Vampires are ubiquitous creatures in popular culture and have been featured in films, books, TV series, and video games for decades. Arkane Studios' upcoming co-op FPSRedfallwill be using the well-known bloodsuckers as the main antagonists, but the game has its own take that differs slightly from previous depictions. Ever since their first appearances in various folklore around the world, vampires have usually had certain characteristics, and whileRedfallappears to be following some of the classic rules for vampires, it is also making some significant changes.
Vampires have been used as characters and villains in a variety of different games across the years. They can be either popular enemies for players to mow down in horror-focused games or significant characters in series centered around the toothy monsterslike in theCastlevaniafranchise. While each version can be unique to each game, some players wonder howRedfall’s vampiric figures compare to similar ones in other titles.
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Redfall’s Unique Take
Ever since it was first announced during Bethesda’s E3 Showcase in 2021,Redfallhas been slowly taking shapewith gameplay clips and other details that its developer has released. From its setting of a formerly idyllic island town to its four playable characters with their own array of talents and personality quirks,Redfallhas revealed more and more over the months leading to its release.Redfallhas never made a secret of its vampire focus, and the origin of the deadly creatures is the main thing that sets them apart from depictions of similar characters in other video games.
Instead of more traditional supernatural origins,Redfall’s vampires are the result of a science experimentgone wrong. This more modern interpretation puts the downfall of the town and its subsequent overrunning by vampires in the hands of a biotech startup – something not often linked to the mythical monsters. Some elements link back to familiar vampire lore and video game interpretations, like the fact thatRedfall’s vampires black out the sun and therefore operate in the darkness. Like many vampiric enemies in games,Redfall’s antagonists also have special abilities, can fly, and drink the blood of their hapless victims.
Vampires In Video Games
Redfall’s science-focused vampires may seem unique, but it’s not actually the first game to use this approach. Vamp from theMetal Gearfranchise also gained some of his abilities and his apparent immortality from scientific experiments, although his taste for blood was the result of a separate traumatic event. Similarly,Final Fantasy’s Vincent Valentinewasn’t born with his vampiric attributes but acquired them after becoming Professor Hojo’s test subject. However, the vast majority of vampires in video games tend to have more traditionally supernatural origins.
The dark fantasyaction-adventure seriesThe Legacy of Kainrevolves around various vampires, like the titular protagonist of the first game who is a newly resurrected vampire seeking revenge against his murderers. The gothic overtones of the series and the nods to classic horror tie in more closely with genres that gamers might associate with vampires, and pits the creatures against humans in a classic conflict. More recent games set in the modern era likeVampire: The Masqueradetitles also adhere to traditional vampire rules. The creatures of the night exist mainly in the shadows, hunting humans and manipulating them with their various powers.
WhileRedfall’s vampires are recognizable as the fanged creatures of folklore that players will already know from the many games they’ve appeared in, the upcoming title is using them in interesting ways. They could be seen as an allegory for the rich and powerful, feeding off of those less fortunate than themselves as they suck a town dry not only of its blood but also its resources. But unlike games likeVampire: The Masquerade,Redfall’s vampires aren’t so good at coming togetheras a community, and the player’s ability to take them on through cooperation with other gamers highlights humanity’s togetherness and the bloodsucking foe’s isolation.
Redfallwill launch in 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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