If you’re looking to dive into a game on PS5, PS4, Xbox platforms, Switch, or even your trusty PC, “Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York” is one title that’s been demanding my attention. It’s long sat in my Steam library, gathering virtual dust. But with a newfound passion for the original “Vampire” tabletop RPG, which Coteries draws from, the timing felt perfect to give this visual novel a whirl.
And let me tell you, I’m thrilled I did. Up to this point, Coteries of New York has been an incredible source of inspiration for my campaign. It vividly breathes life into the game’s universe, making the lore stay with me long after I’ve finished playing. For those not familiar, Vampire is a complex tabletop RPG where characters aren’t traditional heroes. Instead, they’re tormented beings grappling with a nightmarish reality. The game world is steeped in rich, sometimes overwhelming lore and terminology that takes time to absorb. Sure, you could just pour over the rulebooks while immersing yourself in moody music—I swear by Soma FM’s Dark Zone for late nights pondering the realities of the Kindred. Yet, having a creative experience like this to accompany your journey can make all the difference.
What’s particularly refreshing about Coteries of New York is its visual novel format. It’s a nice shift from the more action-driven games I usually find myself playing. This format allows me to fully absorb the gothic and shadowy ambiance of the World of Darkness universe. Although, I do find myself wishing for a few more RPG mechanics, similar to those in “Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest,” a game from the same universe that managed to strike a balance between a visual novel and role-playing gameplay.
Despite that craving for more traditional gaming elements, Coteries of New York excels in delivering that chilling sense of dread and gloom essential to a good World of Darkness tale. I’ve been navigating the game as Lamar, a Toreador, forming a bond with his Malkavian companion, Hope. There are plenty more vampires from various clans to encounter, and if the narrative in Hope’s storyline is any indication, I’m in for a treat as I uncover more narrative gems in this haunting depiction of New York City’s underbelly. — Claire Jackson
