Vampire Rain on the Xbox 360 was one of the most misunderstood (and thus, poorly reviewed) games this generation. On the PS3, Vampire Rain: Altered Species fixes a few issues and adds a bit more content, but the game was still misunderstood (and poorly reviewed) by those who refused to "get" what the game was trying to accomplish. Far too many jaded critics thought what's here was supposed to be similar to a Metal Gear Solid/Splinter Cell experience, which it's not by a long shot. The game sets up and plays by its own rules from the start and wants you to try this as well. Going into VR:AS with no (or low) expectations other than putting yourself in the hands of the dev team will make for a much better time, that's for sure. PATIENCE is key right from the moment you crack the shrink wrap. The install process is quite lengthy (about 20 minutes!), so pop the disc in and go make lunch or dinner or do the laundry while you wait. After that, be prepared to throw almost all your stealth action game training out the window and don't even think about those games while you play, trust me. What's here is developer Artoon's own combination of stealth action, light exploration and survival horror (of the not quite frightening variety unless you're careless) all wrapped in a B-movie plot that with a few tweaks could be one of those wacky Sci-Fi Channel weekend movies. The game is broken up into playable tutorials and actual story-driven sections where you put what you've practiced into use. If you're buying this game thinking you're going to be shooting vampires into exploding dust, you're barking up the wrong tree. The vamps in this game are lighting fast and supremely deadly, so avoidance is not only key, it's a major gameplay element for a good chunk of the running time. You'll eventually get gear that can take down vampires, but even then, you need to be quick and not miss when you get the chance to strike. If you're a patient player and can pay attention to the mythology spelled out here, you'll survive most encounters by a combination of careful sneaking and slashing/shooting when required. If you even try to run 'n gun it or go into the game thinking you're Solid Snake, Dante, Van Helsing or Sam Fisher, you'll be jumping up and down on your PS3 within half an hour. Presentation-wise, the game is more solid than spectacular. The rain effects are great, character animation has been improved over the 360 version and overall, environments have a nicely realistic (rather then perfectly detailed to a T) look to them. Of course, if you're too busy comparing this to Uncharted 2, Killzone 2 and so forth and so on, you'll never fully let yourself become immersed in the game world. Other than the annoying invisible borders around each stage (and the more annoying warning messages), the look of the game isn't bad at all. Sounds are OK if you don't take your voice acting and gunfire effects too seriously. The B-movie plot allows for some corny dialog, so expect to chuckle on occasion at some of the overly serious delivery. Again, you'll appreciate what's here more if you approach the material for what it is, not what you'd like it to be. I've not yet tried the multiplayer, but I've only recently picked this up and don't know if it's still supported. While the game isn't perfect at all, it's definitely unique in terms of forcing the player to strictly stick to set rules or die. Overall, VR:AS isn't a classic, but only open-minded players need apply.Read full review
The PS3 game (Vampire Rain: Altered Species) was purchased for a reasonable price...it is a first person shooter and/or sneaker style game, with Sci-Fi like vampire creatures! Not all characters are as they seem though!?! So what do you say...wanna play? This game is fun from the stand point of action/adventure or military style misson concepts. The game plays a lot like Tom Clancy's war style games play; from the viewpoint style (night vision goggles & something called Necro-vision) and misson objectives. The game unfolds as a learn as you go tutor-style game play. However, the drawback is that you have to sneak unseen through the streets and rooftops of the city landscape, with extremely limited resources for defense. Attempting to just kill the vampire like creatures is difficult at best, so it is more advantageous to not be seen. As well, there is a storyline that hints at clues to what the whole thing is really about!?! If you like being the black ops and/or hunter style gamer then this games for you...hours of misson ops game play! The game is rated T for teenagers, but plays well for the older crowd too! In my opinion there are better games for the money out there, however, this game is a good addition to any true gamers collection for Sci-Fi-Action-Adventure role playing style tastes. As always, I suggest rent or borrow the game first before spending your money...and in some cases you may review and/or download the game for play at some of the online gaming sites, either with your PC and/or your PS3 if you have the cable and service. Please keep the eBay community working by remembering to rate the usefulness of this review...I hope you found it helpful. Thanks, and have a Great day!Read full review
I played the game without any hiccup or damaged disc, and it works fine. Love the gameplay, and the game is VERY underrated. Thanks.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Game works great and just as described. Thank you so much.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Totally opposite of what I expected. They should have just called it Zombie Rain. Waste of money.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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