Square Enix's
BloodMasque will have players set out on an epic vampire hunt in this action-RPG with high definition graphics powered by Unreal Engine. The game is set in a steampunk version of 19th century France and encompasses a ton of special attacks and hack-n-slash fun. One of the most intriguing aspects of
BloodMasque is the ability to customize your character with your very own photographs which adds a great deal of depth and immersiveness to an already bloody good time!
BloodMasque contains aspects that are common with most JRPG titles and is one of the best looking games to ever release for iOS devices. You take on the role of a half-human, half-vampire protagonist in a world that is controlled by blood-sucking vampires. It is up to the player to stop these undead abominations who are oppressing the human race and are killing them at will. After starting up the game, players are given the choice to either customize their character with photos of themselves or just use the boring old character that comes with the game. Of course, we opted for full customization which included adding a personal photo then using the template to align the eyes, nostrils, and so forth. Players can then adjust their character as needed by tweaking the lighting, skin tone, hair and much more. Once you save the changes then you are ready to kick some vampire ass and can use your character across all of your iOS devices. Players can also choose to include pictures of their friends for the two computer-controlled allies that you are later allowed to recruit.
BloodMasque utilizes cloud saving and can then be played on either your iPad, iPhone or iPod.
One of the first things you notice about
BloodMasque is the fantastic production values and the high-end
graphics are something you would expect from a console game. The richly detailed graphics can be compared somewhat to
Infinity Blade which is set alongside an amazing soundtrack for an overall perfect atmosphere for killing vampires. However, the controls aren't as responsive and tight as they were in
Infinity Blade.
BloodMasque's combat is somewhat simplistic with players tapping the screen to attack and swiping to dodge while countering attacks in a 360° arc. Players can then initiate quick time events which help them to stab the undead blood suckers through the heart for a killer finishing move!
BloodMasque offers tons of side quests which are scattered around the city streets and can be found by utilizing your character's 3D movement control. The game features a very dramatic storyline and some enchanting villains to boot. Your main quest is to stab a stake through as many vampire hearts as possible, but as you progress through the game, then enemies become more complex and difficult. If you start feeling a little overwhelmed, then you can ask for the assistance of other hunters as well. Once you take advantage of all the weapon/armor/item collecting, side-quests, vampire killin' and other story aspects then you can easily get around 15-20 hours of gameplay out of
BloodMasque. You can further expand the replayability of
BloodMasque through in-app purchases.
BloodMasque is a fascinating vampire game that is well worth its price tag.
BloodMasque is now available for $6.99 on iPhone 4S and above, iPod touch (5th generation) and above, and iPad 2 and above.
BloodMasque is rated M by the ESRB. To learn more, visit the official
BloodMasque website.
Game Features:
Single Player
Customization
Intuitive Controls
Unreal Technology Powered Action
Fight Alongside Familiar Faces
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher:
Square Enix
Platforms: iPad (reviewed), iPhone and iPod touch
Release Date: July 25, 2013
Score: 8 out of 10
graphics are something you would expect from a console game. The richly detailed graphics can be compared somewhat to Infinity Blade which is set alongside an amazing soundtrack for an overall perfect atmosphere for killing vampires. However, the controls aren't as responsive and tight as they were in Infinity Blade. BloodMasque's combat is somewhat simplistic with players tapping the screen to attack and swiping to dodge while countering attacks in a 360° arc. Players can then initiate quick time events which help them to stab the undead blood suckers through the heart for a killer finishing move! 
