download the new version for ipod Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong

When the game begins, players will find a glossary in their menu already full of terms, characters, factions, and more. It’s as dense as a season of The Wire, and much bloodier.įor newcomers, Swansong isn’t the most inviting entry into the World of Darkness. It kicks off a long and winding 15-hour story that bounces between vampire sects, secret government agencies, religious cults, and more. When one of the game’s factions, the Camarilla, is attacked, the group’s “Prince” sends three of her vampires out to investigate and find out who’s responsible. The story takes place in an alternate version of Boston that’s populated with vampire factions hiding from the world. Instead, I found myself defaulting to the option with the highest chance of success rather than the option that seemed most natural for the character.Literacy isn’t optional and that makes the experience less approachable. I found myself wishing that each of the three protagonists had preset stats and skills that fit their personalities. NPCs have stats of their own to counter you, and the ensuing give-and-take can hamper your ability to get into character. Each vampire has stats and a skill tree, which all influence your ability navigate tough conversations. The game's reliance on random die rolls can tax your enjoyment of its story. Or if you're feeling reckless or impatient, you can intimidate the weak-willed and kill everyone else - Masquerade be damned. For example, Galeb can stealthily and thoroughly examine the apartment building, acquire the documents, and slip out without being discovered. This tension underpins the game's approach to problem-solving.

Breaking the Masquerade won't result in a game over for the player, but it won't be consequence-free and it will influence which of the game's multiple endings you get. To avoid exposure, they maintain rigid rules that preclude them from flaunting their powers. Though vampires can easily overpower a single human, they fear detection by the human population that vastly outnumbers them.

You see, you're always acting within the game's central conceit - the Masquerade. Vampiric superpowers are only available if you fortify yourself on the blood of unsuspecting humans.

Download the new version for ipod Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong