What would Anne Rice's most famous vampires think of a modern vampire video game? A humorous fan-generated narrative imagines Daniel Molloy, Armand, Louis de Pointe du Lac, Claudia, and Lestat de Lioncourt weighing in on Rebel Wolves' new title, "The Blood of Dawnwalker."
As the game loads, the assembled vampires voice immediate critiques. Armand questions the protagonist's appearance, deeming him "ugly" and not befitting a vampire's supposed beauty. Daniel Molloy, a journalist himself, laments the game's early focus on mundane tasks like chopping wood and finding pigs, likening it to "Peasant Simulator 3000" and questioning if games have truly advanced since Pac-Man. Lestat expresses a peculiar disappointment at not being turned during a more tumultuous historical period, while Claudia urges for the return of vampire-centric action.
Vampire Critiques of Gameplay and Lore
The vampires' commentary touches upon various gameplay elements and lore points. The mechanic of creating new vampires by ripping out a fang and stabbing a human heart elicits a grudging approval from Claudia, who finds the process intentional and violent. Louis, however, questions her constant inclination towards violence.
Discussions also revolve around vampiric abilities and weaknesses. Lestat inquires about the protagonist's "Sky Gift" and the ease with which it is acquired, contrasting it with his own arduous learning process. The notion of vampires being able to walk in daylight due to a "silver mine equivalent of Black Lung disease" draws Daniel's attention, while Lestat questions the established lore by pointing out that a vampire blessed with healing properties could still die from a bear mauling, suggesting a "skill issue" within the game's mechanics.
The presence of other supernatural elements, such as witches and potentially the Talamasca, sparks a strong reaction from Lestat, who begins swearing in French at the prospect. Armand, meanwhile, speculates on romantic subplots, observing that two characters "clearly want to kiss" but are prevented by plot constraints.
Authenticity and Existential Doubts
The vampires also debate the nature of vampiric existence and power acquisition. Armand questions the believability of a fledgling amassing enough power to defeat an ancient vampire lord in 30 days, a feat he suggests would take any seasoned vampire 30 years to achieve, while Lestat humorously attributes his own slower progress to a past period of depression.
The narrative culminates in the vampires' collective, mocking repetition of a known line: "We know, 'You could not prevent it,'" hinting at shared experiences or established character tropes within the Anne Rice universe that the game may or may not be addressing.