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

Recently, I found myself diving into the world of vampires again, a subject that’s always been fascinating in various forms of media. From the comedic antics of “What We Do in the Shadows” to classic horror tales like “Nosferatu," vampires have remained a staple in entertainment. Draw Distance, a Polish indie developer, has stepped into the arena with "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," and I’m here to share what this addition brings to the iconic franchise.

This game takes you to the vibrant, chilly streets of present-day New York City. I wasn’t acquainted with the Vampire: The Masquerade series before this, as it’s originally a tabletop RPG. In this narrative, vampires, or the ‘Kindred,’ are entangled in a world driven by politics and survival. We meet Kali, from the Ravnos clan known for her cunning as a con artist. Her character stood out to me, sparking curiosity about the path this adventure might take.

"Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York" is predominantly a visual novel with a compelling narrative, though some moments can feel a bit cheesy. What truly kept me from connecting deeply was the character engagement—or lack thereof. The text is densely packed, filled with long paragraphs, which often caused my attention to waver. Choices presented throughout seemed to lack weight in impacting the storyline or character development, making me feel more a viewer than a participant. The influx of new characters could be intriguing for veterans familiar with the Kindred lore but left me wanting more background and depth.

The absence of traditional game mechanics, such as puzzles or combat, stood out. Elements like the vampiric Disciplines seemed sidelined rather than integral, and the Logbook felt unnecessary, listing only completed chapters without insight. While some consider visual novels true games, I argue they belong in a category of their own. Unlike games where decisions genuinely alter outcomes, choices in "Reckoning of New York" fall flat, feeling forced rather than enriching the experience.

Despite these critiques, its visual presentation is a highlight. The art style, cloaked in dark, atmospheric tones, perfectly complements the vampiric narrative. The mix of deep blues, purples, and striking reds crafts an air of mystery fitting for the genre. Characters are impressively depicted with unique styles that reflect distinct personalities. As scenes shift, the portrayal of New York’s dimly lit streets and glowing cityscapes blend modernity with gothic flair.

Reflecting on my journey with "Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York," it’s clear that while the story is rich with potential, it may resonate more with those already immersed in the Masquerade universe. My critique stems from a desire for more interactive and engaging gameplay, which this title doesn’t fully deliver. So, while the allure of exploring through Kali’s eyes was tempting, I think I’ll pass on further ventures into this vampiric slice of the Big Apple.

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

Pros:

• Exquisite art style
• User-friendly experience

Cons:

• Predictable writing
• Lacks engaging game mechanics; choices feel inconsequential