Coffee Talk

It looks like I’m on a streak, as I finished another game yesterday: Coffee Talk, by Toge Productions. Nice setting (a bit under-exploited), good stories, great characters, it had everything to be memorable… but it did remember me why I usually don’t play visual novels. There is no branching in the discussions, and the gameplay (drinks preparation) is totally disconnected from the rest of the game. There is supposed to be slight variations of the ending slides by replaying the game, but knowing that I will play almost exactly the same way with the same results does not give me the motivation for a second playthrough. I think I would have had a better experience following the same characters and the same stories in a book format, either as a novel or a series of short stories. Still, I do not regret playing this game at all, despite my lack of engagement in the mechanics. It was worth it for the storytelling alone. So it’s chill, it’s cheap, it’s DRM-free (on itch.io and GOG), and despite the lack of a native Linux build it works flawlessly through WINE. Give it a try if you are into "slice of life" stories and you usually like visual novels. — https://www.togeproductions.com/project/coffee-talk/

Despite the impression being that there would be emphasis on making drinks for customers, you barely even get to do that. Most of the game is just clicking through dialogue that is mostly boring. There isn't much compelling dialogue between the characters, you don't get to really choose how you respond or what to say. The game brings a nice atmosphere and the characters are interesting on a surface level, but the game fails to follow through.

Fun, pretty chill story. Light fantasy elements on top of a very (if you'll excuse the choice of word) human story lead to compelling and relaxing late night gaming. It was particularly useful escapism during the depths of the pandemic. Solid example of a visual novel - more engaging than a book, but not as mechanic-dependent as lots of games are. You make drinks, but it's low pressure. I don't drink coffee, but some of the drink names and the pixel art make me want to try some fancy hot chocolate or something. I don't often feel the need to buy games at full price, but I did for this one, and it was worth it. For best results, play only when the sun is down.

The games wonderfull soundtrack and gorgeous artstyle make for a chill vibe to enjoy the story to. Next the story or more acurately stories told in Coffe Talk are charming, fun and make me feel all warm and fuzzy. I completed all the achievements in this game which something I normally don't do but this game had me sporting a smile from beging till end.

I love hearing about the caracters lives and the games vibe. The drink making system is also really good.