Must-Play Games for the Holiday: Zelda, Robocop, and More

Playable on a range of platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux (though your experience on Steam Deck may vary), my current mission revolves around expanding my coterie with more Kindred members.

For a while now, “Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York” has been sitting quietly in my Steam library. With my recent dive into the original “Vampire: The Masquerade” tabletop RPG, which this visual novel draws much of its inspiration from, it seemed the perfect moment to finally give it some attention.

And honestly, I’m thrilled that I did. So far, “Coteries of New York” has been a fantastic source of inspiration for my campaign. It’s doing a brilliant job of keeping the game’s universe alive and vivid in my imagination. The “Vampire” tabletop RPG is complex, to say the least. The characters aren’t your typical heroes; they’re creatures struggling with a cursed existence. The lore is filled with private terminology that requires time to master. Sure, poring over rulebooks while soaking in some atmospheric tunes, such as those from Soma FM’s Dark Zone, can immerse you in the lore, but experiencing it through a creative lens is a different story altogether.

What I find particularly delightful about “Coteries of New York” is its format. Unlike some of the bigger recent entries in the Vampire universe, it’s a visual novel. This offers a refreshing break from the intense, fast-paced games I’m accustomed to. This format allows me to soak in the gothic atmosphere of the World of Darkness universe more deeply than I might in a traditional RPG. Though I do admit, adding more RPG elements, akin to what “Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest” achieved, could enhance the experience further.

Despite my desire for more interactive elements, “Coteries of New York” still does a stellar job of delivering that deliciously haunting sense of dread and woe that one expects from a World of Darkness title. Playing as the Toreador character Lamar, spending time alongside a new Malkavian ally, Hope, has been quite the adventure. There are plenty more vampires across the various clans to engage with. If Hope’s storyline is indicative of the quality throughout, I’m in for a treasure trove of thrilling tales set against the shadowy backdrop of New York City. — Claire Jackson