Having not delved into a vampire-themed video game for quite a time, I found myself intrigued when I stumbled upon Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York. Vampires, these fascinating and often romanticized undead creatures, have captivated us across various media, from the comedic brilliance of "What We Do in the Shadows" to the chilling suspense of classics like Nosferatu, and even into the realms of survival games like V Rising. The latest offering from Draw Distance, a boutique indie studio from Poland, extends the legacy of the Vampire: The Masquerade series—a beloved RPG originally played on tabletops. Curious to see what this new chapter held in store, I decided to explore it for myself.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York is set in the heart of the Big Apple, during the brisk winter months when the city is alive with intrigue. As someone unfamiliar with the Vampire: The Masquerade series, which has deep roots in RPG lore, I approached the story with fresh eyes, wondering if there might be gaps in my appreciation due to my lack of prior experience with the franchise. Players are thrown into this universe as Kali, a member of the crafty Ravnos clan. Known for her prowess in deception, Kali quickly piqued my interest. Who doesn’t love a bit of mystery wrapped in cunning?
The game dives deep into visual storytelling, presenting a narrative adventure that is as dense as it is detailed. Unfortunately, despite the allure of the atmospheric writing, I struggled to form meaningful connections with any of the characters. The prose, though rich in description, was long and at times overwhelming, leaving me yearning for more interactive elements to break the monotony. Choices were few and far between, and when presented, they often felt inconsequential, barely nudging the storyline or character arcs in any direction. To be candid, while the experience was more akin to a visual narrative than a traditional game, it lacked the interactivity that might have drawn me in deeper.
One of the more glaring issues, at least in my view, was the absence of engaging mechanics or challenges. Choices that should have brought significant outcomes seemed merely cosmetic, not impacting the direction of the game in a meaningful way. While some may categorize visual novels within the broader video game genre, I lean towards seeing them as a unique storytelling medium. Here, in Reckoning of New York, the lack of engaging gameplay mechanics was palpable, leaving me feeling more like a bystander than a participant.
However, the game flourishes in its visual execution. The artwork is a stunning dance of shades, with a color palette of deep blues, mysterious purples, and striking reds that capture the essence of its vampiric atmosphere. Characters are meticulously crafted, each with a unique flair that breathes life into their animated forms. The urban aesthetic, a mirage of modern and gothic influences, shifts with the narrative, perfectly encapsulating the dark allure of New York City.
So, what’s the bottom line on Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York? While it certainly boasts a compelling storyline and richly detailed visuals that fans of the Vampire: The Masquerade universe might relish, it left me, a newcomer, somewhat underwhelmed. This review is among the more critical I’ve penned in a while, reflecting an experience that didn’t quite resonate with me. Though those entrenched in the Masquerade lore might revel in its narrative depth, I’ll probably be keeping my distance from Kali’s sporadic wanderings through the cityscape for now.
Review Summary
Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York
- Gameplay: 4/10
- Story/Writing: 5/10
- Art/Design: 8/10
Overall Score: 5.7/10
Summary: Not enough to sink my teeth into
Pros:
- Stunning artwork that beautifully captures the mood
- Easy to navigate and play
Cons:
- Writing felt clichéd at times
- Lacks impactful gameplay mechanics or meaningful decision-making options
