Written by
Albert H. Gates

Contents

Do you enjoy Visual Novel games? Personally, I quite like this genre, not only because of its relaxed and slow gameplay, but also because of the stories the authors want to convey. And today, the game we want to introduce to you also belongs to this genre, called Coffee Talk: Episode 1. That’s right, just like its name suggests, this game takes us to a coffee shop with many interesting stories waiting to be told.

Introduce about Coffee Talk: Episode 1

Developed by Toge Productions, Coffee Talk: Episode 1 first launched on PC and consoles in January 2020, and will not be available on Android/iOS until March 2026. After a considerable time on the market, Coffee Talk: Episode 1 has achieved many accomplishments, including a nomination for the D.I.C.E Awards – Best Independent Game. With its deep yet relatable storyline, you’re guaranteed to love this game from the moment you start playing.

What’s happening in Coffee Talk: Episode 1?

Coffee Talk: Episode 1 is set in Seattle, a city on the West Coast of the United States. Of course, this is a fictional Seattle with many unique features, such as special races like Orcs, Elves, Succubus, and Vampires living alongside humans. Overall, it’s similar to our own society: there are good people, bad people, and of course, no heroes or demon lords.

And here, we play the role of a barista at a coffee shop that only opens at night. It’s not just about making drinks to order; this place is also filled with interesting stories from its customers. Whose story will linger in your memory the longest? Let’s experience the fascinating world of Seattle together in Coffee Talk: Episode 1!

Gameplay

As mentioned above, Coffee Talk: Episode 1 is known as a Visual Novel game with many dialogues that are the personal stories of the characters. They come to this coffee shop not only to drink something but also to confide their feelings. The topics of these conversations are quite diverse, ranging from love, work, life, social conflicts, etc. Depending on each customer, their story can differ in content and emotion.

Beyond the dialogues, Coffee Talk: Episode 1 is also a barista simulation game. This is the core of the game. Customers need a drink to help them confide in each other, and you are the barista who prepares it. Usually, customers will order their drinks, but sometimes the decision rests with you. The interesting thing is that your drink can directly influence the course of the conversation, sometimes even ending it immediately. Instead of making decisions through words, you now decide everything with your drink.

The guests you will meet

Seattle at Coffee Talk: Episode 1 is a fascinating fictional setting featuring a diverse cast of people. These are our customers. Each evening we have a few customers, but not everyone will chat with you. Depending on the situation, you can still join their conversations. You might even get to know some of the cafe’s regulars:

• Freya: A freelance writer – an energetic and outspoken individual. She’s experiencing creative block and career uncertainty. Freya can be seen as representing young people caught between their passions and the harsh realities of life.
• Hyde: A vampire doctor with a long lifespan, Hyde possesses a profound understanding of humanity – an experienced character who often offers advice.
• Gala: A medical professional, despite being a werewolf, he suffers from insomnia and stress due to his work.
• Neil: An alien studying humanity, often asking naive yet insightful questions.
• Baileys and Lua: An Elf and Succubus couple. They are in love but face family opposition due to their racial differences. A metaphor for racism and societal prejudice.

Graphics and sound

It’s safe to say that the graphics and sound aren’t overly flashy, but they’re very soulful. The game uses 2D pixel art with a strong 90s anime style and warm, muted colors. Combined with the rain effect outside the window, it creates an extremely relaxing atmosphere. While the characters don’t have many movements or gestures, their expressions are very expressive and convey emotions effectively in the dialogue.

Furthermore, the slow, gentle tempos of lo-fi, jazz, and chill-hop music elevate the entire experience. Music is also something many players appreciate when playing Coffee Talk: Episode 1. Imagine sitting in a cafe on a rainy night with soft music and lighting – how relaxing! Quite a few players, including myself, open the game just to listen to the music. Have you tried it?

Download Coffee Talk: Episode 1 MOD APK for Android

In reality, Coffee Talk: Episode 1 doesn’t win players over with high-quality graphics or sound, but rather with the atmosphere and emotions conveyed through its authentic stories. Here, although the customers are of various races, they share many of our own problems. So, as the barista, what will you do to help them? Download Coffee Talk: Episode 1 right here and see what we can do!