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If you’re looking to dive into Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York, you’re in for an intriguing experience. This visual novel is available on several platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, experiences on the Steam Deck may vary. Currently, my mission: bring more Kindred into my little vampire circle.

I had left Coteries of New York gathering dust in my Steam library for quite some time. But after beginning a campaign in the original Vampire tabletop RPG—which serves as the foundation for Coteries of New York—I decided it was time to give this visual novel a shot.

And let me tell you, I’m thrilled I did. So far, it’s serving as fantastic inspiration for my game sessions, keeping the eerie and intricate world of Vampire alive and vivid in my mind. For those who’ve ventured into the Vampire RPG, you know it’s not your typical RPG—you’re not role-playing as heroes but as creatures wrestling with a cursed existence. The game is steeped in complex lore and esoteric terms that take ages to master. Sure, you could brush up on the world by poring over rulebooks to an ominous score—I suggest Soma FM’s Dark Zone if you’re up for it—but engaging with the world through a creative game offers an invaluable learning experience.

What I’m really enjoying about Coteries of New York, compared to some of the more hyped Vampire titles, is its visual novel format. It’s a refreshing detour from the high-octane games I’m used to and allows me to truly soak in the gothic, shadowy ambiance of the World of Darkness. However, I do wish it incorporated a few more RPG elements, akin to Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest, which masterfully combines role-playing mechanics with its visual novel storytelling within the same universe.

Despite longing for a bit more gameplay depth, Coteries of New York excels at delivering the dismal and intense mood that any World of Darkness game should embody. I’m currently navigating the story as the Toreador character, Lamar, spending most of my time with Hope, a newly acquainted Malkavian. But, with a vast array of vampire clans to explore, I’m anticipating discovering more captivating narratives and characters. If Hope’s storyline is any indication, I’ve got quite the journey ahead through the murky alleys of New York City. — Claire Jackson