Available on platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux (with varying performance on the Steam Deck), my current mission is to expand my group of Kindred allies.
For quite some time, Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York had been gathering digital dust in my Steam library. However, after diving into Vampire, the original tabletop RPG that helps shape the format of Coteries of New York, I sensed it was the perfect opportunity to experience this visual novel.
And wow, I’m thrilled about that decision. So far, Coteries of New York has been an awesome source of inspiration for my gaming campaign, constantly reinforcing the vivid imagery of the game’s universe. Now, Vampire is one complex tabletop role-playing game. The characters are far from heroic; they are creatures grappling with a nightmare reality. The universe is rich with its own unique lore and terminology, which can take ages to internalize fully.
Sure, one could delve into this deep information pool by going through the rulebooks while enjoying some dark atmospheric music—I personally suggest tuning in to Soma FM’s Dark Zone for those late-night musings of the Kindred. But, immersing in a creative endeavor like this can enhance understanding and retention.
What I appreciate about Coteries of New York is its visual novel approach, distinguishing itself from some of the more prominent Vampire releases. It provides a pleasantly different tempo from the typically dynamic video games I indulge in. This genre allows me to immerse thoroughly in the gothic, shadowy ambiance of the World of Darkness setting, without the distraction of a traditional RPG format—though I do find myself wishing, as with Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest, for a bit more integration of RPG elements. That title, sharing the same universe as Vampire, successfully marries the visual novel style with RPG mechanics.
Even though I have a hankering for more game-like features in Coteries of New York, it beautifully evokes the profound dread and despair that’s signature to a top-notch World of Darkness experience. My character of choice has been Lamar from the Toreador clan, mainly spending time with his new Malkavian buddy, Hope. Yet, the game offers a rich tapestry of vampire clans to encounter. If the clever, well-crafted storytelling in Hope’s chapter is any indication, there are still plenty of rich, sanguine storylines awaiting discovery in the shadowy alleys of New York City. — Claire Jackson
