Cabernet Offers A Sprawling Narrative Where The World Is Affected By Players’ Choices
Cabernet is an interesting tale about a newly fledged vampire. The game starts with Liza’s funeral as loved ones discuss her life. This could easily end up being forgettable exposition. Instead, it decides Liza’s starting which limits which choices she can make. There is a level up system but different stats can be improved through her outfits. The biggest obstacle will be the clock. Movement can require action points and, if players take too long, Liza can be burned to a crisp.
Of course, there’s a blood meter players need to track. Liza’s need to feed can be managed in three ways. Buy cabernet, find rabbits in the woods, or improve your relationship with someone so they can be enchanted. How players choose to do this (increasing Liza’s humanity or nihilism), gives different choices in the end game. The game does give clear signs when this happens. After this point side quests can no longer be completed.
The world of Cabernet is complex. Most choices have an outcome that’s more gray than good or bad. Making a choice that appears “right” may lead to helping someone who’s “wrong”. The amount of branching options are both a blessing and curse. Occasionally choices made in one quest should block another. If the game doesn’t recognize this, players can complete both. It’s a glitch that might work in the players’ favor.
Cabernet is a rich narrative adventure. Its hand drawn style is uniquely dark. Being able to move around its world makes it a stand out visual novel experience. There are some hiccups unfortunately. Though nothing that stops players from finishing. Fans of melancholic atmospheres and engaging characters, may enjoy this.
