Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines, Desktop Computer

Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines has suffered many delays and development struggles over the past several years, but it's now complete, and the finished article is looking rather splendid indeed. A role-playing adventure that's remarkably different from those generic console encounters that players associate such a genre with, Bloodlines is a sinister affair that plunges its players amidst a conflict between the vampire underworld and its mortal inhabitants. The difference here is that you fight for the cause of evil. What's surprising here, however, is that Bloodlines is actually played as a first-person shooter of sorts. As one of seven notorious Vampire clans you'll roam numerous environments in downtown LA, Doom style, in search of your next feed. As a first person affair, you'll be able to take on whatever the game throws at you with a variety of vampire weapons and super powers that include supernatural speed, invisibility, enhanced strength and even mind control. Enemies are not always plentiful, but they are challenging, requiring the player to carefully consider the best course of action. As you emerge victorious in battle, you'll gain experience that can later be used to improve your character's vital statistics and indeed climb the ranks of LA's underground vampire society. Working closely with Valve, Troika's new game world is based on the same technology that powers the PC epic Half-Life 2. Consequently, play is smooth, visuals are detailed, and character AI is advanced. Besides hunting for fresh meat and stealing blood supplies from local medical centres, resident vampires must also interact with a variety of distinct NPCs to push the game forwards. As you interact with the world's inhabitants, you'll be able to reply in conversation with a number of preset dialogues that, depending on choice, can affect your reputation and even change a character's behaviour towards you. It appears the wait for Bloodlines has been well worth it. It's a massive, non-linear adventure that offers a level of freedom only a few can rival. It looks great, plays great, and is a real contender in the Christmas 2004 line up.

Buy Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines for 9.99 GBP

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