Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Reviews
The original third-place-simulator gets a sequel with much of the same conversational charms, but also some rougher edges to its chit-chat.
Hibiscus & Butterfly tries to do more than it should as a second episode, but this is still a sweet, warm visual novel that's as restorative as one of its good cuppas. If you wanted more Coffee Talk, you're in for a treat.
Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly is a relaxing visual novel, but make sure you've played the first game before starting this one.
Coffee Talk returns with its second episode, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, to bring back an experience very similar to the original that is able of gladdening the soul of any gamer.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Coffee Talk Episode 2 captures the essence of what it’s like to chat with friends at a late-night café over a warm cup. Not a whole lot has changed between episodes, which is a good thing for returning players looking for the same heartfelt storytelling and diverse characters from the first installment. Although the sequel does not tread any new ground in terms of gameplay, the additional recipes and tales should be enough to satisfy both seasoned baristas and newcomers alike.
It wants to deliver the chill vibes while confronting real-world social issues. There is no commitment to the latter beyond surface-level platitudes; Otherwise, it might detract from the relaxing goals of brewing drinks. It is a problem that existed in the original Coffee Talk but has only gotten worse. While there is no denying the joys of revisiting the magical residents of Seattle, Coffee Talk Episode 2 doesn’t nail the balance of bitter and sweet like a perfect cup of coffee.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly is a collection of wonderful and beautifully written stories. Going back to preparing a coffee, getting to know customers and finding beauty in these nuances could be a must to everyone. A big comeback.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Just as with the original, Coffee Talk Episode 2 can be played through a second time to unearth new secrets and earn new achievements, offering a great deal of value for its small price tag. At its core, this title is more of an experience than a game, with small bursts of brewing peppered throughout a visual novel. Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly won't satisfy all styles of player, but it's perfect for those who enjoyed the original and any fan of cozy games looking for a rich new narrative.
We are facing a fresh game that does not come with major pretensions, offering us the opportunity to get away from everyday life and understand that life is more than a simple routine, or that every day we are surrounded by problems, so sometimes we must get out of all this and take "literally" our time, that is what you will get in Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a refreshing visual novel filled with relatable characters and amazing intertwining stories. The controls are simple, with fun, minimal gameplay. The music and sound effects fit in well with the coffee shop ambiance.
The warm drinks you brew are as warm and satisfying as the atmosphere this game induces. Coffee Talk Episode 2 continues to be a relaxing and enjoyable drink-making game, while also having intriguing stories and interesting characters.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a touching return to the video game equivalent of savoring a favorite warm beverage on a dreary day.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a wonderful followup to a chill and touching story that retains the charm of the original while not feeling bound by it. The character arcs feel even more human and relatable within a fascinating world and branching story.
A near-perfect rendition of fairytales with a modern twist, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is easily one of 2023's best narrative efforts, with consistently engaging gameplay alongside it.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a fantastic sequel. The art style is simple but amazing, the music is great and the ambient rain is relaxing. Choices do indeed matter in this game, and with a (pretty hard to miss) mistake, you can cut off character arcs completely. Admittedly, there are some annoying bugs, and issues with the social media app. But the game is so grounded and authentic in its characters that each of them has their own wants, desires, and problems. While you can't solve them with a coffee, you can help steer them in one direction or another. Their issues still feel really natural, even if they're not human. Coffee Talk 2 is a beautiful game, and I can't wait to jump back in again to collect all the nick knacks.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly may not do much to differentiate itself from its predecessor, however it still delivers a quality visual novel experience packed with plenty of hot drinks and lo-fi beats to brew them to.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly builds upon the original, bringing players new and easy-to-love characters, a ton of good vibes, and tidbits of lore for anyone interested. It's a sweet return to the nighttime café that fans are sure to enjoy.
Coffee Talk Episode 2 is definitely only for those who played and enjoyed the first game. The same friendliness, the same sincerity remains, but you might be a little bit annoyed that everything is too much the same.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
All my fears around whether or not Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly were completely unfounded. The game is warm, grounded in realism despite its fantasy world, with an amazing soundtrack and great drinks to learn about. It is a great compliment to a chilly, rainy day. The characters all have unique personalities so they sometimes clash, but they always figure it out in the end. It’s a wonderful, feel-good visual novel; I can honestly say I hope there is more to come. I’m sure there are more stories to tell. I’m 100 per cent sure the game did its original creator, who has since passed on, proud.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a hot coffee in a rainy day, a safe bet from the developers by not straying too far from the formula established with the first game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review