This is one of the most under-rated games of all time...
The graphics of VTMB set the atmosphere just right, to give you that sense of dark and gritty times. This is thanks to Valve's Source Engine, which was used in Half-Life 2 and Counter Strike: Source. Also the use of lighting, is one of the games main strengths. In one mission, you must venture into a haunted mansion, and the textures and lighting used in the mansion are so well executed. If you were playing at a first-person perspective, you may be in for a truly atmospheric as well as chilling mission.
However, VTMB also suffers from graphical glitches, which damage the game alot. For instance, I was in the middle of Santa Monica and "The Asylum" dissapeared, however when I went closer it all of a sudden re-appeared. And sometimes I was able to see through walls in my third-person perspective, if I stood at a certain place.
Graphics: 8/10
Sound in the game is well used, and contributes to the atmosphere to the game as much as the graphics do. Sound is a vital part to any game, if you do not have the right music for the mood for you are trying to set, or voices do not sound unique and well directed... your game can turn into a pile of poo.
The voice acting in vampire is fantastic, you may actually feel frightened or intrigued due to the fact that these characters voice, will never dull. The music in vampire is also used very well, to set atmosphere just right. I know I'm resorting to the mansion mission to much, but oh well! The music in the mansion mission, will send a chill up your spine and will make you fire a bullet around every corner.
Sound 9/10
The story of vampire is fantastic, as if it were written by an actual vampire! The choices you make will shape how the ending to the game will turn out, I like this way of a story as this way you can gain your own personal ending. And it allows people to debate over which ending, was better or worse. Also this makes you feel like you are running a unique story, and not a story that someone else has done in the exact same way.
Story: 8/10
The combat unfortunatley is a major disadvantage of vampire, it is very clunky and firearms are actually no threat to paranormal enemies. Melee weapons are the strongest weapons you will find, but using them can be quite a pain. As GS said, "All it really comes down to is how quickly you can cllick the mouse button." However, the disciplines you can use during combat can revive combat. For instance, there is a discipline you can use to make an enemy violently sick and start to puke up blood. This made cheered me up immensley and made me want to actually continue bashing in his head with a baseball bat!
Combat: 6/10
Overall Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines, is a highly enjoyable experience which you will remember for a years to come. And you may wish to play it through again, for pure enjoyment. However the combat may turn you away, and also the character customization is... well there isn't. But the story and atmosphere of the game will keep you sucked in for hours and hours.
Overall Score: 8.5
True Score: 8.7