Holiday Gaming Picks: Zelda, Robocop, and More

If you’ve been diving into “Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York” on platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, or even Linux, you might find yourself on an intriguing quest. Currently, my gaming mission is to gather more Kindred for my clan in this immersive world.

Truth be told, “Coteries of New York” had been gathering digital dust in my Steam library for quite some time. However, my recent foray into the universe of the original tabletop roleplaying game, “Vampire,” which inspired segments of Coteries, finally pushed me to explore this visual novel. And wow, am I grateful for that decision. This game has been a fantastic addition to my campaign toolkit, continuously breathing life into the game’s intricate world. “Vampire,” as a tabletop RPG, is no casual fling—it’s an intense, layered experience. You’re not embodying glitzy heroes; you’re navigating life as monsters plagued by a tormented existence. It boasts a labyrinth of deep lore and specialized terms that require dedication to fully grasp. Sure, reading through the rulebooks with a haunting soundtrack like Soma FM’s Dark Zone in the background can set the scene, but there’s something uniquely beneficial about soaking up the atmosphere and narrative through creative work.

What I find refreshing about “Coteries of New York,” especially when compared to other prominent Vampire games, is its format as a visual novel. It offers a slower-paced, yet equally compelling, departure from the fast-paced gaming experiences I usually indulge in. By immersing in this genre, I’m able to dive deeper into the brooding, gothic ambiance of the World of Darkness setting. Still, I can’t help but wish it included some additional RPG elements similar to “Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest.” That game, existing in the same universe as Vampire, expertly marries the visual novel style with role-playing mechanics.

Despite my yearning for more traditional gameplay features, “Coteries of New York” excels at enveloping players in the dark, ominous atmosphere that defines a genuine World of Darkness game. Within the story, I’m portraying Lamar, a Toreador vampire, as he teams up with Hope, a fellow Kindred from the Malkavian clan. The narrative promises encounters with a variety of vampires from different clans, and if Hope’s storyline is any indicator, there’s a treasure trove of blood-stained stories waiting to be uncovered in the shadowy alleys of New York City. — Claire Jackson