Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly

Welcome to Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly! A continuation of a bestselling game with rave reviews, Coffee Talk 2 is looking to be an absolute banger in its own right, with all the gentle lo-fi, stunning art style, and brilliant writing that you could ever want. If you want to play a game that is a bit more on the relaxed side, this is the one to go for. A fantastic game that is more akin to a narrative experience than anything else, Coffee Talk 2 offers one of the most enjoyable and chill gaming experiences I’ve ever had. If that sounds good to you, keep reading.

Gameplay

So, this game is a continuation from Coffee Talk, so it has much of the same vibe that one did. Closer to a visual novel, this title has a very slow and deliberate pace to it but with some excellent interactive moments to break it up. A lot of the game is clicking through conversation, but as your objective is to help these people with some issue that they are facing, you must pay attention to the way they speak and what they talk about so you can gather all the information you need, and give them a best drink that they could ask for. One of the best parts of the game is being able to draw your own latte-art with foam and the games fluid simulation, it allows you to be as creative as you could wish for.

There are some other elements in here that bend the rules of reality and such. If you have played the previous game then you know exactly what I’m talking about and you will be pleased to know that those mechanics make a return in this game too.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The visuals of this game are utterly stunning. With an art style that is on par with Backbone, you will constantly be thinking “my goodness, this game is so cozy and cool.” It’s a difficult pair of concepts to bridge, but this title manages to make them work so well.

This is modern fantasy, so there’s an octopus girl in glasses, a game developing orc in a hoody, and a vampire that will drink anything, not just blood. The rain in the background, and the people walking past the windows all give this legitimate chill vibe that is impossible to beat.

The Story

There is no single plot to this, its more of an objective, which is to help everyone who comes to the shop. There are multiple customers, many of which know each other, and they have complicated histories. Its up to you to figure out what these people need to hear, and what drink you can provide that will soothe their emotional ailments and help the changes they must face go down just as smooth.

If you are looking for a game that has something unique and calming, but isn’t quite as intensely focused as other games, then this is the one to go for.

Pros

• Excellent pixel art style
• Amazingly realistic characters with real world problems
• Incredible atmosphere

Cons

• The game lacks focus at times, but if you are the type who just likes to help others then this is perfect for you