REVIEW / Vampire: The Masquerade – New York Reckoning (PC)

I hadn’t delved into a vampire-themed game in ages, nor anything particularly horror-related, but there’s an undeniable charm to these undead creatures. They’ve ventured into every corner of media, from quirky comedies like What We Do in the Shadows to classic horror revamps such as Nosferatu, and even games like V Rising. Now, the Polish indie team at Draw Distance has unveiled Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York. Having checked out this new chapter in the cherished franchise, I couldn’t resist seeing what it had up its sleeve.

Set against the chilly, bustling backdrop of modern-day New York City, Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York takes its cues from the Vampire: The Masquerade series, originally a tabletop RPG. This was my first foray into the universe, which made my experience feel a bit incomplete. The story unravels around the Kindred, vampires amid political intrigue and the fight for survival in a world filled with the supernatural. In this third part, we meet Kali, a member of the Ravnos clan, known for her cunning and skills as a con artist. Her intriguing nature and background piqued my interest as I embarked on this virtual journey.

What really stands out in Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York is its dedication to the visual novel format. It weaves an intricate narrative that occasionally dips into predictable territory, but that wasn’t my primary concern. My true disconnect was with the characters; I struggled to form any meaningful connection with them. The text is quite dense, with lengthy paragraphs that often caused my attention to waver. I found myself longing for more dynamic interactions. The choices I encountered felt sparse and seemed to have very little influence on the unfolding story or character development. If I had to be blunt, it felt more like reading a story than playing a game. With no real gameplay elements, the entire experience felt more passive than immersive. As new characters were introduced, I craved more context about their histories and their tangled webs with other vampires. Perhaps those familiar with the lore of the Kindred might find it fulfilling, but I was left wanting more depth.

Given that there are barely any discernible mechanics, puzzles, or combat challenges, the inclusion of the character’s vampiric Disciplines feels tacked on at best. The Logbook feature we are provided is largely redundant, offering nothing more than a list of completed chapter titles without additional detail. While some might still classify visual novels as video games, I lean towards thinking they should exist in a category of their own. Unlike interactive story games where choices truly shape the journey, the decisions here felt methodical and unenriching.

Where Reckoning of New York shines brightest is in its visual presentation. Its art style is lush and atmospheric, using deep blues and purples contrasted by vibrant reds to cultivate an ambiance of mystery, which fits perfectly within a vampiric world. Characters are portrayed in a semi-realistic manner, boasting expressive features and unique sartorial choices that reflect their varied personalities. The urban environments shift from scene to scene, capturing the dimly lit streets and glowing skylines with an intriguing blend of modern and gothic aesthetics.

So, what’s my final takeaway from Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York? It tells a rich story that existing fans of the Masquerade series will likely appreciate, but newcomers like myself might find it lacking in delivering a memorable gaming experience. It’s probably the harshest I’ve critiqued a game in a long time, and I can’t say I’ll be revisiting New York through Kali’s eyes anytime soon.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York

Gameplay: 4/10
Plot / Writing: 5/10
Design / Visuals: 8/10
Overall Rating: 5.7/10

Not enough to sink my teeth into

Pros:

• Breathtaking art style
• Simple and accessible

Cons:
– Clichéd storytelling
– Lack of impactful game mechanics and choices