Coffee Talk
- January 24, 2020
- Toge Productions
- 5h median play time
Coffee Talk is the video game equivalent to a calmingly warm cup of coffee for a searching soul.
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
Reviews
- Engaging and relatable characters with well-written storylines.
- Charming pixel art and soothing lo-fi soundtrack create a cozy atmosphere.
- Offers a unique blend of coffee-making mechanics and narrative-driven gameplay.
- Limited interactivity with no dialogue choices, making it feel more like a visual novel than a game.
- Some storylines can feel predictable and lack depth.
- The coffee-making mechanics can be frustrating and sometimes rely on trial and error.
- story1,849 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Coffee Talk" is a cozy, narrative-driven experience set in an alternate Seattle, where players take on the role of a barista serving various fantasy characters while listening to their personal stories. While the game features engaging character arcs and addresses contemporary social issues, some players feel the story can be shallow and predictable, lacking significant player agency or impactful choices. Overall, it offers a relaxing atmosphere with charming visuals and a heartwarming narrative, making it a delightful choice for fans of story-rich games.
“Immerse yourself in the stories of alternative-Seattle inhabitants, ranging from a dramatic love story between an elf and a succubus, an alien trying to understand humans’ lives, and many others modern readers will find strongly echo the world around them.”
“The story is engaging and easy to follow, with each character's story arc feeling complete and relatable.”
“Coffee Talk is a wonderful game, you just make beverages for monster people, while they tell you their life story.”
“However, the story feels weak at times, boring even.”
“The only character in the story that was of another gender was made an alien who didn't understand how gender functioned as a role at all, which made it all feel very numb to me.”
“Unfortunately, Coffee Talk has multiple issues and shortcomings: zero dialogue options, very limited coffee brewing minigame, extremely minimal and linear gameplay, strange omissions and ellipses in the storyline that could've easily been remedied.”
- music907 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in "Coffee Talk" is widely praised for its soothing lo-fi soundtrack, which perfectly complements the game's cozy atmosphere and enhances the storytelling experience. Players appreciate the relaxing vibe created by the music, often describing it as ideal for studying or unwinding, with many noting that the soundtrack has become a staple in their playlists. However, some users mentioned that the music can become repetitive over time, leading to a desire for more variety in the tracks. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm and ambiance.
“The soundtrack is amazing as well, giving you a coffee house lo-fi vibe that fits the narrative perfectly.”
“The music creates a calming atmosphere, and I'm a big fan of the pixel art and bright colors.”
“The soundtrack of Coffee Talk is a highlight, with its soothing lo-fi chillhop tracks that enhance the game’s calming effect.”
“The low-fi music gets annoying after a while, so I ended up having to turn it off.”
“The music eventually became a bit of a snore fest as it seemed to repeat the same few tracks and sound too samey after a few hours.”
“While the writing, the character construction and the graphics/music selection truly represent a vision, it is the topics that this game touches that are truly the core of the game.”
- gameplay418 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Coffee Talk" is primarily centered around a simple coffee-making mechanic, where players mix ingredients to serve drinks to customers while engaging in dialogue. While the gameplay is minimal and often described as repetitive, it complements the narrative-driven experience, creating a cozy atmosphere that appeals to fans of visual novels. Overall, the game is more about the storytelling and character interactions than challenging gameplay, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing, slice-of-life experience.
“The gameplay is simple but satisfying.”
“The drink-making mechanic adds an interactive layer to the experience, allowing you to craft unique beverages for your customers.”
“The music, art, atmosphere, story, characters, gameplay... all fantastic.”
“Unfortunately, Coffee Talk has multiple issues and shortcomings: zero dialog options, very limited coffee brewing minigame, extremely minimal and linear gameplay, strange omissions and ellipses in the storyline that could've easily been remedied.”
“The gameplay is non-existent; you have no control over how the story goes. The only real gameplay is latte art, which is inexplicably difficult for some reason and has no bearing on the story at all.”
“The gameplay loop isn't exactly riveting as you're only mixing drinks or reading some posts in the game's version of social media, yet that's not an issue in this game as it nails the idea of 'less is more'.”
- graphics377 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Coffee Talk" are widely praised for their charming pixel art style, which effectively captures the cozy ambiance of a late-night coffee shop. Reviewers highlight the beautiful visuals, vibrant colors, and detailed character designs that enhance the game's heartwarming narrative and relaxing atmosphere. The combination of stunning artwork and a soothing lo-fi soundtrack creates an immersive experience that resonates with players, making it a standout feature of the game.
“The pixel art style is a visual treat, capturing the cozy, late-night coffee shop vibe perfectly.”
“One of the most striking things about Coffee Talk is its gorgeous art style, which features stunning pixel art and warm, vibrant colors that perfectly capture the cozy atmosphere of the coffee shop.”
“Its beautifully detailed pixelated art style, ASMR-esque sound effects, and soothing lo-fi track allow for an immersive experience, providing one of the coziest atmospheres I've ever seen portrayed in a game.”
“The only minus is the pixelated graphic which some people might feel uncomfortable with it.”
“The graphics might not be everyone's cup of tea but if you're looking for a game to lean back, chill and enjoy the vibes.”
“Another thing I don't really appreciate is the visuals, just not my style.”
- atmosphere272 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is universally praised for its cozy, calming, and immersive qualities, enhanced by soothing lo-fi music and charming pixel art. Players often describe it as a comforting escape, reminiscent of a warm café on a rainy day, where they can relax and engage with diverse characters and their stories. Overall, the game's atmosphere is a standout feature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil gaming experience.
“The warm, inviting atmosphere, paired with the sound of rain gently tapping against the windows, creates a serene setting that invites you to relax and immerse yourself in the stories.”
“Its beautifully detailed pixelated art style, ASMR-esque sound effects, and soothing lo-fi track allow for an immersive experience, providing one of the coziest atmospheres I've ever seen portrayed in a game.”
“While it's unfortunate this game doesn't give you the opportunity to give advice or such, the caring atmosphere of Coffee Talk is enough to keep anyone hooked for hours.”
“The atmosphere this game sets even from the start is that of a cozy evening out with friends, and it really nails that atmosphere as it almost feels like you're making friends with the characters in the game as it progresses.”
“Despite some bad reviews over this game, I would say that you should have the mentality of playing this game for the atmosphere.”
- emotional199 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Coffee Talk" is predominantly characterized by its heartwarming and wholesome storytelling, which resonates deeply with players. While some critiques mention clichéd plotlines and a lack of depth, many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke genuine feelings through relatable characters and cozy interactions, making it a comforting experience. Overall, it offers a unique blend of emotional engagement and relaxation, appealing to those seeking a soothing narrative journey.
“Coffee Talk is more than just a game—it's an experience that resonates deeply with anyone who enjoys heartfelt storytelling and a cozy ambiance.”
“The stories deal with a variety of themes, from love and heartbreak to identity and self-discovery, and they're all told with a sense of empathy and understanding that is truly touching.”
“Watching the characters help each other emotionally makes it feel like you're really there, like you're genuinely helping by simply just listening and always being there for them; it's a very humanizing feeling watching them build relationships with one another.”
“Boring story and shallow characters.”
“This game is like you gave caffeine to a really boring person and this boring person told you a very boring story about a boring coffee shop filled with boring people that you didn't know or care about.”
“Long-winded and boring storylines.”
- humor64 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a blend of warmth, cleverness, and lightheartedness, often intertwined with the characters' journeys and interactions. While some players found the humor to be contextually rich and genuinely funny, others noted moments where it fell flat or relied on generic references. Overall, the game successfully balances comedic elements with heartfelt storytelling, creating a cozy atmosphere that resonates with players.
“The dialogues are beautifully written, filled with warmth, humor, and moments of introspection that make you care about each character's journey.”
“The clever humor, the likable and charismatic cast, and the serious subjects presented on a hopeful and wholesome tone of togetherness make this game enjoyable for anyone of any age.”
“It's a relaxing game that you can play, with unique, funny, and cool characters that you get attached to easily.”
- character development59 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is generally praised for its charm and depth, with many players appreciating the unique and visually appealing character designs that contribute to the overall storytelling. However, some reviews note a lack of complexity and depth in character arcs, suggesting that while the characters are likable and well-designed, their development may not be as profound or nuanced as in other titles. Overall, the game is seen as a cozy experience with engaging characters, though some players feel that certain characters lack significant growth throughout the narrative.
“I loved all the character designs and I enjoyed learning about each character through the dialogue.”
“The character development is excellent, the art is charming, and the gameplay is relaxing.”
“I think the character development of this game is awesome and I became very attached to the characters the more I played.”
“Story-wise, some of the dialogue did feel a bit unrealistic and very 'heartwarming 90s sitcom', which is what I believe the developers were going for, so don't expect anything like bittersweet endings, complex character development, or moral ambiguity here.”
“He has no character development nor story of his own, which is a shame.”
“There is a distinct lack of character development for many of the characters.”
- replayability59 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed, with some players noting the appeal of multiple endings and achievements, while others find it limited due to its short length and lack of significant changes in subsequent playthroughs. While certain modes and character paths offer some replay value, many reviewers suggest that the experience is best enjoyed in a single playthrough, especially for those less interested in completionist goals.
“There is a bit of replayability to get all the achievements if you haven't received them the first try.”
“With multiple endings for each story, 'Coffee Talk' offers remarkable replayability.”
“The game offers some replayability as I realized I made a few mistakes that unlock other stories.”
“The biggest downside is it having lower replayability and it being a shorter game overall; I only have around 5 hours since I read a bit faster than typical.”
“Unless you want all of the achievements, this game doesn't offer as much replayability as other games.”
“The only area this game really lacks in is replayability, which largely depends on whether or not you're fine with the endless mode, where you, erm, 'endlessly' serve customers coffee.”
- grinding20 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 85 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game can be quite tedious, particularly when it comes to unlocking new drinks and navigating the trial-and-error process of ingredient combinations. While some players found the coffee mini-game enjoyable and the overall experience relaxing, others felt that the repetitive nature of certain tasks detracted from the enjoyment, leading to a reliance on guides and fast-forward options to alleviate the monotony. Overall, the grinding is seen as a mixed bag, with some appreciating the lore it adds while others find it frustratingly tedious.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“My one complaint with the game is related to unlocking new drinks, as drinks not directly mentioned in the story can be tedious to discover.”
“I just resorted to using a guide to find the drinks' proper ingredients because I couldn't be bothered to go through the tedious trial and error, especially considering you only have five retries before you're forced to serve.”
“I kept on playing even when it got tedious in hopes of seeing something interesting finally happen and restoring my impression, but... it didn't.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is commendable, with smooth performance, widescreen support, and no crashes reported. However, some users noted that the dialogue could have been optimized more efficiently. The minigame performance is crucial for advancing the story, contributing to a satisfying experience.
“Also, the game supports widescreen, runs smoothly, and has no crashes from my own experiences.”
“That is, good minigame performance is required to advance the story.”
“It might be a short game, but it ties itself up nicely, and depending on your performance as the barista, the cast's arcs have solid, complete, and satisfying endings.”
“There's hardly any negative things to say about this game, only that they could have optimized the dialogues more efficiently.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally good, with most achievements being easily obtainable, though one achievement is notably buggy. While the graphics are appealing, players have reported occasional glitches that detract from the experience.
“For achievement hunters, achievements are easy to obtain, except for one buggy achievement that, luckily, can be easily acquired by replaying the same day.”
“The game offers some nice graphics, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is subtly integrated, with users noting that it feels more like a cozy, inviting environment rather than a typical aggressive advertising approach. This approach creates a relaxed atmosphere, akin to enjoying a drink in a coffee shop, rather than focusing heavily on fundraising or monetization tactics.
Critic Reviews
Coffee Talk
A Caffeine High And A Crash
75%Coffee Talk review
A telling of very human relationships in an interesting everyday fantasy setting. Coffee Talk is slow paced even for a visual novel, but has some unexpected twists that make the journey worthwhile
70%Coffee Talk Review
Coffee Talk is an adorable little slice of life game where you can serve coffee and listen to some great stories.
85%