Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a heartwarming visual novel game that maintains the chill and endearing atmosphere of its predecessor.
The game is set in an alternate version of Seattle, where supernatural creatures such as elves, werewolves, vampires, and harpies live alongside humans, and players serve coffee while learning about their personal stories and struggles.
The gameplay remains mostly unchanged, with players reading dialogue and creating drinks based on customers' orders, but new elements have been added, such as colorful tea blends and a lost and found drawer.
Some players may miss the central thread provided by the character Freya in the original game, but overall, the engaging narrative and soothing ambiance make it an enjoyable experience for fans of the first installment and newcomers looking for a calming, story-driven game.
Coffee Talk and its sequel offer a laid-back game about coffee, fascinating characters, and their deeply human stories, making it an ideal choice for players seeking a relaxing and immersive gaming experience.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, the sequel to the much-loved visual novel game, transports players back to the alternate version of Seattle where they can serve coffee to an intriguing mix of supernatural humanoid creatures.
As a barista in a cozy late-night cafe, players reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones, all while creating and serving delightful beverages.
The World of Coffee Talk
In this alternate version of Seattle, the city is populated by an array of supernatural beings such as elves, werewolves, vampires, and harpies, living side-by-side with humans.
The original Coffee Talk provided players with an immersive, chill atmosphere, focusing on the personal stories and struggles of these diverse characters.
The game’s charm stemmed from its ability to use the fantastical creatures to tell deeply human stories that players could relate to, despite the supernatural setting.
Gameplay and Atmosphere
The sequel maintains its predecessor’s chill and endearing atmosphere, with the familiar sound of falling rain and a lo-fi beats soundtrack, paired with warm pixel art visuals that enhance the overall experience.
The gameplay remains mostly unchanged, as players still spend the majority of their time reading dialogue and creating drinks based on customers’ orders or hints.
The game is structured as a series of days, beginning with the player reading newspaper headlines before welcoming customers into the cafe.
As players serve drinks and engage with customers, they learn about the characters’ lives, problems, and aspirations.
This laid-back, dialogue-driven gameplay allows players to focus on the narrative and feel a genuine connection with the characters.
The original Coffee Talk provided players with an immersive, chill atmosphere, focusing on the personal stories and struggles of these diverse characters.
New Ingredients and Features
Hibiscus & Butterfly adds some new elements to the original gameplay, such as colorful tea blends, expanding the range of drinks players can make.
Additionally, a lost and found drawer has been introduced for returning key items to characters. While these features don’t drastically change the game, they add to its charm and keep the experience fresh for returning players.
The Absence of Freya
However, some players may miss the presence of Freya, a regular customer from the original game who provided consistency and comfort.
Her absence in the sequel is felt, as she played an essential role in tying the stories together and grounding players in the game’s world.
The lack of a central thread in Hibiscus & Butterfly may leave players feeling slightly disconnected from the stories, longing for a character like Freya to help process the events unfolding in the cafe.
A Cup Half Full
Despite some shortcomings, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly still offers an enjoyable experience
The game’s relaxed atmosphere and engaging character-driven stories remain intact, making it a worthy follow-up to the original.
While newcomers should first try the original Coffee Talk, fans of the first installment will find plenty to enjoy in this sequel.
For those seeking a laid-back game about coffee, fascinating characters, and their deeply human stories, Coffee Talk and its sequel, Hibiscus & Butterfly, are waiting to serve you a comforting cup of pixelated goodness.
The engaging narrative and soothing ambiance make it an ideal choice for players looking for a calming, story-driven experience.
