Review: Vampire: The Masquerade – New York Reckoning (PC)

It’s been a while since I dove into a vampire-themed game—or anything with a spooky twist. There’s just something captivating about these undead creatures, which have sunk their teeth into all sorts of media, from the comedic charm of What We Do in the Shadows to the eerie atmosphere of Nosferatu remakes and even survival games like V Rising. Now, stepping out of Poland comes Draw Distance, an indie studio introducing us to Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York. I set out to discover what this new chapter in the beloved franchise has in store.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York whisks players away to the bustling, frostbitten streets of contemporary New York City. Drawn from the Vampire: The Masquerade series, a famed tabletop RPG, this game caught me off guard as my introduction to the franchise. Here, players step into the shoes of Kali, a member of the Ravnos clan known for their knack for deceit and misdirection. As someone unfamiliar with the lore, I was curious about the depth of her story and skills.

The game embraces its visual novel roots with a robust narrative. It occasionally dips into the realm of clichés, which didn’t particularly bother me, but my main gripe was the lack of connection with the characters. The text-heavy style, filled with lengthy paragraphs, felt overwhelming at times, making it challenging to stay engaged as I waited for more interactive elements. The choices feel sparse and inconsequential, failing to steer the narrative or character arcs in significant ways. Calling it a video game might be a stretch—it functions more as an interactive story, which left me feeling like an observer more than a participant. While the introduction of new characters offers layers to uncover, I longed for deeper insights into their backgrounds and relationships within the vampire community. Perhaps dedicated fans of the franchise might find more value in the intricate lore, but as a newcomer, I struggled to form a connection.

Without any game mechanics, puzzles, or engaging challenges present in Reckoning of New York, the inclusion of vampiric Disciplines appeared to be more window dressing than a core feature. The Logbook, which merely logs completed chapters sans any detail, seemed like an unnecessary addition. While some classify visual novels as video games, I find they should perhaps stand as a distinct medium. Unlike games where decisions shape the experience, here, choices lack meaningful impact and feel rather arbitrary.

Despite these shortcomings, the game compensates with its visual appeal. The art style is steeped in moody atmospheres, blending deep blues and purples with vivid reds, conjuring the perfect vibe for a vampire saga. Characters are depicted beautifully in a semi-realistic style, each with unique features and attire that reflect their personalities. Meanwhile, the evolving urban backdrop—ranging from dimly lit streets to gleaming skyscrapers—captures the modern yet gothic aesthetic beautifully.

Wrapping up my thoughts on Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York, I can see how the rich narrative and intricate lore might captivate fans of the series. For newcomers like me, however, it falls short of delivering an unforgettable experience. It’s been a while since I’ve critiqued a game quite like this, but this one isn’t really my cup of blood. I doubt I’ll be venturing through New York as Kali again.

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

Overall Score: 5.7/10

Not enough to sink my teeth into

Pros:

• Beautifully crafted art style
• Easy on the eyes

Cons:
– Writing feels clichéd
– Lack of gameplay mechanics and inconsequential choices