It’s been quite some time since I last dove into a vampire-themed video game or ventured into the horror genre, for that matter. Vampires have an undeniable charm, capturing our fascination in various forms of media, from the comedic antics of "What We Do in the Shadows" to the eerie remakes like "Nosferatu," and even making their way into open-world survival games like "V Rising." Recently, a Polish indie game dev studio called Draw Distance released "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York." I’ve decided to see what this latest addition to the beloved franchise has to offer.
In "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," players are whisked away to the bustling, chilly streets of modern-day New York City—quite a setting, wouldn’t you agree? While the game is a new installment in the "Vampire: The Masquerade" series, a tabletop RPG, I have to admit I went in without much prior experience with the franchise—so maybe my perspective is a bit unique. Here, the vampires, or Kindred as they’re called, operate with a blend of political intrigue and a primal urge to survive in a dangerous, supernatural world. In this third entry, we’re introduced to Kali from the Ravnos clan, who are known for their deception skills. Her mysterious talents and backstory had me curious and eager to see where her journey would lead.
The game leans heavily into the visual novel genre and boasts a solid narrative. At times, it dips a little too much into the realm of clichés, but that wasn’t my main issue. I struggled to form a connection with any of the characters. The dense blocks of text became daunting after a while, causing my attention to wane as I craved more interactive and engaging character exchanges. Sadly, the options presented in the game feel limited and don’t significantly influence the storyline or its characters. If I’m being candid, this doesn’t feel much like a traditional video game. As a narrative, it’s okay, but in terms of gameplay, I felt like a passive onlooker, which kept me from truly immersing myself in the story. Although the plot unfolds with the addition of new characters, I found myself wanting more lore, more depth about their histories, and the dynamics among the vampires. Experienced players might better grasp the Kindred lore, but I just couldn’t get emotionally invested.
Given the lack of game mechanics, puzzles, combat, and real challenges in "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," the use of the character’s vampiric abilities feels a bit tacked on. The Logbook feature seems unnecessary, offering only a list of chapter titles without any further detail. While some might see visual novels as part of the gaming world, I feel they stand apart. In this case, choices don’t augment the experience or the narrative as in some similar games.
What the game lacks in interactive gameplay, it compensates for with its captivating visual style. The artwork is dark and atmospheric, employing deep blues and purples against striking reds to create a mysterious vibe that’s perfect for the vampire setting. Each character is crafted with care in a semi-realistic style that showcases their distinct personalities through expressive features and unique outfits. The cityscape shifts with each scene, capturing both modern and gothic elements through dimly lit streets and radiant skylines.
So, what’s the final verdict on "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York"? It certainly spins an intricate story with lore and characters that fans of the Masquerade series might appreciate. However, for someone like me, who’s new to the series, it fell short of providing a truly memorable experience. It’s probably the most critical I’ve been of a game recently, but this one didn’t capture me. I doubt I’ll revisit Kali’s New York escapades anytime soon.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York Review
Gameplay: 4/10
Plot / Writing: 5/10
Design / Visuals: 8/10
Overall: 5.7/10
Not enough to sink my teeth into
Pros:
- Beautifully rendered art style
- Easy to play
Cons:
– Clichéd writing
– Lack of game mechanics and impactful choices
