Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
In short: Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is an RPG game released in 2004 by Troika Games, available on PC. Our score: 9.0/10 (highly recommended).
An acclaimed RPG by Troika Games.
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Game details
- Developer: Troika Games
- Publisher: Activision
- Release year: 2004
- Platforms: PC
- Category: RPG
Our review
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines remains a cult classic for good reason, despite its initially troubled launch. Developed by the prodigious Troika Games, it’s a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and player choice within the rich World of Darkness universe. The game throws you into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles as a newly embraced vampire, forcing you to navigate the complex politics of the various undead clans. The true strength of Bloodlines lies in its narrative and character development. Each clan offers a unique perspective and gameplay experience, encouraging multiple playthroughs. The writing is sharp, witty, and often unsettling, with memorable characters that leap off the screen. The dialogue choices genuinely impact your reputation and the unfolding story, leading to a highly personalized experience. While the graphics were decent for their time (2004), they haven't aged gracefully. The combat, particularly early on, can feel clunky and unrefined. However, the…
Pros
- Deep, branching narrative with impactful choices
- Rich world-building and lore from the World of Darkness universe
- Memorable characters and sharp, witty dialogue
- High replayability due to unique clan experiences
- Excellent atmospheric storytelling
Cons
- Dated graphics and character models
- Clunky and unrefined combat, especially early on
- Numerous bugs and technical issues (though largely fixed by community patches)
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to the World of Darkness lore
FAQ
- What kind of game is Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines?
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is an action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Troika Games. It's known for its deep storyline, character development, and atmosphere.
- When was Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines released and on what platforms?
- The game was released in 2004 exclusively for PC. Despite its initial bugs, it gained a cult following due to its unique setting and engaging gameplay.
- Who developed and published Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines?
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines was developed by Troika Games and published by Activision.
- Is Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines part of a larger universe?
- Yes, the game is set in the World of Darkness, a gothic-punk universe created by White Wolf Publishing. It uses the Vampire: The Masquerade tabletop role-playing game system as its foundation.
- Are there any community patches or unofficial updates for Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines?
- Due to its initial release state, the game has a very active modding community that has created numerous unofficial patches and content additions. These are often considered essential for a stable and enhanced gameplay experience.
More about this game
- Is Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines worth buying?
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines guide
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Last updated: 01/04/2026