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

Having been some time since I delved into a vampire-themed game or anything remotely horror-related, I was eager to give Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York a try. Vampires have a remarkable way of capturing our imaginations, whether it’s through comedic lenses like in What We Do in the Shadows or in reimagined horror classics like Nosferatu, and even in open-world survival scenarios like V Rising. Now, Draw Distance, a passionate indie studio from Poland, has brought another entry into the mesmerizing world of Vampire: The Masquerade. I’ve been curious to see what fresh twist they’ve introduced in this beloved series.

As you dive into Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, you find yourself wandering through the bustling, eerily cold avenues of modern-day New York City. It’s a fresh unfolding of the tabletop RPG series, Vampire: The Masquerade, something I was new to and perhaps this left me feeling a bit in the dark. Here, the vampires, the Kindred, live in a shadowy society marked by political intrigue and a relentless fight for survival. In this third tale, you’re introduced to Kali, part of the daring Ravnos clan, one of the series’ thirteen unique clans, known for her cunning nature and con artist flair. Her intriguing background drew me in, and I was eager to see where her story might lead.

On my playthrough, I found myself engaging with a visual novel rich in narrative depth. While its story had a rather cheesy and formulaic vibe at certain moments, those weren’t my main concerns. The real issue was the disconnection I felt with the characters, stuck reading thick walls of text which often led my attention to wander. There seemed to be limited choices, barely influencing the storyline or the characters’ journeys. If I’m being frank, it felt less like a game and more of a reading session.

Despite the intricacies of the plot and new characters continuously being introduced, offering more insight into their histories and connections would have been welcomed. Those familiar with the lore of the Kindred might appreciate the depth more than a new player like myself, who struggled to forge a deep emotional bond with the world and its inhabitants.

With no game mechanics worth mentioning, no puzzles, and no combat, the use of vampiric Disciplines seemed trivial at best. A ‘Logbook’ is offered, which merely records completed chapter titles, providing no real insight or utility. While some might classify visual novels as video games, I find they fit best in a category of their own. It’s quite different from other titles where choices significantly enhance the experience; here, choices felt lackluster and uninspired.

Nevertheless, what Reckoning of New York gets right is its visual design. The artistic choice served up is nothing short of hauntingly beautiful, employing a palette of deep blues and purples, punctuated by striking red tones that summon a sense of mystique befitting a vampire saga. The characters are exquisitely crafted in a semi-realistic fashion, each outfitted with attire that hints at their unique personas. The metropolitan backdrops transition with the narrative, smartly capturing the essence of the dimly lighted city streets and the grand, glowing skylines in a harmonious blend of modern and gothic aesthetics.

Reflecting on Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, there’s no denying that it offers a wealth of story and lore that followers of the Masquerade franchise might truly treasure. But, for someone unacquainted with the series, it perhaps leaves more to be desired for a gripping encounter. This review might be one of my most critical takes in recent times, but in all honesty, this game did not captivate me. I won’t be revisiting New York City with Kali anytime soon.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York

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

Overall Rating: 5.7/10

Summary: Not enough to sink my teeth into

Pros:

• Gorgeous art style
• Simple to engage with

Cons:

• Cliché-heavy writing
• Lack of game mechanics and inconsequential choices