It’s been quite some time since I immersed myself in a vampire-themed game or anything remotely horror-related. There’s just something so fascinating about vampires that one can’t easily avoid their allure. Be it in witty comedies like "What We Do in the Shadows," cinematic classics like "Nosferatu," or engaging survival games like "V Rising," they’ve captured an extensive audience. Now, stepping into this ever-popular genre is Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, a fresh release from the Polish indie developers at Draw Distance. So, how does this entry fare in the illustrious Vampire: The Masquerade series?
Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York takes players to the bustling yet frosty streets of present-day New York City. Based on the Vampire: The Masquerade tabletop RPG series, this game might be a bit daunting for newcomers like myself. The lore is rich, with vampires referred to as Kindred, navigating a precarious existence driven by political intrigue and survival. In this third iteration, we are introduced to Kali, a member of the Ravnos clan, known for her uncanny skills as a con artist. Her character piqued my interest with its depth and potential for engaging narrative developments.
This game thrives as a visual novel with a decent story, though at times it leans heavily into familiar tropes. While this wasn’t a dealbreaker, there was a disconnection for me with the characters. The narrative is dense, sometimes laboriously detailed, leaving me longing for more interactive engagement. Choices appear few and far between and don’t seem to carry much weight in the unfolding story. To be frank, calling this a video game might be stretching it. It stands more as an interactive story, which hindered my immersive experience.
The game could revel in the intricate histories of its characters and their interconnected vampire world, yet it feels like something is missing. More context and exploration of relationships between characters would have drawn me in further. Veteran players might find familiar comfort in the Kindred lore, but I was left on the outskirts.
Interactivity, unfortunately, is where Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York stumbles. With no real gameplay mechanics or challenges, the potential of Kali’s vampiric Disciplines feels underexplored. The Logbook offered is also superfluous as it merely lists completed chapters—nothing anyone can delve into for purpose. While some regard visual novels as video games, I’d argue they’re a separate beast entirely. Unlike games with meaningful decisions, here the choices feel trivial and disconnected.
Where the game falters in gameplay, it dazzles with aesthetics. The art is nothing short of stunning, presenting moody and atmospheric visuals. Shaded in deep blues and purples clashing against vivid reds, it perfectly captures the vampiric essence. Characters are beautifully detailed, each with distinct personalities reflected in their semi-realistic depictions and wardrobe. As you explore, the urban scenery shifts captivatingly, offering gothic and modern views of New York’s nightscapes.
In summing up Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, it’s a mixed bag. While the storyline has potential, packed with lore and characters that series fans might adore, newcomers may find it lacks the elements needed for a memorable gaming journey. This is the most I’ve critiqued a game in recent memory, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I think my journey with Kali across New York has reached its end.
Review Scores:
- Gameplay: 4/10
- Plot / Writing: 5/10
- Design / Visuals: 8/10
Overall Score: 5.7/10
Summary:
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Pros:
- Extraordinary art style
- Simple to engage with
- Cons:
- Predictable writing
- Lacks gameplay mechanics and impactful choices
