Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire? I mean, really wondered? Not just the sparkly, romanticized versions you see in movies, but the nitty-gritty, struggling-with-your-new-undead-existence kind of vampire. Well, in Cabernet, a newly released visual novel, you get to explore that darker side of vampirism firsthand.
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You play as Liza, a woman who wakes up one day (or rather, one night) to discover she’s been turned into a creature of the night. No sparkling, no instant mastery of supernatural powers, just a whole lot of confusion and a gnawing thirst. The game throws you right into the thick of it, waking up disoriented in a mysterious basement, trying to piece together what happened and, more importantly, how to escape.
The story kicks off with a bang and maintains a compelling pace throughout. It’s not long before you uncover the truth about your transformation and the world you’ve been thrust into. You quickly learn that the basement belongs to the Countess, a powerful and enigmatic figure who rules over the local vampire community. Everyone, from the newest fledgling to the oldest bloodsucker, seems to be under her thumb, and you soon find yourself caught in the intricate web of vampire politics. As you delve deeper, you begin to unravel the history of the Countess, the origins of vampirism itself, and the complex social structure of this nocturnal world.
Cabernet masterfully weaves together a rich tapestry of lore, drawing on Eastern European folklore, fairy tales, myths, and legends. You’ll encounter familiar tropes, but with fresh twists and interpretations, learning about different versions of vampires from various cultural traditions. It’s a fascinating blend of the familiar and the unexpected. I’m trying to avoid spoilers here, but trust me, the overarching storyline is genuinely intriguing and provides a strong foundation for the entire game.
The gameplay is classic point-and-click, which works perfectly for this type of narrative-driven experience. You navigate 2D environments, interacting with objects, conversing with characters, and solving puzzles to progress the story. The main storyline is structured around a series of quests, each with its own set of objectives and challenges. But what really adds depth to the game are the numerous side quests and character-specific quests. These optional missions allow you to explore the world more thoroughly, learn more about the individual characters and their backstories, and uncover hidden secrets. You can choose how involved you want to be in these side narratives, but they often offer valuable rewards and contribute significantly to the overall experience.
Now, let’s talk about the bloodlust. Being a vampire means you’re going to crave blood, and Cabernet doesn’t shy away from this aspect of the vampire experience. You have a blood thirst meter that constantly needs replenishing, and if it runs dry, well, let’s just say things don’t end well for Liza. Luckily, you have several options for satisfying your thirst. You can try your luck hunting small animals in the woods (a bit messy, but effective in a pinch), cultivate relationships with humans and subtly persuade them to become your…donors, or even purchase blood from the local saloon (a slightly less messy, and certainly less morally ambiguous, option).
To aid you in your quest for sustenance (and survival), you’ll develop some handy vampire abilities. Turning into a bat is a game-changer, allowing for rapid travel across the map. It’s not only efficient but also surprisingly fun to swoop around and harass the villagers. Invisibility is another useful skill, perfect for sneaking around and completing certain quests. And then there’s enchantment, perhaps the most crucial ability of all. This allows you to influence the minds of humans, making them more…receptive to your needs. And, of course, you can always embrace your full vampire form, which has its own advantages.
Cabernet also features a compelling morality system. Your choices throughout the game will influence Liza’s alignment, shifting her towards either humanity or nihilism. This system adds another layer of depth to the gameplay, forcing you to consider the consequences of your actions and allowing you to shape Liza’s character in a meaningful way. In addition to the morality system, you also have knowledge points in various disciplines, including art, literature, history, politics, and science. These points are earned through experience, reading books (a fantastic addition!), and completing certain quests. Having high levels in these areas unlocks new dialogue options, actions, and opportunities, further enhancing the role-playing aspect of the game.
Time management is crucial in Cabernet. As a creature of the night, daylight is deadly. You have a limited window each night to complete your tasks, and certain actions consume valuable time. You need to be strategic about how you spend your nights, making sure you return to your safe haven before sunrise. The gameplay itself is quite varied, with quests ranging from simple fetch quests and dialogue interactions to more complex stealth missions and puzzle-solving challenges. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
One of the things that sets Cabernet apart from other visual novels is its pacing. It avoids the agonizingly slow pace that plagues many games in this genre. The ability to transform into a bat for quick travel and the option to skip dialogue you’ve already read significantly improve the flow of the game. However, I did encounter a minor pacing issue with some main quest tasks being locked to specific dates, which sometimes led to periods of waiting around. I also experienced a couple of minor bugs, such as a quest item not registering and some finicky interaction spots. Nothing game-breaking, but definitely a little frustrating.
Despite these minor hiccups, the compelling storyline and captivating world-building far outweigh any shortcomings. Cabernet is a truly immersive experience, drawing you into its eerie atmosphere and making you feel like a genuine part of its world. The mystery surrounding the Countess, the intrigue of vampire politics, and the exploration of Eastern European folklore all contribute to a rich and engaging narrative. The choices you make have a tangible impact on the story and the characters, making each playthrough feel unique. The character development is also excellent, and the ability to customize Liza’s skills and alignment adds a compelling layer of role-playing.
The voice acting in Cabernet is absolutely superb, bringing the characters to life with nuance and emotion. Combined with the evocative art style and atmospheric music, it creates a truly immersive and captivating experience. The game isn’t necessarily scary, but it definitely has a spooky and eerie vibe that perfectly complements its gothic setting. The world feels alive and breathing, and you genuinely feel like you’re inhabiting Liza’s skin as you navigate the treacherous world of vampires. They absolutely nailed the world-building and narrative.
So, if you’re looking for a visual novel with a rich story, compelling characters, and engaging gameplay, Cabernet is definitely worth checking out. It’s a dark and atmospheric adventure that will leave you wanting more.
You can play Cabernet on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5 and Xbox Series S & X now!
Until next time, stay caffeinated!