Never did this before, but I will now. So hush.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/447530/

The game is VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action.

Short version: It's a more relaxed version of Papers Please, VN stule

Long Version: I was a bit hesitant to play it at first, mainly because Papers Please wasn't my thing. However this game is rather different. Before we start, I will say this IS a visual novel, with the bartender stuff sprinkled on top, however without all the highschool Japanese zing that comes with it, which I'm sure we all are thankful for. That may turn a lot of people off. However it isn't the You play as a bartender who serves drinks for her customers, and I thought it was gonna be some frenzy game. Turns out it's not, and it's far more relaxed. The game even recommends you get a drink, a snack, and kick back and relax.

It has the anime art style to it, but the thing that REALLY got me into it was 2 things. The style it reminded me of, and the dialogue of the characters

In terms of the art style, it has that 80's retro future feel to it. Instantly it reminded me of some vague Super Nintendo sci fi title, before I finally got a good feel of what it seemed to be inspired from



If anyone is a fan of Kojima, you've heard of Snatcher. Not at all related to the game, it just reminded me of the general feel and the art style, and the soundtrack really helped play into that feel. It's relaxing, enjoyable, and helps you get immersed in the world they're throwing at you. I think what I enjoy the most is you can choose to give the customers the drinks they want, or you can get them completely shit faced and see the results. In turn, the story branches out into many different paths (routes, though romance isn't the main aspect of this I feel), offering much replayability.

In terms of dialogue, I half expected some anime tier kinda stuff, but it's honestly actually pretty down to earth. The characters actually talk like real people, and the humor is actually done well. Again though, the main thing that really turned me onto this was the soundtrack, and how relaxing everything was.

Sometimes I just need to play something where I can sit back, get away from my crappy real life issues and drama, and just enjoy something that isn't stressful, and which you don't rage quit in (looking at you, Dark Souls, Rocket League).

Anyway, you can check probably better reviews on the Steam page, and the game is 6 months old now, so late here. I'm only a few hours in but really have enjoyed it so far, and anything that's voted overwhelmingly positive, both overall and recent on steam, is at least taking a gander at. There are enough shitty generic games out there that we grow tired of. I just felt I should type this though if anyone wants to try something a bit out of the norm of what they do, and if they've not checked it out yet.

I'll leave you with a song I enjoyed from the game.



Edit: If you don't play with scanlines on, you're doing it wrong. Makes it feel more retro and VHS like.

Do you have an end goal?

I can follow up on this question.

Basically it's about surviving the closure of your bar, and spending your money wisely that you make. You have to pay rent at one point or another, so don't go broke. Don't blow it on everything at the store either.

Basically be a grown up.

But really the main thing is interacting with the clients and their stories.

Quote from: Luciana on December 14, 2016, 03:39:28 PM

Quote from: True Turquoise on December 14, 2016, 07:12:43 AM

Do you have an end goal?

I can follow up on this question.

Basically it's about surviving the closure of your bar, and spending your money wisely that you make. You have to pay rent at one point or another, so don't go broke. Don't blow it on everything at the store either.

Basically be a grown up.

But really the main thing is interacting with the clients and their stories.

it sounds really good

I think you'd like it if you just wanna sit back and relax. Give it a look whenever your lappy top comes around. Also, there are memes in this, but it's actually done... good. It's in passing at best from time to time, not in your face.