VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action Reviews
Having never played a bartending game in my life before this year I find it unusual that I’m now reviewing my second one...
In summation, VA-11 HALL-A was well worth the wait on my Vita. It drew me in much deeper than I would have thought possible, making me actually care about the lives of these characters. Kudos as well to Sukeban Games for subtly tying in themes of consciousness, sexual identity, depression, true friendship, love and much more. For $14.99, VA-11 HALL-A is a game every Vita fan should own. It’s full of heart, drama and hope. My only hope now is that the world of the game gets expanded in the future, as I would love a sequel or something similar from the developers. VA-11 HALL-A is the bar I desperately need in my own life, and after playing it, you’ll feel the same.
VA-11 HALL-A is one of the best visual novels available and a great starting point for those unfamiliar with the genre. It's delightfully polished retro-inspired visuals are accompanied by a truly original soundtrack and the stories of Jill and the various characters are immeasurably strong.
Sukeban first game is still a wonderful simulator. For some people won't be a deep experience, but still is a relaxing game with a very interesting lore. One of the greatest things about this game is that finally... is available in a platform that's not PS Vita.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you like choose-your-own-adventure style books and like to explore all the options, then VA-11 HALL-A is a perfect choice. You will be hard pressed to find a better narrative-driven form of entertainment this year.
Behind meme humour and Lolita looks hides a game that tells deeply human stories with a simple but effective mechanic.
Review in German | Read full review
Anyone who enjoys visual novels, or great stories in general, should stop by VA11-HALL-A for a refreshing drink.
Despite VA-11 Hall-A’s commendable ability to create an elaborate, futuristic environment via a relatively simple medium, it’s ultimately a frustrating endeavor. The unique characters are not enough to overcome the exasperating surprises and a story that tapers off. As such, VA-11 Hall-A misses an opportunity to be an engaging, memorable experience.
VA-11 Hall-A offers no challenge. Its not a game you will remember for its controls or its multiplayer, but you will remember the experience, and if you ask me. That's worth it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
"Shaken, not stirred."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Va11ha11a is a really odd game. Not because it’s bad, or particularly weird per se, but because I have nothing to really draw a parallel to for comparison. Yes, there are visual novels with gimmicks, but those normally culminate in something, whether it be snagging a girl or unraveling a magical conspiracy by fighting with giant mechs using anthropomorphic books (yes that’s an actual example). Va11ha11a, on the other hand, is perfectly content to just be as it is, which is something I can say is rather novel to find. You aren’t going to find much action here, but the company certainly kept me coming back for more.
I had low expectations for VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action. I anticipated a bartending simulator with a simple narrative but I was mistaken. Yes, you're a bartender and the game is a narrative-driven title but the deep and complex characters along with the well-crafted cyberpunk universe provide a soothing yet exciting environment. Each character has their own personalities whether it's an editor looking to kill time or a working man trying to find meaning in life. VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action excels at providing an invigorating adventure full of interesting characters while elaborating on its own cyberpunk world.
Even for those who don't have a lot of love for visual novels, VA-11 HALL-A's varied gameplay, charming characters, and superior writing make it worth seeking out.
It might be lacking the solid gameplay from other indie titles, but VA-11 Hall-A more than makes up for it with its great storytelling. This is for lovers of interesting fiction, and not for hardcore gamers.
Review in German | Read full review
Sukeban did a fantastic job with building a cyberpunk world that feels organic, writing characters that are believable and (mostly) easy to love, and giving us a gameplay experience that would give those who are reluctant to the simple flow of visual novels a legitimate shot. I really enjoyed my time in Glitch City, and I think you will too.
A fascinating visual novel about a bar in a cyberpunk dystopia and all the characters that wander in to share their stories. Time to mix drinks and change lives.
Even when crammed into tiny handheld, VA-11 HALL-A is still an excellent game with an even better story about how everyone has a story.
Give this game a try you won't regret it.
At its core, VA-11 Hall-A is the rare cyberpunk story that has heart, and even goes so far as to give its female characters agency in their own lives. It’s a story where we, the player, take the backseat, and soak it all in. Just like a good book.