You can dive into this intriguing journey on platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux (though results on Steam Deck may vary). My current mission? To gather more Kindred for my coterie.
I had left Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York untouched in my Steam library for quite some time. Recently, as I got into the original Vampire tabletop roleplaying game, which Coteries of New York draws inspiration from, it seemed like the perfect moment to give this visual novel a go.
Turns out, it was an excellent decision. So far, Coteries of New York has been a fantastic source of inspiration for my campaign, constantly keeping the game’s world vivid and lively in my imagination. Vampire, as a tabletop RPG, can be pretty intense. Characters aren’t your typical heroes—they’re monsters grappling with the nightmare that is their existence. The setting is dense with specialized lore and jargon that requires time to learn thoroughly. Of course, you could absorb all that by poring over rulebooks while enjoying some hauntingly good music (Soma FM’s Dark Zone is a great choice for those late nights when you’re immersed in thoughts of the Kindred). But experiencing a story to learn from? That’s an entirely different and helpful approach.
What I find particularly refreshing is that Coteries of New York, unlike some of the bigger Vampire titles, approaches the genre as a visual novel. This offers a nice break from the more action-packed video games I’m usually immersed in. The format allows me to embrace the dark, gothic atmosphere of the World of Darkness setting more deeply than I might with a typical RPG. Still, I do miss the RPG elements that a game like Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest masterfully integrates, merging the visual novel style with traditional role-playing.
Even without those additional gameplay mechanics, Coteries of New York excels at invoking the dark, foreboding essence that a good World of Darkness experience should deliver. I’ve been navigating the game as Lamar, a Toreador, who spends most of his time with a new Malkavian companion, Hope. There are still more vampires to encounter from various clans in the universe. If Hope’s storyline is any indication, I have plenty of intriguing and grimly fascinating narratives waiting for me in the shadowy corners of New York City. — Claire Jackson
