Arkane Lyon, renowned for its immersive action games has set the gaming community abuzz with its announcement of a new project – Marvel’s Blade.
Revealed at The Game Awards 2023, this third-person action-adventure marks the studio’s entry into the Marvel universe, taking players on a journey through the dark and mysterious world of the Daywalker.
After his mother was bitten by a vampire while he was still in the womb, Blade was born a Dhampir, or half-vampire. This rare birth gave Blade all the strengths of a vampire, but none of their weaknesses; though he is reluctant to fully embrace his vampiric powers and maintain his humanity. A master of various martial arts, Blade is an impressive combatant in his relentless pursuit of bloodsuckers.
The game’s setting, the enchanting city of Paris, adds an extra layer of allure to the narrative. While the release date remains unknown, the promise of a third-person action-adventure set against the backdrop of the City of Lights, has left us hungry for more.
An excited Dinga Bakaba, Studio/Co-Creative Director of Arkane Lyon shared the stage with Bill Rosemann from Marvel. Sharing that both he and Sebastien Mitton pitched to Marvel what would be the “wildest take” on a superhero that they loved. Particularly excited to focus on another character with a deep duality in a location close to their hearts.
Bakaba ending their brief interview with “The entire team at Arkane Lyon is pouring so much love into this immersive third person action adventure set in the heart of Paris. So, please sit back, and let us cook“.
In the wake of Deathloop’s success, expectations are high for Arkane Lyon’s innovative take on Marvel’s Blade. Having co-developed Wolfenstein titles with MachineGames, the studio has already demonstrated versatility in game development.
It’s safe to say that all eyes are back on Arkane and I am HERE for it. After the mixed reception of Redfall by Arkane Austin, Arkane Studios as a whole will be looking to shake off any lingering criticisms, and showcase their creativity in a new light.
With Arkane Lyon’s signature touch amplifying Blade’s extraordinary powers, the Daywalker’s abilities will likely take centre stage in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
Watching the trailer triggered a memory of something I’d spotted within the Redfall Gameplay Deep Dive a while back. I jumped in and found the part where Harvey Smith notes his favourite Vampire Hunter, and wouldn’t you know it, it was Blade. Perhaps an intentional nod of what was to come!
As fans eagerly await more details about the game’s mechanics and storyline, the prospect of stepping into Blade’s boots and trench coat to mete out vampiric justice is undeniably exciting.
