Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York Reviews
I went into this game really expecting to like it – and I did, for the most part. In the end, I couldn't get past the odd tone and the feeling that it was penned by someone who didn't actually respect the source material, but wanted to write a self-aware parody of it.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a beatiful visual novel set in the universe of Vampire: The Masquerade. In this experience you will play as 3 character from the differents clans of this dark universe.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
So, would I recommend this game? Well, those who are fans of text-based adventure games may find VMNY to be one filled with interesting characters, a mysterious and well-written narrative, and beautiful visual and sound design. However, those new to the genre, or simply looking to try out the game, may quickly become disillusioned by the never-ending dialogue, which provides little pay-off despite the implementation of choice-based mechanics. As a result, your experience with VMNY will entirely depend on whether you are able to appreciate the game beyond these text-based interactions. If not, rather than stucking the life out of the citizens of New York, you might just find the game sucking the life out of you.
Playing this game feels every bit like playing the tabletop pen-and-paper experience with a good GM weaving the story. Sadly, by nature pen-and-paper RPGs are about fun stories rather than anything meaningful, and Coteries of New York doesn't really have anything meaningful to say. Throw in some confused mechanics and this one won't be remembered as a classic of the genre.
If you absolutely can't wait until Bloodlines 2 for your next Vampire: The Masquerade fix, Coteries of New York is a decent enough way to fill the time.
While the writing is surprisingly high-quality and the UI is slick, the lack of any real choice and abrupt ending make Coteries Of New York tough to recommend.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York is a visual novel that has bright spots and some intriguing moments but is brought down by a lot of filler material that adds little to the overall package.
Coteries of New York is definitely a game made to be experienced in the context of a connected universe. As an introduction to that universe, it works. As a game on its own, it's just okay. Fans of the franchise will likely love it, and those who are interested in trying the franchise will find plenty to enjoy. But it's hard to recommend this as a game for everyone to jump on.
I completed this game three times and I'm still left hungry and unsatisfied.
Coteries of New York is an interesting addition to Vampire: The Masquerade world. But with a short story and almost zero replayability value, it lacks the depth a story-driven game deserves.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Coteries of New York is a return to the world of Vampire: The Masquerade that fans will enjoy. Those unfamiliar with the series might be left feeling underwhelmed, however.
World of Darkness marks its return to the videogame scene with a simple, yet intriguing visual novel. It's not the most memorable story about vampires, but despite being a low budget game, it definitely has its good vibes.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York boasts a strong story set in an already rich world
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a good visual novel that can serve as a good aperitif while we wait for Bloodlines 2. Some great secondary characters and high level of writing defines a game marked by a somewhat decaffeinated main story.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a beautiful-looking visual novel for the Nintendo Switch that features a finely written plot and dialogues, as it should with any self-respecting visual novel. While the game's length feels short, those who have a penchant for an experience that's not based on action gameplay but rather on plot choices will find an immersive world and many incentives to return to the adventure in order to discover more characters and more plot developments.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York is a hell of a mouthful, but one that you should at least take a nibble at. The streamlined gameplay and engrossing story make it an approachable title that artfully embraces The World of Darkness. While its relative lack of role-playing depth, linearity, and brevity may be off putting to some, when taken for what it is there is a lot to enjoy here.
Coteries of New York is an excellent entry point and a good adaptation of the traditional tabletop RPG. If you’re looking for a solid vampire story this is definitely for you.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York is an interesting complicated story that trying to explain World of Darkness to those who never experienced it. It may be helpful in anticipation of a full-fledged role-playing game in the same universe. Everyone else who does not have a sufficient level of English, is not ready to spend time in the local encyclopedia and read thousands of lines of not very simple text, it is better to take any early book of Anne Rice and skip the game.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Vampire: the Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a well-written interactive story in the World of Darkness that fans of the franchise will enjoy. While mostly a good read, it's let down by repetitive visuals, bugs, and relatively shallow choices. Players used to approaching Vampire as an RPG should temper their expectations.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York left me feeling hungry. The game is certainly well-written, but its truncated story doesn’t quite do its complex, captivating world justice. If you’re a dedicated VTM devotee, Coteries of New York is a solid appetizer, but you’ll have to wait until next year for something to truly sink your fangs into.