Indonesian indie games continue to demonstrate their quality on the international stage, and one of the most popular is Coffee Talk. Following the success of the first game in 2020, Toge Productions released a sequel, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly. This game retains the cozy atmosphere of a Seattle nighttime cafe, but adds a new story, fresh characters, and unique drink ingredients that enhance the gameplay experience.
Continuing the Warm Atmosphere from the First Series
Coffee Talk 2 returns players to the barista seat in a small, mysterious yet relaxing cafe. As before, players play the role of listener and serve drinks to various customers with unique backgrounds. The atmosphere remains comfortable: rainy nights, lo-fi music, intimate conversations, and a warm cup of coffee or tea accompany each story.
What makes this game special is the way it presents everyday life with a touch of fantasy. Although the characters are elves, succubi, orcs, or even aliens, the issues they face remain relatable to real life, such as love, friendship, cultural differences, and even anxiety about the future. This makes Coffee Talk not just a game, but also a social reflection.
Old Characters and Newcomers
Players will reunite with iconic characters from the first series, such as Freya the journalist, Hyde the vampire, and Lua the succubus. Their presence provides continuity, keeping longtime fans familiar yet intrigued by the development of each character’s story.
Furthermore, Hibiscus & Butterfly also introduces new characters who bring a fresh dynamic. Each customer has a unique story to explore through casual conversation. The introduction of these new characters not only adds variety to interactions but also expands the themes and social conflicts raised in the game.
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New Features: Hibiscus and Butterfly
As the title suggests, the game adds two new key ingredients: Hibiscus and Butterfly Pea. These two ingredients unlock a variety of new drink recipes that can be served to customers. Players need to be creative in serving drinks, as the right drink can affect the storyline or the customer’s mood.
The addition of these new ingredients freshens up the gameplay while still maintaining its simplicity. For experienced players, this addition provides a new challenge to remember unique recipes. For new players, this feature enriches the initial experience without overcomplicating it.
Captivating Pixel Art Visuals and Lo-Fi Music
One of Coffee Talk’s biggest draws is its beautiful and relaxing pixel art style. Episode 2 maintains this retro aesthetic, with smooth animations, detailed rain visuals, and a warm, nighttime cafe atmosphere.
The distinctive lo-fi music also accompanies the game throughout. This soundtrack not only serves as a backdrop but also creates a cozy atmosphere that makes players want to linger. This combination of visuals and music is what makes Coffee Talk more than just a game, but also an interactive, relaxing experience.
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Deeper Social Themes
Despite its warm atmosphere, Hibiscus & Butterfly still boldly touches on relevant social issues. Issues such as discrimination, cultural gaps, communication difficulties, and the challenges of modern life are resurfaced through customer conversations.
This game demonstrates that even a simple narrative can have a powerful emotional impact. With its gentle storytelling, players become not just baristas, but also friends with whom others can confide. This is what makes Coffee Talk a unique and meaningful game.
Toge Productions’ Success and Local Identity
Coffee Talk’s success is inseparable from the distinctive touch of Toge Productions, an Indonesian studio. With a Western-style visual novel approach but enriched with an Asian perspective, the game has captured the attention of international gamers.
With Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, Toge Productions has once again proven that Indonesian indie games can compete on the global stage. Its presence is a source of pride, as it has successfully introduced coffee drinking culture and a unique narrative to the international scene.
Get Coffee Talk 2 on Steam!!!!
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