Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

i have way more than 81 hours in this game don't be fooled, its just steam doesnt count clan quest mod or plus patch. im pretty sure i've played every clan every sect and gotten every ending. all time classic

Genuinely under rated and appreciated game. The story is captivating and personal, you will feel overwhelmed and stumped at times. And that is what makes this game not only unique, but special. It understands what makes Vampire: The Masquerade, and its identity, by not only honoring the source material, but “embracing” it. (See what I did there?)
Hopefully the sequel will be just as good, if not better than this, by including a newly turned vampire and not some Elderly vampire, because that would totally suck and miss the point of Vampire: The Masquerade.

Great game. It's a really impressive RPG game.

Cool questlines and dialogs, interesting and memorable characters, nice moral dilemmas, deep lore, dark atmosphere, good music and a really thrilling world of vampires. There is also a dark humor here and there. The game world is pretty big and very interesting to explore. In many cases you need to investigate the things, do some detective-like work and all this stuff, it's really cool. I like it.

Requires an "unofficial patch" to be playable. If you want to launch it via Steam you need to add "-game Unofficial_Patch" line in Steam launch options after patch installation.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is one of the best RPGs I've played. Set in the World of Darkness universe, the game is based on White Wolf's role-playing game Vampire: The Masquerade. Starting as a fledgling vampire, the story takes you through four areas of 21st-century Los Angeles: Santa Monica, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and Chinatown.

The writing and characters are excellent, keeping you invested through the 30-40 hours it takes to complete (depending on how many side quests you take on). There are choices to be made about who you side with, leading to different story arcs and side quests. The choice of vampire clan for your character gives you unique powers that often come in very handy in completing your missions. I played as a member of the Tremere clan, which gives you some very cool blood magic.

There are some difficult bosses towards the end of the game, which will really punish you if you haven't got your build just right, so spend your experience points wisely! The world is also not as fleshed out in the later levels, probably a consequence of the game being released before it was really ready. Playing with the Unofficial Patch is mandatory to avoid the bugs.

10/10 for the godspeed you! black emperor reference alone, but the game is also really good

This is the best vampire game I have played and due to the lack of vampire games to play I highly recommend this as it is well worth the price as it is not that expensive.

2025 the game is still holding on. It's making me miss the 90's, though. 8.3/10 solid buy.

This game is so much fun. I enjoy the mechanics, the characters, learning about the clans through the stories, etc. I hope one day we can get a remake of this with modern graphics and systems (or just graphics, honestly).

great game GREAT story bad gameplay and BOOBIES 10/10

Waow. Amazing as hell. For an old ass game it's incredibly fun and complex. The atmosphere, the dialogue, the lore, the music??? Oh it's just too elite. I can't remember the last time I've been sucked into a game like this. And the best part is, I only did one run with one clan, I still have so much more to play. I recommend this game to anyone who loves vampires because this is for sure THE vampire game until further notice.

(A brief and mighty thank you to Ogre Poppenang for recommending everyone in Wisconsin this game) Bloodlines skillfully gives you the feeling of being ripped from your old life and being placed above it and everyone who you used to live alongside, while your new world rushes you to do it's dark bidding. It has an amazing soundtrack and chilling vibes that fit perfectly with the game. My favorite area so far was the haunted mansion. I sincerely hope that it's sequel brings about a tithe of Wod Mania to the mortal world.

A triple victim of its developer, the owners of the engine and the publisher. And yet, a good game came out. A game worthy of being replayed every few years. Extra points for mods like the Clan Quest Mod.

Incredible RPG with really great music and just a really intriguing story. It's aged really badly though, and requires the Unofficial Patch just to open the game. But it's a lot of fun, only issue I have with it is just some kind of poor boss fights and just the combat in general being not a lot of fun, especially since you can't really avoid combat at the end of the game so charisma builds seem quite pointless in retrospect. Characters and the city of Los Angeles at night is just so cool. Love the music too. Overall solid game.

After playing this, you'll be chasing an experience like it for months. One of my favorite games of all time. The vibe is incredible, and the gameplay is great especially if you like retro games (except for one boss fight, you'll figure out which one). Its buggy as fuck though so get the unofficial patch. 10/10, a fucking masterpiece.

this game is much good, the vampires are tcholas sometimes, but is a good game. And dance forever in The Asylum.

A relic of a time where games were good. Now we are cursed just like vampires: damned to feed on slop for the rest of our lives.

Usem o unofficial patch. Vai por mim, vai ser bem melhor.

the best vampire game that has and will ever be made, the only downside is the game ends too soon, if only there had been more to play
the malkavian dialogue has to be one of my favorites in all video games

This game has great storytelling, great voiceactor's, and had everything to be one of the greatest rpg's of all time. The problem is, after two third's of the game, the gameplay starts to feel uninspired and repetitive, dialogues lose space to bad combat mechanics and boring enemies in a somewhat unbalaced combat system. On other aspect's, has very inspired and memorable missions and dialogues and has good replayability for specific classes scenes. I would rate it 7 out of 10.

A flawed masterpiece. Although pretty much requiring modding in order to achieve a playable state (the unofficial patch). Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines provides one of the best role-playing experiences a player could ask for. This game basically begs the player to replay as everything concerning the stats you choose to invest in, your race, and clan you side with will greatly affect your experience. For example if you chose to be a Nosferatu NPC’s will treat the player completely different as well as how you traverse the world will be completely different. (NPC’s will comment on the players appearance with disgust and the player will be left to traverse the world out of sight through the sewers feeding on rats to survive) Player choice is heavily emphasized meaning, experiment with your approach, seduce, intimidate, and persuade to get the result you want. Amazing quests, setting, lore, music, atmosphere, and by far the strongest point of the game are the characters. I couldn’t believe how expressive the character models were for a game that runs on the Source engine released in 2004. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a game you could only dream of releasing in this generation of games. What this game provides that others that have since released do not is soul. The world is palatable with the amount of care and detail painstakingly put in every line of code and dialogue. For a game this size, I couldn’t believe how consistently good the voice acting was. I couldn’t even list all of my favorite characters if I tried, as the list would be too long. Games I've played that have been released in recent years have NPCs that feel like floating talking heads with no individuality. The gothic, edgy, vampire underworld of Los Angeles is something I've never experienced, and I'm convinced Troika Games couldn't have made it more interesting. Each character you encounter reinforces the politics, factions, races, and history of this world. The story gripped me in a way that kept me up late seeing what would happen next. The plot twists had my jaw on the floor, the humor had me in stitches, and the drama floored me. Now this is a game that can be unbearably frustrating at times. At some points of my playthrough, I had to enable god mode/noclip to progress. There are bugs and glitches, and the combat is serviceable at its very best. This could be a deal breaker for many, but if you take a step back to experience the kind of game that this is, it’s like no other. This was the high I’ve been chasing that Fallout and The Elder Scrolls gave me. I'm skeptical for the sequel as a different developer has the responsibility of making it, and the constant delays are not a good sign. Regardless, I'm ready to experience more of what this world can offer. For as rushed as the game was, the hardware limitations, and the year it was released it completely makes sense the kind of cult following and support it has garnered. The game also features a hacking mechanic that is crazy addicting and satisfying. Like a fine wine, this game only appreciates in value as more and more commercial games fail to emulate a tenth of the kind of experience this game provides.

P.S. DON’T OPEN IT

We are born by the blood, made men by the blood, undone by the blood. Fear the old blood.

Wait... Wrong game.

Although in 2025 running this game is a bit arduous, it still holds up as an immersive and in depth vampire RPG. From the gritty world-building to excellently written dialogue and storytelling, not to mention the kick-ass soundtrack, the vibes of this game are immaculate (for lack of a better descriptor lol).

Install the unofficial patch. Playing without it is impossible. It's free, less than 1GB and pretty much installs itself so there's no fuss.

My favourite part about this game is that the quickload button is also Steam's screenshot button, so I have a lovely gallery of me fucking up along my playthrough. You can manually change it but it's very innovative.

It does atmosphere quite well. You really feel like this newborn vampire belonging to this secret society where fuck-ups are NOT tolerated. You have to follow people into alleyways to feed, you can covertly use your vampiric traits to guide conversations your way, among other really neat features that I can't think of right now.

I really wish characters were expanded upon more. Jeanette (cover girl) shows up for the first few hours, then never comes up again. Same thing with multiple other characters throughout the game. I like these characters and want to interact with them more but the game just doesn't let me.

Combat is average early game, and steadily gets worse as the game goes on. Knocking enemies over with melee weapons gives them i-frames while they stand up, pretty much negating your advantage and making this whole knock down system pointless. Melee also forces you to engage at close-range (obviously), which become a MAJOR disadvantage late-game as more and more enemies become ranged. Stealth also becomes worse as time goes on, as enemies just start being able to see through invisibility for some reason. So just walking up to enemies guarantees a fuckton of damage. Ranged is just as bad though. There is forced weapon spread, so you have to stand still and crouch to get a half-decent shot on target. Automatic weapons have too much recoil to use (both for the player's aim, and the weapon spread mechanic). Last but not least is your own health regen. It slowly goes up over time, but regens faster if you munch on somebody. But some enemies are completely immune to this (making some section of the game a slog as you have to frequently go afk to wait for health regen), and the hit detection is beyond broken while in combat. This makes it very inconsistent and a struggle to use.

Maps are small, but somehow still too big in certain areas. Santa Monica and Chinatown were decent, but Hollywood and Downtown had far too much walking distance between objectives.

Some dungeon segments are fucking horrible. The Nosferatu Sewer section in Hollywood, and the late-game Hotel section especially. Just wave after wave after wave of enemies copy-pasted everywhere. If I have to hear those Geodude-looking losers lunge at me one more time I'll cry. Also a lot of extremely tedious puzzles, like trial-and-error maze areas and that stupid vent room in the sewers.

I have a lot of bad things to say, but it's a 9/10. Loved the world and characters. Level-design was usually fine. The story was just ok. The combat was meh.

It's become clear from many reviews that this game will not function without the unofficial community patch, that being said, this is one of my all time favourite video games.

This game is as of the time I am writing this, just over 20 years old. Keeping that in mind, when you play this game you can expect to enter a time capsule of very early 2000's nostalgia.

Like most people who have made this trite observation at this point, this game deserves praise because of it's writing. The story that unfolds is great, the choices you make in your playthrough are impactful and have consequences to them, and the classes are unique and interesting.

Many people however share the opinion that this game is a flawed masterpiece, (that which I must unfortunately agree with.) And for that reason it is truly a shame that it didn't get the polishing it needed. But that's okay, because this game is still fantastic, and you won't regret picking it up and playing it if you see it on sale.

Furthermore, this game may appeal to a niche subject audience, but I feel like anyone who enjoys RPG's would get a kick out of this game. So yeah, give it a thought.

(Playing this through steam is broken (for the most part as I can tell), I have however finished it multiple times on the unofficial patch launcher, so ignore my total playtime as of writing.)

Despite the dated nature of this game, it all holds up fantastically well thanks to its incredible writing and voice acting work. Truly, I don't think any game that has come out recently has come even remotely close to the level of writing this game has to offer.

It is good for the programming of the mind to accept the Shadow of the Self more intuitively.

Wonderful game. Don't forget to install the unofficial patch.

This game starts fantastic, setting up so much so quickly, while leaving you open to roleplaying how much you knew about vampires, however the middle does drag on a bit, especially the Hollywood quests before you actually get to the end of one of them (That's spoilers :) ) but once you're in Chinatown the story picks right back up!

Buy on GOG or download the unofficial patch. Bought the game and played the opening cutscene and then drank blood. Game worked, stopped playing as I focused on others. A month later, won't start up, no error message either. I ask Steam for a refund, low hope of success. They said no and I have the patch downloaded and the game is working so far, but I literally played less than 15 minutes before the start up issue and I don't think a refund was unreasonable. Makes me concerned about buying old games on steam now.

Gave this try on a whim since it was on sale and I'm really enjoying it so far! Well, that was after I was forced to download an unofficial patch just to make the game launch. That wasn't fun. And I did a quiz to see what type of vampire I was and they gave me one of the hardest classes right off the bat, but since I'm playing blind I didn't realise until I finished the tutorial. Saved myself the hassle and restarted with an easier class to begin with.

I've mostly just been exploring the first hub area and talking to everyone the game lets me talk to. Combat is awful however, but I expected that from a game that came out more than 20 years ago, thankfully there are ways to avoid combat in certain situations. More than anything I'm just enjoying the role-playing aspect and I'm very happy!

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is a difficult game to review in 2025. The game is very, very dated. It absolutely needs the Unofficial Patch to even be playable. Usually that's enough for me to apply the thumbs down for any game.

But I'll make an exception here because where this game doesn't suck, it's incredible. Taking a leaf from contemporaries like Deus Ex, this action RPG grabs you with the excellent recreation of the tabletop vampire abilities you'll be used to if you played the pen and paper RPG, with the fan favourite clans from Ventrue to Brujah available for players. As well as all the crazy abilities, like domination and mind control all the way to making people's blood boil until they explode.

It's also let down by the combat which comes across as unpolished, although in 2004, there wasn't a lot to compare to. TTK ranges from way too long to instakill and it's balanced rather poorly.

However what drives this game is world class narrative combined with meaningful choices that impact all the way through the game, just like with Deus Ex, you get that whole vibe... what you do in this game and the way you do it has consequences, and it makes it all the more immersive and enjoyable. It's also something developers rarely manage to grasp... I can't think of many examples beyond Baldur's Gate 3 where such excellent game design philosophy has been so successfully applied.

If you can pick this up for $5 or less, and you like retro gaming, and can handle the dated, rough edges, this is worth a play-through.

Unable to play this anymore on new hardware. Don't bother buying it here, buy it G somewhere O else G.

good game but there are some game braking bugs. an i had an issue where the game would boot me out on the first screen.

Once I've played through all the clans, I'll post a full review. For right now, I'll go with something simple.

Due to me using a separate patch launcher for most of my playtime, the "44 Hours" is inaccurate.

This game is jank as hell, and unplayable without the Unofficial Patch. But with that patch, you will find one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The combat is not what you're here for, but it can be enjoyable to test out your ridiculous vampiric abilities. I will say that, although it is important to have at least one dialogue skill, there are mandatory combat sections. Stealth is also a challenge, unless you roll a Nosferatu or Malkavian, and then it becomes a resources game. If vampires aren't really your thing, they aren't mine either. But I still love this game.

Watch Sseth's review if you want to know more about the game, as I still want to gather more gameplay information before writing a full review.

And if you do decide to get this gem, PLEASE don't play a Malkavian first. You'll get way more enjoyment out of them on a second playthrough due to a certain... feature. Same for Nosferatu, as you are the average Redditor, and people react violently to seeing you in public, making the whole game a stealth section, except for the sewers. The noise of sewer water has almost given me tinnitus, each low quality splash making me slip deeper and deeper into insanity.

It's really good, 8/10.

was able to play a couple of years ago attempted to do so today and nothing but crashes and cant fix the issue just keep your money and buy a Greggs sausage roll or something

It is one of the best old games out there, it is as good as fallout new vegas to give you an idea but be wary, without the unoficial patch the game will not run

This is one of those games that you just have to play at some point. The theme of being a vampire holds a unique presence in the RPG space. Here you are forced onto a darker path than most games, simply due to now being a creature of the night, but that does not mean that you have to be evil. Morality plays a big role in Vampire the Masquerade, and the game encourages your freedom in how you approach your problems (while also tempering it with certain restrictions, because it would be very bad if the public found out about vampires).

Combat is not extraordinary, but you are often given the freedom to choose how to attack a problem. Stealth, guns blazing, or use that silver tongue.

Character customization does not have some of the incredible variety of more modern games in terms of appearance, but each vampiric race offers its own unique style of gameplay. One even creates wholly unique dialogue across your playthrough.

This is one of those old games when ragdoll physics were everywhere, but it doesn't really hurt the experience.

The game can be humerous, suspenseful at times, but mostly it is just very rewarding.

Absolutely recommend.

Peak RPG that ticks all the boxes except combat is pretty awful

Paradox's CEO calling this game a "competently good game by 2004 standards" is absolutely insane. I've played this for the 1st time in 2025 and its easily one of the best RPG's I've ever played. I don't have much hope for the sequel coming out later this year but I definitely recommend the OG to new players. Just make sure to download the unofficial patch.

The most sheer aura per square-meter ever put into an rpg. Already craving for something with a similar feel but there really just isn't, shame the sequel seems to be going downhill.

Btw if you love the setting as much as i did go check out some of the other World Of Darkness stuff (Mage is a personal fav) and delve into the lore, you're in for helluva good time.

Absolutely amazing. Genre defining game. Buggy yes, but a masterpiece non the less.

One of those games I just have to replay every few years, I only wish it had achievements.

Don’t forget to install the unofficial patch!

Trust me and download the unofficial patch before starting a save, it could save you hours of gameplay being lost like me.

Combat is pretty not good but everything else is pretty very very good.

There are few games that manage to transcend their medium, leaving a lasting impact on the players who experience them. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is one of those rare gems—an immersive, darkly compelling RPG that takes you deep into a world of nightmarish intrigue, complex morality, and unforgettable characters. Released in 2004, it may have been ahead of its time, but it has since become a beloved classic, and for good reason. This is a game that not only captures the spirit of its source material but builds a world so rich, so nuanced, that it feels alive.

A World of Shadows and Secrets
From the moment you step into the shoes of a freshly turned vampire, Bloodlines introduces you to a world that is both beautifully sinister and intricately detailed. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the game weaves a dark tale of political intrigue, personal conflict, and supernatural terror. The rich lore of the Vampire: The Masquerade tabletop RPG is brought to life in an almost seamless way, with each faction of vampires—whether it's the stoic Ventrue, the cunning Malkavians, or the fiery Brujah—adding layers of complexity to the story. This is a world where nothing is ever simple, and where every decision you make carries weight.

The setting itself, the urban sprawl of LA, is a masterwork of gothic atmosphere. The game’s locations—be it the seedy alleyways of Santa Monica or the terrifying depths of the haunted asylum—are meticulously crafted, with a level of detail that makes every corner feel like it holds a secret. You’re not just moving through a city; you’re navigating a sprawling, living ecosystem of power struggles and hidden threats.

Immersive Role-Playing Like No Other
What truly sets Bloodlines apart from other RPGs is its depth of character interaction and role-playing opportunities. The game is all about choice—and not just in how you approach combat or quests, but in how you choose to live your life as a vampire. Will you uphold the delicate balance of the Masquerade, hiding your true nature from humanity, or will you embrace your monstrous side and sow chaos? These choices aren’t just for show; they impact the way you’re treated by the various factions, your relationships with other characters, and even the game’s ending. There are no easy answers here, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

The character creation system is robust, allowing you to craft a vampire that fits your playstyle. You can invest in a variety of abilities, from brutal physical combat to stealthy persuasion and hacking skills. The power of your clan also plays a significant role in how you approach different challenges, and the supernatural abilities you gain as a vampire offer a variety of ways to approach problems. Whether you want to manipulate minds, become a fearsome force in combat, or sneak past enemies unnoticed, Bloodlines gives you the freedom to build your vampire exactly how you envision them.

A Story That Binds You
But it’s not just the gameplay that shines—it’s the narrative. Bloodlines offers a gripping, multi-layered story that is filled with moral ambiguity, unforgettable characters, and moments of genuine emotional weight. Whether you're trying to navigate the political machinations of the vampire factions or diving into a personal quest that challenges your own morals, the plot is constantly shifting and evolving. The main story is full of twists and turns, but it’s the side stories—the personal journeys of the NPCs—that really elevate the game. These characters are deeply written and full of life, each with their own motivations, quirks, and tragic backstories.

The voice acting is phenomenal, bringing every character to life with nuances and emotions that make them feel real. Whether you’re talking to a wise old vampire or a desperate fledgling, the dialogue is always engaging and never feels forced. The writing, sharp and often darkly humorous, helps bring out the personality of every character you encounter, from the charming yet treacherous LaCroix to the lovable, eccentric hacker, Jeanette.

Combat and Gameplay Mechanics
The combat system in Bloodlines is a bit divisive, but it offers a unique approach to RPG combat. While the shooting mechanics can feel clunky at times, the game’s strength lies in its flexibility. You can choose to avoid combat altogether, relying on your social skills to navigate tense situations or solve problems through dialogue and subterfuge. But when the fighting does come, the visceral action makes you feel the power of being a vampire, whether you’re tearing through enemies with claws or using dark blood magic to overwhelm your foes.

The game also offers a range of side quests that are surprisingly rich in content, giving you more than just a diversion from the main story. Whether you’re helping a fellow vampire find their lost item or delving into a creepy mystery, these quests help flesh out the world and deepen your immersion.

A Timeless Classic
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a game that continues to stand the test of time. Despite its technical issues at launch—many of which were patched over the years—the story, world-building, and complex characters remain as captivating as ever. This is a game that rewards patience, allowing you to sink hours into its rich narrative and immersive world. It’s a rare gem that doesn't just entertain, but challenges you, makes you think, and makes you feel the weight of every choice.

In a gaming landscape often dominated by shallow experiences, Bloodlines is a deep, meaningful RPG that still feels like a living, breathing world full of possibilities. It’s a game that hooks you with its dark allure and doesn’t let go. If you haven’t experienced Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines yet, you owe it to yourself to dive into this haunting, unforgettable adventure.

In short: an essential masterpiece, where darkness and storytelling converge into something truly special.

This game is absolutely amazing. After I bought it I had it lying around for quite a while, after I finished it for the first time, I immediatly started a second run. The story is great, the voice acting is great, the dialogue is great, the atmosphere is great... Only the combat requires some getting used to and you can definitely not ignore combat especially towards the later half of the game. Overall this game is a timeless piece of art, and once you meet it on it's own terms you'll fall in love with it too.
(still definitely get the unoffical patch though)

I ran around sewer tunnels, ate rats, accosted prostitutes, and blackmailed people into giving me money.
A game that finally represents my retirement plan.

A very badass old school game that has aged surprisingly well. This game provides an interesting take on vampire society in the "modern" world, It is an older game, to be sure, but I still find myself going back and playing it every now and then because it was such a memorable experience. There is a large modding community that has added a ton of cool features to the base game, so be sure you check them out.

And as for the planned sequel, if we ever see it, it would be amazing but it sounds like the new studio is trashing one of the best games of the past with their incompetence. This may be the best we ever get of the Vampire the Masquerade universe, so enjoy it.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a standout game from the 2000s, set in the World of Darkness—a dark, gothic, and atmospheric alternate reality. You play as a newly turned vampire, navigating the treacherous politics and power struggles of vampire society while upholding the Masquerade, a system designed to keep the existence of the supernatural hidden from humanity and strictly enforced by the vampire community.

The game excels in its setting and story, drawing players into its immersive and deeply layered world. The art direction is striking, though somewhat limited by the technological constraints of its time, as it runs on an early iteration of the Source engine. The soundtrack is phenomenal—perfectly capturing the tone of the game—and the voice acting is equally top-notch, enhancing the narrative's depth and atmosphere.

The game’s primary drawback is its combat. Both melee and ranged mechanics feel clunky and unpolished, and certain sections devolve into repetitive battles against waves of enemies. These moments disrupt the flow of the otherwise stellar roleplaying experience, feeling more like an unnecessary detour than a meaningful challenge.

Despite these flaws, Bloodlines remains a cult classic. If you can overlook its dated graphics and lackluster combat, you’ll find a true gem—a deeply engaging RPG with unforgettable characters, rich storytelling, and an atmosphere that stands the test of time.

Ps. Don't forget the unofficial patch.

No other game in the history of human kind shall ever achieve the height of greatness which Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines has achieved. You do not need to know anything further about the game. You will buy it and play it. Kat says hi. :)

I am the proprietor and salesman of the month several years in a row;The ladies call me "Oh god!",but you can call me Fat Larry with a F-A-T cuz I know I got a weight problem I just don't give a fuck