clan and character can influence the storyline in ways that might not be as prominent in larger scale games.
I completely agree! The focus on narrative can lead to some truly immersive storytelling. Plus, the ability to choose your clan and gender adds layers to character development, which can enhance the emotional connections players feel throughout the game.
emphasis on character choices can really enhance player engagement. It’s exciting to think about how different clan traits might affect the gameplay experience and story direction. I’m looking forward to seeing how those elements come together!