Welcome back, denizens of The Pixel Parlor! Here at the Parlor, where retro gaming, anime visuals, and all-around nerd culture collide, we’re always on the hunt for indie gems that riff on nostalgia and thematic depth. Enter Cabernet: a darkly-elegant narrative RPG that marries vampire mythos, turn-of-the-century aesthetics, and meaningful choice mechanics. If you’re looking for a game that feels like a chilling 19th-century cozy escape complete with candlelit intrigue and the faint drip of blood, you’re in for a spooky treat!

So, what is Cabernet about? Developed by Party for Introverts and published by Akupara Games, Cabernet launched on February 20, 2025.

The premise: You are Liza, a newly-turned vampire navigating a world that’s equal parts decadent and decaying, set in an Eastern European-inspired town in the late 1800s, with some modern twists, of course.

This is not about hack-and-slash vampire action. Instead it’s a narrative-driven experience that emphasises societal layers, moral ambiguity, choice, and the tension between the immortal and the mortal, as well as political unrest.

From hand-painted backgrounds of moonlit rooftops and faded taverns to characters stylised like papercraft dolls, Cabernet’s visuals lean into a gothic fairy-tale aesthetic.

Rather than traditional strength/weapon stats, Liza’s capabilities revolve around four main stat types: Music & Arts, Literature & Writing, Science & Logic, and History & Politics. These stats unlock different dialogue options, routes, and how you approach the world.

You also unlock vampire abilities: bat form for travel, invisibility, seduction, etc., which layer in moments of stealth or movement over pure combat.

Cabernet isn’t just about the main quest! There are numerous side-stories grounded in the town’s inhabitants: a coachman grappling with addiction, newlyweds tearing apart at the seams, and even charlatans with hidden agendas. The game weaves these tales alongside the vampire narrative, making the world feel alive.

Cabernet stands out in the indie scene as a vampire game that cares. It cares about characters, society, morality, and the weight of immortality.

Whether you slip into Liza’s fangs with an aim towards eternal compassion or nihilistic indulgence, Cabernet invites you into a world that lingers long after you shut off your PC or console.

So, what do YOU think of Cabernet? Let us know in the comments below and share across your socials to keep the convo going!