Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation
- Developers: Hammerhead
- Publishers: Activision
Blade (2000): A Classic Vampire-Slaying Action Game
Overview
Blade (2000) is a third-person action game developed by HammerHead and published by Activision. The game is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, and was released for the PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Microsoft Windows.
In Blade, players take control of the titular character, a vampire hunter who must battle his way through hordes of vampires and other supernatural creatures in order to save the city of New York from a vampire invasion. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities that Blade can use to dispatch his enemies, as well as a number of challenging boss battles.
Gameplay
Blade is a third-person action game that plays similarly to other games in the genre, such as Devil May Cry and God of War. Players control Blade as he explores a variety of gothic environments, battling vampires and other supernatural creatures. Blade can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat his enemies, including swords, guns, and vampire-hunting gadgets.
One of the unique aspects of Blade’s gameplay is the “Daywalker” system. Blade is a vampire who is immune to sunlight, which gives him an advantage over his vampire enemies. However, Blade must constantly feed on blood in order to maintain his strength. If Blade does not feed on blood, he will become weaker and eventually die.
The Daywalker system adds a strategic element to Blade’s gameplay. Players must carefully manage Blade’s blood levels in order to stay alive and defeat their enemies. If Blade becomes too weak, he will be unable to fight effectively and will eventually be killed.
Story
The story of Blade follows the titular character as he investigates a vampire invasion of New York City. Blade soon discovers that the vampires are led by Deacon Frost, a powerful vampire who is planning to sacrifice Blade’s love interest, Karen Jenson, in order to become a pureblood vampire.
Blade must race against time to stop Frost and save Karen. Along the way, he will encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including Whistler, a vampire hunter who has been Blade’s mentor, and Mercury, a vampire who has turned against his own kind.
Characters
- Blade: The titular character, Blade is a vampire hunter who is immune to sunlight. He is a skilled fighter and master of vampire-hunting gadgets.
- Deacon Frost: The main antagonist of the game, Frost is a powerful vampire who is planning to sacrifice Blade’s love interest, Karen Jenson, in order to become a pureblood vampire.
- Whistler: A vampire hunter who has been Blade’s mentor. He is a skilled fighter and inventor, and provides Blade with weapons and gadgets.
- Mercury: A vampire who has turned against his own kind. He is a skilled fighter and has a deep knowledge of vampire lore.
- Karen Jenson: Blade’s love interest. She is a reporter who is investigating the vampire invasion of New York City.
Reception
Blade received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s action-packed gameplay and gothic atmosphere, while others criticized its repetitive missions and lack of innovation. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Blade is considered to be one of the best vampire-slaying action games ever made. The game’s unique gameplay, gothic atmosphere, and memorable characters have made it a cult classic among fans of the genre. Blade has also been credited with helping to popularize the vampire-hunting genre in video games.
Conclusion
Blade (2000) is a classic vampire-slaying action game that still holds up today. With its gothic atmosphere, intense combat, and over-the-top action, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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