Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines has always held a special place in both my heart for many reasons, but certainly the most prominent is this: It was the first time I remember playing a game and thinking, “Wow, I am absolutely too young to be playing this.”
I was 11 years old when I took my first stroll down the streets of Bloodline’s Santa Monica–when I clumsily WASD’d my way through rooms filled with empty pill bottles, condom wrappers, and other bits of paraphernalia that I can only recall with an accompanying blush. I was too young (and timid!) to be sucking on necks, canoodling with the scantily-clad Jeanette, and traversing the Ocean House Hotel’s utterly horrifying floorplan. And yet, I loved it. I loved knowing games could be… this: dark, mature, and wicked.
Alongside 2002’s Neverwinter Nights, Bloodlines turned me into a die-hard fan of both TTRPGs and CRPGs in equal measure. So, needless to say, you can count me among the thousands of us who have been waiting–impatiently and a bit nervously–for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2.
It’s great to see the enduring appeal of Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines! Your review really captures the nostalgia while highlighting what makes it still enjoyable today. It’s always interesting to revisit classics and see how they hold up over time.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review! The game’s rich storytelling and complex characters definitely contribute to its lasting appeal, allowing players to immerse themselves in a unique world. It’s fascinating how the themes of morality and power dynamics resonate just as strongly today.
Thanks for your thoughts! The game’s atmosphere really enhances the storytelling, making every choice feel impactful. It’s interesting how the legacy of the original still influences new players today.