It had been some time since I delved into a videogame centered on vampires or anything remotely horror-driven, but there’s always something enticing about these immortal beings. Vampires have permeated every corner of media, featuring in comedic hits like "What We Do in the Shadows" and horror classics like "Nosferatu," not to mention engaging in immersive experiences like "V Rising." Now, a fresh contender is on the scene: "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" by Draw Distance, an indie studio from Poland. As a new addition to a well-loved franchise, I was eager to see how this game would stand out.
In "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," players find themselves cast into the lively and frosty streets of contemporary New York City. This narrative draws from the rich lore of the "Vampire: The Masquerade" series, birthed as a tabletop RPG. As someone who wasn’t previously acquainted with the series, I suspected my journey might miss some of the deeper nuances. Within this supernatural world, vampires, or Kindred, navigate a web of political intrigue and survival. The focal character is Kali, hailing from the Ravnos clan known for their con artist prowess. Her intriguing abilities and compelling backstory hooked me, and I was curious to discover how her tale would unfold.
"Reckoning of New York" leans heavily into the visual novel genre, presenting a narrative that’s both solid and, at times, sprinkled with clichés. The disconnect for me arose from struggling to form attachments with the cast. The dense walls of text tended to make my attention waver, eager for a more dynamic flow of interaction. Choices presented in the game seemed sparse and didn’t appear to significantly influence the storyline or characters. To be blunt, although this piece of work excels in storytelling, it steps back when it comes to gameplay. My experience felt more passive than involved, diminishing the level of immersion and engagement I typically seek. Newcomers are introduced continuously, but the development and history linking them with the Kindred were not as extensive as I would’ve liked. This might leave enthusiasts with prior knowledge satisfied, but newcomers might feel detached, as I did.
Without game mechanics such as puzzles or combat challenges, the vampiric abilities, known as Disciplines, appear surprisingly underutilized. The Logbook element falls short by merely listing chapters without additional context, making it feel redundant. Although visual novels can be classified under video games, I argue they occupy a distinct category. Here, meaningful choices are crucial, yet "Reckoning of New York" lacks this enrichment, leaving interactions feeling superficial at best.
Despite these shortcomings, the game shines brightly in its visual presentation. With a stunning art style mixing dark blues, purples, and striking reds, it perfectly encapsulates the mystery of a vampiric world. Each character bears a detailed, semi-realistic style with distinct features and unique outfits reflecting their personalities. The game transitions smoothly between different urban settings, capturing a mystical blend of modernity and gothic allure.
In conclusion, how did "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" land on my gaming spectrum? While it’s steeped in rich lore that’s likely to captivate series veterans, those unfamiliar with the series might find their experience lacking in memorable impact. Maybe it’s the part that left me wanting more from this title. It didn’t quite hit the mark for me, and I don’t foresee myself wandering through New York with Kali anytime soon.
Review Summary: "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York"
Gameplay: 4/10
Plot / Writing: 5/10
Design / Visuals: 8/10
Overall Rating: 5.7/10
Positive Aspects:
- Gorgeous art style
- Easy to navigate
Negative Aspects:
- Clichéd writing
- No game mechanics, inconsequential choices
