The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II is an indie action-RPG that continues the gothic fantasy saga of Abraham Van Helsing, the legendary vampire hunter. Released on May 22, 2014, the game is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and macOS, offering players an engaging mix of fast-paced combat, character progression, and an expansive world filled with supernatural threats. With a Metacritic score of 77.00, it stands as a notable entry in the indie action RPG genre, drawing comparisons to classic titles like Diablo.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II features a robust loot system, a deep character progression system, and multiple character classes, each with unique abilities and combat styles. Players can choose from several distinct classes, including the powerful ‘The Blade’ for close combat, the ranged ‘The Gunslinger,’ the spellcasting ‘The Spellkeeper,’ the trickster ‘The Adeptus,’ the engineer ‘The Bombardier,’ and the gadget-focused ‘The Contraptionist,’ who can deploy mechanical turrets and creatures in battle.
The game supports up to four players for the main campaign, allowing for cooperative gameplay that enhances the experience. Additionally, there's an eight-player competitive mode for those who enjoy PvP challenges. Players can also engage with rebel factions, training and assembling teams for side quests that add strategic depth to the gameplay. The Hunter’s Lair, Van Helsing’s secret hideout, returns as a hub for much of the game’s action, where players can interact with NPCs, sell items, stash loot, command troops, and even reset their character.
Story and Setting
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II is set in the fictional, industrial-era city of Borgova, where players take control of the son of the legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing. After defeating the mad scientist who terrorized the city, the protagonist takes over a resistance movement against the corrupt General Harker and his army of horrific creatures and mechanical monstrosities. The game’s narrative is rich with gothic elements and mad science, offering a compelling reason to explore the world and engage in its many quests.
The setting of Borgova is a blend of old-school gothic architecture and steampunk-inspired technology, creating a visually striking environment that enhances the game’s atmosphere. The story continues to unfold with new corners of the world to explore, more powerful foes to face, and stunning locations to visit, all while maintaining the humor and eccentricity that made the first game so memorable.
The game’s replayability is enhanced by branching quests, character customization, and a variety of side missions, including a tower defense mini-game. These elements provide a refreshing break from the main storyline and encourage players to revisit the game with different strategies and classes.
Available on multiple platforms, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II is an excellent choice for fans of action RPGs who appreciate deep character progression, cooperative play, and a richly detailed world filled with supernatural threats and quirky characters.
