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

I haven’t dived into a vampire-themed video game or anything horror-related for quite some time. There’s something irresistibly compelling about these undead creatures. They’ve staked their claim across various media forms, from the hilarious antics of What We Do in the Shadows to chilling reimaginings like Nosferatu, and even expansive survival games like V Rising. Recently, I turned my attention to a fresh offering from Draw Distance, the Polish indie studio, as they unveil Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York. I was eager to see what this new chapter in an esteemed series might bring to the table.

In this installment, you’ll find yourself navigating the bustling, frost-laden streets of contemporary New York City. It draws inspiration from Vampire: The Masquerade, a popular tabletop RPG. Since this was my first encounter with the franchise, I felt perhaps an outsider looking in, missing some of the nuances established fans might appreciate. The world of Kindred, laced with political intrigue and survival in a lovably brutal supernatural environment, sets the stage. This third installment introduces us to Kali, a shrewd member of the Ravnos clan, one of the franchise’s iconic thirteen clans. Her con artist prowess and intriguing backstory had me curious about the journey that awaited.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York plunges headfirst into the realm of visual novels, presenting a narrative that’s rich, albeit peppered with the occasional cheesy trope. This wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. However, my connection with the characters felt superficial. The narrative is dense, unfolding in blocks of extensive paragraphs, which hampered my immersion as I yearned for more dynamic elements. The few choices available seemed inconsequential, lacking impact on the storyline or its characters. If we’re being honest, this felt more like an exercise in storytelling rather than gameplay, reducing my engagement to that of a mere spectator. While the storyline teems with new personalities and revelations, the depth I craved was absent—more context, more history, more about their interrelationships would have elevated my experience. Established fans might seamlessly navigate the Kindred lore, but newcomers like myself might find it tough to be emotionally invested.

Without the backbone of traditional game elements, such as puzzles or interactive challenges, the inclusion of vampiric Disciplines felt glossed over. Moreover, the Logbook, intended as an aid, appeared redundant, merely listing chapters without adding substance. While many regard visual novels as video games, I’m inclined to propose they fit better into their own distinct category. Unlike more interactive experiences where choices pivot the narrative, those in Reckoning of New York felt superficial and unrequired.

Where the game lacks in playable depth, it compensates with its visual artistry. The aesthetic is richly atmospheric, blending deep blues and purples with vibrant reds, evoking a mysterious allure perfect for the vampire theme. The art skillfully captures a semi-realistic style, with detailed character designs showcasing expressive features and diverse wardrobes that hint at their unique personalities. The backdrop transitions smoothly, crafting an urban panorama that incorporates the shadowed city streets and radiant skylines into a cohesive blend of the modern and the gothic.

So, how do I sum up my experience with Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York? Its narrative, brimming with rich lore and distinctive characters, will likely strike a chord with Masquerade enthusiasts. For newcomers like me, however, it might not deliver the memorable gaming experience one hopes for. While I’ve been more critical of this title than others in recent memory, this game simply wasn’t my cup of tea. I won’t be returning to traverse the New York night through the eyes of Kali anytime soon.

Here’s how I rate the game:

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:

• Gorgeous art style
• Straightforward to play

Cons:

• Writing leans on clichés
• No significant game mechanics; choices lack impact