Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines

First, a bit of background. Vampire: The Masquerade is a vampire-and-the-supernatural based roleplaying game by the folks at White Wolf. It is a deep world of an underworld full of plotting and intrigue, with clans and sects of vampires constantly in upheaval, and most following a couple rules... A vampire needs to keep his humanity, or he/she will turn into a beast... A mindless killing machine. The other is called "the Masquerade" - the need to hide from humanity to avoid extinction, for while vampires and their "kindred" are powerful, they are few in number compared to humanity, and know that humanity would never let them continue to exist.

Now, the entire system of Vampire: The Masqurade's paper-and-dice beginnings is fairly well represented here... But don't let that make you think that there's no action to be had... There is, and it's served up hot... and bloody.

You'll have to feed off humans, fight off vampires from rival sects and clans, run into ghosts and werewolves... It's a wonderfully diverse world they've crafted, and will draw in most gamers or fans of gothic fiction.

And the graphics are beautiful. Based on Valve's Source engine, there's depths of beauty and darkness to bring a tear to your eye... and make you jump out of your seat when a vampire hunter attacks from nowhere. It is a visual feast. And features audio and dialogue to match. As you wander the underbelly of Los Angeles and environs, you'll uncover plot after plot, machination after machination, in an attempt to complete your missions for the local Prince (aka the head vampire over an area)

This game was an enjoyable tour-de-force of PC gaming wizardry. Activision has published an admirable title here.

Graphics: 9/10 - A Beauty to Behold!
Sound: 8/10 - The music rocked. (Check out the tunes at The Asylum)
Gameplay:7/10 - A bit complex on controls, but otherwise EXCELLENT!
Longevity: 8/10 - Well re-playable!
Overall Score: 8/10 - EXCELLENT!