Edited By
Nicolas Dubois
A wave of discontent is sweeping through the gaming community as confirmed features and mechanics from the highly anticipated Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 have been removed. Recent revelations have sparked frustration among fans who cherished the original gameโs unique identity.
According to sources familiar with the gameโs development, several mechanics from the original Bloodlines, along with the alpha build, have been cut entirely. The details include:
No character creation
No guns, no melee weapons
No stats or stat checks in dialogue (including persuasion, intimidation, and seduction)
Absence of inventory and quest logs
No hacking or lockpicking options
Missing important character classes such as Nosferatu and Gangrel
Elimination of the humanity system
Toreador locked behind a $30 Day 1 DLC
Fans are questioning how such a beloved RPG could be transformed into what some perceive as a cash grab, focusing more on action rather than role-play elements.
Comments on various gaming forums reveal deep disappointment. One user noted, "Every day I get a little more disappointed. The sad part is that the game will perform poorly and they will blame the fans for not supporting it."
Others express confusion: "Itโs not even like The Darkness, since it doesnโt have guns. I have no clue what itโs supposed to be if this list is real."
Additionally, players worry that the remaining gameplay experience may lack depth. "Are there any open-world, exploration aspects? Just linear levels?" a user lamented.
Key Points from User Comments:
Widespread disappointment regarding removed features and mechanics.
Concerns over gameplay depth, with focus shifting from RPG elements.
Frustration about the DLC model, particularly the decision to lock characters behind a paywall.
Curiously, as the countdown to release ticks away, the game is being likened to a spiritual successor of The Darkness rather than Bloodlines. While some people do still hold onto hope, others are skeptical about how the game will differentiate itself in the crowded market of action games, especially with its ambitious open-world claim.
Takeaways:
โ๏ธ Removed features include core RPG elements that defined the original.
โ ๏ธ "Look at how theyโve massacred my boy" - A community sentiment.
โ Some still curious about the gameโs remaining component, emphasizing an open world, though initial previews suggest emptiness and lack of exploration opportunities.
As the release date approaches, will the devs reconsider their choices, or will their changes stick? Only time will tell, but for now, the buzz around Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is undeniably tinged with skepticism.
Thereโs a strong chance that the backlash from fans will lead to changes in Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, particularly if pre-orders falter. Developers may reconsider the impact of cutting core RPG features in an attempt to recapture the essence that made the original a classic. Moreover, with competition in the action game market fiercer than ever, experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that the final product will lure back investment by either improving gameplay depth or introducing additional content that addresses fan concerns before launch. If not, many fear it could receive harsh criticism upon release, ultimately affecting sales and future installments.
Who remembers the backlash surrounding the Star Wars prequel films? Fans were irate as features like political subplots and a lack of character depth led to widespread discontent. Similarly, Bloodlines 2 faces a potential identity crisis due to stripped-down mechanics. Just as Star Wars later revived itself through character focus and beloved story arcs, thereโs hope that Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 might pivot back toward what fans value the most, restoring faith and achieving a more profound connection with its audience. History often shows that perceptions can fully change with strategic storytelling and gameplay updates.