Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Reviews
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.
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 & Butterfly is well-written, thoughtful and explores serious topics through a fantasy lens. It's worth checking out. If you enjoyed the first, this is essentially more of the same, but with new characters and stories. This is exactly what I wanted from it.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Episode 2 is the perfect pick-up-and-play title whenever you're looking for an escape from the bustle of everyday life. Delivering everything you'd expect to see from the previous instalment alongside enough small changes like a new outfit for a returning character, new drinks and ingredients, and the addition of Stories on Tomodachill, it feels familiar yet fresh. With an incredibly relaxed, ambient atmosphere, and a cast of fully realised, memorable characters with storylines that echo the real world, this fantasy-based visual novel is an absolute treat to play. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to practise my Coffee Talk latte art.
[D]on't expect Coffee Talk: Episode 2 to be vastly different from the first game; it's more an expansion than a full-fledged sequel in case the title isn't a dead giveaway. You're still getting more stories, resolutions, and continuations from the first game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.