Coffee Talk

Genre: Visual Novel

Players: 1

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Review:

(Note: This game is included in a physical-only European-release bundle, Coffee Talk 1 + 2 (Double Pack), along with Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly. It is also in the pricier Coffee Talk Episode 1 + 2: Double Shot Bundle along with Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, as well as numerous other physical items.)

Coffee Talk is a Visual Novel game with some light Graphic Adventure elements released on multiple platforms in 2020, including the Nintendo Switch. This is a sort of “slice of life” story about the various patrons of a small nighttime coffee shop in modern-day Seattle… or, at least a version of Seattle where elves, vampires, and space aliens mingle with the human population. Players take the role of the coffee shop’s enigmatic barista serving drinks to order, but largely just conversing with the patrons and listening to their conversations.

This game’s visuals use a pixel art style that’s really lovely, with some really beautifully-designed characters, each with their own nice animations, and with a backdrop of the rainy Seattle streets and various shadowy passersby to add just a little bit of extra atmosphere. These visuals are accentuated by a nice, relaxed soundtrack that seems perfect for chilling with a warm drink, with great songs like Cafe Leisure – Sunset in the City.

I feel I should make special note of the great use of sound this game has, from the way the sounds of your coffee preparations change based on the ingredients you use, to even the differences in the patrons’ footsteps as they approach – I could easily tell, for example, when Aqua the Atlantean was about to step up to the counter whenever I heard the telltale wet squish of her footsteps. And while there’s no spoken dialogue in the game, characters definitely all have their own unique voice thanks to the different sound effects that accompany their text.

Of course, all of this is in service to the game’s excellent story and characters, which is absolutely fantastic – not only does every character have their own distinct personality and their own personal struggles that they’re dealing with, but when different combinations of customers walk into the coffee shop, you get to enjoy those unique personalities bouncing off one another. It’s a real joy when two of your favorite characters who’ve never met happen to be in the place at the same time and you get to see how they react to one another.

If there’s a weak link in this game, I’d honestly say it’s the gameplay, or at least what little actual gameplay there is here. As I noted, at various times throughout the game, characters will ask you to prepare them a drink, which is done simply by selecting three ingredients from your shelves. Making the drink they want will be reflected in the story, or at least supposedly that’s the case, although in practice it’s not quite clear what affect your drinks are having. What’s more, it’s often unclear just what you’re supposed to be making, either because the character is vague in their request, or because you simply don’t have the recipe for what they’re requesting and have to guess at it. Because of this, this one bit of actual interaction you have with the game is a bit unsatisfying and even a bit frustrating.

A few final notes before finishing up. Firstly, this game can be played just fine with traditional controls, but for those who might prefer to use the touchscreen, know that that is an option here as well. Also, a warning to sensitive types – while this game does not depict any violence or nudity that I could see, it does have some mature topic matter that may not be appropriate for younger players or those sensitive to difficult topics such as talk about sex and abuse, as well as a lot of exploration of themes of racism and discrimination.

In the end, while the gameplay in Coffee Talk is a bit lacking, that is more than made up for with its wonderful presentation and story, an excellent blend of characters and atmosphere that makes for a relaxing exploration of the lives of ordinary people in a not-so-ordinary world. If you’re looking to sit down and relax with a fantastic story on the Nintendo Switch, Coffee Talk may well be exactly the sort of game you’re looking for.

tl;dr – Coffee Talk is a Visual Novel where players take the role of a barista in a modern-day Seattle coffee shop whose patrons include various fantasy and sci-fi races. The gameplay is a bit lacking, but that’s easily overlooked thanks to the game’s wonderful slice-of-life story, compelling characters, and relaxing atmosphere.

Grade: B+

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This game has been nominated for one or more of eShopperReviews 2020 Game Awards:

Winner:

Best Graphic Adventure Game – This was another difficult call, with multiple games in this category being strong contenders. If Found told a poignant, relevant, and moving story, Jenny LeClue was superbly well-written and witty, Roki had a serene beauty to it, Lair of the Clockwork God was clever and funny, and Do Not Feed the Monkeys deserves mention for being unique and original. However, when I think about which of these stories I most enjoyed sinking into and becoming a part of, Coffee Talk’s chill, relaxed atmosphere and the simple human stories of its not-so-human characters were what most delighted me in 2020.

Runner-Up: Best Song – Cafe Leisure – Sunset in the City by Andrew Jeremy, Best Sound Design, Best Story

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