PGC NEWS

The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays for many anticipated game releases, pushing titles like the highly awaited sequel to the cult classic RPG Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines further down the calendar. While the wait for Bloodlines 2 continues, fans of the World of Darkness can immerse themselves in a new vampire narrative with Coteries of New York, a visual novel crafted by the very writers who shaped the rich lore of Vampire: The Masquerade. This review explores whether Coteries of New York lives up to the legacy of the franchise and offers a worthwhile experience.

Alt: Screenshot from Coteries of New York showing a character standing in a dimly lit alleyway. The character is shrouded in shadows, emphasizing the game's dark and mysterious atmosphere.

Embrace the Night: Building Your Coterie

Coteries of New York begins with a compelling premise, offering players the choice of three distinct characters, each belonging to a different vampire clan. Each character boasts a unique backstory and personality, and the game allows for considerable freedom in shaping the narrative through player choices.

The initial 45 minutes ease players into their new vampiric existence, providing a concise introduction to the World of Darkness. This onboarding process equips newcomers with the necessary knowledge to navigate the complex world of Vampire: The Masquerade.

As a fledgling vampire, the player’s central goal is to establish their own coterie, a group of kindred spirits, to navigate the treacherous underworld of New York’s vampire society. Each night presents opportunities to forge alliances and pursue various storylines. However, time is a precious commodity, requiring careful consideration of which alliances to pursue.

Alt: Screenshot of Coteries of New York showcasing the dialogue interface and character portraits. The visual style emphasizes the noir themes and character interactions.

Some choices may even lead to the creation of enemies, fully immersing the player in the intricate web of New York’s vampire scene. Every decision, both large and small, carries weight and reflects the player’s agency within the narrative.

The overarching story of Coteries of New York is engaging and demonstrates the writers’ passion for the source material. The narrative presents intriguing conflicts that resonate with those invested in the World of Darkness, particularly a captivating storyline involving a Malkavian character.

A Visual Feast: Art and Style

Coteries of New York shines in its presentation. The hand-drawn environments and character designs showcase the developers’ attention to detail. The meticulously crafted visuals draw players into the game’s atmospheric world.

Alt: Screenshot from Coteries of New York showcasing the detailed character art. The image highlights the expressive style and unique visual identity of each character.

Character designs effectively convey personality and individuality, with the protagonist’s inner turmoil visually represented by a symbolic void. Even the subtle animations within the environments add to the immersive experience.

The Limitations of the Visual Novel Format

Despite its captivating narrative and artistic merits, Coteries of New York‘s visual novel format presents inherent limitations. Dramatic moments unfold primarily through text and static images, lacking the dynamic combat of the original Bloodlines. The game’s reliance on exposition can also lead to pacing issues.

Alt: Screenshot from Coteries of New York illustrating the user interface during a dialogue sequence. This highlights the game's visual novel format and its reliance on text-based storytelling.

The single save slot per playthrough can also hinder replayability, potentially making subsequent playthroughs feel linear, especially in extended sections of the game.

Conclusion: A Bite-Sized Taste of the World of Darkness

While Coteries of New York may not offer the same level of interactivity as a full-fledged RPG, it delivers a compelling narrative experience within the Vampire: The Masquerade universe. The game’s strengths lie in its engaging story, striking visuals, and faithfulness to the source material. While the visual novel format may not appeal to all, Coteries of New York provides a satisfying taste of the World of Darkness for fans eager for more vampire intrigue while awaiting Bloodlines 2.