Available on a multitude of platforms such as PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a caution for Steam Deck users, Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York had been sitting untouched in my Steam library for quite some time. However, as luck would have it, I recently dived back into the original tabletop roleplaying game, Vampire, which is the foundation for Coteries of New York. This seemed like the perfect excuse to finally give this visual novel a try.
And let me tell you, it’s a decision I’m thankful I made. Coteries of New York is turning out to be a brilliant source of inspiration for my tabletop campaign, constantly rejuvenating my connection with this captivating world. For those unfamiliar, the Vampire RPG is a complex experience. You’re dealing with beings who are more monsters than heroes, grappling with their cursed lives. The lore, packed with intricate terminology, isn’t easy to master quickly. Sure, you could dive into the rulebooks while immersing yourself in suitably eerie music—I highly recommend Soma FM’s Dark Zone for those late-night sessions contemplating the life of the Kindred—but there’s something uniquely beneficial about learning through an engaging, creative medium.
What I’m particularly enjoying about Coteries of New York is that it’s crafted as a visual novel, setting it apart from the numerous action-heavy video games I’m typically drawn to. This shift in format allows me to really dive into the gothic, atmospheric nuances of the World of Darkness. Admittedly, I do find myself wishing it could have incorporated more traditional RPG elements, akin to Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest, another game in the same universe that successfully merges the narrative style with role-playing mechanics.
Even without those added RPG features, Coteries of New York excels at delivering the chilling aura of the World of Darkness. I’ve been navigating this narrative as Lamar, a Toreador, finding a quirky camaraderie with Hope, a Malkavian. The game promises encounters with an array of vampires from different clans, and if Hope’s storyline is any indication, there’s a wealth of engaging, vividly written adventures waiting to be discovered in the shadowy corners of New York City. — Claire Jackson
