Amidst the anticipation for the release of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, a game that seems to be continually pushed back, I recently stumbled upon a vampire role-playing game that I almost missed. Vampyr, released in 2018 by Focus Home Entertainment and Dontnod, the studio behind Life is Strange, initially received mixed reviews and faded into obscurity. However, thanks to subscription services, the game was given a second chance to shine.
What sets Vampyr apart is its central premise – you play as a doctor who, in life, took an oath to do no harm. Now, as a vampire, you must grapple with the moral dilemma of feeding on the very people you once swore to heal. This internal struggle is mirrored in the game’s mechanics, where the more you get to know a character, the harder it becomes to prey on them for sustenance. The choice between embracing your monstrous nature for power or holding onto your humanity forms the core of the gameplay experience.
Furthermore, Vampyr’s decision system directly impacts the game’s endings. The more individuals you embrace, the less desirable the outcome, leading to a challenging balance between gaining powers and achieving the best possible ending. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay, making each choice feel weighty and consequential.
The game’s setting in a foggy, dockside London during the Georgian era adds to its atmospheric and immersive experience. Against the backdrop of a city ravaged by the aftermath of World War 1 and the Spanish Flu pandemic, Vampyr paints a grim and desolate picture that resonates with the themes of vampirism and eternal torment. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack further enhances the mood, capturing the essence of vampires as brooding, timeless beings.
While Vampyr may not be without its flaws, such as repetitive gameplay and limited scope, its depth and sophistication surprised many players, myself included. The game’s ability to intertwine philosophical dilemmas with gameplay mechanics creates a compelling and engaging narrative that stands out in the vampire RPG genre. As we eagerly await the release of Bloodlines 2, Vampyr remains a hidden gem that deserves more recognition for its unique take on the vampire mythos.