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

I hadn’t indulged in a video game centered on vampires or anything spooky for quite a while. It’s hard not to be enamored with these eternal creatures. They’ve sunk their fangs into every form of media, be it comedies like "What We Do in the Shadows," horror classics such as "Nosferatu," or even immersive survival games like "V Rising." This time around, Draw Distance, an indie team from Poland, brings us "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," and I’ve been diving into its vampiric world to see how it holds up in this much-loved universe.

The game takes you on a chilly journey through the bustling streets of modern-day New York City. It’s inspired by the "Vampire: The Masquerade" tabletop RPG, a world I was new to, which might’ve left my experience somewhat incomplete. These vampires, referred to as Kindred, are deeply involved in supernatural power plays and survival tactics. In this third chapter of their chronicles, you step into the shoes of Kali, a savvy member of the Ravnos clan – a clan known for its artistic cunning and deceit. Her intriguing skills and backstory immediately caught my attention, and I was curious about her journey ahead.

The game leans heavily into the visual novel genre, offering a narrative that, while occasionally cheesy and trope-laden, isn’t inherently bad. The real snag for me was a disconnection from the characters. The bulk of the story is heavy on text, with lengthy paragraphs that eventually made my eyes glaze over, especially while waiting for some action-packed moments. Sadly, the choices felt sparse and, in all honesty, didn’t impact the tale or character arcs much. To put it plainly, if you’re hoping for an interactive gaming experience, this isn’t it. The game plays out more like a passive story, and that lack of interactive engagement left me feeling detached, despite the complexity alluded to through a barrage of new characters and lore. Perhaps hardened fans of the franchise might grasp the richer details of the Kindred world, but I found myself not really investing in it.

Adding to this, the game lacks any significant gameplay elements like puzzles, combat, or challenges. The vampiric powers of the characters are underdeveloped, feeling more like a missed opportunity than a thrilling feature. The provided logbook was also a letdown, offering nothing more than a sparse list of chapter names without any substance. Though some regard visual novels as video games, I reckon they stand better as a separate medium. Unlike titles where your decisions carry weight, the choices here felt empty and inconsequential.

Despite these shortcomings, the artwork is a saving grace. The moody, dark, and atmospheric visual style, peppered with deep blues, purples, and the occasional splash of vibrant red, perfectly captures the mystique of a world ruled by vampires. Characters are crafted with a semi-realistic touch, each one dressed and designed to express their unique personalities vividly. The blend of modern and gothic architecture across the game’s urban landscapes captures both the gritty and glamorous sides of New York City.

In summary, "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" has its narrative charms, and diehard followers of the Masquerade might appreciate diving deeper into this well-established lore. But for newcomers like me, the journey might feel lackluster and more like a forgettable encounter with the world of vampires. It’s not often I’m this critical of a game, but this adventure wasn’t for me. I don’t foresee myself wandering through the Big Apple alongside Kali again.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York

• Gameplay: 4/10
• Plot / Writing: 5/10
• Design / Visuals: 8/10

Overall Score: 5.7/10

Final Thoughts: Not quite worth sinking my teeth into

Pros:

• Beautiful artwork
• Easy to pick up and play

Cons:

• Writing feels clichéd
• Lacks genuine gameplay mechanics and meaningful choices