Medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker features an unexpected speedrunning possibility, with developers confirming that the game can be completed before its prologue even concludes. This accelerated victory condition is achieved by defeating the game's main antagonist, Brencis, during the prologue's climactic battle.
While players are intended to lose this initial encounter to set the stage for the subsequent adventure, Rebel Wolves, the game's developer, has acknowledged that a skilled player can overcome Brencis. Publisher Bandai Namco confirmed this possibility, stating that it is indeed a "possible ending." However, the developers noted that only a few internal testers have managed this feat, underscoring its extreme difficulty.
The combat system in The Blood of Dawnwalker is designed with a layer of depth that requires sharp reflexes and significant practice. Brencis himself is described as a ferocious lead vampire, and during the prologue battle, he is likely to be defended by his lieutenants, adding to the challenge. A typical playthrough would involve hunting these lieutenants individually before confronting Brencis later in the game.
Beyond this early victory, players also have the option to simply leave the game's main settlement area, Vale Sangora, without saving their families, which serves as another non-standard conclusion. However, defeating Brencis within the prologue offers the most drastic shortcut to finishing the game.
In a hands-on preview, the game's approach to time management was highlighted as a notable feature. Rather than creating a sense of being rushed, this system is designed to be more deliberate and complex, aiming to instill tension and a greater sense of RPG purpose. The combat mechanics were found to offer the sought-after depth, and encountered quests were multi-part, well-acted, and presented meaningful choices. The freeform open-world structure and the absence of a strictly defined main story initially require adjustment but ultimately contribute to an engaging experience.
The Blood of Dawnwalker is scheduled for release on September 3rd for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.