Okay so whats the deal here? I'm debating refunding my purchase, gog page says the game runs on windows 8, but it runs like I'm using an inferior system. Whats the solution? I can't find any step by step instructions anywhere.

I had the same issue in Windows 10 and was able to get it running flawlessly. I made a video detailing the steps. It might work for Windows 8 as well. Here's my guide:

https://youtu.be/8XYi5ZBVrV0

Thanks mate, that was a very detailed video. I'll see now if it made a difference. For me, the game runs well for about the first five minutes, then it slows way down.

Have you tried DDrawCompat?

I've just tested it and the game runs mostly fine. I have some bugs, like if I reload a save the enemy's health won't display until a few minutes later. The game seems to also crash randomly, but not often. Other than those bugs it's running smoothly and I'm enjoying this game. Can't believe I didn't play this back in the day, it's a little known gem.

Hey jonjj,

Thanks a lot for the guide, I was also experiencing lags and slowdowns specially on the dialog box while playing the game on Win 10 until I implemented the ddraw and command line fixes.

Nevertheless, I was wondering, does the command line fix (-doublebuffer -no3d) affects the game's graphics somehow? I mean, do I get decreased graphics while playing the game with such command lines?

Thanks again!

Hi Takezow,

Good question. I don't believe those command line options cause any decrease in the graphics. I didn't notice any difference when I was trying to fix my issues, other than it somewhat seeming to help with the stuttering video issues I was experiencing.

Found some interesting stuff here: http://www.terra-arcanum.com/forums/index.php?threads/arcanum-command-line-arguments.15208/

It seems -doublebuffer has no impact on the graphics.

I'm not quite sure about -no3d.

Maybe someone else may enlighten us.

the curse of troika! -doublebuffer is exactly what it says. doublebuffering for video. i don't remember if it's 'cause triple buffering might slow down the game in modern systems.

-no3d is for running it in software mode. i haven't seen a difference in graphical detail or spell effects when i was using it.

What does "running it in software mode" means exactly? Not using the GPU?

basically that. only your CPU speed and RAM really matters in such case.

i don't mean unbalanced game mechanics. they're entertaining in their own way. i mean troika had a reputation for buggy games even before modern hardware and OS's screwed them up more.

I bought the game at a brick and mortar. I completed it without patching or being plagued with bugs. I think Troika's "buggy" reputation is bullshit started by people that didn't understand the game's mechanics.

not sure if you're fanboying too much or you're trolling. these days i wish there was an ignore list on gogforums.

i mean bloodlines just got released on gog and it's infamous for serious game-breaking bugs.

the unofficial fan patch for arcanum wouldn't exist if it was bugfree as you imagined with your delusion.

one of many reviews from people who played that on release date or close to it.
www.gamefaqs.com/pc/914819-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines/reviews/82532