Holiday Gaming Picks: Zelda, Robocop, and More

Accessible on platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux (your mileage may vary on the Steam Deck), my current mission: rally more Kindred to join my coterie.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York had been collecting virtual dust in my Steam library until now. Having recently dived back into the tabletop roots with a round of Vampire, the iconic original that inspired this visual novel, the moment felt right to finally explore this digital adaptation.

And boy, am I thrilled to have given it a shot. Coteries of New York has been a treasure trove of ideas for my campaign, serving as a vivid reminder of the game’s intricate world. Vampire isn’t your typical TTRPG; here, characters aren’t heroes but creatures grappling with their monstrous natures. The setting itself is rich in lore and terminology, which could easily seem overwhelming at first. Sure, you could pore over the rulebooks accompanied by some eerie tunes (Soma FM’s Dark Zone is a personal favorite for those moody evenings conjuring the Kindred), but experiencing it through a creative medium like this can really deepen your understanding.

What I particularly appreciate about Coteries of New York is how it stands apart from the more action-centric Vampire titles by embracing the visual novel format. It’s a refreshing change from the fast-paced gaming experiences I usually find myself in. This genre allows me to immerse myself fully into the haunting, gothic atmosphere of the World of Darkness, much more so than a typical RPG might permit—though I can’t help but wish it integrated a few more RPG elements like Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest does. Situated in the same universe, that game cleverly merges the visual novel experience with role-playing mechanics.

Despite my craving for more interactive elements, Coteries of New York successfully captures the ominous dread and melancholy that define a true World of Darkness game. My in-game persona is a Toreador named Lamar, and so far, I’ve been exploring the city’s underbelly with a charmingly unhinged Malkavian named Hope. There are still plenty of other vampire clans to encounter, each promising unique stories. If Hope’s storyline is any indication, I’ve got some captivating tales waiting to unfold amidst the shadowy corners of New York City. — Claire Jackson