Since Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was officially announced, players have been waiting to see more of this modern recreation of a cult classic renowned for bloodiness, sexiness and bugs. And with the sequel finally coming out, although we’re not sure when, Paradox Interactive has been on a bit of blitz revealing new aspects of the game.
First and foremost in these reveals are what many would argue is the core element. The stand-in for all the political commentary, interpersonal drama and intrigue, the vampire clans themselves.
Whereas other clans usually have some grounding element, the Malkavians in this world and setting are often portrayed as crazy and dangerous. And in modern times where increased awareness around mental health often translates to harsh criticism of unhealthy portrayals, the developers have struggled with how to adapt this often controversial Clan into the reimagining. Narrative lead Brian Mitsoda even admitted as much in a recent interview with Rock Paper Shotgun.
Check out the trailer showcasing the final vamp clan down below.
This is the final Clan announcement trailer, but it’s by no means the only one. There’s the enigmatic and powerful businessfolk of the Venture. Then there’s the deceptively weak, but notoriously tricky Thinbloods. The Brujah are a rough bunch of berserkers. While the Toreador are very much the common artist of the bunch, very creative, and very dangerous. Then there’s the Tremere, who are seduction incarnate. Each of these Clans has their own strengths and weaknesses, and using that to your advantage is the key to surviving the Camarilla-controlled streets of Seattle.
The setting of Seattle in the world of the Masquerade is a dangerous place, and not always in the most obvious of ways. Luckily for the telepaths of the Malkavian Clan, often called the Clan of the Moon, they have some tools to help with that. Dementation can allow a player to “infect” their target with a unique brand of psychoses which makes them unpredictable, but easier to control. They also possess a class of powers called Auspex, which can be used to learn others intentions and scout an area via an incorporeal form.
Paradox is planning to drop Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 in 2020. The game is looking to launch on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
