http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/

So is being a vampire lame? Is it just like being a werewolf with magic?

No. Some may think so, buti really don't. The only downside is that if Serana is your follower, the magic is pretty useless because of a bug. Other than that, you do get to hover above the ground and water, you also can get extremely large amounts of health, magicka, and stamina, and it also seems that people run away and hide much more... Causing sheer terror always puts a smile on my face.

Oh, there's one other downside. It can get pretty annoying in cramped dungeons, especially when it takes so long to transform, but if you are in the overworld and don't plan on going to cities, then it really can't get better as with one touch of a button you can use spells, then swipe at your enemy with poisoned talons. It is epic. Trust me.

One might call it "lame". But really being a Vampire Lord is pretty powerful, you're a beast as a vampire, whereas being a Werewolf is pretty lackluster compared to it.

So do you like being a vampire more than a werewolf?

I personally do. Just as said above, the werewolf is "lackluster" compared to it. The werewolf is a beast, and nothing more. The Vampire Lord is still a beast, but it is a humanoid beast that is intelligent enought to use magicka and cast spells. Plus, the werewolf has no wings thatflp when you sprint

Thanks everybody.

Vampire Lords are way better than werewolves.

VLs have no time limit, werewolves still have one.

i agree as a hugge werewolf fan i can say VL is just a jillion times more badass just

Werewolf if you want to be a rauaging beast.

Vampire if you want to be down right evil (and evil is fun).

The journalist who wrote that article svcks at video games, there is no other way to say it. Another person trying to transform with a overlord hitting you situation, dumbassness. When he says VL has limited spells you know he is either trolling or didn't unlock nearly any abilities. The VL is insane, if you get touched as a VL It should be by accident, you can kite about everything in the game in VL form...

The VL is Not met for killing dragons or some enemies (dwemer mechanicals) just like the werewolf, it is possible and you can do it but that is not what both forms are made for. In general your character should be the best for killing everything in the game, if not there is a issue somewhere. Ie werewolves can arguably take down mages faster then a warrior, but then a assassin with a bow/crossbow pownz everything. Everything is good in the game, Bethesda know what they are doing, players don't (generally speaking).

The only time you should hulk out whilst tanking hits is for the lulz. I did it to a misguided khajiiti thief; "my money? Hang on...GRAAAARRRR" *feasts on khajiits face*

So yeah, I agree, anyone transforming AFTER the boss has spotted you is a pillock.

Thanks for everyone's input. But how did the name of this thread change?

I have more fun as a Vamp lord than a werewolf, I think, but the side effects of vampirism have me sticking with lycanthropy. It's only lame if you have Serana with you, who nerfs your drain life.

Meh, what reviewers say doesn't bother me; I have been enjoying Dawnguard and feeling like I've gotten my moneys worth from it. Seriously, using a crossbow is fairly satisfying, and my beast form feels a bit more useful as a werewolf thanks to the perk tree. Still got paper armor, but you can at least take steps to bolster yourself a little with the perks. Haven't gone vampire yet to see how being a Vampire Lord works out yet, though.