Introduction

Developer: Nihilistic
Publisher: Activision
Vampire official page: http://www.activision.com/games/vampire/
More Vampire: the Masquerade resources

No Dracula Here

One of the most anticipated games of the past several years has finally arrived. Nihilistic's Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption is possibly the most wanted RPG since Baldur's Gate came out. Based on White Wolf Games' pen and paper version of the Vampire: The Masquerade RPG, Redemption has stirred up the interest of almost every CRPGer out there. The original Vampire game is dark, brooding and full of intrigue. There isn't as much combat as in a D&D-based RPG but there is more danger based on how you interact with Cainite (vampire) society. Games can range from simple day to day life or cutting through the ancient intrigues and plots of Methuselahs or Antediluvians.

In the valley of shadow and doubt

Wilhelm's a bit magic happy

Combat is a mix of savage brute force, high-tech modern weapons and magic - holy or otherwise. The various vampire clans wage war against each other in the Jyhad, an epic war in which mortals and vampires alike are used to further the interests of any given clan. Then you have to consider the volatile relationship between childe and sire - where younger vampires may kill their elders to gain power or out of fear; or elders may slay children they suspect of such attempts.

Another consideration is the prophecy of Gehenna, where the mighty Antediluvians (3rd generation) vampires are to arise from their deep sleep (torpor) and slay the rest of the Cainite race. The second generation fell prey to the Antediluvians long ago, the fourth is no match for them and Cain himself is nowhere to be found.

Darkness descends

Preparing for an assault

To top things off, there are humans who hunt vampires, and vampires have their own mortal enemies like werewolves. If nothing else, White Wolf's "World of Darkness" (the official setting name) is an interesting place to live. It's based upon our reality and history, but adjusted for the historical significance of Magicians, Wraiths, Werewolves, Vampires and Wild Ones.

The Specific Setting

Redemption is set in 2 time periods (The 12th century and modern nights) across 4 cities - medieval Prague and Vienna then modern London and New York. You won't necessarily be facing all the problems that pen and paper vampires face, however - so don't worry...