From the studio that brought us a piece of CD Projekt Red’s DNA comes The Blood of Dawnwalker, a vampire RPG that immediately feels familiar yet distinct. It’s a game where a seemingly simple fetch quest can quickly spiral into something far more complex, and it’s this blend of detective work, combat, and character development that makes it so compelling.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Take on the Genre
The moment I knew The Blood of Dawnwalker had something special was when, early on, one of the local peat diggers fell into a hole. Tasked with finding him by his brother, what seemed like a mundane quest quickly turned intriguing. The game’s “Witcher DNA” is undeniable. It features a detective-style focus mode that highlights points of interest, much like Geralt’s witcher senses. Combat blends swordplay with parries, dodges, and magical abilities, reminiscent of Witcher signs. One ability even allows Coen to reanimate corpses for interrogation, echoing a memorable quest from The Witcher 3.
Imagine if someone told you that this was a CD Projekt spin-off called The Witcher: Blood of Dawnwalker, developed by someone who wanted to create a game in that series without the cat-eyed medieval fantasy protagonist. You’d be convinced! The main character, Coen, plays like a blend of Regis and Detlaff from Blood and Wine. However, he has one key difference: he’s human during the day and only transforms into a vampire at night.
This day/night cycle is central to the gameplay. During the day, you move like a regular person, while at night, you become a supernatural force, warping around enemies in a frenzy of blood-fueled power. You have to manage your “bloodlust,” as excessive use of vampire abilities can lead to accidental drainings of friendly NPCs. However, it’s surprisingly easy to avoid this by snacking on animals and sticking to daytime activities when possible.
Combat and Character Progression
While the vampire form offers rapid movement and devastating attacks, human Coen’s combat is more deliberate. Swordplay requires dodging, parrying, and finding openings in enemy defenses. This can be challenging, especially for those less adept at timed parries. However, earning perks that grant passive health regeneration helps immensely. The ability to passively drain enemies with the “Burning Blood” ability is also crucial for thinning out groups without getting overwhelmed.
The game encourages experimentation with different builds and abilities. You can craft various items and salves for healing, a key differentiator from the vampire form’s automatic health regeneration. While there are plenty of opportunities for min-maxing, the combat is accessible enough for those who prefer a more straightforward approach.
A Compelling Narrative and Characters
Beyond the gameplay, The Blood of Dawnwalker excels in its character development. Coen starts as a seemingly ordinary farmboy, but his past and psychological makeup are far more complex. The game explores these aspects without resorting to tired tropes or forcing players into evil choices.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed. Anca, the healer from Coen’s village, has a complex relationship with him, evolving as they confront their past traumas. Lacra, a vampiress with her own hidden motives, adds another layer of intrigue. The game also features factions like the Manumits, an underground rebel group distrustful of vampires.
The relationships between characters are nuanced and believable, often tinged with cynicism. However, there’s always a reason to care about these individuals and invest in their stories.
An Open World Ripe for Exploration
The game features an open-world design similar to Far Cry, with climbable towers revealing landmarks. The main objective is to save Coen’s family from Brencis, the vampire ruler. Dealing with his three underlings, the Boyars, makes this task easier but also angers Brencis, who issues decrees that make life in Vale Sangora more difficult.
You can even choose to kill or drain the blood of these Boyars, each choice having consequences. One memorable moment involved draining Bakir and being confronted with a ghostly voice offering commentary on my actions. This suggests that you can end up with a full-blown sitcom going on in Coen’s mind if you let every rogue vampire into it!
Final Thoughts
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a thoroughly enjoyable RPG that blends familiar elements with fresh ideas. It may not have the labyrinthine complexity of The Witcher, but it compensates with its open-ended narrative and compelling characters. The world feels alive, with countless threads waiting to be pulled, making every playthrough a unique experience. If you’ll forgive me for saying so, I think this game is going to be on many people’s lists of best games of the year.
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