It feels like forever since we first got a look at what Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 has in store for fans, but it seems the team at Paradox is ready to lift the veil on one of the most anticipated sequels in years. I also had the chance to go hands-on at gamescom 2025, thanks to NVIDIA.
The long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic has undergone significant changes since its original announcement, including a complete developer switch from Hardsuit Labs to The Chinese Room. Still, the core appeal of inhabiting a vampire’s unlife in modern Seattle remains intact. If the 30 minutes I had with the game are any indication, the project is in good hands.
Running on an RTX-based laptop with DLSS 4 enabled, I had hands-on time with the first section of the game — from creating a character to a quick glimpse of combat, Seattle, and the broader story. While it was only a tease of what the full game will bring to fans of the franchise, Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 looks visually stunning and stays true to its roots, delivering an experience that feels fresh while maintaining the right level of connection to the series to make it a worthy successor.
The Chinese Room seem to have taken a measured approach to this troubled project, focusing on what made the original Bloodlines memorable while addressing the technical shortcomings that plagued its predecessor. You step into the role of an Elder vampire, awakening after centuries of slumber to find yourself thrust into the complex political landscape of Seattle’s vampire society. It is emphasized early on how significant a move it is to see someone of your age entering such a tense environment. This narrative framework provides both newcomers and series veterans with a compelling entry point into the World of Darkness, while offering nods that will keep longtime fans invested and engaged with the story.
The way the game is set up, Seattle serves as more than a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, with the opening narration focusing on where you are as a character and how it plays into the larger war going on, lurking in the shadows. The city’s rain-soaked streets, towering glass structures and underground networks create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the game’s supernatural themes. The Chinese Room has crafted distinct districts that reflect different vampire clan territories, each with unique visual identities and gameplay opportunities.
From the corporate towers where the Ventrue pull strings to the bohemian neighbourhoods where the Toreador gather, the city feels alive with undead politics. In the demo, I only got a taste of this — NPCs went about their daily lives while I navigated the struggles a vampire faces walking among humans. Even so, it was enough to hint at how the game might unfold when exploring missions and managing the delicate balance required to maintain the Masquerade.
If you have played any of the past Vampire: The Masquerade titles, you already have a sense of how Bloodlines 2 works. But the development team has done an impressive job of modernizing the experience while keeping it unique and intuitive.
The Chinese Room has implemented a fluid combat system that emphasizes vampire disciplines. Even though I had only a brief taste of how these powers shape the ebb and flow of battle, the mechanics already feel well-designed and enjoyable, with just the right level of challenge to keep encounters fresh. The combat carries real weight and impact, with environmental destruction and creative use of abilities combining to create memorable moments.
Since I was limited to the early part of the game, my experience offered only a glimpse of the larger picture. Still, what I saw worked very well. Each encounter tested my will while hinting at more complex battles to come — without revealing too much about the hidden existence of vampires.
Character progression follows the familiar experience-point system that veterans will recognize, but with refinements that make advancement feel more meaningful. Players allocate points across attributes, skills and disciplines, creating builds that reflect their preferred playstyle. The progression system encourages experimentation while maintaining the distinct identity of each clan.
“Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 represents a careful resurrection of a beloved franchise.”
Much of this was only teased, with players gradually learning about the many clans fighting for control of Seattle, and how each group’s behaviour can vary. Only so much can be experienced in a short preview, but what was shown left me eager to try more.
One thing I have always loved about the Vampire: The Masquerade series is its conversations and the way player choices can alter the unfolding story. From the looks of things, The Chinese Room has paid particular attention to this aspect, ensuring choice and consequence remain at the core of the Bloodlines 2 experience.
Dialogue trees branch meaningfully, with decisions affecting not only immediate outcomes but also long-term relationships with various factions. The Masquerade — the supernatural law requiring vampires to hide their existence from mortals — serves as both a narrative device and gameplay mechanic, adding tension to how players use their abilities.
Honestly, the full demo had a level of polish I did not expect, especially since I only discovered the game was playable by chance and happened to have time in my schedule to jump in as soon as a seat opened. Voice acting delivers the dramatic tone that Bloodlines fans expect, with performances that capture the gravitas and dark humour inherent in vampire fiction. The writing strikes a balance between the philosophical weight of immortality and the immediate concerns of undead politics, creating dialogue that feels authentic to the setting while naturally giving the world a strong sense of place and identity.
It still remains to be seen whether this level of polish holds throughout the experience, but from what I have seen, I am impressed. Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 represents a careful resurrection of a beloved franchise. While development challenges have extended the wait considerably, The Chinese Room appears to have created something worthy of the Bloodlines name. The game is set to launch in early 2025, offering both longtime fans and newcomers the chance to explore the shadows of Seattle’s supernatural underworld.
