- 6 days ago
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00:00You
00:30Hello, my name is Daniel Sadowski and I'm the design director at Rebel Wolves.
00:39I would like to welcome you to the Blood of Dawnwalker summer gameplay video.
00:44Our game is a story-driven, open-world dark fantasy RPG set in medieval Europe.
00:50The game is currently in pre-beta stage and what we are going to show you is just a part of one of the mid-game quests.
00:58It's a really cool story involving legendary swords and a haunted almshouse, but today we'll focus on showcasing our gameplay systems.
01:07We're starting on the outskirts of Svartrow, the game's largest city and the capital of Vale Sangora.
01:14From here we could head anywhere the eye can see, explore ancient ruins or sabotage vampire blood transports.
01:21But, it's not just about where or when you go, it's also about how you approach the main quest and shape the story, making each playthrough uniquely your own.
01:32For now, we're following the road.
01:35Coen is on his way to the city's cathedral, chasing leads about a powerful weapon said to be hidden in its crypts.
01:42But first, we'll have to deal with some bandits who camped out by the main road.
01:48Traveling through Vale Sangora is never boring.
01:51The world is dense with quests, random encounters and locations steep in lore.
01:57This will be a great opportunity to show you our combat system.
02:01Our goal was to make the player feel like a real swordmaster who closely observes his enemies.
02:07We'll begin this fight by using acrid dust to stun one of the enemies.
02:12Now, when you attack, you choose one of all directions, up, down, left or right, in order to hit the opponent where he's unable to parry.
02:22And similarly, when defending, you have to take note of the enemy's intent and the direction of the attack.
02:29On the left side of the screen, just above Coen's health, you have activation charges that will be filled in with each successful attack, block and parry.
02:38Once they are full, you can use one of the active abilities which allow you to take a more tactical approach to fighting.
02:46We started the fight by throwing some acrid dust.
02:49And now let's cast Burning Blood.
02:51It's a hex which boils the enemy's blood and burns their skin, dealing physical damage over time.
03:01Alright, time to finish this fight.
03:03Let's use the final activation charge to cast the artery attack.
03:08Which…
03:09Oh…
03:10Which actually decapitated the last opponent.
03:14Our hero quickly dispatched the bandits, so let's loot a few items they've left behind and open the inventory.
03:22First of all, let's replenish our health by eating something, and then take a closer look at this cool-looking weapon we just picked up.
03:35Ah, it has better stats than our current weapon, so let's equip it right now.
03:43We've also leveled up, so let's use this opportunity to spend the newly acquired skill point in one of Coen's skill trees.
03:52The skills in the Blood of Dawnwalker are divided into three trees.
03:56One for Human, one for Vampire, and one shared between the two.
04:01We also have an active abilities panel.
04:05We can use it to unlock additional abilities to use during combat.
04:10Note that during the day the health bar is not regenerating.
04:14You need to find consumables like the one we've just eaten.
04:18The hexes we've just used also consume some of Coen's health.
04:22Be aware of that.
04:23The way our magic system works?
04:25There's always a price to pay for manipulating reality.
04:29But we can make it sting a bit less.
04:32Let's level up the Frugal Witchcraft skill, so next time we'll cast a hex, it'll consume fewer of Coen's health points.
04:39Now that we've wrapped up the encounter with the bandits, we can be on our way to get inside the city.
04:45Right now, Coen hasn't done enough to ruffle the Vampire Lord's feathers, so the gods will just wave us through.
04:52But the more damage you cause, the more suspicious and aggressive they'll become.
04:56So when you play the game yourself, you'll have to decide whether you want to challenge the vampires openly,
05:02or lay low until you're ready to strike and surprise them.
05:06This is the rich district of the city, Silberkreis.
05:21There's also Altenmarkt, Neustadt and the Middens.
05:25Each of the boroughs has its own feel and character.
05:28Get your stinky arse out of here!
05:31I was just passing through, I swear!
05:34I got tired and...
05:37I sat down and started begging...
05:39Looming high over the city is Brancis' castle.
05:42Greifberg.
05:43He took it over when he slaughtered the human ruler of the valley, Skender, as shown in the trailer we shared with you earlier, in January this year.
05:52In order to complete the main quest and save your family, you'll have to storm the castle, alone or with help of friendly NPCs.
06:01We could do it right now if we wanted, but it would be super challenging.
06:07Let's check the map.
06:22The cathedral is really close.
06:24There's plenty of other places to see and things to do here.
06:27A couple of inns, a medic, a blacksmith, an armorer and other merchants.
06:33You can see that not only the vampires came out of the shadows.
06:41This creature on the right is called an Uriash.
06:44Look around, especially at night, and you'll learn humans have lots to fear, not just the vampires.
06:58And here we can see guards pounding on some poor guys' doors.
07:02It's just one of many different community scenes we're implementing in the game.
07:19Watch them closely when you play, as they might point you to new quests and hidden treasures or signal changes in the game's world.
07:28I humbly beg of thee.
07:32I humbly...
07:34I humbly...
07:36Ouch!
07:37I don't want to say it, mom!
07:38It's a prayer.
07:39That's what we have to say.
07:41I humbly beg of thee...
07:43Protect me.
07:44Oh god.
07:45Okay!
07:46We are at the cathedral gates.
07:49Again, since Cohen isn't yet wanted by the vampire regime, and it's daytime, we can simply walk inside.
08:01The baptism of a newborn is a solemn moment.
08:19Doubly so.
08:20A new life joins our flock, bringing happiness to its parents and to the congregation.
08:32Amen.
08:33Amen.
08:34Amen.
08:35Amen.
08:36Amen.
08:37Amen.
08:38Amen.
08:39Alleluia sanguinea, et insanguinea moriae tur,
08:47ego te baptizo in nomine Dei.
08:53Amen.
09:09Hmm. Don't I know you from somewhere, young man?
09:26Laslea, maybe?
09:31I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken.
09:34Am I? Perhaps. Perhaps.
09:38My memory isn't what it used to be.
09:42Come with me. I'll take your confession.
09:49Thank you, but I have no need for confession.
09:52Ah. So you deem your conscience clear.
09:59I wouldn't go that far. But I'm sure you're a busy man, Father.
10:04So while I appreciate the offer, I feel that my soul shouldn't be your priority.
10:08I won't press the matter. You are quite correct. I have many other duties to attend to.
10:14But please remember that in order to be saved, we all need to repent. Myself included.
10:25I hope we can speak again soon. Good day to you, uh, Cohen.
10:38What we saw right here was just one of many cutscenes we recorded for the game, which smoothly transitioned into a dialogue scene.
10:46We use cutscenes to highlight key scenes or showcase interesting bits of lore.
10:51Like this blood baptism. Creepy, isn't it?
10:56The core feature of the blood of Dawnwalker is the dual gameplay loop.
11:00Remember, Cohen may be a human during the day, but he turns into a vampire at night and has a different set of skills at his disposal.
11:10And this is just one variable that affects our quests.
11:15Depending on when you tackle a particular quest, what choices you've made earlier, whom you befriended or whom you've angered, your gameplay and story experience will be very, very different.
11:27So each quest is a complex structure with multiple possible paths leading to the end goal.
11:32We maximize players' freedom and agency, offering you a narrative sandbox to play in.
11:38I wonder what secrets may be concealed up there, just beyond Cohen's reach.
11:43And how do we get there?
11:45It's impossible to do during the day, but come night, it's an entirely different story.
11:52Let us explain what we mean by taking our current quest as an example.
11:56During the day, we got inside the cathedral without any problems,
12:00since it's open for all to see and Cohen doesn't yet stand out from the crowd.
12:05The scaffolds, though, are outside of his reach.
12:09But climbing them won't be a problem for the vampire, who has many more exploration abilities at his disposal.
12:18Bear in mind, Cohen has not completed the quest yet.
12:21What's more, there are still a few clues to be found in order to solve this story.
12:26It's worth mentioning that narrative sandbox also means that we may completely abandon this quest
12:32and follow a different path to defeat Brancis.
12:35For today, we're focusing on the gameplay part, so let's see how we could tackle this particular quest during the night.
12:42We're starting right after dusk, as a vampire, on the rooftops of Svatron.
12:48Right now, we have 22 days left to complete this goal.
12:52This counter is always displayed and you'll be warned each time it's pushed forward.
12:57So you have to be aware of the time, and it's more of a resource you'll be spending than a racing clock.
13:04As a vampire, you'll see and experience the world from a different perspective.
13:12You can travel quickly and easily access places beyond the reach of regular humans.
13:18Let us show you what we mean.
13:20This is Shadow Step.
13:22A unique vampiric ability, allowing Cohen to jump to almost any place within his reach.
13:28Now, let's take a good look around using the Focus Mode.
13:36This ability highlights objects of interest and loot.
13:40And there is something right here.
13:44This time, it's just some items to grab, but on other occasions, who knows, you might come across a hidden quest.
13:53Looks like our health is quite low.
13:55This is because, as a vampire, your health bar also represents your hunger level, and you start each night thirsting for blood.
14:04Remember, you have to quench this appetite in order to make full use of your vampire abilities.
14:10And drain in your monstrous nature around NPCs.
14:14Otherwise, you may end up draining someone important, which may lead to unpredictable consequences.
14:20We'd better feed them.
14:22Maybe on someone who is standing all alone.
14:27Like this drunkard.
14:29Let's grab him.
14:33And use Voracious Bite ability.
14:36Unless you lose control due to hunger, you get to decide how much blood to drink.
14:42You can drain just a bit and knock your victim unconscious.
14:46Or go all the way and kill them.
14:50And if you're adamant you don't want to hurt innocent humans, you can drink from animals and some other creatures.
15:02Finally, we are at the cathedral, but it seems to be closed for the night, and the entrance gate is well guarded.
15:08Let's find another way in.
15:26Shadow Step is not the only vampiric ability you're gonna learn during your playthrough.
15:31Koen can also use Plane Shift to scale walls and even ceilings smoothly.
15:41This will allow us to explore every nook and cranny of the cathedral.
15:46You'll better be quiet.
16:01You shall become Kenia's parents.
16:03Is that...
16:05boy or Esxanthe?
16:07What the hell is she doing here?
16:09What is she doing?
16:11Is that a ritual for the Bloodgots?
16:13You shall become your new family.
16:16You shall want for nothing.
16:18You shall become your new family.
16:20You shall become your new family.
16:22You shall become your new family.
16:24This was a scene investigation, a mechanic we used to zoom in on and showcase key clues.
16:50This time we had a chance to learn more about the Vampire's plans.
16:54Looks like they're keen to cover up the old frescoes, so that's something we could take a look at.
17:01This way we could learn more about the Cathedral's past.
17:11Looks like we aren't alone here.
17:13Underneath us there's a group of Bloodguards.
17:16Hooked up on Vampire Blood, which makes them stronger.
17:21And one of Brancis' vampire allies.
17:24It's Xanthi, the oldest vampire in Vale Sangora, and quite a powerful lady.
17:31Let's descend and check what's going on.
17:38Don't think I don't see you skulking in the shadows.
17:52Come out!
17:54You're interfering with my task.
18:02Who are you?
18:08It doesn't matter.
18:09Very well.
18:10I don't have time for interruptions.
18:13Let us dispose of him.
18:14Put me.
18:15You've withstood it.
18:16I'm too late.
18:17Coen is using his claws to attack when in Vampire form.
18:30Bloodguards are dual-wielding opponents.
18:32Their attacks are pretty strong.
18:35Of course, even when fighting with claws, combat is still directional.
18:40Don't worry, Coen can still use his sword as a vampire.
18:51Only after defeating all three of the Bloodguards, Xanthi beams Coen worthy of a challenge, and
18:57she descends to face him.
18:59She uses her blood control powers to cast a multitude of attacks, like her blood whips,
19:05that hit Coen from left and right.
19:09Xanthi is protected by a powerful vampire ability.
19:14Once her stamina runs out, Coen will have an opportunity to strike and deal some damage.
19:19But be careful, cause Xanthi is quick to counter-attack, and she will also try to restore her blood.
19:26Meanwhile, look at the indicator just below her health and stamina.
19:30It's a timer for the boiling blood skill that you've seen in the CGI trailer.
19:35So, if we don't hurry, the timer goes down to zero, and Coen will eventually explode.
19:44And we're dead.
19:46Remember, we were only mid-game here, and Xanthi is one of the game's most punishing enemies.
19:52Defeating her right here and right now is very much possible.
19:56But it would be hellishly difficult.
19:59A fun challenge for hardcore players.
20:02Otherwise, we could load the game and explore the cathedral without drawing her attention.
20:08Or try to get to her while she's not surrounded by bodyguards.
20:12Xanthi, like all other vampire allies, has her own questline.
20:17Explore it, and you can learn more about her past, motivations, and maybe even try to reason with her.
20:25What you do is entirely up to you.
20:28Remember, our design principle is the narrative sandbox.
20:32There's no difference between main quests and side quests.
20:35There's just different stories that you weave together into your own, unique adventure.
20:41But that's coming in 2026.
20:44For now, I'd like to thank you for joining me on this gameplay video presentation.
20:48We've just shown you a tiny glimpse of the blood of Dawnwalker.
20:53There's definitely more to come in the coming months,
20:56so stay tuned for any updates being posted on our social media profiles.
21:01Goodbye!
21:05Bye!
21:06Bye!
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