Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Reviews
This return to the all-night coffee shop means more brewing satisfying drinks and taking the time to listen to, and often help, your patrons
Coffee Talk episode2 successfully inherited the advantages of the original while expanding the story even further. Instead of radical changes in system, the game tries to introduce new mechanics, characters and concept in more subtle, natural ways.
Review in Korean | Read full review
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.
I’ll end this by saying that I didn’t entirely hate my experience with Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly and am glad I made it through because experiencing the characters really was a treat. There are a lot of heart-warming moments and lessons in this title and I am happy I got to learn a few. I just wish there was more to do, especially because the game is not that long to begin with.
All in all Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a fundamentally more-of-the-same experience – a charming and very welcome dive back into this world, even if it doesn’t add much new to the formula.
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.
Rather than greatly expanding the scope of the original, "Episode 2" refines its visuals and gives fans more of what they loved about the original game.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly is steeped in the same lo-fi chill atmosphere as its predecessor. Light touch gameplay gives way to heady and heartfelt conversations full of flavour, and despite little in the way of invention, it never lets the milk curdle. Savour it like a nice warm beverage, until you have to say that bittersweet farewell.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is what every sequel should be. It revels in its identity but offers something new to explore, all while welcoming you back like an old friend.
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.
With considerably better storytelling than its predecessor, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly manages to go beyond the comfortable experience of serving hot drinks to strangers. Both new characters and old acquaintances present interesting stories that reveal a very exciting world of modern fantasy and form a true family with their bonds. An easy recommendation for anyone looking for a good everyday gaming experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Coffee Talk Episode 2 leans far too deeply into its own world-building to create a game that, unless you’re a super fan of the first game and the fictional version of Seattle that Toge Productions have concocted, you’re going to struggle to find anything more than a chill visual novel to read through and some fantastic lo-fi music to listen to.
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.
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: Hibiscus & Butterfly refuses to fix what isn't broken, and it adds a few new mechanics that freshen up the gameplay just enough. While elements of its narrative aren't quite as strong as those of the first Coffee Talk, it remains an incredibly chill and peaceful experience, and I'd gladly play through as many episodes as the developers choose to bless us with. Catching up with old friends is one of my favorite pastimes, and being able to do it in video game form is something I can definitely raise a glass to.
Coffee Talk Episode 2 is the perfect game for those times when you just want to kick back and relax. The combination of its excellent soundtrack and charming cast makes for an experience that's as comforting and laid-back as you can get. The game is certainly not for everyone, and players who aren’t fond of visual novel-type games will not change their minds, even though Coffee Talk Episode 2 offers a more engaging gameplay loop compared to others. While the sequel offers nothing remarkably new and is more of the same as the first game, trying it out may be a surprise.
I highly recommend this game to anyone who loves visual novels and is looking to soothe their anxiety whilst playing a game. This game helped me to relax at night before going to sleep because it just soothed me. I love that aside from hearing the stories of the customers, you actually make their drinks; this added a lot of extra fun to the game for me. Another fun addition to the game was that they added a lot of fun little pop culture easter eggs in the dialogues. That made the game feel like it could be real, but just in another realm. Lastly, I want to mention the playtime. The amount of playtime you get for this affordable game is so worth it in my eyes. It took me a long time to finish the game, and it is definitely replayable when you haven’t unlocked every recipe or have some other achievements to finish.
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.
The original third-place-simulator gets a sequel with much of the same conversational charms, but also some rougher edges to its chit-chat.