Bithell Games, known for Tron: Catalyst and John Wick Hex, is preparing to launch Vampirium: 1997, a new immersive simulation game, into Steam early access soon. The game casts players as a personal vamp-assassin to King Dracula, tasked with eliminating his enemies through a variety of methods.
Players will need to distract, dispose of, or dismember guards as they infiltrate enemy lairs. The game allows for diverse approaches, including stealth, direct confrontation, or the use of environmental elements and found items as weapons. Dialogue options will also play a role in gameplay. The description suggests a blend of strategic tile-based decisions and snap choices during more violent encounters, such as deciding whether to engage in combat or drain enemies of their blood.
A demonstration mission, shown in a walkthrough by Bithell Games boss Mike Bithell, detailed a scenario where the player must eliminate a target named Zsombor. The gameplay showcased involves stealthily navigating a vampire's home, taking out guards like a butler, and offers choices in playstyle, including sticking to shadows, a more direct approach, hypnotizing NPCs, or exploiting environmental hazards like sunlight.
Completing levels in Vampirium: 1997 will reward players with additional content to encourage replays and experience points to customize their character's powers, aligning them with their preferred playstyle. The game's planned early access period is expected to last approximately two years, during which new locations, characters, settings, and powers will be added. The full release will include several new levels, additional objects, enhanced powers, and an increased level cap.
Vampirium: 1997 is available to wishlist on Steam.