PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Warning: Sparkly vampires were definately harmed in the making of this game review.
This is a first impressions review of the video game Vampyr, so cue up your best vampiric voices and let’s get our fangs stuck in.
Let’s start with a little history on the makers of the game. On May 1, 2008, Dontnod Entertainment Studio was created. Their first game, Remember Me, was published on November 10, 2011 with the help of Capcom, which then they gave birth to the now critically acclaimed game Life Is Strange, which was originally titled What If. Go figure. Since then, the studio became quickly recognized for the quality of its immersive gameplay worlds and phenomenal narratives. Which brings me to Vampyr.
The game takes place after the Great War in 1918 London. The city has been devastated by conflict, and the Spanish Flu is spreading rapidly among its citizens. While the British government struggles to rebuild the country, secretive groups led by supernatural beings are pulling strings in the background of the seedy underground of Londinium. Ancient vampire societies, occult scholars and relentless vampire hunters all compete for dominance.
The protagonist of the game is a talented surgeon and researcher Jonathan E. Reid, a man widely respected by his peers. At the beginning of Vampyr, Dr. Reid awakens cursed with a terrible thirst for human blood. In his quest to find a cure for his vampiric condition, he tries to maintain a rational and scientific method – all while coming to terms with a strange, supernatural world.
Vampyr, of course, adheres to the mechanics and rules of an action/RPG. There are shiny collectables to hunt for as you explore the moody underbelly of London. You also have to upgrade your character and weapons, ticking all the right boxes when it comes to action and RPG.
But, this is where the game gets really interesting and fresh. It has unique attributes that may have been done before in some other games. However, the way Dontnod used these within the design of Vampyr is simply brilliant. Let me explain.
I offer you five key reasons why you should buy Vampyr.
#1 It’s Sherlock, but not as you know it!
Many people will love Sherlock Holmes in some form, whether it’s the books, films, TV series or games. Everyone loves to be on the brainy ride with Holmes and Watson trying to figure out who done it and why. In Vampyr, you become the detective and the ‘stakes’ are high. Detecting and investigated is a key part of this game, and it works really well in between the bloodletting and sucking of necks.
#2 There is no difficulty setting in Vampyr
Don’t worry, it’s not Dark Souls hard. However, at the beginning of the game, a messages pops up telling you that being evil makes you stronger… you know, by draining people of their blood. Or, you could make the game harder by steering clear of all that and being a good guy. This game will make you question your morality as you tell yourself, “It’s okay, it’s just a game.” Oh and by the way, EVERY decision shapes the outcome of the game. Best to keep that in mind.
#3 The score and color palate work with well the narrative
How many times have you played a game or watched a film that just seemed surreal or out of place? This is not the case with Vampyr. As you play, you will feel the dark noir tones meld into the story seamlessly. Even your special abilities add another layer to help set the tone of the game. It’s dark, it’s moody, and it’s just right.
#4 The narrative is fantastic
Dontnod has a proven track record when it comes to immersive storytelling, and Vampyr is no exception. Of course, the world will allow you to choose how immersed you want to get, just like the Witcher Wild Hunt does. The characters are as rich as you’d expect. But even hunting a human for food becomes part of the story as you find out more about them, their blood type, who they are, and what they do. The game cleverly deepens your understanding of the world and its rules, even while you are contemplating whether you should suck the life out of the poor meat stick in front of you.
#5 Vampyr sticks to the lore of old
Our world is full of vampire lore which has been obscured to oblivion. You only have to look at Twilight to see what I mean. Shiny vampires? Come on! Thankfully, Vampyr brings us back to the basics. Sunlight hurts, fire kills and vampires are to be feared… the way it should be. Thank goodness.
If you’re like me and you have been craving a good story that lets you be both Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper and looking to have your faith restored in the world of vamps, then Vampyr is the sucky game for you, in all its bloody glory.
My first impressions review gets B might change to A once I’ve sunk my teeth into the game some more. Toodles!
