The Best Vampire Games (That Aren't Castlevania)

Vampire lore has always been an intriguing subject for many, and the same holds true for the gaming industry. We can thank the Castlevania series for helping to establish this fascination, but there are other vampire games out there that are equally gripping and enjoyable. Here, we have listed some of the best vampire games that aren't part of the Castlevania franchise. Each game is accompanied by a paragraph of description, and we will end the article with the best product in terms of user reviews. So, let's dive into the dark world of these bloodsucking games!

1. BloodRayne

BloodRayne is an action-adventure game focused on a half-human, half-vampire protagonist named Rayne. Her mission is to eliminate supernatural threats from the world on behalf of a secret organization known as the Brimstone Society. The game features a mix of hack-and-slash combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration elements, as well as an assortment of supernatural powers that Rayne can use to her advantage. The game was well-received for its engaging combat mechanics and dark, gothic atmosphere.

2. Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver

One of the most beloved vampire game series outside of Castlevania, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is an action-adventure game with a strong emphasis on storytelling. Players take on the role of Raziel, a former vampire lieutenant turned wraith who seeks vengeance against his former master, Kain. The game's mechanics include a mix of combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, as well as a unique ability to shift between the physical and spectral realms. Soul Reaver's captivating narrative and dark, atmospheric world make it a standout vampire gaming experience.

3. Vampyr

Vampyr is an action RPG where players take on the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a doctor-turned-vampire who is torn between his newfound thirst for blood and his desire to save the people of London from a deadly epidemic. The game's central mechanic involves balancing Reid's vampiric nature with his medical expertise, as players must choose who to feed on and who to save. Vampyr's unique blend of moral choices, action-packed combat, and intriguing narrative make it a must-play for fans of vampire games.

4. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

Based on the popular tabletop role-playing game, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is an immersive action RPG that thrusts players into the dark, seedy world of vampires in modern-day Los Angeles. Players create their own vampire character, choosing from a variety of different vampiric clans, and must navigate the complex social and political landscape of the vampire world. The game is known for its engaging narrative, richly detailed characters, and branching storylines that respond to players' choices throughout the game.

5. Darkwatch

Darkwatch is a first-person shooter that blends the wild west with supernatural horror. Players take on the role of Jericho Cross, a gunslinger who becomes a vampire after inadvertently releasing an ancient evil. The game combines gunplay with vampire abilities, allowing players to dispatch enemies in a variety of creative ways. Darkwatch's blend of horror and action gameplay makes it a unique entry in the vampire game genre.

6. Blood Omen 2

A sequel to the original Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, Blood Omen 2 continues the story of the vampire Kain as he seeks to reclaim his lost power and destroy a mysterious enemy known as The Sarafan Lord. The game features more traditional action-adventure gameplay, with players controlling Kain as he battles enemies, explores the environment, and solves puzzles. Blood Omen 2's dark atmosphere and engaging storyline make it another worthy entry in the Legacy of Kain series.

7. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Dawnguard

Though not a standalone vampire game, the Dawnguard expansion for The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim adds a substantial vampire-themed questline to the base game. Players can choose to join the Dawnguard - a group of vampire hunters - or the Volkihar Clan, a powerful vampire faction. The expansion also introduces new weapons, armor, and abilities for both vampire and vampire hunter playstyles. Dawnguard's an open-world exploration and choice-driven narrative make it a popular vampire gaming experience.

8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Blood And Wine

Similar to Dawnguard, Blood and Wine is an expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, adding a new vampire-focused story and setting in the region of Toussaint. Though Geralt, the game's protagonist, is not a vampire himself, players will encounter powerful vampires and their various schemes throughout the expansion. Blood and Wine's beautiful landscape, intriguing characters, and a dark storyline make it a must-play for fans of The Witcher series and vampire games alike.

9. Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds

Based on the popular television series, Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds is an action-adventure game featuring the show's cast of characters. Players control Buffy and her friends as they battle various supernatural enemies, solve puzzles, and uncover the secrets behind a mysterious evil force. Chaos Bleeds successfully captures the humor and spirit of the show, providing fans with a nostalgic vampire gaming experience.

10. BloodLust: Shadowhunter

BloodLust: Shadowhunter is an action RPG set in a dark and gritty vampire underworld. Players create a vampire, dhampir, or human character and explore a mysterious city filled with supernatural creatures, secret societies, and ancient artifacts. The game features a unique "BloodLust" mechanic, which rewards players for feeding on enemies and allows them to unlock powerful abilities. BloodLust's deep character customization and rich lore make it a compelling vampire game.

Conclusion: The Best Vampire Game (Based on User Reviews)

Out of all the vampire games mentioned in this list, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines stands out as the best product due to its immersive world, rich characters, and branching storylines. The game has a dedicated fanbase and is often hailed as one of the best RPGs of all time, making it a must-play for fans of vampire games.