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.
- story3,714 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 fantasy creatures coexist with humans. Players take on the role of a barista, serving drinks while engaging with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique and relatable storylines that touch on contemporary social issues. While the game is praised for its charming atmosphere and character development, some reviewers note that the story can feel linear and predictable, with limited player agency affecting the narrative outcomes. Overall, it offers a heartwarming and immersive storytelling experience, ideal for those seeking a laid-back gaming session.
“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 so interesting and good, I literally couldn't stop playing, I played to the very end, and I was just blown away at how well written the characters and the story was.”
“The story is rich and immersive, the characters are fun and feel like friends you would wanna hangout with.”
“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.”
- music1,819 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. Many players find the music calming and ideal for relaxation, often incorporating it into their study playlists. However, some users noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, leading to a desire for more variety in the tracks. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm and ambiance.
“The soundtrack of Coffee Talk is a highlight, with its soothing lo-fi chillhop tracks that enhance the game’s calming effect.”
“The music perfectly complements the relaxed pace of the game, creating an environment where you can unwind and lose yourself in the narrative.”
“The game's cute atmosphere, with its soothing lo-fi soundtrack and charming pixel art, makes it easy to lose yourself in the stories of the diverse characters who visit your café.”
“The low-fi music gets annoying after a while (for me) 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.”
“The music background might be better if it has some kind of synchronization in the song track.”
- gameplay839 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Coffee Talk" is primarily centered around a simple coffee-making mechanic, which involves mixing 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, making it more akin to a visual novel than a traditional game. Players seeking deep gameplay mechanics may find it lacking, but those who appreciate a cozy atmosphere and character-driven storytelling will likely enjoy the experience.
“The drink-making mechanic adds an interactive layer to the experience, allowing you to craft unique beverages for your customers.”
“The music is great, the storylines are interesting, and the gameplay around figuring out what kind of drinks different characters will like is satisfying and fun.”
“The gameplay is simple but satisfying.”
“However, I was left feeling as though the gameplay itself lacked substance, ultimately making it more of a visual novel than a traditional game experience.”
“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.”
- graphics757 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 soothing lo-fi music and engaging artwork creates an immersive experience that resonates with fans of the genre, making it a standout feature of the game.
“The game’s 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 (but I personally have no problem 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.”
- atmosphere548 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Coffee Talk" is widely praised for its cozy, calming environment, enhanced by soothing lo-fi music and charming pixel art. Players describe it as a comforting refuge, reminiscent of a warm café on a rainy day, where they can immerse themselves in the heartfelt stories of diverse characters. This relaxing ambiance makes 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I've been going through a rough time in my life and this game allows me to escape that while getting completely sucked into its atmosphere.”
- emotional398 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Coffee Talk" is widely praised for its heartwarming and wholesome storytelling, with many players finding the characters and their narratives relatable and touching. While some critiques mention the simplicity and occasional clichés in the plotlines, the overall experience is described as cozy and soothing, often evoking feelings of comfort and connection. The game effectively blends lighthearted moments with deeper themes, making it a delightful escape for those seeking emotional engagement without heavy investment.
“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.”
“It's a warm, inviting experience that celebrates the power of human connection, and it's a must-play for anyone who wants to be swept away by a charming and heartwarming story.”
“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.”
- humor128 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a blend of warmth, cleverness, and light-heartedness, often intertwined with poignant moments that enhance character development. While some players found the humor to be contextually rich and engaging, others noted instances of generic or forced jokes. Overall, the game successfully balances funny interactions with deeper themes, 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, the serious subjects presented on a hopeful and wholesome tone of togetherness without minimizing its stakes, all in a package which I do believe really anyone of any age can enjoy.”
“It was beautiful, well-characterized, moving, funny, everything you could want.”
- character development118 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating the unique and charming character designs that contribute to the overall storytelling. However, some critiques highlight a lack of depth in character arcs, with several characters feeling underdeveloped despite the engaging dialogue and interactions. Overall, while the game excels in aesthetics and initial character engagement, it may fall short for those seeking more complex character growth.
“I think the character development of this game is awesome and I became very attached to the characters the more I played.”
“The character development is excellent, the art is charming, and the gameplay is relaxing.”
“I definitely recommend this game to others who enjoy character development and storytelling in computer gaming.”
“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.”
“Most of them have zero to none character development besides 'quiet at first but then started talking' - which might be reasoned with the very short play time of 5 hours, which is tough considering they have to introduce a lot of characters, their problems, and how they manage to overcome them.”
- replayability118 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 there are opportunities to explore different character paths and engage in an endless mode, many reviewers suggest that the game is best enjoyed in a single playthrough, with minimal incentive to return once completed. For those who appreciate character-driven narratives, the experience may still warrant revisiting, but expectations for replay value should be tempered.
“With multiple endings for each story, 'Coffee Talk' offers remarkable replayability.”
“This game has great replay value; it makes you want to discover all the drinks and possible endings.”
“There is some replayability; you can go back and redo certain days, a challenge/endless mode for the coffee minigame, and some mod support that might help add more length to the game.”
“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 replayability is low, unless you want to experience all of the characters' paths (frankly, it's painful to see the characters have bad endings).”
- grinding40 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 85 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is often described as tedious, particularly when it comes to unlocking new drinks and navigating the trial-and-error process of drink-making. While some players found the coffee mini-game engaging, many expressed frustration with the repetitive nature of certain tasks and the lack of helpful hints, leading to a reliance on guides. Overall, the grinding can detract from the experience, although some players appreciated the lore and story that emerged from the effort.
“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.”
“It would be nice to have more hints on the drink making too; I found it impossible to know what was what before trying a bit of everything in freestyle mode first. You'd only get one shot in-game, then have to start the day all over again if you got it wrong, which got tedious when it depended on the order of ingredients too.”
- optimization10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is commendable, with smooth performance, widescreen support, and no crashes reported by users. However, there are suggestions for improving the efficiency of the dialogue system. The gameplay requires good performance in minigames to progress the story, which adds an engaging layer to the 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.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game generally maintains stability, with most achievements being easily obtainable, though one achievement is notably buggy. Players have reported some graphical glitches, but overall, the experience remains enjoyable despite these minor issues.
“For achievement hunters, achievements are easy to get, except for one buggy achievement that, luckily, you can obtain easily by replaying the same day.”
“The game offers some nice graphics; however, there are some ugly glitches here and there that detract from the experience.”
“The game has some nice graphics, but the presence of various glitches can be quite distracting.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is primarily driven by fundraising advertisements, which create a cozy and inviting atmosphere similar to that of a coffee shop, encouraging social interaction among players. However, the reliance on ads for promotion may leave some users feeling uncertain about the game's overall monetization strategy.
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%