[Steam] VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action Review

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I'd like to dive into requeired nothing more than a mouse, <VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action> by Sukeban Games.

✏ Mixing Drinks, Mixing Stories

Set in a dystopian cyberpunk world, <VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action> (shortened to <Valhalla>) places players in the shoes of Jill, a bartender at a small, neon-lit dive bar of the same name. THe game revolves around mixing drinks for customers while listening to their stories - often laces with mystery, humor, and raw emotion.

As a Jill, we won't be traveling far - our life consists of commuting between Jill's tin APT. and the bar. There’s no combat, no exploration, no deep action mechanics. Instead, <Valhalla> thrives purely on storytelling. Despite its simple gameplay loop, the colorful cast of patrons and their interwoven narratives keep things engaging from start to finish

✏ A Surprisingly Friendly Drink-Mixing System

As someone who once studied for a bartending certification, I can confidently say that making cocktails is a quite difficult process. At first, I worried that I'd have to memorize recipes or jot them down somewhere. Thankfully, the game allows us to reference drink recipes anytime.

For example, when a customer like Gil asks for a Sugar Rush or Piano Man, you can check the recipe right away. A Sugar Rush consists of two Adelhyde, one Powdered Delta, and an optional Karmotrine. To make the drink, you manually select and drag the ingredients into the shaker, a tactile process that adds immersion.

The best part? There are no harsh penalties for mistakes. If you mix the wrong ingredients or even serve the wrong drink, the game adapts dynamically. Customers might react with amusement, disappointment, or unexpected honesty - sometimes even revealing personal secrets depending on what they drink.

Ah, that said, there's a financial consequence sometimes. Since Jill has rent to pay, repeated mistakes can lead to her being unable to afford her APT., which affects the game's ending.

✏ Spicy Dialogue and Mature Themes🌶

Despite its chill atmosphere, <Valhalla> isn't for the faint of heart. The game is rated 18+ for a reason - its dialogue can be explicit, and some characters don't hold back.

Dorothy and Ingram, the main 18+ concept characters

Take Dorothy, for example - a cheerful but provocative character whose profession and candid conversations push the boundaries of the game's cyberpunk world. Then there's Ingram, who wastes no time making inappropriate aomments the moment he walks into the bar.

Go away kids, this is the 'most' gentle line of Ingram

While there are no explicit visual scenes, the conversations can get pretty raw. If you're uncomfortable with sexual themes or LGBTQ+ storylines, consider this a heads-up. But for those who can handle it, these elements add depth to the game's gritty cyberpunk setting.

✏ More Than Just Bartending

One of <Valhalla>'s greatest strengths is its world-building, but its music deserves just as much praise.

It's a rule to use phone before gonna work or when working

Each shift, you get to curate a 12-song playlist for the bar's jukebox, setting the atmostphere to your liking. Whether you prefer chill lo-fi beats or more upbeat synthwave, the soundtrack is an absoulte gem.

Additionally, Jull's APT. serves as a small but meaningful customization space. After a long shift, she can shop for new decorations - things like holo plants or posters. Buying these items boosts her mood, making her more focused at work. If you skimp on shipping, she'll become distracted, making it harder to mix drinks accurately.

Holo plant has been added after buying it for her!

📋Overall Review

At its core, <VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action> is a visual novel with interactive bartending mechanics, but it stands out thanks to its incredible storytelling, immersive cyberpunk atmostphere, and engaging characters.

Unlike traditional RPGs, there are no grand quests or combat mechanics. Instead, the game invites you to step behind the bar, listen to the world's problems, and mix drinks that - quite literally - change lives.

For those who love narrative - driven experiences and don't mind mature themes, this ₩16,000 (~$12) game offers over 10 hours of captivating gameplay. If you're looking for a slower, dialogue - heavy adventure with a unique twist, <Valhalla> is well worth a try.

* Steam URL : https://store.steampowered.com/app/447530/VA11_HallA_Cyberpunk_Bartender_Action/

* Kor version : https://gamers-tryto-it.tistory.com/111