Vampire the Masquerade - Bloodlines

I recently re-played this and have to admit it remains one of the best RPGs that I've ever played.  Two days later and GOG have released it.  But, they've been much smarter than Steam.

The Steam version is the original bugged one.  To get it to play it you need to tweak something to get the game to recognise you have adequate memory, then you need to set the properties to XP Service pack 2.  To correct the bugs you need to install a patch.  The best option here is generally regarded that done by Wesp5's.  It's currently on version 9.5 and is available from The Patches Scrolls website, or Planet Vampire.  Even after all of this, my Steam game will not play the opening videos.

GOG have been smart enough to liaise with Wesp5.  There are two ways of installing the GOG game; as originally released by Troika.  This is perhaps the modders choice - there are several mods out there. Or, you can install the game including Wesp5's  basic 9.5 patch.  This patch means that the game runs, without any modification, on XP, Vista, Win 7, 8 & 10.  (My understanding is not all mods are compatible with Wesp5's patch)

If you wish to install the full 9.5 patch - meaning you gain at least 1 extra quest and additional character creation options - you just overwrite basic with full.  It's been confirmed by a GOG representative that although this may conflict with saved games, it will work just fine with new ones.

I also expect GOG to update the game as Wesp5 updates his basic patch.  So whereas on Steam there's no option apart from the original buggy, somewhat unfinished VTMB, on GOG you have a version which, if you select to go with Wesp's patch, should continue to be updated and improved.

I rather think that Wesp5's Unofficial patch has just become Official.

I haven't had any problem running the steam version myselff but I've been using the unofficial patch. I had a retail copy before that but hunting down the CD was just too much hassle.

It's a great game and one that never fails to amaze. They did some good work and it would be amazing to get a proper sequel.

Nice, I didn't know GOG had a fixed version up! That's awesome. I remember what a hassle it was trying to get the Steam version working.

Bloodlines is one of those games I've tried to get into like three different times. I really like it each time I play it, but for whatever reason it just loses me after like an hour or two. I should try to get into it over the summer. There's something about the game's setting I really adore. It feels... I dunno, cozy? That's an awful way to describe it, but being limited to a single city makes me feel a lot more like the city is "home". There are a lot of cool little details and a ton of polish put into the game world that make it a joy to just exist in. I remember playing the game for the first time and getting into my apartment in Santa Monica and turning on the radio and going holy crap, that's cool.

I didn't realize GOG had started selling VtMB. The Steam version works for me with the unofficial patch, but I might grab it from GOG sometime.

I've done more replays of this game than any other I own. I guess I'm due for another.

The soundtrack is great! It really brought the world to unlife.

I didn't know about the gog version either but I don't have any problem with the steam version (so far) and with the mods I'm not even running the game through steam (hence why steam says I have only one minute on record playing this game).

I always sit through the end credits and listen to this.

Me too - love it!

Completely unrelated, but isn't Troika the same company who released the absolutely abysmal Temple of Elemental Evil?

BlackZarak wrote:

Completely unrelated, but isn't Troika the same company who released the absolutely abysmal Temple of Elemental Evil?

And Arcanum FYI. Don't judge Bloodlines because of the buggy mess that ToEE turned out to be, it would be a huge mistake.

That being said it really needs the unofficial patch to live up to its true potential.

ToEE was a dog's breakfast but even looking past that it bored me out of my skull

I gave Bloodlines a crack but I never really got into it. Is it one of those acquired tastes like the old Fallout games?

Bloodlines is a cracking RPG with some terrific characters to interact with. Plus, you are a vampire and need to feed on people. You can even have your own ghoul.

The quests are varied, locations also have a good level of variety and you have options on how to complete quests.

It also has some really creepy moments and the ability to make you jump. Boss battles aren't easy, they require some thought.

I've played this game at least 10x's and still find myself going back to play it again.