It will be a standalone title either way, and the Bloodlines title will attract some gamers.

At the moment I think I'll get it. After all its been ages since I got my last new game (Baldurs Gate 3). Though with the action focus I may not enjoy it. And technically I still havent managed to actually finish BG3 (stuck at the beginning of the third act).

It'll also generate expectations and comparisons it couldn't possibly come favorably out of.

So, legit question - WTF happened with this game?

I know it went through a few different iterations (maybe even a publisher change or something?).

But how did it get so F-ed up? I'm still interested and I guess it could be a decent game, but how does something this high profile end up in sort of development hell for so long?


Reminds me of the System Shock remake (I sort of keep forgetting about that one - I LOVED the original demo and style that released here YEARS ago! Wish they kept that). Which I guess in the end ended up okay. But it blows my mind how this can happen. I get "vaporware" and all that for lower profile stuff but how a major release that this that should have a ton of support, cash and development push gets kicked down the road over and over again is surprising to me.

Injection of modern day politics and ticking-off checkboxes in compliance with DEI/ESG/BRIDGE is what happened to this game.

The recently unveiled character model of the protagonist says it all:
https://i.imgur.com/fZtmEgE.png

A very troubled series of developments that turned the project from something promising into a dead raccoon; something to be avoided, fobbed off, and dumped into the nearest biohazard bag.

It not only changed publisher, but developers several times before finally landing in the lap of Walking Horror Simulator Maker Chinese Room. (Who are British.)

Completely unrelated to what the above poster said. Not every protagonist needs to be a walking sex factory.

I'm not sure what this image link is supposed to tell us.

Unless my memory fails me, you are supposed to be able to edit the looks of your character in VtMB2 ?

So this would be just the default look.

The thing thats fixed is unfortunately this stupid name Phyre.

How did Cyberpunk release half broken? because a myriad of things can happen during development, maybe the project grew *way* beyond its original scope, or the gameplay systems just weren't there, maybe there were discrepancies between the devs vision and the publisher's, or the quality of the game was shit etc

Just because something has a big budget doesn't mean it's impervious to game industry issues (quite the opposite I'd say)

I was never really interested in Cyberpunk because there was just nothing attracting me.

However from the general consensus of the time the game was very buggy at release.

Why exactly that was I dont know.

https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2/news/updated-release-window

"Updated Release Window

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzc1Ow18qhY

Hello Kindred,

We would like to share an update on the development and release window of Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines 2.

As Marco explained in the video, Bloodlines 2 will not be ready for release in the first half of 2025.

Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room are committed to delivering this game, and we believe that ensuring great technical quality is more important than sticking to a specific date.

The game is currently in a late development stage, and feedback from the community has been taken into account during this time. TCR is working hard on quality assurance to ensure it is stable and free of bugs that could disrupt the player experience.

Bloodlines 2 will launch in October 2025 when the game meets the technical quality standards that you, our fans, rightfully expect and deserve. Please stay tuned for the game’s exact launch date.

We want to ensure that the content we share with you is high-quality and showcases exciting game features. With this updated release timeline, we will pause our development diaries so that the team can concentrate on refining the game.

However, we will still be available online for questions and comments, and we welcome everyone to join the Bloodlines 2 Discord."

And I'll only be disappointed if they somehow manage to not make Horror Zork.

Pre-Order Trailer

"Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 will be released on October 21, 2025.

The action-RPG video game is the sequel to the cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade-Bloodlines. Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 lets players step into its story through two distinct, alternating perspectives: Elder vampire Phyre and Malkavian detective Fabien.

After centuries in torpor, Phyre wakes in modern-day Seattle with a strange mark that seals away their Elder powers. In the quiet of their mind, Fabien’s voice stirs. As Phyre, you will navigate the city’s web of Kindred politics, meet its rulers, uncover hidden agendas, and explore Seattle’s darkest secrets to reclaim the power that was once yours.

When daylight forces Phyre to rest, the dreams bring visions of Fabien’s past. You awaken as Fabien in a 1920s Seattle, determined to solve the mystery of your own murder. Fabien’s Malkavian blood gives him unsettling insights but also fractures his perception of reality, blurring the line between truth and delusion."

I am rather upset that GOG is allowing them to include preorder exclusive DLC. I was under the impression that was one of the things forbidden on this platform.
I'm very confused. Are the graphics bad here? What am I looking for?

Not at all. It's hardly a first.
That the two are very similar. (Not that I personally consider it an issue, but just telling you what was being shown.)