Vampire®: The Masquerade - Bloodlines™

Provided you use the community patch this RPG is a true classic. Bringing a proper VTM story to the PC unlike anything before or since has done (still awaiting a sequel almost 20 years later). If you heard about The Chinese Room's recently announced takeover of sequel or the drama behind the previous attempt and want to know what its all about - This is where you start. You play in the first person (or third) as a new kindred (vampire) dropped into the hidden bloodthirsty world of LA. This game is different from what you expect, less of a shoot/slash them up (but does have several segments of it) and more focused on the politics of various vampire groups vying for control of the city. There are a multitude of side quests, hidden secrets and reasons to replay and pick different choices (playing the Malakian bloodline is great for a second go) I would rate it 4.5 due to some weird animations and general source engine bugs that crop up, but over time they kind of make the game what it is (don't watch people or LeCroix walk). Pick this up when you see a deal.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a monumental RPG, immersing players in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, where neon lights reveal both truths and deceptions. From the start, players are enveloped in mystery and intrigue, with every shadow hiding secrets waiting to be unearthed. What sets Bloodlines apart is its richly developed cast of characters, each crafted with layers of depth and complexity. From ancient elders to seductive sirens, every encounter propels the narrative forward and shapes the fate of the undead. Complementing the haunting atmosphere is the ethereal soundtrack by Rik Schaffer. Each note resonates with an otherworldly quality, guiding players deeper into the darkness lurking within the city's shadows. The music sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the supernatural. Throughout the game, players face weighty choices with consequences that ripple throughout the narrative. Whether embracing darkness or striving for redemption, every decision leads to divergent paths and unforeseen outcomes, ensuring each playthrough is unique. However, the game's forced combat sections, notably the arduous trek through the Nosferatu sewers and the final third of th egame, disrupt the narrative flow and strain patience, detracting from the experience. They are strenous, frustrating, and sabotage the intrinsic variety of the game, all the nuance the game previously had, now lost due to rushed development. Despite this flaw, Bloodlines remains a captivating odyssey through the immortal soul, blending immersive storytelling with atmospheric gaming. Its enduring legacy transports players to a world where reality and fantasy blur, leaving an indelible mark on all who dare to venture into its dark embrace. From its enigmatic characters to its haunting soundtrack, Bloodlines offers an unparalleled journey through the shadows, inviting players to explore the depths of their own desires and fears within the dark and mysterious world of the undead.

This game is renowned as a classic for very good reasons. Even though the game was marred by a poor release, the foundations of the game were very strong, and modders found ways to truly make it shine. As the title says, play it with unofficial patch plus. I promise you that you won't regret it. The dialogue is great. The writing is near perfect. The ending is quite great too. There is an overarching them throughout the whole game that really ties everything together. The music is spectacular. I can't go further or else I would be spoiling it, so it is best for you to go in blind to get the true experience of it.

Somehow on my 4th playthrough I encountered more bugs and glitches than the entirety of the previous 3 combined. It really complimented the cursed nature of the Nosferatu, which I was finally trying out this time around. Having now sunk nearly 100 hours into Bloodlines I can firmly say this is one of the greatest RPGs available, if you're looking for something that immerses you in its world. Yes the third act is combat focused and yes there's still that dreaded sewer level, but everything else outshines those rough spots. My personal highlights with the game are just roaming around the hub areas and soaking in the night life. Popping out of a sewer cap in Hollywood and seeing the expanse of the city in the distance, as the iconic score (composed by Rik Schaffer) began to play. Magical stuff.

The game has the best characters and dialog I have seen in a video game. Atmosphere is great and tone is mature like few other games (like Fallout 2). These parts make the game feel unique and worth throwing 40 hours in (side quests inlcuded). This said, many other aspects are at best mediocre : level design, combat, sneaking. Even with the unofficial patch, the game remains riddled with bugs: collision, invisible walls, enemies shooting you from nowhere. Some parts of the game are chores, no less, especially the infuriating boss fights and the very last quests with their never ending fights, weird difficulty balance and lacking ammo. The story, while being clever and thrilling in the 3 first parts collapses at the end, taking away one of the best aspect of the game. I think the unique aspects of the game overshadow how clunky and broken it really is. This said, there is nothing like it so if you have the patience, it's highly recommended.