LogInThe Chinese Room has been especially impressed by the extraordinary advancement in the RPG narrative showcased by Larian Studios earlier this year.
Image credit: The Chinese Room, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
Developed by The Chinese Room, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is an upcoming action RPG where you must fight your way through a modern-day Seattle on the brink of an open war as an elder Vampire. The game is a sequel to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines.
Previously, we discussed new screenshots that had been published by the developer and talked about the inspiration behind the upcoming RPG. The creators expressed their intention of capturing the essence of the nocturnal ambiance in their portrayal of the city of Seattle through the eyes of the protagonist, an elder Vampire, by embracing neo-noir aesthetics. They believe that by embracing this style, they can effectively convey the desired atmosphere and fully immerse the audience in the immersive world they have envisioned.
Continuing on that note, during a recent interview with PC Gamer, Arone Le Bray, The Chinese Room's Narrative Designer, shared that the team took some inspiration from Baldur's Gate 3. One of their writers is a big fan of the game, so the creators "we're looking at how we can borrow aspects [from it], or how we can make sure we're not taking giant steps backward in terms of stories".
The Chinese Room has been particularly impressed by the remarkable evolution of the RPG narrative demonstrated by Larian Studios earlier this year.
"I absolutely classify narrative as an aspect of gameplay. How can we make the player feel like they've owned their outcomes? How can we make the player feel like they have the agency we want them to?" shared Le Bray.
Image credit: The Chinese Room, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
The creators strive to avoid labeling decisions as "wrong" in Bloodlines 2, saying "we never want to make it feel like the player could make the wrong choice", yet they welcome the potential for some players' choices to spark passionate debates and discussions on forums. The developers are content with their decision to portray the main character as an elder Vampire, as they believe it will enable them to explore captivating themes within the narrative.
"One of the great things about [Phyre] being an elder is that being a human was so long ago … what does it mean to not remember what sunlight feels like?" asked Le Bray.
Image credit: The Chinese Room, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
In the upcoming game, players will not have the option to create a fully custom character. However, they will be able to personalize their experience by modifying their character's gender and clothing choices. Ultimately, players will assume the role of Fire, a pre-defined hero with a unique backstory.
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