Playing games involving vampires or gothic horror doesn’t happen too often for me, but there’s a kind of mystique about these mythical creatures that keeps them intriguing. They’re everywhere, from the hilarity of "What We Do in the Shadows" to the eerie reimaginings of classics like "Nosferatu," even sneaking into the survival gaming scene with titles like "V Rising." Recently, I dove into "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," a creation by the Polish indie developers Draw Distance, to see how it contributes to the world of this much-loved franchise.
"Reckoning of New York" takes you right into the heart of bustling, chilly winter streets of New York City, all wrapped in the familiar lore of "Vampire: The Masquerade," originally a tabletop RPG. It’s a world where the Kindred, as vampires are known, navigate complex political webs and strive for survival in their brutal supernatural society. This installment introduces us to a new protagonist, Kali, a cunning con artist belonging to the Ravnos clan, one of the thirteen clans featured in the series. I found myself curious about her story and skill set, eager to follow her journey.
While the game is primarily a visual novel rich in narrative, my main concern was the lack of connection to the characters. The text is dense, often sprawling across walls of paragraphs, and I yearned for more engaging interactions to keep my interest alive. The choices presented in the game seemed superficial, their outcomes barely influencing the characters or story progression. As a result, the whole experience felt more akin to reading a story than playing a game, which distanced me from the plot. With numerous new characters and elements of vampire culture introduced, I couldn’t help but crave deeper backstories and dynamics, especially since I wasn’t already familiar with the lore of the Kindred.
The absence of interactive gameplay mechanics, puzzles, or any elements of challenge meant the inclusion of vampiric Disciplines seemed somewhat pointless. The Logbook feature, too, felt redundant; it merely displayed completed chapters without offering any detailed insights or significance. While some may view visual novels as part of the gaming realm, I think they should stand independently as a distinct medium. This became more apparent to me as I realized the choices in the game didn’t provide a genuine sense of agency or impact, leaving them feeling a bit forced.
However, where "Reckoning of New York" truly excels is in its visual presentation. The art captures a gothic atmosphere with its interplay of deep blues, purples, and the occasional splash of vivid red, perfectly encapsulating the game’s vampire lore. Character artwork is meticulously detailed, showing off unique personalities through expressive faces and diverse wardrobes. The continually shifting city backdrop adds depth, transforming the landscape into a modern yet darkly gothic New York City.
In the final analysis, "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" holds allure primarily for those already immersed in the Masquerade universe, boasting rich storytelling and a variety of characters that likely resonate with the fans. As someone new to this specific franchise, I found the experience lacking in delivering a memorable journey. Despite stunning visual artistry and being easy to navigate, its cliched writing and the absence of engaging gameplay left me wanting more. I don’t see myself venturing again into the world of Kali’s New York.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York
- Gameplay: 4/10
- Plot / Writing: 5/10
- Design / Visuals: 8/10
- Overall: 5.7/10
Summary: Not enough to sink my teeth into
Pros: + Stunning art style + User-friendly experience
Cons: – Cliched writing – Lack of significant gameplay mechanics, inconsequential choices
