A Bloody Good RPG with Bite?
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, vampires ruled the media landscape. You couldn’t turn your head without seeing Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Blade, or those sparkly vampires in Twilight.
But, as often happens, the public’s fascination with the fanged creatures eventually waned.
Recent attempts to revive the vampire genre in gaming, like Redfall, haven’t fared particularly well, but perhaps the fault lies with the games themselves rather than the vampiric themes.
A Gothic Tale of Transformation
Cabernet offers a fresh perspective, taking us back to the 19th century with a gothic atmosphere reminiscent of the most famous Bram Stoker’s Dracula. So, grab your garlic, polish your crucifix, and prepare to sink your teeth into Cabernet.
Cabernet is an intriguing, dark RPG that is set in a richly detailed vampiric world. You play as Liza, who begins the game disoriented and locked in a dark cellar. After a mysterious figure unlocks the door, she finds herself in a mansion filled with high-society individuals.
It is here where you soon discover that you’ve been turned into a vampire and must now decide whether to embrace your new existence or fight against it. The story of Cabernet unfolds as you explore the town at night, building relationships with other characters and uncovering the secrets of not just your past, but your new vampire family.
Cabernet’s Story and Writing
The narrative, with its multiple twists and turns, is the heart and soul of this RPG. At times, it feels like a visual novel (something which is not a bad thing), with its emphasis running on relationship building and extensive dialogue trees. The narrative excels in its exploration of the town, its diverse cast of characters, and the fascinating vampire lore.
However, while the game draws on familiar vampire tropes, it also introduces new rules and concepts, creating a unique and compelling mythology in the process. The writing is sharp and engaging, very much on point, all as it goes about drawing you deeper into Liza’s world.
Embrace the Night
The gameplay initially resembles a traditional point-and-click adventure. You move freely through the 2D environments, but certain areas are blocked off, creating a sense of linearity at times. Early on, you learn to transform into a bat, which allows for quick travel and access to different areas. You have until dawn to complete tasks assigned by your vampire mentors, exploring the town and interacting with its inhabitants.
And then at dawn, you return to your coffin for rest, as a new chapter begins. This creates a compelling loop of nocturnal exploration and daytime reflection.
Skills, Blood, and Choices in Cabernet
The RPG elements of Cabernet come into play through the skills you choose at the beginning of the game, reflecting Liza’s background before her transformation. Skills in arts and literature can influence conversations, while the all-important scientific knowledge might be helpful for certain tasks like experiments or medical procedures. You can also improve your skills by reading books found throughout the world, adding another layer of depth to the character progression.
Blood drinking is optional, but, as you may expect to hear, the temptation is strong. You can buy blood, but money is limited, and eventually, you might be forced to feed on unsuspecting victims. This moral dilemma adds another dimension to the gameplay, forcing you to confront the consequences of your choices.
Other interesting mechanics include a dice game and the ability to buy different clothes for Liza, further enhancing the RPG experience.
Visuals, Audio, and Atmosphere
In terms of how it all looks, and the visuals are appealing, with well-designed characters and environments. The game also features close-up cutscenes with impressive animation quality. That said, there were times where I encountered a few minor glitches, thankfully nothing game-breaking. And it sounds great too – the soundtrack is excellent, creating a haunting and atmospheric backdrop for the story, whilst other audio is fully voiced, with strong performances from the cast.
A Unique and Refreshing Take on the Vampire Genre
Cabernet will surprise in many ways. It will be able to rekindle any interest in vampires, and Liza’s journey from fledgling vampire onwards is compelling and full of unexpected twists. The light RPG elements, combined with the leveling system and branching dialogue options, add depth and replayability, whilst the simple joy of transforming into a bat and flying never gets old.
If you’re thirsty for a unique and flavourful RPG experience, a game that is full-bodied, then Cabernet might be just the drink you’re looking for.
Thirsty for Links?
Embrace the Night: Narrative RPG Cabernet Launches on PC and Consoles – https://www.thexboxhub.com/embrace-the-night-narrative-rpg-cabernet-launches-on-pc-and-consoles/
Buy Cabernet on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/cabernet/9n622x2z97ds
