VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE - BLOODLINES 2

A Half-hearted Embrace

- By Erik McDowell

Developer: The Chinese Room Publisher: Paradox Interactive ESRB Rating: M (Mature) Release Date: 10/16/2025 Played On: PC (Microsoft Windows) Reviewed By: Erik McDowell

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is a sequel to the 2004 cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. The original was notoriously janky and unfinished, yet embraced by a devoted coven of goths, ravers, and weirdos. It had a troubled development and had to be brute-forced into existence. Critically, it was well-received despite its flaws, though acclaim didn't translate into sales – Bloodlines developer Troika Games shuttered shortly after release. Over time, community patches slowly improved the game, and some of these improvements were later incorporated into official releases. It's best remembered for its promise and atmosphere, but it still requires a strong imagination to appreciate fully.

More than 20 years later, Paradox Interactive has taken up the reins. Fittingly, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is janky and unfinished, yet the same coven of goths, ravers, and weirdos will likely embrace it. I know I did. The sequel also had a troubled development, switching hands mid-production from Hardsuit Labs to The Chinese Room, developers of Still Wakes the Deep. Like the original, it doesn't fully live up to its promise, but at the very least, its compelling story and entrancing atmosphere give World of Darkness fans something to sink their teeth into.