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

Lately, it’s been a good while since I’ve sunk my teeth into a game teeming with vampires or anything tinged with horror vibes. There’s something eternally appealing about these undead creatures—they’ve sunk their fangs into every corner of pop culture, from the comedic antics in "What We Do in the Shadows" to terrifying reboots like "Nosferatu," and even survival hits like "V Rising." This time, it’s Draw Distance, a creative indie powerhouse from Poland, stepping up with "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York." I dove right in to see what this fresh chapter in the well-loved series brings to the table.

Set against the bustling, frosty streets of New York City today, "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" draws its essence from the iconic tabletop RPG series. Admittedly, this was my first foray into the franchise, so I might have missed some nods here and there. In this third chapter, we journey alongside Kali, hailing from the Ravnos clan—one of the series’ thirteen storied clans—known for her slippery skills as a con artist. Her intriguing background had me curious about where this path might lead.

The game leans heavily on its visual novel roots and weaves a story that’s part compelling, part cheesy, with sprinkles of familiar tropes. Yet, here’s the twist—I didn’t feel that magnetic pull towards the characters. The narrative is dense, laden with bulky paragraphs that tested my patience as I awaited more interactive twists. The choices feel superficial, like decorations rather than meaningful plot turners. It feels like you’re reading a story rather than living one—in essence, not really a video game. There’s a rich tapestry of characters introduced, yet a hunger for deeper lore gnawed at me, especially connections and histories that could add layers to their vampiric dance. Perhaps long-time fans might resonate with the Kindred lineage, but my emotional tether was thin.

Without traditional game mechanics, like puzzles or combat, the usage of vampiric Disciplines felt like a mere afterthought—a missed chance to shine. The Logbook, intended as a feature, added little beside a dry roll call of chapter titles. Yes, some label visual novels as games, yet the lack of depth in decision-making in "Reckoning of New York" left them feeling rather forced and lacking substance.

Visually, "Reckoning of New York" truly captivates and makes up for its gameplay gaps. The art style is a striking mix of mysterious dark shades with vibrant red hues, perfect for its vampiric themes. Each character is distinct, thanks to detailed semi-realistic depictions and tailored fashion choices that speak volumes about their personalities. The cityscape itself is a character, painting a rich backdrop where modern meets the gothic in shadowy urban splendor.

To wrap it up, "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" weaves an engaging tale, steeped in the lore and charm that Masquerade fans will likely savor. For newcomers like me, though, it doesn’t quite carve out an unforgettable experience. While this has been one of my sternest reviews in a while, for me, this trip through a vampiric New York doesn’t warrant a return visit. Kali’s New York adventure won’t tempt me further.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York
Gameplay: 4/10
Plot / Writing: 5/10
Design / Visuals: 8/10
Overall: 5.7/10

Summary: Not enough to sink my teeth into

Pros:

• Stunning, artful visuals
• Easy to pick up

Cons:

• Writing that leans heavily on clichés
• Lack of game mechanics and insignificant choices