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Not easy to find, this game was only released in Japan and could be obtained through Sega Direct only. Fortunately, despite the low print run, about 5.000 copies exist, the game found its way to other parts of the world. So is this a new outing? Sadly, that isn't quite the case. This could best be considered a compilation with most features borrowed from past Vampire games. All in all this game isn't very extensive; there is the obligatory “Arcade” mode, a “Versus” mode to duke it out with a human foe. There is a “Training” option to hone your skills. An “Option” mode (which is in English for the better part) and lastly, the (now defunct) “Network” mode.

2D is art. Repeat that sentence three times with me. Good. Despite the dull cover art all of your favorite beasties have been included for this iteration. The characters are amazingly fluid, and boast a fair level of detail. Animation has been left intact for a full 100% bringing all of the horrific cast on your screen in undeniable splendor. About the only thing truly missing here would be transparencies used for life gauge and character select screen, amongst others. Looking at the complete picture however that can be forgiven instantly. In the looks department everything is more than okay. Even when you're not playing it the beautiful 2D animations of the characters dancing across the screen are a sight to behold.

Fitted to accustom with the appearance of the fighters the music is just lovely. Sure, that might lead to one or two stereotypes (like Bishamon's Japanese flute theme) but with an outlandish assortment of fighters it works very well. The “lighter” characters are accompanied by frolic, up-beat themes while the boss character for instance comes with a tad more ominous one. The effects themselves are done very well; be it a sword that strikes, a laser that blasts, or a kitten that purrs (Felicia!) the execution and timing is spot on. A brief example to attest to this could be when Bishamon pops off his helmet at the end of a bout, clinking on the ground every time it makes contact perfectly to the millionth of a second.

Going to show why this could be perceived as a compilation of sorts is the fact that one can select from three different styles at the beginning of a game. According to which style is chosen certain gameplay aspects get modified to resemble those of the original free games to download they were taken from. The life gauge in “Vampire” lets you take in damage like you would in most Vs. fighting games, restoring the gauge fully the next round. In “Hunter” one slowly regains a portion of their vitality if unharmed for a brief period of time. Lastly there is “Savior” in which any damage taken is carried over to the next round, aching for a more cautious, defensive style of play. If that weren't enough, next you get to select from one of four different “character types” effectively altering the way characters play and execute their combo's and EX moves. The three types also used for your fighting style (Vampire, Hunter & Savior) can be selected, with the addition of “Savior 2” type as a fourth. This makes for a good deal of variety and overall lasting appeal to make you come back to the game. Even if there aren't all that many modes of play incorporated, this can be considered a huge redeeming factor.