Review
While Blade is reminiscent of hack-and-slash titles such as Nightmare Creatures, this vampire hunting title requires more thought because of the various types of enemies you'll face and the different weapons you can use. Yet problems with the control and camera angles undermine what could have been an enjoyable action game.
Because of its cinematic presentation, the camera angles change with Blade's movement, which is disorienting. To help you, pressing the L2 button makes the heroic vampire automatically lock-on to the nearest foe; this feature also offers color-based identification information. Red colors represent vampires, humans are colored green, and monsters are yellow.
Learning these colors is important because certain weapons are ineffective on certain enemies. It isn't a smart idea to rush humans with a sword, for example, as they fire semi-automatic weapons that inflict serious damage. And since shotguns will not harm vampires, the undead must be eliminated using Silver Nitrate ammunition.
With titles such as Nightmare Creatures II, using the same weapon throughout the entire adventure was somewhat disappointing; the limited amount of enemies per level was also a letdown. Blade uses the same interface, but incorporates far more weapons and enemies into the mix. Also included are cinematic sequences that reveal plot twists and developments.
Unfortunately, reaching new areas involves finding and then pushing red buttons within each level, which is a tedious process. Before the buttons will work, players must find the power rooms needed to activate them. In addition, there are certain doors that cannot be opened with a button, so you'll have to find a particular key before entering.
Another problem is that movements seem too slow for a game that should be all about intense action. While the main character runs fast, the screen often struggles to catch up to him. The action resembles an animated movie, but it compromises smoothness for effect. Having a lock-on target also takes away some of the skill needed to eliminate enemies.
These issues aside, fans of the movie can still have some fun with this title -- in fact, you could argue that the plot makes for a better videogame than movie. As long as you're not expecting a technical masterpiece, you'll be able to tolerate this world of the undead.
Graphics 
Blade is a dark title, but not dark enough to adjust the television's brightness. It contains a good mixture of illuminated and dark effects that provide an eerie feeling. While the visuals are good, the world is slow moving; the camera angles make it a little more difficult. When the heroic vampire equips a new weapon, it is noticeable and enemies can be seen from a distance...provided the camera is working as it should.
Sound
The techno soundtrack is appropriate and the speech in the cinematic sequences is well performed (parents should be cautioned that the game contains explicit language). One disappointment is that Wesley Snipes' voice is not used, but the sound effects are otherwise realistic.
Enjoyment
Switching between weapons is simple and battling three enemies at once can be interesting. The controls, on the other hand, are somewhat awkward and frustrating. The action is much more fun in small doses.
Replay Value 
Because of the cinematic nature, Blade is interesting one time through. There isn't much reason to watch the cinema sequences a second time or demolish hordes of undead beasts and vampires again.
Documentation
The instruction manual explains the various weapons, ammunition and enemies; it also covers the control mechanics. Because it offers no information on which weapons and ammunition should be used on the various enemies, you'll have to figure it out on the go.
