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

It’s been quite a while since I last dove into a vampire-themed game or anything particularly horror-focused. There’s something undeniably alluring about these undead creatures. They charm their way into every facet of media, from quirky comedies like What We Do in the Shadows to chilling classics like Nosferatu, not forgetting those intense survival games like V Rising. Now, stepping into the spotlight is Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, crafted by the Polish indie studio, Draw Distance. I spent some time to see how it measures up in this legendary franchise.

In Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, players find themselves against the bustling and frosty backdrop of New York City’s winter streets. This entry draws from the tabletop RPG series Vampire: The Masquerade, a universe I must confess, I’m not too familiar with. Players delve into the world of Kindred vampires, where politics and survival are in fierce competition. Introducing Kali, a gifted con artist from the enigmatic Ravnos clan, the game’s third installment promises intrigue and adventure. Her story and abilities caught my interest, prompting me to see how her journey unfolds.

The game unfolds as a visual novel with a strong narrative. Though sometimes clichéd and filled with familiar tropes, it isn’t entirely off-putting. My primary concern was the lack of a connection with any characters. The narrative can feel overwhelming, with extensive paragraphs creating a sort of reading fatigue as I waited for more engaging interactions. The choices available are sparse, often feeling insignificant to the narrative’s progression or character development. If truth be told, this felt less like a game and more like a linear story with no real involvement in the gameplay. The tale is full of potential, introducing various characters, yet I craved more context, background, and depth in their interactions.

Because the game lacks traditional mechanics like puzzles or combat, its vampiric Disciplines seem more of an afterthought. Similarly, the Logbook feature leaves much to be desired, serving only as a bland list of chapters completed without any further insight. Visual novels may be considered games by some, but I believe they exist as a distinct medium. Unlike interactive stories where choices alter the experience significantly, the decisions here felt forced or superficial.

However, where Reckoning of New York falls short in gameplay, it excels in visuals. The art style is a feast for the eyes, featuring moody dark hues enhanced with vibrant reds, setting the perfect tone for a vampire saga. Characters are exquisitely brought to life with a semi-realistic touch, their attire reflecting rich personalities. The urban settings are dynamic, capturing both the essence of modern New York and its gothic heart.

To sum up my thoughts on Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York: while it presents a narrative-rich experience with intriguing lore, it’s not quite the memorable journey I hoped for. Die-hard fans of the series might find joy here, but newcomers like myself may walk away wanting. This might be the most candid review I’ve penned in a while, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m unlikely to revisit Kali’s Big Apple adventure any time soon.

Final Score

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

Not enough to sink my teeth into

Pros:

• Gorgeously designed art style
• Simple to navigate

Cons:

• Clichéd writing
• Lack of game mechanics and meaningful choices