Want to find out just how cool vampires can be?
One of the most classic monsters ever created are the vampires. They’ve had movies, songs, and books made for them. But for the longest time, they’ve made their mark on video games. Many of these games are dedicated to the entire vampire schtick.
They’re now even considered their own type of game!
Let’s admit though, that vampires are some of the coolest beings ever to be conceived. They drink or control blood, don’t need to sleep, and even have some heightened abilities. Unfortunately, the vampires in the games we’re talking about don’t sparkle.
It’s time to end the confusion about which versions of vampires in video games are the best. So, we’ll be talking about some of the most badass and cool iterations of vampires over the entire vampire adventure subgenre!
15. Vampire’s Melody | Microsoft Window, macOS
Vampire's Melody Official Trailer
First on our list we have the exploration of the relationship between an apprentice chef named Raylan Monroe and a vampire girl named Yella Lester. He comes across her one day as she’s sleeping. When she notices him, she decides to bite him. So, they both fall asleep for the short period of 300 years.
They both wake up to Yella telling Raylan that he is her minion and that he must stay with her if he doesn’t want to die. They both try to survive in the modern world, while gradually developing feelings for each other. Talk about a healthy relationship.
Now Vampires’ Melody goes ahead and flips the vampire trope on its head. Instead of horror, it opts to keep a cute storyline with its own twists and turns. It’s a great adventure that isn’t your average, run-off-the-mill gore fest.
It’s an unusual story that keeps you at the edge of your seat. There are moments where you just don’t know what will happen, and how your choices will affect certain situations. It’s a great feel-good game for those moments when you just want to feel a little something.
14. Golden Krone Hotel | Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
Veering away from the cutesy, cuddly romance, we have a roguelite game that is the pinnacle of its genre. Golden Krone Hotel is just one of those games that have an endearing pixel art visual that may or may not appeal to you. Still, it’s a great way to help you make the best possible decisions and that’s really all that matters.
The game itself is a wonderful twist of the vampire genre because you actually need sunlight to be able to get the most out of the game. At least here, your vampires don’t twinkle under the sun. Instead, you regenerate health as a vampire, and taking out the vampires would never be easier as a human.
But that also means that depending on the choices you make, the environment will drastically change. Things will start moving around and perhaps the art might even come out to haunt you.
One other haunting thing about the game is its gameplay. It’s relatively simple where you generally get to shove around a few vampires with your melee attack up close. But if you don’t feel like getting down and dirty up close, then you can use a gun or your magic spells from a safer distance.
13. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 | Microsoft Windows
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 Trailer
This game is a bit more mature than the last two we talked about. Actually, scratch that, it’s much, much more mature. Essentially, you are a mortal who spent a hot and heavy night with a vampire - which, by their law, is illegal.
So, your sire is immediately scheduled to be executed, along with you if not for the mercy of vampire extraordinaire, Nines Rodriguez. Now you have to venture out into the wild without a faint idea of who or what you’ve become. And before you know it, you’re going to be entangled in the crazy antics of Los Angeles’ esteemed undead shenanigans.
Although the premise might sound over the top, the gameplay and overall experience isn’t bad at all. There are many ways to play this game, having to choose between being diplomatic, or a ruthless sociopath, or even both.
Let me warn you though, this game does have its fair share of political battles, which is a key feature. The faction you side with decides what happens to you and your behavior. You eventually end up being a relatively good vampire that helps others, or a complete jerk who wants to watch the world burn.
Unfortunately, even with all its political quirks, the combat is as bad as a fruit under the scorching sun. You can choose between melee weapons or guns but the latter choice is actually terrible. The aiming is wonky and the action sequences are unbearable.
Still though, the overall concept and feel of the game is definitely up there as one of the greats of vampire adventure games.
12. The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile | Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox 360
In this game, you have a choice between controlling Yuki or The Dishwasher. After choosing, you get thrown into the fray of two years after the first game. Yuki begins the adventure in a space prison and meets up with The Dishwasher later on.
The ultimate goal is to dethrone or just completely obliterate the three powers who have destroyed Earth. Talk about escalating quickly.
The moveset and combat of the entire game is dependent on the character you choose. Each of them has a unique set of weapons that greatly affect the overall feel and story. You have to shuffle through multiple stunning combos and always be sure to evade.
The real kicker though is that this game had so much potential to be a game of the year that others have also pointed out. It unfortunately didn’t make the cut due to some complications.
Nonetheless, there are lots of things to do as well as many options to finish the opponent off. The world is immersive, along with a great dive into the characters and their story. It’s a vampire tale like no other - quite literally.
11. Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi | Microsoft Windows
I think most of us have heard about the movie Nosferatu right? The one about that really creepy pale vampire that lurks around? Well, get ready for not that movie.
In this game, you control a man named James Patterson in the early 20th century. His older sister Rebecca had just gotten engaged to a count in Transylvania so James had to make his way over there. But apparently, the wedding is actually a trap set by the count of Castle Malachi. All you have is your silver cane, to be used to rescue everyone before midnight.
This is definitely a Cinderella story gone wrong.
You start the game with your trusty cane sword and two hands, but along the game you can acquire other weapons. You can obtain them by going around the castle or receiving them from saved hostages. Some of these are guns while others are crazy holy weapons.
You can use these and unleash hell on a mixture of vampires, zombies, hellhounds, gypsy mercenaries, and even the classic demons. They usually attack in melee range so all you have to do is keep your distance - like any good citizen nowadays.
Just remember that the most effective weapon is still your guns. I mean the guns on your arms, of course.
10. Legacy of Kain: Defiance | Microsoft Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox
Nosgoth, our favorite demon-ridden world, is now teeming with new horrors and adventures. Raziel, a beaten-up wraith, decides to seek his creator, known as the vampire overlord Kain. It’s a classic tale of two anti-heroes trying to find their destiny. Their battle will be legendary!
Now if you’re a fan of the Legacy of Kain games, I can say with certainty, this will not disappoint you. Of course there are a few problems, like any good modern game, but that doesn’t take away from the overall experience.
It’s a decent game that some consider as the Vampire May Cry of the genre. Although it stands as a great game on its own, you’d still be wise to first play some of the better games in the genre. Nonetheless, it’s an experience that you should definitely check out again after a while.
9. Vampire’s Fall: Origins | Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, iOS
The story of Vampire’s Fall is as black and white as a panda. It’s entire plot revolves around retribution, where the character you control must hunt down the leader of an army of undead. It’s simple: he just wants revenge for the suffering the leader has caused him.
Over the course of the beginning, you get introduced to the many basic features of the game. Like any other standard game, you learn the basic controls such as moving around and fighting.
Now, much like the previous characters we’ve talked about like Kain or Raziel, you’re just thrown into the world of vampires out of nowhere.
So, to get your revenge, you have to embrace these big changes. You learn how to fight and use your gifts to the best of your ability. Even if you’re just an average joe, you’re an average joe with a personality.
Generally, this game is praised for being able to move from being a mobile game to a full-on console game. I, as well as many others, do want to praise it as well, but it does get difficult. It’s so unfortunate that this game hasn’t adapted well to the console version.
It still feels like a mobile game that isn’t fully integrated into its console counterpart. Nonetheless, it shines in its combat and that’s what carries it. Honestly, for an adventure, combat is essential and this game does it almost flawlessly.
8. Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption | Microsoft Windows, macOS
This rendition of the Vampire: The Masquerade series is an RPG-styled game with a lot of combat. The story is fairly straightforward with a few decision-making parts that influence Christof’s humanity and how the game ends.
Quick few tips: just be an overall good vampire citizen and you won’t forsake your humanity. That just means don’t kill your blood donors, don’t commit diableries, and be more diplomatic than violent. This will definitely keep you sane, both in-game and in real life.
One of the more disappointing parts of the game though, is the plotline that spans a few centuries. It does get confusing at times when it comes to story and continuity. Some errors in the timeline are also evident, but it doesn’t really take away from the whole experience.
Overall, this iteration of The Masquerade just came out of nowhere. It might not be the A+++ game that vampire fans were dying for, but it definitely has its moments. The action in the game is impressive while being visually stunning. There’s a lot to look forward to in the game despite some questionable story prompts.
7. The Incredible Adventures of van Helsing: Final Cut | Microsoft Windows
The Incredible Adventures of van Helsing: Final Cut Overview Trailer
It’s no shock that in this game, you play as the legendary Van Helsing. But not just any Van Helsing, the son of the one you're thinking of. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a monster hunter packed with a deep, dark voice.
Along with his oh-so quirky companion Katarina, they make their way to ancient Borgova. As soon as they get there, it turns out people are being held under the tyranny of mad science. Now our two heroes must liberate the people from the monsters that lurk.
The game has been compared many times to Diablo or other games like it. It’s honestly a solid RPG that has the potential to be one of the greats - as more people play it. The controller support is great, with an interface that changes depending on how you play.
Everything is simplified and easier to access which makes it great for first-timers. This, along with the attention to detail makes the game all the more enjoyable!
6. BloodRayne: Terminal Cut | Microsoft Windows
Right off the bat, let me tell you that this game is obviously a very old game. It doesn’t really hold up to some of today’s standards, but I believe that isn’t a big problem. The thing is, this game runs smoother on the PC.
Nonetheless, the combat system is great and still does hold up in many ways. It’s more like an ARPG than an action game since most of the time you’ll be mashing the attack button while pushing around enemies before they can pin you down.
The game doesn’t hold back on the gore and violence, so be warned!
What I mean about some of the aspects not holding up, mostly comes from the graphics department. Some of the visuals haven’t left since 2002, but some of the texture packs held up pretty well. All the textures are in high resolution with lovely rendering.
Although the game can get clunky and frustrating, it doesn’t really affect the overall nostalgic experience. It’s a great time capsule that sends the players to the simpler times of the early 2000s. It definitely is a great game to pick up for those who just want campy, vampire fun.
5. Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York | Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
This game is an adventure in almost every sense of the word. Although it might not be as big a production as the other games on this list, it definitely has its own quirks. First of all, it’s a visual novel, so that’s already a huge difference.
But story and theme-wise, it’s already a pretty familiar one.This game focuses more on the politics of the undead that play into the efforts of a new vampire. What I appreciate about this game is that it does help the newcomers get immersed into the game easier with its glossaries and in-game explanations.
Although it might not be as impressive as the Bloodlines series in terms of graphics and gameplay, it does serve as a great new entry to The Masquerade franchise. It introduces an immersive take on the politics and personalities of the biggest enemies in the game.
It’s quality of writing and characterization are such a treat that it adds to the main games in the Bloodlines series. If you want to get into the interesting world of the medieval Gothic times, make sure to grab your copy and try this wonderful new game.
4. Vampyr | PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Now, let’s get on with a highly controversial game that set the gaming world on fire upon its release. This game was set during the Spanish flu epidemic that swept over London during the turn of the 20th century. It features Jonathan Reid, a premier surgeon turned vampire. Now he runs from both his demons and the law that attempts to catch him.
Many people have already said this game had so much potential - wasted. It’s a game that a lot of people wanted to love but couldn’t, and for good reason. One of those reasons being the janky combat system that took a lot of players out of the game.
Perhaps more consistent combat could really make the action unmatched. Although this was the main issue people had with the game, the characters and overall story are still the strongest parts overall. It needed just a few tweeks to really become an out of this world entry into the vampire genre.
Still, many agree that this game is great for a couple of reasons. It’s easy to overlook a few things and really get immersed into the universe.
3. Total War: WARHAMMER II - Curse of the Vampire Coast | macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh operating systems
Total War: WARHAMMER II - Curse of the Vampire Coast Official Trailer
This vampire game is actually a DLC to the main Total War game - and a pretty darn good one at that. I understand not a lot of people like to pay for DLCs but trust me, this one is worth it. The main goal of the game is to look for Sea Shanties and ultimately gain the Star-Metal harpoon.
It does have times where the exposition gets too much, but it is pretty much expected. This game feels more like an action-adventure game with the mask of an RTS. Still though, it’s pretty exciting to strategize for certain areas and completely explore other parts.
Despite some setbacks like the fact that it’s actually DLC, it is a skillfully produced game. It definitely serves as a love letter to all those long-time Warhammer fans out there. It also does a great job taking notes from other classics like the Tomb Kings.
Thankfully, it’s a crowd pleaser (in a good way) that is as epic as pirate-themed vampire games go. It is an amazing, all out battle-style combat system that makes use of unique skills all backed up by an interesting story. It’s a beautiful game that is definitely worth the effort of buying.
2. Code Vein | PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
How do I begin talking about Code Vein -except for the fact that it’s every anime fan's dream game! I get that not everyone might be into that sort of thing, but it’s definitely a treat to the eyes, ears, and probably all other senses actually.
This game is set not too far into the future, where a cryptic disaster has destroyed the world. There are many graves scattered across the land. At the center of all this destruction stands a secret society of “Revenants” known as Vein. They are the last hope of humanity in taking down this nightmare.
Some people have compared this game to Dark Souls, while others have said it has no soul. In some senses of the word, it does somewhat play like a Souls game, but not all. It establishes itself quite nicely as its own, unique, standalone game.
It does have some combat cues taken from the Souls games, but it doesn’t follow this to a T. It’s other stronger assets are its top-tier aesthetic and easy to follow story. It needs a few tweaks here and there especially in combat but other than that it’s a great game. It might be a little wonky, but it’s a satisfying game no doubt.
Now calm down those of you who love their waifus. This game will soon be yours, I can feel it.
1. Castlevania: Anniversary Collection | Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Is it even a surprise that the number one spot on this list is a collection of Castlevania games? Well, it shouldn’t be. Now as you can probably tell from the title of the game, it features a selection of the greatest Castlevania games.
The bundle consists of the select few that are considered classics. It’s a great way to get the retro fans back into the fray. The collection includes eight games from series’ 8- and 16-bit eras, including Castlevania (NES), Castlevania 2: Simon’s Quest (NES), Castlevania 2: Belmont’s Revenge (Game Boy), Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse (NES), Super Castlevania 4 (SNES), Castlevania: Bloodlines (Sega Genesis), Kid Dracula (Game Boy), and Castlevania: The Adventure (Game Boy).
Some people say the star of the show is Super Castlevania 4, but I’d like to argue.
As a collection of games that are a bit older, this anthology surprisingly holds up so well. It has so many aspects to it that are just so overwhelmingly spectacular that it makes it hard to forget about.
Having to go back and play the classic games this collection has, sets up for some nostalgia moments that I bet gets any veteran riled up. But it’s also a beginner-friendly set of games. The newer players can enjoy some of the other entries as well because it’s so diverse in terms of genre and gameplay style.
Can any other vampire game be as iconic as those in Castlevania? I’d love to see that day, if it ever does happen.
Hopefully this enlightens you about the curious world of video game vampires! If you’re interested in reading up on some Devil May Cry / Hack and Slash stuff:
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