Games to Enjoy Over the Holiday: Featuring Zelda, Robocop, and More

Play it on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, Linux (Steam Deck compatibility may vary)
Current mission: Expand my vampire clan

“Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York” had been sitting in my Steam library, gathering digital dust, until my recent dive back into the Vampire tabletop roleplaying game, from which the visual novel borrows its rich themes. This felt like the perfect moment to finally explore it.

And wow, am I glad I did. Coteries of New York has been a fantastic source of inspiration for my campaign, keeping the vibrant and intricate world of Vampire alive in my imagination. The tabletop RPG itself delves deep—here, you’re not heroes but rather monsters navigating a grim existence. With all its intricate lore and unique terminology, mastering this universe can take a while. Sure, poring over rulebooks with some eerily perfect background tunes, like those on Soma FM’s Dark Zone, can help set the mood, but experiencing the narrative through a creative lens can be even more beneficial.

The appeal of Coteries of New York, especially against the backdrop of other, more mainstream Vampire titles, is its visual novel format. It’s a refreshing shift from the more action-packed games I usually play. This format lets me really soak in the gothic tones and ambiance that define the World of Darkness, though part of me still craves the addition of more RPG elements—much like what “Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest” achieves. Existing in the same universe, that game seamlessly fuses visual novel storytelling with role-playing depth.

Even though I’d appreciate a few more gameplay mechanics, Coteries of New York excels in delivering that haunting atmosphere of dread and hopelessness that a World of Darkness experience demands. I’ve been exploring as Lamar, a member of the Toreador clan, sharing moments with his Malkavian acquaintance, Hope. There’s an array of vampires from different clans left to encounter. If the poignant and faithful script in Hope’s storyline is anything to go by, there are countless dark, storytelling gems waiting to be discovered on the shadowy streets of New York City. — Claire Jackson