Cabernet for Windows

Snapshot — A Gothic, Choice-Driven RPG

Cabernet is a 2D narrative role-playing game set in a late-19th-century world inspired by Eastern European Gothic aesthetics. You take the role of Liza, a recent convert to vampirism, as she navigates a decadent society full of intrigue and moral gray areas. The title mixes classic horror atmosphere with contemporary storytelling techniques to create an emotionally charged, choice-oriented adventure.

Core Presentation

• A brooding, atmospheric musical score that reinforces the game’s mood
• Dialogue trees that branch based on your choices and relationships
• Rich, hand-painted backdrops that bring the environment to life

These elements combine to create a reflective and immersive tone, where every scene reinforces the narrative stakes.

How the Game Plays

The gameplay balances exploration, social manipulation, and ethically fraught decisions. You’ll move through neighborhoods, interrogate or befriend characters, and weigh the consequences of difficult choices.

• Moral dilemmas that change how NPCs and factions respond to you
• Open-ended exploration of the city’s districts and hidden spaces
• Social manipulation tools to influence targets and advance your aims

A night-based time-management loop further deepens strategy: choose how Liza spends each evening to develop skills, feed, or protect allies, and those decisions ripple through the story.

Nighttime Actions and Progression

• Devote nights to safeguarding people or places you care about
• Spend time studying new abilities and learning the city’s secrets
• Hunt to feed and sustain your powers, with consequences for victims and the world

Choosing how to allocate Liza’s nights shapes political tensions, social hierarchies, and personal relationships throughout the campaign.

Vampire Abilities and Tactics

Liza gains supernatural powers that enable different problem-solving approaches. Players are encouraged to combine abilities creatively for stealth, persuasion, and survival.

• Magnetic charm useful for seduction or coercion
• Short bursts of flight for traversal and escape
• Temporary invisibility to bypass threats or stage surprises

Using these powers, you can research targets, uncover their motivations, and decide whether to help, manipulate, or destroy them.

Mature Themes and Content Advisory

The narrative addresses heavy, adult topics and contains explicit depictions of violence and bodily harm. It is intended for a mature audience prepared for challenging subject matter.

• Suicide is treated as a sensitive plot element within certain storylines
• Death and its consequences appear throughout the narrative
• Depictions of social unrest and addiction are integral to character arcs
• Graphic scenes may include blood and stylized violence

Expect a somber, reflective tone rather than lighthearted horror.

Critical Reception

Cabernet has been recognized for its storytelling and atmosphere across several industry events and awards.

• Named a Best Narrative finalist at Gamescom Latam
• Finalist at the TIGA Games Industry Awards
• Received additional nominations and positive attention from critics

While many praised the game’s writing and visual craft, some reviewers noted that slower pacing—especially during exploration—can lessen immersion for players who prefer faster progression.

Why Play?

If you’re drawn to narrative-driven RPGs that force meaningful choices and reward careful roleplay, Cabernet offers a deeply felt, morally ambiguous tale. Its thoughtful systems and evocative art style create an experience that lingers after the credits roll—ideal for players who enjoy slow-burn stories and complex character drama.