Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong

 PC
User Score
3.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 79
  3. Negative: 54 out of 79

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  1. unit_1
    Jun 10, 2022
    8
    I know that I am in the minority but I really like this game. Ever since Telltale put the final nail in the coffin of adventure (quest) games I am trying really hard to find a game with actual puzzles. Well, this game has them. Yes, they are not the best, and the dialogue is far from perfect. But it's a nice vampire story with interesting characters. The skill system is also pretty goodI know that I am in the minority but I really like this game. Ever since Telltale put the final nail in the coffin of adventure (quest) games I am trying really hard to find a game with actual puzzles. Well, this game has them. Yes, they are not the best, and the dialogue is far from perfect. But it's a nice vampire story with interesting characters. The skill system is also pretty good and is enough reason to replay the game in the future.… Expand
  2. Songsmaker
    Jul 2, 2022
    10
    I like the game. I think the players were waiting for an action RPG. Anyway...
    The game is a challenge, it is not the typical game that shows you everything through arrows and glowing things. You have to look for answers by yourself, make your own conclusions and make your own decisions. You want a password? you have to pay attention, cause the password is not gonna be glowing in the    I like the game. I think the players were waiting for an action RPG. Anyway...
    The game is a challenge, it is not the typical game that shows you everything through arrows and glowing things. You have to look for answers by yourself, make your own conclusions and make your own decisions. You want a password? you have to pay attention, cause the password is not gonna be glowing in the darkness so you can see it.
    The dialogs are great and they change depending on your attributes, abilities, etc.
    It is a great game. It is not for everyone, of course. If you wanted an action RPG you WON'T like it, and I would recommend to wait for the Bloodlines 2 (Still hopeful T_T)    … Expand
  3. jee7
    Nov 10, 2022
    9
    I very much loved this game. The characters were unique and interesting. I especially felt for the Leysha and Halsey dynamic. Very-very touching! The story also had good twists and supporting characters. I have played and enjoyed Redemption, Bloodlines, and even the Heartless Lullaby, and this felt like a very nice addition to the VtM games. It was great to see and feel the vampire powersI very much loved this game. The characters were unique and interesting. I especially felt for the Leysha and Halsey dynamic. Very-very touching! The story also had good twists and supporting characters. I have played and enjoyed Redemption, Bloodlines, and even the Heartless Lullaby, and this felt like a very nice addition to the VtM games. It was great to see and feel the vampire powers of different clans function as dialogue or environmental puzzle mechanics. I really felt I was playing a pretty solid VtM game.
    There were a few bugs here and there. Like a few voiceovers were missing, a few interactions were not working due to activating them in the wrong order, etc. And, frankly, the ending was a bit of a letdown. Based on the different high-adrenaline, high-stakes scenes from the rest of the game, I wish the ending tempo would have lived up to that a bit more.
    Another thing that bothered me was the inability to save mid-mission. I know this is so by design... but, yeah, I'm that guy who likes to save scum their way through the game. Although, most of the missions weren't too long, so repeating one to try a different outcome, was totally an option. The game usually also doesn't let you make too big mistakes if you think about your actions a bit.
    However, overall this is still a game I would recommend to players who enjoy VtM, interesting characters, dialogue mechanics, detective adventure games, and some high-stakes storytelling. Honestly, one of the more memorable game experiences I've had in recent years. Just don't expect this to be an action game. It is an adventure RPG.    … Expand
  4. Perrekis
    May 24, 2022
    9
    A great game with an interesting plot. Full immersion in the world of Vampire: The masquerade.
    I don't understand why there are so many low ratings, apparently many players didn't understand the game.
  5. Cease2Xist_UK
    May 25, 2022
    8
    A great addition to the world of darkness/Vampire: the Masquerade universe. Great lore and in-depth story telling that keeps you engaged throughout. A few animations and lighting issues, but nothing to detract from the atmosphere and thrilling gameplay.
  6. Saric2017
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    Title: A Captivating Dive into Vampire Lore

    "Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong" is a remarkable addition to the Vampire: The Masquerade series, offering a compelling narrative experience that immerses players in the rich and complex world of vampires. Developed by Big Bad Wolf and published by Nacon, this game manages to capture the essence of the tabletop role-playing game and    Title: A Captivating Dive into Vampire Lore

    "Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong" is a remarkable addition to the Vampire: The Masquerade series, offering a compelling narrative experience that immerses players in the rich and complex world of vampires. Developed by Big Bad Wolf and published by Nacon, this game manages to capture the essence of the tabletop role-playing game and delivers an engaging, story-driven adventure.

    Graphics and Atmosphere:
    The game's visuals are stunning, creating a dark and brooding atmosphere that is perfect for its vampire-themed setting. From the intricately designed character models to the detailed environments, Swansong oozes with an eerie and captivating ambiance that draws players into its world.

    Storyline:
    At the heart of Swansong is its gripping narrative. The game follows the intertwining stories of three different vampire characters, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds. The branching storyline is filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and deep character development. Choices made throughout the game have meaningful consequences, shaping the outcome of the story in profound ways.

    Characters:
    The character development in Swansong is outstanding. The three playable vampires, each belonging to a different clan, are well-written and relatable. As players delve into their individual stories, they will uncover their personal struggles, desires, and secrets. The game also features a range of well-crafted NPCs who add depth to the world and provide opportunities for players to interact and make choices that influence the narrative.

    Gameplay:
    Swansong primarily focuses on narrative-driven gameplay with occasional dialogue choices and decision-making moments. While it doesn't offer traditional action-packed combat, it excels in delivering a suspenseful and engaging story that keeps players invested throughout. The game's mechanics are easy to grasp, making it accessible to both fans of the Vampire: The Masquerade tabletop game and newcomers to the franchise.

    Soundtrack:
    The game's haunting soundtrack perfectly complements its dark and mysterious atmosphere. The music sets the tone for each scene and enhances the overall immersion, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience. Conclusion:
    "Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong" is a must-play for fans of the Vampire: The Masquerade series and anyone who enjoys narrative-driven RPGs. It excels in storytelling, character development, and atmosphere, offering an unforgettable journey into the world of vampires. While it may not cater to players seeking action-packed gameplay, those who appreciate a well-crafted narrative will find Swansong to be a mesmerizing and immersive experience.

    Rating: 9/10

    "Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong" is a game that not only respects the rich tradition of the Vampire universe but also expands and deepens that experience. With its gripping story, memorable characters, and immersive atmosphere, it becomes a valuable addition to the franchise and a gaming experience worth exploring for all narrative RPG enthusiasts and fans of the vampire world.    … Expand
  7. IgnyteZero
    Sep 5, 2023
    8
    This game is an unpolished pearl of a game. It has gotten way more hate than it rightfully deserves. It is an ambitious noir-style mystery adventure set in the Vampire: the Masquerades World of Darkness setting that delivers on atmosphere, narrative and heart but comes a just a bit short on a technical level from being the success it deserves to be.

    The character gallery, character    This game is an unpolished pearl of a game. It has gotten way more hate than it rightfully deserves. It is an ambitious noir-style mystery adventure set in the Vampire: the Masquerades World of Darkness setting that delivers on atmosphere, narrative and heart but comes a just a bit short on a technical level from being the success it deserves to be.

    The character gallery, character dynamics, environment design all fit the type of atmosphere and immersion you would want from a plot driven game set in this universe. The puzzles and choices are often interesting and never feel removed from the narrative. While the story is fairly linear however there's often several ways to solve a problem or progress, both based on choices made or powers chosen as you advance your character between levels. The voice acting is not perfect, but it's definitely not bad in any regards, and are pretty on par with most non-AAA titles at worst.

    No, what the game falls a little short on is that some levels or missions in the game could have had a bit more options. Often as you progress between levels there is a risk that you invest in powers that will not be used at all until later levels. This is the oversight that probably makes the game stumble a bit in execution. There's also a few bugs, and sometimes it's not necessarily entirely obvious what consequences a course of action would have.

    All things considered, this is an adventure game that perfectly captures the spirit of what a Vampire: the Masquerade roleplaying adventure is at it's core. Politics, schemes, sinister plotting and backstabbing abound. For those that want to immerse themselves in that world Swansong offers a great fix, despite it's few shortcomings. So, don't listen to the haters. If you like Vampire-games or the World of Darkness in general, you really should give this game a chance. It deserves a little more love than it gets.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed PC Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 55
  3. Negative: 4 out of 55
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 29, 2024
    40
    It's a never-ending story, a game with too many half-baked ideas, where the story and mood of the series just hold the door to correctness and superficiality without a deeper gameplay experience or at least uniqueness. [Issue#320]
  2. KeenGamer
    Jun 20, 2023
    70
    Vampire The Masquerade: Swansong offers a captivating story with some truly rewarding moments when you figure out the more difficult and obtuse puzzles. The story and lore holds the game together, as without it the game could be quite boring. It's a visually strong game with some flair to the cinematography. It's certainly not for everyone, as the game has no combat and is driven almost entirely by reading and dialogue. However it's sure to be enjoyed by fans of investigative storytelling.
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  3. Softpedia
    Jun 6, 2023
    75
    Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is a good game for fans of World of Darkness who are willing to invest time and energy to solve its puzzles and experience the narrative. The game can be needlessly complex and the writing isn’t always as evocative as it aims to be. The three main characters offer a nice variety of personalities but they sometimes feel like novices rather than hundred years old vampires with a deep pool of abilities to draw on. The presentation is too ambitious for its own good, although there are moments when it makes this vampire-dominated universe come alive. I found that Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is more enjoyable if I abandon the idea of optimizing my character and the goal of getting the best result out of all situations. Play the game once, accept outcomes, and see where the story of these three vampires and their effort to protect the Boston Camarilla take you.
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