Bithell Games, creators of games such as Volume, John Wick Hex, and Tron: Catalyst, has announced a new immersive sim called Vampirium:1997. The game takes place in an England ruled by Dracula, with players controlling an assassin tasked with eliminating threats to his vampiric empire.
The minimalist point-and-click gameplay challenges players to infiltrate living areas to kill targets by whatever means they see fit. Vampirium: 1997 offers multiple methods for completing objectives, whether you prefer a stealthier approach that limits the body count or using weapons like a silver katana to massacre everyone in sight.
The living environments are designed to compel players to adapt to new conditions during missions. You can observe enemy patrol routes to effectively plan routes and access restricted areas, and manipulate environmental elements such as lights and other items to your advantage. Interacting with characters offers multiple responses to glean information or maintain your secrecy, including performing tasks for them. Or you can use the power of hypnotism to compel certain characters to do what you want. Missions are designed to be highly replayable since new tasks will unlock after you complete a level for the first time. Director Mike Bithell posted an 8-minute gameplay walkthrough that gives a better look at what Vampirium: 1997 has in store.
It’s nice to see Bithell Games bounce back with a new project after it was forced to lay off most of its staff last August due to funding issues. Vampirium: 1997 will launch into Steam Early Access at an unannounced date.