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

Lately, it seems like I’m overdue for a dive into a vampire-themed video game or anything with a horror flair. There’s something inherently fascinating about these creatures of the night—they’re everywhere in pop culture, from hilariously awkward vampires in "What We Do in the Shadows" to classic horror icons like Nosferatu, and even in survival franchises such as V Rising. Now, stepping onto the scene is "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," developed by the creative minds at Draw Distance, a Polish indie studio. Curiosity piqued, I’ve ventured into this latest addition to a cherished series to see what it brings to the table.

As you step into "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," brace yourself for the bustling and slightly chilling winter landscapes of today’s New York City. This installment ties back to the well-loved tabletop RPG series, Vampire: The Masquerade. Not being overly familiar with the series myself, I did wonder if that might affect my experience. Our bloodsucking companions, known here as Kindred, are tangled in a web of power struggles and survival amidst this violent supernatural setting. In this third chapter, we’re introduced to Kali, a member of the intriguing Ravnos clan—one of the thirteen unique groups in the game. Known for her con artistry, Kali immediately grabbed my attention. Her skills and background left me eager to embark on this adventure and discover where it might lead.

Progressing through the story, the game leans heavily into the visual novel genre, presenting a sturdy, if slightly campy narrative. But here’s the thing—it just didn’t click for me emotionally. The text is pretty dense, serving long streams of paragraphs that often had my mind wandering, searching for those vital bursts of interactive play. Sadly, I found the decisions within the game sorely lacking and largely non-influential, which stunted character and story development. To lay it all out, this isn’t much of a video game in the traditional sense. It functions more like a story where gameplay takes a backseat to observation, causing me to feel more like a detached observer than an immersed participant. While the narrative attempts to unfurl complexities through new character introductions, it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of backstory and character connections, which might leave newcomers to the Vampire lore a bit on the fence.

Without the expected game dynamics like puzzles or combat, "Reckoning of New York" misses using its vampiric Disciplines meaningfully—they almost seem like an afterthought. Meanwhile, the provided Logbook feels like a missed opportunity, only listing chapter titles and offering no real value. There’s an ongoing debate about whether visual novels should be categorized as games, but when choices feel this irrelevant, I struggle to see them in this light.

Despite the shortcomings, the game does shine visually. Its art style drapes dark, atmospheric visuals in deep blues and purples contrasted by a striking red, perfect for evoking that mysterious vampiric universe. Characters are beautifully crafted with semi-realistic aesthetics, expressive faces, and individualized attire, capturing their unique personas. The city settings transition smoothly through dimly lit urban scenes, fusing elements of modern flair and gothic ambiance.

So, how do I sum up my experience with "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York?" For those steeped in the Masquerade universe, there’s a rich narrative to explore, full of beloved lore and intriguing characters. However, for someone like me who’s not experienced in the series, it didn’t leave a lasting impact. It’s perhaps the most critical I’ve been in some time, and unfortunately, this isn’t a journey I’ll be returning to. It seems my further explorations of New York through Kali’s perspective will have to be put on hold.

Review Summary

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York

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

Overall Impression: Not enough to sink my teeth into

Pros:

• Remarkably beautiful artwork
• Easy to navigate

Cons:
– Writing that falls into clichés
– Lack of meaningful game mechanics and impactful choices