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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

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 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

Critics rave about Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong's intricate and engaging narrative, likening it to a vampire version of The Batman with rich lore and compelling characters. The split narrative and use of vampire powers to tell a cohesive story are praised. However, some critics find the story boring and overly focused on lore, lacking in drama and falling short of its ambitions. Overall, the game's story captivates players with its complexity and intrigue, though it may be overwhelming for newcomers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its intricate and engaging narrative, with multiple interwoven storylines and branching dialogue options. Digital Chumps describes the story as being like a vampire version of The Batman, focusing on politics and detective work. GameSpew emphasizes the importance of the narrative in the game, highlighting its rich lore and overwhelming world. Noisy Pixel commends the split narrative and how the separate characters come together in unexpected ways, utilizing vampire powers to tell a cohesive story. Push Square finds the story mostly engrossing, with a focus on conspiracies and betrayals. These positive aspects of the story showcase the game's ability to captivate players and immerse them in a complex and intriguing narrative. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. Some critics, such as Gaming Age and Movies Games and Tech, criticize the story for being boring and filled with lore-heavy exposition that may be riveting for fans but confusing for newcomers. The lack of natural exposition and extensive lore can be overwhelming and detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech mentions that the potential for drama, excitement, and lore is not fully realized, suggesting that the story falls short of its ambitions. SomosXbox also criticizes the poor writing and rushed nature of the story, which may impact the overall quality and immersion of the narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a strong aspect of the game. The positive opinions highlight the intricate and engaging nature of the narrative, with multiple interwoven storylines, branching dialogue, and a focus on politics and detective work. The negative opinions, on the other hand, point out issues such as confusing lore-heavy exposition, poor writing, and a lack of fully realized potential. While the story may require prior knowledge of the Vampire: The Masquerade lore and involve numerous subplots and characters, the overall sentiment suggests that the game's narrative is captivating and immersive, offering an interesting take on vampire fiction with deep lore and complicated politics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong gameplay. Positive points include narrative focus, investigative gameplay, and character customization. However, criticisms highlight unclear objectives, floaty movement, and underdeveloped RPG elements. Overall, the game offers engaging narrative-driven experiences with room for improvement in gameplay mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Many critics appreciate the game's focus on narrative choices and dialogue-based confrontations, allowing players to shape the story and experience different outcomes based on their decisions. Critics such as Digital Chumps and GamesRadar+ praise the investigative gameplay and puzzle-solving elements, replicating the in-person Vampire: The Masquerade experience. The skill tree system and character progression through Disciplines are also commended by Digital Chumps. The game's ability to offer multiple options and approaches to critical situations, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded and JeuxActu, adds depth and replayability to the gameplay. The implementation of vampire abilities and character customization options are highlighted by JeuxActu and The Loadout, as they provide players with unique gameplay mechanics and the ability to mold their characters. However, there are several criticisms regarding the gameplay of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. Some critics, like Finger Guns and Push Square, express disappointment in the gameplay, describing it as a chore and suffering from unclear objectives and lack of guidance. The floaty character movement, grind-like objective system, and technical issues, as mentioned by Finger Guns and Push Square, contribute to a less enjoyable experience. The underdeveloped RPG elements, limited combat abilities, and lack of action elements and combat, as pointed out by Everyeye.it and INVEN, are seen as missed opportunities for gameplay depth. The reliance on trial and error gameplay, unintuitive puzzles, and illogical solutions, as criticized by SpazioGames, can lead to frustration and aimless wandering. Some critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and PLAY! Zine, mention flaws in the mechanics and the lack of cohesion between different gameplay elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong offers an engaging narrative-driven experience with a focus on decision-making, character development, and exploration. The gameplay shines in its investigative phases, puzzle-solving, and variable-risk confrontations, as mentioned by Multiplayer.it. The game's ability to provide players with freedom in decision-making, different options for conversations and tasks, and lasting consequences for their choices, as noted by Generación Xbox and Vandal, adds depth and replayability. However, there are concerns about the execution of certain gameplay mechanics, such as the RPG system, combat, and puzzle-solving, as highlighted by various critics. The lack of clarity in objectives, technical issues, and unintuitive puzzles also detract from the overall gameplay experience. Despite these criticisms, the game's rich lore, character customization options, and the ability to shape the story through dialogue choices are appreciated by critics such as ZTGD and Jeuxvideo.com.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. While some praise the well-designed characters and environments, others criticize stiff animations, robotic movements, and uncanny facial expressions. Despite its beautiful locales and attention to detail, the game falls short with technical flaws and lackluster character modeling. Overall, the consensus is that the graphics do not effectively enhance the gameplay and storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are varied. There are some positive aspects mentioned by several critics. Jeuxvideo.com commends the well-designed characters and environments, with a classy and sensual style. They also mention the commendable attention to detail, despite some issues with character animations. Movies Games and Tech praises the graphics as amazing, highlighting the vast array of supernatural abilities, excellent environments, and wonderful cinematic moments. Pure Xbox also appreciates the detailed visual design and exquisite character fashion, as well as the inclusion of truly gorgeous locales to explore. However, there are several negative aspects that critics point out. App Trigger mentions that while the character models look great in stills, their movements are stiff and robotic. Digital Chumps criticizes the last-generation character models and plain background objects like cars. Digitally Downloaded notes that while the environment design is gorgeous and reminiscent of Vampire pen-and-paper games, the character models are poorly animated with farcical facial expressions, which hampers the delivery of the story. Finger Guns describes the character models and facial animations as terrible and uncanny, detracting from the overall experience. INVEN criticizes the graphics and character modeling for lacking execution, with poorly executed facial expressions, lip-syncing, and awkward character movements and animations. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has a mixed reception when it comes to its Graphics and Visual Design. While there are positive aspects such as well-designed characters, exquisite fashion, and beautiful environments, there are significant drawbacks. Many critics highlight issues with character animations, facial expressions, and movements, describing them as stiff, robotic, uncanny, and lacking emotion. Some critics also mention technical flaws such as rough polygonal modeling, stiffness in animations, and late loading of objects and textures. These negative aspects hinder the immersion and impact of emotionally charged scenes. Despite the commendable attention to detail and occasional amazing moments, the overall sentiment suggests that the graphics and visual design of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong fall short of expectations and do not effectively support the gameplay and storytelling experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music in Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. Some praised the voice acting and music for bringing characters to life and setting the mood, while others criticized flat performances and lack of emotion, which detracted from the game's focus on dialogue. Despite the varied reactions, the game offers subtitles for players to follow along and highlights a soundtrack that enriches the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are quite varied. Some critics praised the voice acting and music, while others had more negative opinions. Starting with the positives, several critics mentioned the quality of the voice acting in the game. Meristation, for example, described it as excellent, while TheXboxHub and ZTGD praised the voice-over actors for bringing the characters to life and conveying emotions effectively. Jeuxvideo.com also highlighted the voluptuous soundtrack with rock melodies and moments of grandeur, emphasizing how it enhances the overall experience. Movies Games and Tech mentioned that the audio is surprisingly good, with a deep and emotional soundtrack that creates a moody atmosphere. On the other hand, there were critics who had negative opinions about the voice acting. Gaming Age criticized it for coming off as flat and lifeless, while Hardcore Gamer stated that it ranged from tolerable to terrible, with many NPCs being the worst offenders. PLAY! Zine also mentioned poor voice acting, with characters sounding robotic and lacking emotion, which made the conversations feel like reading a script rather than natural dialogue. Metro GameCentral added that weak script and generally poor voice-acting undermined the game's focus on dialogue. Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are mixed. While there were positive remarks about the voice acting and music, there were also criticisms about flat performances, lack of believability in some voices, and weak script. However, it is worth noting that JeuxActu praised the game for providing subtitles and allowing players to take their time reading them, which could potentially mitigate some of the issues with voice acting. Additionally, the positive comments about the soundtrack and sound design from Jeuxvideo.com and ZTGD indicate that there are elements in the game that enhance the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. Some praise it as excellent and character-enhancing, while others criticize it as flat and lacking emotion. Positive reviews emphasize the actors' performances bringing characters to life, while negative feedback points out robotic delivery and clunky dialogue. Overall, opinions range from top-notch to subpar, showing that the quality of the voice acting is subjective and varies among critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are quite varied. Some critics, such as Meristation and Movies Games and Tech, praise the voice acting as excellent and doing wonders to improve the gameplay. They appreciate the performances of the voice actors and believe that they bring the characters to life. The high quality of the English voice acting is also highlighted by JeuxActu. These positive opinions suggest that the voice acting in the game is generally well-done and adds value to the overall experience. However, there are also critics who have negative views on the voice acting. Gaming Age criticizes the voice acting, describing it as flat and lifeless. PLAY! Zine and But Why Tho? agree, stating that the vocal performances are poor, with clunky dialogue and robotic delivery. PLAY! Zine also mentions that the bad voice acting is not helped by the odd character design. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the delivery of the characters, finding it to be a sore spot, with one character's dialogue being particularly annoying. Metro GameCentral adds that the weak script and generally poor voice acting undermine the game's focus on dialogue. These negative opinions highlight issues with the voice acting, including lack of emotion, unnatural dialogue, and mismatched facial animations. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the voice acting and consider it excellent, others find it lacking in believability and quality. The positive opinions of Meristation, Movies Games and Tech, and JeuxActu are contrasted by the negative views expressed by Gaming Age, PLAY! Zine, and But Why Tho?. This suggests that the quality of the voice acting in Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences. It is worth noting that some critics, like Digital Chumps and ZTGD, mention both positive and negative aspects of the voice acting, acknowledging that while there are moments of over-the-top performances or facial animation issues, the voice actors still manage to convey emotions effectively.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics slam Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong for technical issues on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, citing bugs, glitches, and performance problems. From slow texture loading to unsolvable puzzles and lost progress, the game falls short on both consoles. Despite hopes for future patches, the consensus is clear: this game's technical flaws are a major letdown.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

69%

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

In terms of the technical performance on the PlayStation 5, several critics highlighted both positive and negative aspects. Digital Chumps mentioned that the graphics were mid-generation for the PlayStation 4, indicating that the game may not fully utilize the capabilities of the PS5. However, no specific stability issues were mentioned by Hardcore Gamer. On the negative side, INVEN pointed out bugs and the lack of a mid-save feature, which can be discouraging for players. JeuxActu also mentioned bugs, including character animation and texture display issues, as well as reports of save file disappearance. Meristation highlighted noticeable discrepancies in character models and animations, while Multiplayer.it mentioned technical limitations and rough elements. Push Square specifically mentioned puzzles not loading properly. SpazioGames pointed out technical issues such as dialogue not triggering and action prompts not appearing, requiring game restarts and resulting in the loss of progress. The Loadout mentioned performance issues, including dialogue and camera problems, button prompts not working, and visual glitches. Vandal simply described the technical and artistic aspects as limited. Moving on to the Xbox Series X, the critics had similar concerns regarding the technical performance. But Why Tho? mentioned slow texture loading and unpleasant facial animations. Generación Xbox highlighted late loading of objects and textures. Pure Xbox pointed out bugs, including issues with interacting with objects and late-loading textures. SomosXbox mentioned bugs, frame drops, and a lack of technical polish. XboxAddict specifically mentioned graphical glitches and texture issues. XboxEra had numerous concerns, including NPCs wall-walking, textures popping in and out, and unsolvable puzzles due to NPCs blocking access to interactive devices. The reviewer even had to restart sections due to lost progress. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong suffers from various technical issues on both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. These issues include bugs, graphical glitches, texture loading problems, and performance limitations. While some critics mentioned specific issues such as loading times, character animation problems, and save file disappearance, others provided a more general overview of technical flaws. It is worth noting that some critics expressed hope that these issues may be addressed in future patches, indicating that the game has potential for improvement. However, the overall sentiment regarding the technical performance is negative, with critics highlighting the game's technical shortcomings as a significant flaw.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. Positive aspects like diverse choices and multiple endings make replaying appealing, according to some critics. However, others criticize limited player control and flawed implementation, which may hinder replayability. While some highlight the game's variety and decision-making opportunities, others feel its flaws and lack of clarity may limit its longevity. Ultimately, the game offers enough options to entice replay, but its drawbacks may deter some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are quite varied. Many critics highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. App Trigger notes that the choices and pathways in the game increase replayability, while Everyeye.it and JeuxActu mention the multiple choices, consequences, and endings that provide variety and encourage replaying. Digital Chumps and GamesRadar+ emphasize the game's encouragement to replay levels and explore different paths, respectively. These positive aspects suggest that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong offers a range of options and outcomes that make it worth revisiting. However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by some critics that may impact the game's replay value. GameSpew points out that some choices feel out of the player's control, which may limit the sense of agency and replayability. INVEN highlights the lack of clear objectives, progress indicators, and explanations, which may make the game less appealing for replaying. Multiplayer.it mentions that the implementation of replayability is not well-executed, as players can only partially skip dialogues and certain actions have long-lasting consequences, potentially forcing players to replay entire sections. These criticisms suggest that certain design choices and flaws within the game may hinder its replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While some critics, such as Digital Chumps, Everyeye.it, JeuxActu, and Jeuxvideo.com, highlight the multiple choices, consequences, and endings that contribute to solid replay value, others, like INVEN and Multiplayer.it, express concerns about the lack of clarity, flawed implementation, and limited control over choices, which may diminish the game's replayability. It is worth noting that some critics, such as Movies Games and Tech and XboxEra, express more negative views on the game's replay value, suggesting that one playthrough may be enough and that the game's shortcomings undermine its potential for longevity. Despite these divergent opinions, it seems that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong offers enough variety and decision-making opportunities to entice players to replay and explore different paths, although the game's flaws and lack of accessibility may limit its replay value for some players.

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.

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong are quite mixed. Several critics commend the game for its immersive and atmospheric experience, with strong narrative elements and intriguing world-building. App Trigger describes the game as a fun and immersive experience, while GameSpew praises its dark and macabre visuals. Critics such as Digital Chumps and Generación Xbox appreciate the game's focus on storytelling and its ability to accurately replicate the in-person Vampire: The Masquerade session. TheXboxHub also highlights the game's original story-based world and immersive detective thriller elements. These positive aspects of the game contribute to its appeal for fans of the franchise and those seeking a deep narrative experience. However, there are also several criticisms raised by the reviewers. One common critique is the game's technical issues, including graphical problems and facial animations. Digitally Downloaded mentions the poor delivery and lack of visceral impact, while Finger Guns criticizes the unsightly character models. Some critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and Pure Xbox, express disappointment in the gameplay, with the former highlighting poor puzzles and a mediocre script, and the latter mentioning tedious gameplay and lack of freedom. TheXboxHub also notes that the game may not fully deliver on the vampire theme. These negative aspects of the game detract from the overall experience and may hinder its appeal to a wider audience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong has its strengths and weaknesses. While it captures the essence of the pen-and-paper game and offers a captivating narrative, it falls short in certain areas. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and INVEN express disappointment in the game's execution, with flaws in graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. Some critics, such as Finger Guns and Movies Games and Tech, suggest that the game may primarily appeal to existing fans of the franchise, as it may not engage new players or meet the expectations of seasoned RPG players. However, there are still positive aspects that make the game Worth Playing for those interested in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe, such as its immersive atmosphere, rich gameplay mechanics, and multiple choices and consequences. Ultimately, the mixed opinions suggest that Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong may have its merits, but it may not fully satisfy everyone's expectations.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. Some praise its immersive narrative and dark visuals, while others criticize technical issues and lackluster gameplay. The game captures the essence of the franchise but falls short in execution, appealing more to existing fans than new players. Despite its flaws, the immersive atmosphere and rich gameplay mechanics make it worth a try for Vampire: The Masquerade enthusiasts.

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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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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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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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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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.

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

May 27, 2022

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

Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong is a dialogue and story-driven experience that accurately replicates the in-person Vampire: The Masquerade session. It may not be for everyone, especially those looking for more action-oriented gameplay.

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