A modder released several videos of the unfinished version, raising the question, “What if?”.

Werner “Wesp5” Spahl, creator of the Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines Unofficial Patch, seems to have inside information about the original, canceled version of the sequel that publisher Paradox took away from Hardsuit Labs in 2021.

Over the past few days, Wesp5 has posted four videos showcasing gameplay and assets from the canceled version of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Last November, he also posted a silent demo video showing off this version’s capabilities.

Two of the newer videos are slideshows of still images from the development of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, accompanied by music composed by Bloodlines 1 composer Rik Schaffer. “HSL Bloodlines 2 – People” contains screenshots and character models, and “HSL Bloodlines 2 – Locations” contains environment concept art and screenshots. Wesp5 has uploaded two longer gameplay videos, which are the most interesting.

“Warehouse” depicts an intrusion into a warehouse/office complex and includes a partially realized boss fight and a scene in which the player character wreaks havoc at an office party. “Medical” takes place in a haunted hospital and features frightening scenes, strange moments, and flashbacks to the institution’s heyday in the 1930s.

Even in its unfinished state, it is a worthy, enjoyable ode to the memorably spooky Ocean House Hotel level from Bloodlines 1. The gameplay is basic and unpolished, but the concept definitely fits better with the original game. There’s something rigid and The Elder Scrolls-like about it, suggesting that it won’t be a great action game, but will have a lot of RPG elements. Or it would have.

At the same time, it’s impossible to know if everything would have worked out with Hardsuit Labs. Cancelled games remain perfect martyrs in the minds of fans, with untainted, sky-high expectations that have not yet been sullied by a first collision with reality.

Source: PCGamer