Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

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

Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines is a master class of game design. It's an excellent RPG that keeps to its core of being an RPG instead of overly focusing on gunplay/combat/DPS. You live in this dark world; this isn't a FPS. Thus you can use the many skills you may choose to level.

The full y2k goth subculture cliches are unashamedly the motifs of this game.


First thing to know is you must get The Unofficial Patch online.
Troika Games was shut down a few months after the original 2004 release, so it never got an official post-release patch for the many release bugs. Some can't even launch this game without applying The Unofficial Patch even.


There are several vampire clans to choose from, and they are actually differentiated and provide different ways to play the game; excellent for replayability of a story-focused single player RPG. 3 of the 7 distinct examples: Tremere gain blood magic spells via Thaumaturgy (wicked!), Malkavians' dialogue is twisted & not straight-forward (for fans of the Buffyverse - Drusilla would be a Malk) and yes you can get into an argument with a stop sign because they are that legit insane, Nosferatu are hideous and can't be seen by people so must travel around using the sewers.

True to its tabletop RPG origin, it is heavy on putting skill points into different features as you create your character and level up. One of the ways VTMB outshines most video game RPGs is that putting points into non-combat features actually matters and absolutely changes the experience you have through the game. I LOVE this.
Sadly, after say 20 hours in 1 playthru this gets marred by the ending sections which are heavy on combat and thus don't make use of any of the other, many skills your character may have been mastering well throughout the rest of the game.

The game is chock-full of details to its game design. In dialogue characters will have different things to say (or ways of saying) depending on which clan you are (right up-front Jack will tell a Malk how extra-screwed they are being thrust into this dark world as a loony) and how you accomplish quests (LaCroix yells at you for not investigating the Elizabeth Dane with stealth as he had asked if *you chose* not to be stealthy). You meet a guy who's a werewolf who says he's been keeping tabs on you... and an observant player can briefly can spot a wolf (him, shape shifted) in the distances of some places as you go about the story.


VTMB is heavy on story, with lots of optional side quests, lots of dialogue, semi-open world (open sections of the city you can transport between), excellent voice acting, well-written characters, deep RPG elements, detailed, and fun!


EDIT TO ADD:
Fans of haunted houses must play the Ocean Hotel mission. It's *excellently* done and worth buying this game, applying the Unofficial Patch, and playing a couple of hours or less to get to experience it!

*BEFORE YOU BUY THE GAME PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO DOWNLOAD AN UNOFFICIAL PATCH FROM THE INTERNET TO MAKE THIS GAME EVEN LAUNCH IN SOME CASES*
Playing this game mostly blind was one of the funnest gaming experiences I've had in a while, the story is well written, the characters are hilarious, the combat is janky, whats not to love? You start the game and get to choose which of the 7 vampire types you want to be; rebel vampire, werewolf wannabe vampire, schizophrenic vampire, ugly vampire, twilight vampire, mage vampire, or rich vampire, each with their own pros and cons. This and the different playstyles you can try out give the game a lot of replayability. But the thing that makes this game shine truly shine to me, is the dialogue. It's all so natural and funny and accurate to what real people are like. So, if you can handle old games, I beg that you try this gem

every time i yank a jawbone from a skull and ram it into an eyesocket, i know im building a better future

Works like a charm on Steam Deck, just need to upload the 11.4 Unofficial Patch on moddb.com. I went with 11.4 cause people were having issues with 11.5. It could be different now so its up to you. I couldn't praise a game enough, thinking about getting it with steam deck? do it! a helpful tip is to download the most popular controller setup from the community choices and edit the left track pad. Edit it to have 12 choices and make 12 be #4 and 11 be #3 until you get to 9 as #1. Keep the 8 blank so dialog has its on row! if you do that you wont need to pop open the keyboard each time to pick dialog.

BEFORE YOU BUY you should know that this game doesn't run unless you install an unofficial patch. You can find a link to one in the community posts.

Now for the review.

This game was fun to play from start to finish and had a good amount of characters that I enjoyed talking to.

Is it perfect? No, I had some mild frustration when it came to the shooting mechanics in the game but being able to build in melee and most of the enemies being able to get killed bu melee countered my issues with shooting.

If you are interested in this game or enjoy the TTRPG it's based off of then for sure give it a go, you'll likely enjoy yourself, just remember to install an unofficial patch so you can play it.

The game doesn't even launch. I'm literally unable to decide if I like this game or not, which sucks cause I always hear how much people like vampire the masquerade.

Playing VTMB was a mixed bag, but I can see why it’s considered a cult classic. The game absolutely nails the feeling of freedom in an RPG—almost every quest can be approached in multiple ways. Whether you want to rely on dialogue, stealth, or just brute force (if you're willing to suffer through the combat), the game lets you play how you want.

I especially loved playing as a Malkavian. The unique dialogue and the fourth-wall-breaking humor made the whole experience way more fun than I expected.

Honestly, the humor in general is fantastic. The radio, ads, notes on computers... it reminded me a lot of GTA in that sense. The game nails that early 00s vibe—dark, edgy, and chaotic in a way that feels nostalgic if you’re into that era.


The world is built well enough, and there’s plenty of lore to dig into, though I never found it particularly gripping. That’s also true of the characters—they’re fine, but most feel pretty one-dimensional. There’s no one I’d call truly memorable, which is a shame for an RPG. The story suffers the same fate; it’s serviceable but nothing that sticks with you.

VTMB has some serious flaws. It’s practically unplayable without mods, which says a lot about its state at launch. The further you get into the game, the more obvious it becomes that the developers ran out of time/budget.

The later sections feel rushed and lose a lot of the charm from the earlier parts. And don’t even get me started on the combat—it’s bad, plain and simple. The game forces you into combat more often in the second half, and that’s where it really starts to drag.


I enjoyed Bloodlines for its freedom and humor, but I wouldn’t call it a great game. It’s worth playing if you can look past its flaws, but you’ll need mods and a lot of patience to get through it.


RATING: 3.5 / 5

I have always had a predilection for modern games, believing with arrogance that the inexorable march of progress rendered older games trifling and antiquated. Yet, here I find myself, writing this review; Oh how foolish I was in my conviction. With a penitent heart, I must proclaim that Vampire: The Masquerade is a veritable triumph—an unparalleled masterpiece of narrative and ingenuity in the realm of video games.

It is an exemplar of the role-playing video game genre, wherein the role-playing essence is not relegated to a mere superficial adornment but is instead woven intricately into the very fabric of the experience. Few of the games in this modern era can even aspire to its magnificence.

Go buy it, and ensure you get the unofficial patch.

Classic, simple game good storylines

You're a big bad vampire. Hey, great, congrats. Now keep it to yourself.
10/10

Actual cinema. This is what a proper RPG with fun characters looks like. However, it is very janky at times.

Can't get it to work and can't get the game stable enough to make it past the tutorial.

Its a very in-depth action packed game with an intriguing story that kept me interested since i was a teenager. 10/10 recommend

Ignore the hours I have on record- I'm currently playing a modded version that doesn't link to the steam version of the game, so the time listed is inaccurate.

Saying this, I will begin with recommending that you download the Unofficial Patch for the game. If you search for it in google, it can be found on the website listed Mod DB. Without the patch, the game is virtually impossible to play. You'll crash a lot, the graphics are practically incomprehensible, and the UI is rough.

HOWEVER!

I honestly cannot recommend this game enough. It was ahead of it's time, and it's a little upsetting to think that it's essentially a gem that's been lost to the unfortunate fate that Troika Games faced. The game will never get the revival it very much deserves.

If you love that early 00s-late 90s grunge goth vampire vibe, you'll more than love this game. The vampire's feel like vampires, the world is remarkably open and rewards exploration with tidbits of captivating world-building, the characters are all incredibly unique and interesting, and the game-play is as fun as any rpg today.

I'm trying to think of games I can compare it to, so that you could have an idea of the overall game experience, but VtM:B is truly a stand-alone one-of-a-kind. I have played and replayed this game countless times, and the 'magic' for me has yet to die.

Love it, recommend it, and rate it a solid 10/10.

one of the best rpgs of all time. does not work out the box tho, grab the unofficial patch. besides that, 5/5

meh, thought it'd be better. I didn't finish the game, but it was pretty fun. The combat system is a bit wonky and the graphics look great for it's time. I'd probably just be better watching a lets play about the story tbh, like undertale. Some things I just never understood. At times it kind of felt like I was playing garry's mod with funny dialogue options

I never heard of this game before but saw it on a instagram reel. This game blew my fucking mind. I have no idea how the old game still holds up TODAY. Please buy this game if you haven't it will not disappoint you. There's so much detail into everything

The combat can be a pain to get through, otherwise its a nice game if you like the setting.

Vampire: The Masquerade is a breath of fresh air, bringing back the grounded, immersive feel to fantasy that's sorely lacking in much of modern gaming and media. The game was captivating from start to finish, with well-crafted characters that feel both relatable and thoughtfully developed. It harkens back to a time when RPGs were truly great—when you didn’t just play a game; you played a role.

First impressions can make or break a game, and were they enough to judge the entirety of one, then surely Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines would be one of the absolute best RPGs out there (and it sorta already is, almost).

I've never been big into vampires, nor the very edgy fashions and attitudes oozing early 2000s that permeate this game; some whiplash was unavoidable in my case, but, damn, if I wasn't hooked by the early sections of Bloodlines in spite of them. From choosing your clan (Tremere ftw), being introduced to the World of Darkness, walking the rainy streets of Santa Monica and letting loose on the dance floor of the local nightclub, the Asylum – VtMB is a masterclass in introduction and presentation. Its presentation is especially worthy of the spotlight, as the characters are wonderfully acted by the very talented cast (including some of my all-time favorites: Fred Tatasciore, Steve Blum, Grey Delisle, etc.), and the music immediately creates an amazingly immersive, and unique, atmosphere.

Once you get to tackling the game's quests, you begin to realize the breadth of options that this game offers. Brute force, dialogue, and stealth are all equally valid (to a point), and the game actively changes with your choice of clan, the most extreme example, of course, being the Malkavians (highly recommended after you've played as one of the other clans). Bloodlines reaches a peak and stays there for quite a while, until you hit a big—and infamous—snag.

It's no secret that VtMB went through a particularly troubled development, and was rushed out the door – leaving the game incredibly rough and frankly unfinished in parts. Most will immediately think of the sewers leading to the Nosferatu Warrens at the end of the third area/level, Hollywood, but the most egregious are parts of the end game, which are pure combat gauntlets. I played a Toreador focusing on social skills my first time through, and there were parts (the Hallowbrook Hotel) where I wanted to tear my hair out in the latter half of the game. Thankfully, the Unofficial Patch alleviates a lot of the frustration by allowing you to skip the worst sections.

At its core, and when it's allowed to fire on all cylinders (Santa Monica and Downtown), Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is an amazing game, and despite its many issues it remains a must-play for anyone who even slightly enjoys RPGs.

R.I.P. Troika Games – 1998-2005

Score: 4/5

★★★★

Amazing game that is somewhat held back by its lackluster combat system. Still well worth the time and money investment. Highly recommend if you are a fan of classic RPGs.

Very fun game. It's immersive, and takes my mind off work. Download the patch to play.

I have no clue why I never played this before. What a fun little RPG from back in the day, and thanks to an active fanbase it's still very runnable and works great on modern hardware and resolutions. I wish more games from this era got the same level of love. I liked that it wasn't a uber serious dramatic moody RPG about Vampires but something more fun, goofy, and the like depending on how you act. I picked Malkavian's cause being a psycho sounded funny and sure enough your character is a psycho 24/7 with how they speak and act, I love that everyone reacts to you being a Malkavian psycho in the game as well.

From what I've seen the second game is not a sequel which is such a bummer. I would have really enjoyed a modern version of this game

One of the greatest soundtracks ever and quite a cool game, especially if you are a V:tM fan. Probably the best computer RPG for the genre ever.

Fantastic game. Quality tapers off a bit towards the end, but truly a pleasure to play and explore this world. I just finished my first play-through (with the unofficial patch) and am already planning my next character. Truly as others have called it, a "flawed masterpiece." I plan to use the "Clans Quests" mod for my next run to further flesh out the world and add more content. I can easily see putting a couple hundred hours into this game to experience everything it has to offer.

Edit: After watching some videos on the game it looks like I missed at *least* 4 quests along the way, maybe even more. Great to know that even without mods this game is so rich!

Was going into this game completely blind having only heard that it’s a masterpiece a few times. I agree to some extent. The atmosphere, writing and overall feel of the game is just remarkable and gives off the impression that it was made with love. The game’s as old as me and it does feel that way mechanics-wise (the gunplay and combat overall is pretty bad ngl) but the story and dialogues even it out. Can’t say the main story is perfect and sometimes the dialogues may be corny but all in all It’s gotta be one of the better RPGs I’ve played. The replayability aspect adds the icing to the cake, but I’ve yet to explore every aspect of the game, which also speaks for it’s value and enjoyability.

Very nice 8.5/10

really really good game, unfortunately I wouldn't recommend purchasing on steam instead opt for the GOG games version as it allows you to download the Unofficial Patch with one download making the process more streamlined. also in my experience the GOG version feels easier to mod

This is one of the best games that most people will never play but they definitely should. Troika Games made something truly magical when they made this, even if it was kind of unfinished and full of bugs when it first came out back in the day. Despite the technical problems there are patches (official and unofficial) that can fix the issues that players might have while running this on modern hardware but if you need to fix something in order to play this I promise you it is truly worth it.

The graphics are not as high tech by modern standards as they once were but if you can look past that then you will have one of the best RPG experiences on PC even compared to what modern games offer.

TLDR: this grandpa of a game still has a sharp bite and I think this grandpa is immortal.

The game is definitely from golden classics of PC games. An atmospheric RPG game with immersive, fun and deep (enough) gameplay.

You might not know, but this actually a Source engine game, and it was released on the same day as Half-Life 2

One of the greatest RPGs of all time and still a top 10 all-timer for me. Just such a lot of fun sneaking about in a well-realised world. Thank God for Wesp5, who has spent the last couple of decades fixing bugs and adding extra content!

I couldn't get out of the starting zone and started to question if I needed the unofficial patch to make it out or if there was some kind of secret I was missing... I probably just need to use blood to trigger an event or something. I was in a really bad mood tho so I refunded LOL super cool game anyways

Without a doubt, the best vampire rpg ever made. Absolutely oozing with gritty early 2000's gothic charm. The game blends immersive sim, and RPG elements to create something special. The combat is lackluster and it needs a fan patch to run but It's still one of my all time favorites. Pick it up if you appreciate janky old games with more personality than anything released this year.

I wouldn't expect the sequel to be anywhere near as good as this one. Seems like they're just using the name to sell a completely different kind of game.

it's my emotional support extremely atmospheric vampire rpg. i love running around and hacking computers and being forced to do the horrible fussy little prince's bidding and going to goth clubs and talking to beautiful women who want to kill me and drinking blood and the nagaraja in the basement of the abandoned hospital and fucking the guy who watches the cemetery so the zombies don't get out and going to a tense family dinner. everything about this game is great except for the fact that it doesn't work. luckily this problem is easily fixed by getting the unofficial patch. you should really play it.

If this is your first playthrough, you can pick any clan you want...

...But you should totally pick Malkavian.

Seriously, ignore anyone who's ever said to save Malkavian for your 2nd playthrough. No, you won't have the game spoil itself. I haven't laughed at a game in years until I read Malkavian dialogue, and while this game does have good/funny dialogue overall, playing Malkavian enhances that experience further and will by far give you most unique first playthrough.

I'll say no more, so just trust me: Do it. I'm a sane and reasonable person and you will be too. Listen to the voices and have a conversation with your other personalities every once in a while. And maybe while you're at it, bring home a delicious fish to feast on. Oh, and be wary of the stop signs - they'll try to stop you.

If you are reading this: Make sure you get the unofficial community patch. It is unplayable without it

Timeless Cult Classic that holds up to this day. If you want to hang out with a bunch of the cannon characters causing mayhem, this is the one for you. It truly holds the spirit of an TTRPG.

I like it but it need the Unofficial Patch to run on modern hardware (also unlock the modern resolution like 1080p or 1440p...).
No controller support.

Great story.
Amazing atmosphere.
Well written characters and impressive voice acting.

Remember to download and install the Unofficial Patch before playing.