Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

Each of these makes good use of the Source engine's graphics wizardry combined with Troika's very own particle system. The end effect is incredibly good, and mastery of disciplines is key to the enjoyment inherent in Vampire. Disciplines also heavily affect the way you play the game, so take care to choose the right clan for your playing style.

Character modelling and acting infuses bloodlines with personality (and push-up bras).	When entering melee combat the view switches to the third person, which is a functional but awkward solution.

It's not just the discipline effects that look good though, this is one pretty RPG. Don't expect the astonishing good looks of a high end first person shooter though, for even though this is the same engine as Half-Life 2, the effort has gone into the characterisation and storyline rather than ensuring the highest possible texture resolutions and fandangled shader effects are employed. It does use the same shader for water that valve use in Half-Life 2 so rest assured that a healthy dose of shader porn is rarely more than a sewer grate away.

Music and sound is also worth mentioning. In keeping with the goth fairytale stylings of the game, the industrial music soundtrack is used to incredible effect, and the voice acting is truly excellent. It is certainly subtle, but adds to the overall gritty night time feel of the game.

While Troika's opus is somewhat marred by the combat system, which will put the first person shooter obsessed off, it rises above and delivers a quite exquisite roleplaying experience that is hugely different from the dungeon clearing we have come to expect from the term RPG. For those willing to invest themselves in Bloodlines, the rewards are huge.