No one disputes that the graphics are top-notch and it is wonderful to see the Source engine used in an RPG. But, more importantly---I have not experienced the bugs enumerated in the GS review or suffered any of the major complaints voiced in the forum boards. Not only does Vampire: Bloodlines run smoothly, it runs with less bugs and glitches than most games I have bought this year. But, as with any game, it is not without flaws. For example, items in your inventory often do not match their description. If there is a driver's license with Name A, it will be described with Name B, or if there is a picture in your inventory described as having a message written on the back, it will ostensibly remain blank. These are minor flaws in detail, but there are many of them related to your inventory and it shows an inattention to detail and a general lack of polish. Building experience in most RPGs almost consists solely of fighting, but there is little to no reward for it in VM:B. The game rewards you for completing objectives--now if an objective is to kill somone, then you will be rewarded for killing them and not for the actual fight. It seems unusual that there is no XP gain from fighting all the enemies in an area. But, it is because of this feature that you learn to focus on the Masquerade and stealth, rather than indeterminate violence. Much as been said about the long-range weapon system and most of it negative. What Gamespot either never considered or ignored, is that this is a RPG and not a FPS. Your long-range weapon skill develops as your character improves their traits. This is far more realistic and in tune with role-playing. If you could run through the board riddling all the enemies with bullets as in Doom 3 or Half-Life 2, you would never allocate points to combat skills. Besides, anyone who has ever fired a handgun in real-life knows how terrible inaccurate you are initially. The game is well scripted, the dialogue is mature and suprisingly not as cliched as most, and has excellent voice-work. There are several memorable characters. Although more cinematic, the mission system is similar to ES3: Morrowind's. Different NPC's will give you objectives and often these will conflict or possibly even negate your ability to complete another quest. This is a positive quality because it allows less linear gameplay. Overall, the game is a worthwhile buy and unique role-playing game. I only hope that it works as well on other computers as it has on mine. If not, check for a patch and then buy it.
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