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Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong
Item: Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Horror, Simulation, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMay 19, 2022

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperBig Bad Wolf

Overview

Based on the cult role-playing world and developed by specialists in the genre, Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is a narrative RPG in which your every choice determines the fate of the three main characters and of the Boston Camarilla.

Elsewhere

6.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong impresses with its intricate narrative and character-driven plots, highlighting Boston's vampire politics and player choice impacts. Critics praise its rich lore and multiple perspectives, enhancing depth. However, the game faces criticism for accessibility issues, slow pacing, and convoluted storytelling that might alienate newcomers. While lauded for ambition and complexity, it risks losing players in its intricate web of vampire conspiracies.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, emphasizing its intricate narrative structure and character-driven plots. Reviewers like App Trigger and ComicBook highlight the game's focus on the political machinations of Boston's vampire society, showcasing themes of power struggles and the significant impact of player choices. Critics such as Digital Chumps and PlayStation Universe commend the game for its rich lore and world-building, suggesting that the narrative is engaging and immersive, particularly for fans of the Vampire: The Masquerade franchise. The use of multiple protagonists, as noted by Noisy Pixel and XboxAddict, adds depth to the storytelling, allowing players to experience the unfolding events from different perspectives, which enhances the overall narrative complexity. However, the game has also faced criticism, particularly regarding its accessibility and pacing. Critics like Gaming Age and Movies Games and Tech point out that the heavy reliance on lore may alienate newcomers, making the story feel convoluted and overwhelming. Additionally, some reviewers, including Everyeye.it and Xbox Tavern, mention that the narrative starts off slow and can be confusing, with a lack of natural exposition that detracts from the overall engagement. The pacing issues are echoed by critics like Metro GameCentral, who describe the script as undercooked and the puzzles as boring, suggesting that the ambitious narrative may not fully realize its potential due to these shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong offers a compelling story filled with political intrigue and character interactions, it struggles with pacing and accessibility for new players. Many reviewers, such as PlaySense and Push Square, appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, but acknowledge that the game may not resonate with those unfamiliar with the franchise's lore. The split opinions reflect a game that is rich in potential and depth but may leave some players feeling lost in its intricate web of conspiracies and vampire politics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong impresses with its narrative depth and character-driven mechanics, allowing players to explore diverse stories through three unique characters. Critics praise its investigative gameplay and rich lore. However, significant gameplay flaws emerge, including tedious mechanics, unclear objectives, and confusing tutorials, which hinder enjoyment and accessibility. While the game holds potential as a compelling RPG, its execution struggles may alienate some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has been praised for its emphasis on narrative-driven mechanics and character development. Critics like App Trigger and XboxAddict highlight the game's unique approach of allowing players to cycle through three characters, each with distinct abilities that contribute to the investigative gameplay. This character diversity fosters a rich narrative experience, as players make consequential choices that affect the story's progression, a sentiment echoed by Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it, who appreciate the depth of lore and the variable-risk confrontations. Additionally, Digital Chumps and JeuxActu commend the blend of adventure, investigation, and infiltration elements, noting that the game provides multiple ways to approach situations, enhancing player engagement through its skill tree system and character customization options. However, several reviewers have pointed out significant drawbacks in the gameplay experience. Critics like Finger Guns and Movies Games and Tech describe the gameplay as tedious and messy, with floaty character movement and unclear objectives leading to a frustrating experience. The reliance on dialogue and skill checks over traditional combat has been criticized for making the gameplay feel like a chore, as noted by Everyeye.it and Pure Xbox. Furthermore, the lack of a proper tutorial and the confusing mechanics have been highlighted by critics such as XboxEra and Push Square, suggesting that newcomers may struggle to grasp the game's systems, leading to a trial-and-error approach that detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear appreciation for the narrative depth and character-driven gameplay overshadowed by concerns regarding execution and clarity. While many reviewers, such as Hey Poor Player and GAMES.CH, acknowledge the game's potential to deliver an engaging role-playing experience, they also emphasize that the underdeveloped RPG elements and cumbersome mechanics detract from the overall enjoyment. The game offers a unique take on the Vampire: The Masquerade universe, but its shortcomings in gameplay fluidity and clarity may limit its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong wows with its gothic environments and stylish art direction, earning praise for depth and atmosphere. However, it suffers from stiff character models and robotic animations that disrupt emotional storytelling, leading to a frustrating disconnect. Critics highlight the "Uncanny Valley" effect and technical issues, leaving a mixed impression: stunning settings marred by outdated character visuals.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong have garnered some praise from critics, particularly regarding the environments and artistic direction. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and Pure Xbox, highlighted the impressive environments that effectively create a gothic atmosphere, resonating with the game’s pen-and-paper roots. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded and Jeuxvideo.com noted the stylish and classy art direction, with attention to detail in clothing textures and overall design. Some environments were described as visually appealing and fun to explore, with a modern architectural style that enhances the game’s aesthetic appeal. However, the consensus shifts dramatically when it comes to character models and animations, which have been widely criticized. Reviewers like App Trigger and Everyeye.it pointed out that character animations are stiff and robotic, leading to a disconnect in emotional storytelling. Critics such as Gaming Age and Meristation remarked on the "Uncanny Valley" effect, where character designs appear unnatural and lifeless, detracting from the overall experience. The lack of expressiveness in facial animations was a recurring theme, with many critics, including INVEN and SpazioGames, emphasizing how this hampers the game's narrative delivery. Additionally, issues with texture loading and graphical glitches were noted, particularly by But Why Tho? and XboxAddict, further compounding the visual shortcomings. Overall, the critics' consensus indicates a significant divide in the game's visual presentation. While the environments and artistic direction receive commendation for their depth and style, the character models and animations are largely seen as outdated and poorly executed, leading to a diminished experience. This sentiment is echoed across multiple reviews, suggesting that while Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has the potential for a captivating visual experience, its execution falls short, leaving players with a sense of frustration regarding the character design and animation quality.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong boasts a mixed bag of sound design and music. Critics praised the "voluptuous soundtrack" and emotional depth of the audio, enhancing the game's atmosphere. However, the voice acting received significant backlash, with many reviews labeling it as inconsistent and lacking emotional depth, particularly among NPCs. While some main characters shone, the overall execution detracted from immersion, leaving players with a soundscape that is both impressive yet flawed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its strengths. Notably, Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the "voluptuous soundtrack with rock melodies and moments of grandeur," suggesting that the music contributes positively to the overall experience. Similarly, Movies Games and Tech described the audio as "surprisingly good," emphasizing its deep and emotional qualities that enhance the game's moody atmosphere. Critics like TheXboxHub also commended the voice-over performances, stating that they effectively bring the characters to life. Additionally, ZTGD noted that the voice artists conveyed emotions well, despite some inconsistencies in facial animations. Overall, there is a recognition that the music and sound design can elevate the game's narrative and atmosphere. However, the criticisms regarding the voice acting were quite prevalent among reviewers. Digital Chumps described the performances as "over-the-top," while Gaming Age found the voice acting to be "flat and lifeless." Hardcore Gamer echoed this sentiment, stating that the quality ranged from "tolerable to terrible," particularly criticizing the NPCs. PlaySense pointed out issues with audio clarity, mentioning that some dialogues were difficult to hear due to camera direction affecting volume. PLAY! Zine went as far as to label the voice acting as "poor," with characters sounding robotic and lacking emotion. This inconsistency in voice performances was a recurring theme, as noted by multiple critics including Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a stark division in the quality of voice acting, with some praising the performances of main characters while others lamented the lack of consistency and emotional depth, particularly among NPCs. While the music and sound design received commendations for their ability to enhance the atmosphere, the overall execution of voice acting detracted from the immersive experience that the game aimed to provide. Critics like Meristation and Multiplayer.it acknowledged the high quality of some performances, but this was often overshadowed by the negative remarks from others. Thus, Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong presents a soundscape that is both promising and flawed, leaving players with a mixed auditory experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

"Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong" features a split opinion on its voice acting. Critics praise standout performances that enhance the narrative, but many point to over-the-top deliveries and poor NPC portrayals that detract from immersion. While some find the main characters compelling, inconsistency in quality undermines the overall experience, revealing challenges in balancing the diverse voice cast.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

26%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong" has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting some standout performances that enhance the game's narrative experience. Critics like JeuxActu and Movies Games and Tech commend the English voice acting as high quality, with the latter noting that it significantly improves gameplay. Additionally, ZTGD emphasizes that the voice artists successfully convey emotions, indicating a strong performance aspect that resonates with players. Meristation also echoes this sentiment, labeling the voice acting as excellent. These positive remarks suggest that while there are issues, there are also commendable aspects that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the game. Conversely, a significant number of critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the voice acting. Digital Chumps mentions that some performances can feel over-the-top, while Digitally Downloaded criticizes the delivery of certain characters as a sore spot, particularly highlighting one character's dialogue as annoying. Hardcore Gamer describes the voice acting as ranging from tolerable to terrible, especially among NPCs, which seems to be a recurring theme in several reviews. PlayStation Universe and PLAY! Zine both express concerns about the inconsistency in quality, with many NPCs delivering poor performances that detract from the overall experience. This sentiment is further echoed by Metro GameCentral, who notes that weak scripts and poor voice acting undermine the game's dialogue focus. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided opinion on the voice acting in "Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong." While some reviewers, such as Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames, find the voice acting to be generally high quality, others like Gaming Age and But Why Tho? highlight significant flaws that impact immersion and character believability. The disparity in quality, particularly between main characters and NPCs, is a common theme, with many critics acknowledging that while the main performances may shine, the overall execution suffers due to inconsistent delivery and lackluster supporting roles. This mixed reception underscores the challenges faced by the development team in balancing voice acting quality across a diverse cast of characters.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong struggles with significant technical issues on both PS5 and Xbox Series X. While some praise its stable 60 fps at 4K on PS5, critics overwhelmingly report bugs, long loading times, and visual glitches that disrupt gameplay. Xbox Series X faces similar problems, with slow texture loading and frustrating glitches. Overall, the game has potential but needs major improvements to be technically sound.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

55%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong across different gaming platforms, it is essential to first highlight the positives that critics have noted. On the PlayStation 5, some reviewers, like PlaySense, praised the game for maintaining a stable 60 fps at 4K resolution, indicating that the game can perform well under certain conditions. Additionally, while PlayStation Universe acknowledged minor bugs and glitches, they noted that these were not game-breaking, suggesting that the core gameplay experience remains intact. On the Xbox Series X, despite the overall negative feedback, some critics did not mention any major performance failures, implying that the game is playable, albeit with issues. However, the negatives significantly outweigh the positives for both platforms. On the PlayStation 5, multiple critics, including ComicBook and Hardcore Gamer, reported various bugs that disrupt gameplay, with Digital Chumps highlighting noticeable loading times of 15-20 seconds at level beginnings. Furthermore, Meristation pointed out that the technical aspects of the game are its biggest flaw, with discrepancies in character models and animations. On the Xbox Series X, the situation appears similarly bleak, with critics like But Why Tho? and XboxEra noting rough technical performance, slow texture loading, and various glitches, including NPCs wall-walking and unsolvable puzzles due to blocked interactions. The consensus from critics across both platforms suggests a clear need for significant polish and bug fixing before the game can be considered technically sound. Overall, the sentiment surrounding the technical performance of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is predominantly negative. Critics across the board have echoed concerns about bugs, loading issues, and visual glitches, with many expressing disappointment in the game's technical execution. Reviews from outlets like Vandal and Multiplayer.it emphasize the game’s technical limitations, while others like INVEN and SpazioGames highlight specific gameplay disruptions caused by these issues. The overall consensus is that while the game has potential, it requires substantial improvements to meet the expectations of players on both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has strong replay value thanks to player choices, branching narratives, and character customization, enticing critics to encourage multiple playthroughs. However, issues like unclear objectives and flawed execution may hinder replay appeal, with some players feeling forced to redo sections due to long-term consequences of decisions. While promising, its execution limits broader engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the game's emphasis on player choice and branching narratives. Reviewers like App Trigger and ComicBook emphasize that the game encourages multiple playthroughs due to the significant consequences of player decisions, prompting players to explore different outcomes. Critics such as JeuxActu and Meristation also point out the variety of endings and character customization options, which add depth to the replay experience. Digital Chumps notes that the desire to improve character skills and gain experience points motivates players to revisit levels, further enhancing the game's replayability. However, there are notable criticisms that temper the enthusiasm for replay value. Some reviewers, like INVEN and Movies Games and Tech, argue that the game lacks clear objectives and progress indicators, which can make replaying less appealing. Additionally, Multiplayer.it highlights that the execution of replayability is flawed, as players are often forced to replay entire sections due to long-lasting consequences of their choices. XboxEra shares a similar sentiment, suggesting that while the mechanics encourage replay, the game's length and other shortcomings may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. In summary, while the majority of critics recognize the potential for replayability in Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong, emphasizing the impact of choices and character development, there are significant concerns regarding its execution and accessibility. Critics like GameSpew and Xbox Tavern acknowledge that while the game offers multiple outcomes and paths, the experience may not be compelling enough for all players, especially those unfamiliar with the franchise. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there is a solid foundation for replay value, the execution and design choices may limit its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong showcases a mix of appreciation for its narrative depth and immersive atmosphere, particularly among fans of the franchise. Critics like App Trigger and GameSpew highlight the game's compelling storytelling and engaging gameplay, despite acknowledging some graphical flaws. ComicBook and Jeuxvideo.com commend the successful adaptation of the tabletop experience into a digital format, noting the rich gameplay mechanics and the intriguing narrative. The game is also praised for its strong character development and the atmosphere it creates, with critics like Meristation emphasizing its strategic gameplay experience in a well-crafted vampire universe. However, the reviews also reveal significant drawbacks that hinder the overall experience. Many critics point out technical issues, such as poor graphics, stiff character animations, and gameplay tedium. Digitally Downloaded and Finger Guns express disappointment in the execution of ideas, suggesting that the game may not engage new players effectively. The pacing and linear progression are criticized by several reviewers, including Gaming Age and XboxEra, who feel that the game fails to deliver a satisfying experience, particularly for those not already familiar with the Masquerade lore. In summary, while Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has garnered praise for its narrative and atmosphere, the consensus among critics indicates that it falls short in execution and accessibility. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and The Loadout note that the game is best suited for dedicated fans of the franchise, as it offers a deep narrative experience but is marred by technical shortcomings and gameplay issues. Overall, the game is seen as a mixed bag—appreciated for its ambition and storytelling but ultimately disappointing in its execution and polish.

TL;DR

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong impresses with rich storytelling and immersive atmosphere, earning praise from franchise fans. However, technical flaws like poor graphics and stiff animations, along with pacing issues and linear gameplay, hinder the experience. Critics agree it's a mixed bag—great for dedicated fans but lacking polish and accessibility for newcomers.

MONSTER

Reviews

115 reviews found

Impulsegamer

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Swansong is an intriguing addition to the Vampire mythology and the new characters are interesting enough to make playing with them and learning their stories an engaging experience.

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GAMES.CH

Xbox Series X

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is recommended for fans of the franchise and those new to the World of Darkness. It is described as a good vampire adventure that combines classic adventure elements with RPG mechanics.

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App Trigger

PlayStation 5

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a fun and immersive experience despite some graphical issues

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Worth Playing

May 19, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is an engaging game that focuses on the non-combat elements of the tabletop game. Glitches and unimpressive presentation detract from the experience, but it is recommended for those interested in politics and investigation.

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JeuxActu

PlayStation 5

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some technical issues and the absence of French voice acting, Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a game worth playing. It captures the atmosphere of the tabletop role-playing game, offers rich gameplay mechanics, and provides multiple choices and consequences.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a dark and intriguing game with a strong narrative and macabre visuals, despite some rough graphics

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a good attempt at capturing the essence of the pen-and-paper game, but falls short in delivering the shocking and counter-cultural tone expected from the franchise. The game's focus on storytelling and character interaction is commendable, but the poor delivery and lack of visceral impact detract from the overall experience.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

May 20, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some technical issues and uneven voice acting, Swansong is a fulfilling detective adventure that appeals to fans of the World of Darkness and offers a unique experience.

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Jeuxvideo.com

PlayStation 5

May 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a captivating game with a consistent universe and a pleasing narrative. The addition of RPG mechanics to the dialogue choices system makes it refreshing. However, the game's progression is linear, and there is an abundance of characters.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Jun 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a great introduction to the lore of the Vampire: The Masquerade world. Despite issues with facial animations, the game offers a journey through a world of darkness, intrigue, murder, and decisions that shape the narrative. It is an enjoyable experience.