Introducing Vampyr, an ARPG from the developers of Life is Strange

What would you assume DontNod would start working on after finishing up on Life is Strange? Perhaps another modern day, episodic adventure? Nope! They are working on an extensive Action RPG, set in vampire infested, 1918 London; during the Spanish Influenza epidemic, of course. Vampyr is a game that has been on my radar for a short time now and I’ve got to say it has me a little bit excited. This is mostly due to the fact that it gives me some immediate Vampire: The Masquerade vibes; a game franchise which, in my opinion, has some of the best world building and lore in gaming history. I realise I may be setting Vampyr up for failure with that comparison, but if this title is able to engage me within its world even half as successfully as the Masquerade games were able to, then I welcome the opportunity with open arms. More vampires and less zombies please game developers!

Vampyr will follow the story of Dr. Jonathan Reid as he comes to terms with his newly acquired blood-driven affliction. Reid will have to battle against his animalistic desires to hold onto his morality, and make tough moral choices that impact the rest of the game. Taking a life may be a mandatory evil for Reid, but who he chooses to feed on (in order to satisfy his hunger and gain power) may have drastic consequences. The game is also steeped in vampire mythology that restricts the player’s actions and opens up some interesting gameplay results. For instance, Reid won’t be able to enter a house unless he is invited in [source]. The town’s inhabitants all have names, families, jobs and routines whom Reid is capable of interacting with, befriending, helping or if he so wishes, harming.

Watch through the pre-alpha gameplay footage that came off the back of Gamescom and see if it interests you in the way it’s grabbed me.

Vampyr is still early in its development cycle and is aiming for a 2017 release on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.