The player takes on the role of a newly created vampire, one that was illegally "embraced" according the laws set forth by the vampire clans. The set of rules and traditions, known as The Masquerade, keeps the ancient society of blood-drinking immortals secret from the mortal world. The Masquerade is taken very seriously, especially in this age of camera-phones and street surveillance, so punishment for breaking it is severe, leading to final death. However, while your sire was beheaded, you were given the unique chance to prove yourself as neophyte and choose your allegiances. Oh yeah, and the end of the world is coming.

It seemed only fitting to first watch Interview With a Vampire before writing this review. Troika’s latest offering is dark, gritty, adult (with a capital freakin’ A), mature and amazing. Unfortunately it is also ridden with numerous show-stopping bugs. Although a patch is (supposedly) in the offing, releasing a game this bug-riddled is a travesty -- especially when it would have been an instant classic otherwise.

Here is the truth: this game is amazing. It rocks. It will keep you up nights. You will lose your wife, your job, and your kids will become strangers -- all in the name of improving your character just a bit more….

The glitches are mostly superficial and don't detract too much from the overall experience. While firearms seem severely underpowered and generally pointless, the vampiric and melee abilities make up for this. The role-playing experience is very immersive, and the conversation paths are excellent. The player gets a true sense that their actions influence the game's outcome. Overall, in spite of its glitches, Bloodlines is a game that's worth playing over and over again.