Available on a range of platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux (though performance on the Steam Deck may vary), I recently decided to dive into Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York. It’s been gathering virtual dust in my Steam library for a while now. Given that I’ve also just started a campaign of Vampire, the classic tabletop RPG that Coteries draws from, it felt like the perfect moment to finally explore this visual novel.
And let me tell you, I’m thrilled I finally did. So far, Coteries of New York has proven to be a fantastic source of inspiration for my campaign. It does a brilliant job of bringing the game’s world to life, keeping it vibrant and ever-present in my thoughts. As fans know, Vampire is a dense tabletop RPG. The characters you play aren’t your typical heroes; they’re monstrous beings grappling with an existence that’s far from easy. Add to that the mountain of lore and unique vocabulary the game boasts, and it can take ages before you feel like you’ve got a handle on everything. Sure, you can dive into the rulebooks while letting some haunting tunes play in the background—I highly recommend zoning out with Soma FM’s Dark Zone on a late night when you’re dreaming about the Kindred—but there’s something special about absorbing it all through a creative narrative like this one.
What I’m especially enjoying about Coteries of New York is how it contrasts with other Vampire releases that are all about big-budget production. As a visual novel, it offers a refreshing break from the more action-packed games I’m typically drawn to. This format allows me to immerse myself fully into the gothic and moody atmosphere of the World of Darkness setting, which is harder to do in a standard RPG. Although, I must admit, I do yearn for a bit more RPG depth like what you find in Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest. That game, from the same universe, beautifully marries the visual novel style with rich role-playing elements.
Even with my wish for more gameplay mechanics, Coteries of New York nails the eerie and oppressive tone you’d expect from a solid World of Darkness experience. Playing as the Toreador character, Lamar, I’ve enjoyed mingling with a new Malkavian companion named Hope. There’s a whole host of other vampires from various clans waiting to be discovered. If Hope’s storyline is anything to go by with its smart and authentic writing, I’m excited to uncover more blood-soaked stories hidden within the shadowy corners of New York City. — Claire Jackson
