Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,602 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Game Cover
Perfection was already achieved the first cup around — the second cup tastes just as good.
Starting at $9.08Buy now
Get on Steam

"Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly" is a narrative-driven home simulation game where you play as a barista in a cozy late-night coffee shop. Serve a variety of warm drinks, experiment with secret recipes, and create latte art while listening to your diverse cast of fantasy customers' stories and experiences. The game features a calming, lo-fi atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a relaxing and immersive experience.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,602 reviews
story194 positive mentions
grinding12 negative mentions
  • The game retains the cozy atmosphere and engaging storytelling of the first installment, making it a delightful experience.
  • New characters, Riona and Lucas, add depth to the narrative while familiar faces continue to develop, creating a sense of nostalgia.
  • The addition of new drink recipes and the item-giving mechanic enhances gameplay, providing more opportunities for character interactions.
  • Some players feel that the overarching narrative is weaker than the first game, with certain character arcs feeling underdeveloped.
  • The 'skip' function does not effectively fast-forward through animations, making replaying for different endings tedious.
  • Achievements that require players to intentionally fail orders can detract from the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.
  • story526 mentions

    The story in "Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly" is praised for its engaging character development and emotional depth, effectively blending new and returning characters while exploring relatable themes. Players appreciate the nostalgic elements from the first game, alongside the introduction of new storylines and mechanics that enhance replayability. However, some critiques mention that certain character arcs feel underdeveloped or overshadowed by others, and the pacing can be inconsistent, yet the overall narrative remains a heartwarming and immersive experience.

    • “If you play this, it should be for the story and the characters, which are, if anything, even better than the first game.”
    • “The care and detail the developers put into every pixel and every story of every character, returning or new, gives you a new experience you can relate to despite not actually living in the fantastical world the devs created.”
    • “This story is beautiful, the world feels alive and complex hitting straight to the core of existence itself.”
    • “The extra ingredients and item system was a nice little expansion to the base game, but it didn't hit as hard on the story side which was the main pull for me.”
    • “The story might improve on second playthrough but right now, I'm in no hurry to replay this.”
    • “The new characters aren't the best and some of the storylines are utter bores, but at least there's nobody in the cast I hate.”
  • music218 mentions

    The music in "Coffee Talk 2" is widely praised for its soothing lo-fi beats that enhance the cozy atmosphere of the game, making it perfect for relaxation or background listening. Many players appreciate the attention to detail in the sound design, which complements the coffee shop setting, while some note that the soundtrack, although enjoyable, can feel repetitive compared to the first game. Overall, the combination of calming music, engaging storytelling, and charming visuals creates a delightful experience that resonates with players.

    • “The music really creates the environment of actually sitting in a coffee shop along with the sound effects too, of chairs scraping or coffee machine beeping - the attention to detail has been thought through very well.”
    • “If you thought the first game’s soundtrack was as chill as a snowman on vacation, Coffee Talk 2 kicks it up a notch with even more relaxing lo-fi beats.”
    • “The game's gentle pace, soothing soundtrack, and focus on positive interactions create a tranquil atmosphere that invites players to relax and unwind.”
    • “The music is repetitive and unremarkable, changing occasionally to fit the mood.”
    • “The music from the returning artist was forgettable.”
    • “There were some minor grammatical errors and the music did become very repetitive.”
  • gameplay133 mentions

    The gameplay in "Coffee Talk Episode 2" builds upon the original's charm with enhanced drink-making mechanics, new recipes, and the introduction of an item-giving feature that adds depth to interactions. While the core gameplay remains simple and relaxing, the new elements provide a fresh layer of engagement, making it a delightful sequel for fans of narrative-driven experiences. However, some players feel that certain mechanics, like the latte art, remain frustratingly unchanged, and the overall gameplay evolution is modest.

    • “The drink-making mechanic is back and better than ever.”
    • “As always the music and writing is fantastic and the new mechanic of giving items adds a new layer to the gameplay that allows for more variation in each playthrough.”
    • “This sequel builds on the cozy storytelling and addictive gameplay of the original, serving up a warm and delightful experience.”
    • “First: actual gameplay is limited.”
    • “Not a lot of gameplay besides making the drinks but the characters were cute and the dialogues interesting.”
    • “The only gameplay difference from the first game is that the characters sometimes ask the barista to pass along small items for them, so it's a matter of waiting for another character to show up and then hoping you remember to give it.”
  • emotional117 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly" is widely praised for its heartwarming storytelling, relatable characters, and soothing atmosphere, making it a touching sequel that resonates deeply with players. Many reviewers express how the game evokes a range of emotions, from joy to nostalgia, often leading to heartfelt moments that leave a lasting impact. Overall, it is celebrated as a cozy and emotionally rewarding experience that beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships.

    • “I don't remember the last time any game has made me feel this.”
    • “An amazing sequel to one of my favorite games to relax to, truly a beautiful and touching game on the complexities of emotions and people.”
    • “With its soothing atmosphere, engaging characters, and heartwarming stories, Coffee Talk 2 is a must-play for fans of relaxing games and anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.”
  • graphics85 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning pixel art style, which beautifully complements the cozy atmosphere and heartfelt storytelling. Players appreciate the charming visuals and the relaxing soundtrack, noting that the artwork enhances the overall experience and adds depth to character interactions. Overall, the game's art direction is considered a significant strength, making it a delightful visual treat for fans of the genre.

    • “The game's pixelated art style is beautifully rendered, capturing the cozy atmosphere of the café and the vibrant personalities of its patrons.”
    • “Just amazing artwork, sound/music, game design, everything is just perfect!”
    • “The visuals are still charming as ever, and the music sets the perfect mood.”
    • “Anyway, it's a simple story with simple graphics, simple gameplay, and simple music.”
    • “Pls play it, though if you're having trouble loading the game, change the display to a higher graphic; I don't know how, but it helped me.”
    • “Coffee Talk 2's sprites lean a lot more into the pixel art aesthetics.”
  • atmosphere72 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Coffee Talk 2" is consistently praised for its cozy, inviting ambiance, enhanced by soothing music and charming pixel art that evokes a real-life café experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a tranquil environment filled with heartfelt storytelling and engaging characters, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing gaming experience. The combination of a chill lo-fi soundtrack and a comforting narrative further solidifies its status as a must-play for fans of atmospheric games.

    • “The game’s pixel art remains a visual delight, continuing to evoke that warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you wish this café existed in real life.”
    • “With its soothing atmosphere, engaging characters, and heartwarming stories, Coffee Talk 2 is a must-play for fans of relaxing games and anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.”
    • “So, whether you're seeking a thought-provoking experience or a more carefree atmosphere, Coffee Talk 2 offers a brew that may not suit everyone's taste.”
    • “The game's gentle pace, soothing soundtrack, and focus on positive interactions create a tranquil atmosphere that invites players to relax and unwind.”
    • “It can easily evoke something and thus attract your attention... you wish you could go to a cafe like this, with its very easy gameplay and relaxing atmosphere.”
  • humor14 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as cozy and surprisingly funny, with players enjoying lighthearted moments, dad jokes, and amusing achievements related to order mistakes. The atmosphere contributes to a relaxing experience, often eliciting chuckles and smiles through engaging stories and funny memes found throughout the gameplay. Overall, the humor enhances the game's charm and adds to its unique appeal.

    • “I really enjoy the game: creating new drinks, listening to new stories, and finding funny memes in the newspapers at each start of a new day.”
    • “Cozy and surprisingly funny!”
    • “I often found myself chuckling or smiling about something wholesome or some dumb dad joke, but the overall atmosphere was great, plus the soundtrack is on point.”
  • character development14 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its clever dialogue and memorable character designs, which enhance the overall storytelling experience. While some players express indifference towards character growth, others appreciate the depth and evolution seen in returning characters and new additions like Lucas and Riona. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong narrative and attention to detail, setting it apart from other visual novels.

    • “Clever, well-written dialog, beautiful character designs with great attention to detail and a few little secrets hidden in the game make it an all-round successful package.”
    • “Additionally, the new character designs for the two new character additions, Lucas and Riona, were my favorite and were mainly what got me to playing the sequel.”
    • “As I reflect on the character development, I realized I was quite indifferent to it.”
    • “To me, the original Coffee Talk felt so far ahead of its visual novel contemporaries in terms of story and character development.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly due to the need to replay multiple times to unlock all endings and achievements, which involves long dialogue sequences. While the effort is rewarded with unique artworks and a sense of completion, the repetitive nature of skipping through previously seen content can become monotonous over time. Overall, while the grinding is seen as a necessary part of the experience, it can detract from the enjoyment for some players.

    • “It was much more tedious when you factor in the long splurge of dialogue throughout each day (you have a total of 14 days including the 15th addition just like in the first game), which has both its pros and cons.”
    • “However, for replayability purposes, once you've seen it all, pressing down on the skip button for long sessions becomes tedious and monotonous.”
    • “That's where the extra 3 hours came from and another 1.7 for some grinding for other trophies.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    Overall, the game offers enhanced replayability compared to its predecessor, featuring branching storylines with multiple endings and various achievements that encourage players to revisit the content. While some achievements may be frustrating, the inclusion of an endless mode and engaging post-game content adds to the replay value, making it enjoyable and accessible for players. The combination of a captivating soundtrack and relatable themes further enriches the experience, inviting players to explore different aspects of the game.

    • “There's some added replayability which is interesting, and it allows for branching in the storyline that allows for 'good' and 'bad' endings for each of the characters.”
    • “[good stuff, game is fun, relaxing and doesn't require commitment to enjoy it, easy to play and learn, runs on any computer with no trouble, living world and characters really helps with the identity of the game, replay value through the endless mode and other endings].”
    • “Some of the achievements were annoying (specifically two of the gallery achievements, endless mode, and 1 hr on latte art) but I appreciate the increased replayability of this game compared to the first game.”
    • “Some of the achievements were annoying (specifically two of the gallery achievements, endless mode, and 1 hour on latte art), but I appreciate the increased replayability of this game compared to the first game.”
    • “[Good stuff: the game is fun, relaxing, and doesn't require commitment to enjoy it. It's easy to play and learn, runs on any computer with no trouble, and the living world and characters really help with the identity of the game. There is replay value through the endless mode and other endings.]”
  • stability2 mentions

    The game demonstrates excellent stability, performing smoothly on the Steam Deck without any reported issues.

    • “Runs great on the deck, too.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

Buy Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly

Play time

103hMedian play time
103hAverage play time
103-103hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News