A gem worthy of a purchase by RPG or Horror fans
Troika Game's Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a back-catalogue gem that deserved a sequel and is readily available on Valve's Steam for a reasonable price ($19.99 as of June 2009).
Why does it deserve a play?
Second, it offers interesting and mature missions/stories. The player-controlled character (gender and vampire-type determined by the player) is turned into a vampire at the beginning of the game. Yet for a new, young vampire, you are thrust into the middle of the action. The main story line offers you the chance to investigate an ancient vampire relic and the changes brought upon the vampire community and the different political factions by its arrival. The side quests are even more diverse: Explore a haunted house, investigate a snuff-film with paranormal origins, keep the undead from escaping their graveyard, sire your own vampire, battle a werewolf, etc. Missions that have twists that adults will find satisfying.
Third, gameplay is fun with powers, weapons, and skills to choose from. This is an action RPG - no sitting back and dice rolling here. Yes, statistics play a role behind the scenes in battle calculations but you need to keep your finger on the mouse button whether you primarily are using melee weapons in a 3rd person view of the action or guns in a 1st person view of the action. You decide on a vampire-type with different strengths and weakness at the start of the game but like any RPG you have the chance to accentuate certain skills as you level-up. Be a vampire ninja, computer hacker or a crack-shot vampire able to persuade any human to divulge the information you need, or a were-vampire that can mutate into a beast during combat.
The game does have its limitations. I played a version purchased from Valve's Steam system. I did experience crashes. I recommend saving your progress on a periodic basis. Unfortunately, Troika Games is no longer in business and the game is no longer officially supported. There are some unofficial patches on the web for the adventurous.
Unlike some other RPG, Bloodlines isn't an open world. There are side missions but unfortunately this isn't Elder Scrolls IV with vampires. This can be disappointing if you approach the end of the game and wish more content was available.
Game difficulty can be frustrating at times. You will need to develop your characters combat abilities. Toward the end, you will face dozens of gun welding humans at a time determined to slay you.
The graphics are good if you appreciate this game is now five years old.
Unsurprising for the studio with people that created Fallout, Troika Game's Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is an excellent and atmospheric RPG that deserves more attention than it gets. If you can be patient with its shortcomings, you'll be rewarded by a memorable playing experience.