Available for play on a variety of platforms—PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and even Linux (Steam Deck performance may vary)—Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York had lingered untouched in my Steam library for quite some time. But with a recent dive into the original Vampire tabletop role-playing game, it seemed like the perfect moment to delve into this visual novel adaptation.
I’m thrilled I made the decision. So far, Coteries of New York has been an incredible source of inspiration for my own campaign, vividly bringing the game’s world to life in my mind. The Vampire TTRPG is rich and intricate. Here, your characters aren’t your typical heroes; they are monsters trapped in a nightmarish existence. The game boasts a hefty amount of lore and specialized terms, which can take some effort to master. Sure, you can always dive into the rulebooks while listening to some moody tunes—Soma FM’s Dark Zone is highly recommended for those shadowy evenings when you’re lost in thought about the Kindred. But having a creative outlet like this game to experience actively aids in learning and becoming immersed in the lore.
What I find particularly enjoyable about Coteries of New York, compared to more mainstream Vampire releases, is its format as a visual novel. It offers a refreshing change of pace from the more action-packed video games I’m used to. This format allows me to concentrate on the brooding, gothic atmosphere of its World of Darkness universe, without the constant distraction of gameplay mechanics. That said, I do wish it borrowed a bit more from the visual novel-meets-RPG style of Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest, a game set within the same universe that skillfully combines storytelling with role-playing elements.
Even though I’d welcome enhanced gameplay mechanics, Coteries of New York succeeds in delivering the sense of dread and melancholy that a World of Darkness experience demands. So far, I’ve been navigating the narrative as Lamar, a member of the Toreador clan, and have been enjoying my interactions primarily with a newly acquainted Malkavian ally, Hope. Yet, there are still more vampires to uncover from the game’s diverse clans. If Hope’s storyline is any indication of the sharp and faithful writing throughout, the journey promises further rich, eldritch narratives awaiting discovery in the shadowy corners of New York City. — Claire Jackson
