In 2016, the Venezuelan indie studio Sukeban Games released for PC and Mac VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action, a game that they describe as a "drink all you can that is about waifus, technology and post-dystopian life". And we can't think of a better way to describe it, really. Because as you may be imagining, VA-11 HALL-A is not your typical video game; perhaps the genre it comes closest to is that of visual novels, but if we described it as such we would not be doing it justice.
Before starting to mix, it should be said that after being compatible, VA-11 HALL-A It also came to PS Vita in 2018. And in the middle of 2019, this indie gem comes to PS4 and Nintendo Switch, perhaps with the intention of reaching more audiences. And it deserves it, because it is one of those games that can touch the exact keys inside us, like a conversation at a bar in the shadow of a good glass. We tell you in our VA-11 HALL-A review for Nintendo Switch.
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Mix drinks and change lives
But let's start with the basics: what the heck is VA-11 HALL-A? It is local VA-11 located in HALL-A of Glitch City, a city set in the year 207X. And given the curious coincidence of the codes and the fact that it is a bar, all its customers affectionately call it "Valhalla"That's where he works as a bartender. Jill Stingray, protagonist and character that we embody when working.
Virtually the entire story of VA-11 HALL-A unfolds through dialog boxes, conversations that bar patrons have with Jill herself, in true visual novel style. However, it has two things that separate it quite a bit from this curious genre: there is a lot of interaction (more than usual in a "visual novel", well) and there are no decisions. Jill speaks for herself, she has motivations and a past that we are discovering little by little, but at no time is it up to us to make her decisions.
Instead, the course of history is decided by the drinks we make. The mechanics are relatively simple: we are on the other side of the bar, and we must wait for a customer to enter to hear their story and give them what they ask for. Simply choose the ingredients, age or put ice (if the drink requires it) and mix for the necessary time. We can access a menu where all types of drinks are listed, divided according to their name, flavor, etc.
At the beginning we will not have too many problems, customers will tell us directly the name of the drink they are looking for or the flavor that they want at that moment. But as the plot progresses and customers return to the VA-11 HALL-A, their requests will be less defined, and it will be up to us to choose wisely the drink that we prepare to quench their thirst. These are the "decisions", because depending on the cocktail (and how well prepared it is), the argument will follow different paths that lead to a total of seven different endings.
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And while the beverage-making mechanics is relatively straightforward, it also has its crumb. For example, it is important to consider the size of the customer, as larger ones usually need double drinks. And among the five ingredients that are used for the mixture, there is one nicknamed karmotrine that in many cases is optional, and that determines the level of alcohol that the concoction contains. The latter is especially important: do we want to get the client drunk so that he can drown his sorrows? To get information out of him?
This creates a very interesting cycle that forces us to get to know all the clients, to get involved in their stories and in their relationship with Jill. Something that works like a charm, especially considering that they are all ... peculiar. Very peculiar. From the director of a no-nonsense newspaper to a robotic sex worker, through youtubers, hackers or a dog that is cooler than all of us put together.
They are all very well developed, and despite how bizarre they are at first, when we want to find out we are fully involved in their lives. Another interesting aspect is how through all these conversations the background of VA-11 HALL-A; we discover aspects about their world: politics, organizations, laws ... We are talking about a cyberpunk dystopia, so everything is passed through that filter of "dirty" science fiction that we like so much.
That means that we are going to find many philosophical topics and about the meaning of life (human and artificial), but VA-11 HALL-A perfectly mixes everything transcendental with a great sense of humor, capable of getting us a few laughs when we least expect it. The dialogues are brilliantly written, and given their character, they don't skimp on dealing with sensitive sexual issues. VA-11 HALL-A It is completely in English, and we are not talking about a basic level; Some understanding of the language is required due to the language used. And in a game where the weight of the argument falls almost entirely on the dialogue, this can be a problem.
To put the icing on this curious cocktail, we have a fantastic soundtrack (and whose themes we can choose before each work day) and a pixel-art artistic section where the characters stand out, once again, made imitating the anime style, which gives them a lot of personality (as if they didn't already have enough). Obviously it is not a fast-paced or action-packed game, but a title that puts the focus on the narrative. In fact, VA-11 HALL-A begins by recommending that we get comfortable and grab something to eat and drink to go with it.
Assessment
The mix of a bartender simulator, charismatic characters and intelligent conversations makes VA-11 HALL-A a little gem, especially if you like different games with a lot to say. Keep in mind that it is designed to be savored with peace of mind ... Like a whiskey "on the rocks" at a bar counter.
Hobby
80
Very good
