The Blood of Dawnwalker Review

The Blood of Dawnwalker is a third-person action RPG that brings vampires to life in a gritty, dark fantasy world. Created by former developers of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, this game finally satiates the thirst for an open-world vampire RPG. The player takes on the role of Coen of Laslea, a protagonist with long hair and facial scars who becomes infected with Porphyric Hemophilia and starts practicing witchcraft.

The player's goal is to avenge the town of Laslea, now overrun by vampires, and reclaim the valley of Vale Sangora from the dark forces threatening it.

As a Dawnwalker, the player can switch between their human and vampire forms throughout the game. In human form, Coen heals with food and medicine, wields swords, and uses magic spells. However, vampires rely on blood to restore health and gain access to a variety of powerful abilities, such as teleportation, wall and ceiling walking, and transforming into a wolf.

The day-night cycle plays a significant role in the gameplay, as it forces the player to adapt their strategies and maintain two separate builds for their human and vampire forms. This unique feature allows for a more dynamic and engaging combat experience.

The game boasts a well-written cast of characters, including Anca, a tragic past witch who teaches the player Latin and magic, Crake, a rebellious leader who can be cruel but ultimately becomes a compelling ally, and Lacra, an allied vampire with a history of war crimes. Even the primary villains, such as Brencis and Ambrus, are portrayed as complex and intriguing figures. This level of character development adds depth to the game's narrative and makes the player more invested in their journey.

The combat system in The Blood of Dawnwalker is robust and challenging, with a directional parry mechanic that sets it apart from other RPGs in the genre. While it has a learning curve, mastering it can lead to a satisfying and rewarding experience. The game's combination of intriguing storylines, well-rounded characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it the vampire RPG fans have been waiting for.