Is the The Blood of Dawnwalker trailer as irresistible as hot mashed cranberries with caster sugar? Because it’s right up my alley.
My colleague Ben Sledge has already explained why the “medieval X-Files” concept is an easy sell for me, but there’s so much more to it than simply invoking one of my favorite TV shows.
An important factor is that the game is developed by the same team behind The Witcher 3, including its director.
Although I don’t share the same level of enthusiasm for The Witcher as some, its richly crafted atmosphere was always impressive, and it seems that same ambiance has been carried over.
The gameplay might present a challenge, but since we won’t be seeing it until summer, I’m choosing to stay positive for now.
And (if you have a South African accent), speaking of “staking” points, the game revolves around vampires—though one of them could very well be a jiangshi.
How to Unlock Older Battle Passes In Marvel Rivals
The Blood of Dawnwalker Offers a Unique Take on Vampires
The game looks all set “somewhere in the Carpathians,” which, based on modern-day countries, would likely be located in regions such as Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, or Ukraine.
However, one of the vampires in the trailer is Asian and dons a Hun warrior’s uniform, reminiscent of those seen in Mulan. This suggests the possible presence of a jiangshi, hinting at multiple connections to the myth.
At first glance, it’s not out of place for an Asian character to be in 14th-century Eastern Europe, the setting of the game.
The Mongols, during that period, pushed as far west as Poland, the furthest western point among the countries that could be considered part of the “Carpathians.”
Beyond the vampires and magical powers, it’s historically believable for an Asian character to be in this setting at this time—though not everyone.
The inclusion of an Asian character in the central group of vampires hints at a unique storyline.
This could be tied to the Black Death, as the trailer suggests, with some historians connecting Mongol invasions and the resulting evacuations to plague outbreaks. However, the character’s Hun-inspired attire suggests a more complex narrative underneath.
The Huns were active between the 3rd and 5th centuries, while this game is set in the 14th century.
Although his prolonged life can be explained by his vampire nature, the presence of an Asian vampire from the 3rd century makes it likely that the developers considered the idea of a jiangshi.
KOTOR Remake: Key Highlights to Look Forward to 2025 KOTOR Remake
What Even Is A Jiangshi?
Let’s get to the point—what exactly is a jiangshi? It’s a Chinese vampire that blends elements of Western vampires and zombies.
Typically seen as reanimated corpses, some legends depict them hopping or even teleporting. Instead of biting or attacking, they drain your life force by simply touching you.
I’m eager to discover what The Blood of Dawnwalker holds. It appears to take a fresh perspective on vampires—championing the helpless instead of exploiting them, challenging the existing power structures rather than taking them over, and reflecting on the tragedy of loss rather than glorifying violence.
Adding a character with a distinct racial background opens the door to fresh storylines, whether related to jiangshi or not.
The bubbling cranberries do bear a striking resemblance to blood, and I’m eager to see if The Blood of Dawnwalker can deliver on its hype with impressive gameplay this summer.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Ending Faces Major Backlash from Players
