Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Simulator, Visual Novel
- Platforms: iOS, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: SUKEBAN
- Publishers: Ysbryd Games
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action: A Review
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a visual novel adventure game developed by Sukeban Games and published by Ysbryd Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in 2016, and for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2017. The game is set in a cyberpunk dystopia in the year 207X, and follows the story of Jill Stingray, a bartender at the VA-11 Hall-A bar.
Gameplay
VA-11 Hall-A is a branching storyline game where your decisions do not depend on traditional choices, but through the drinks you prepare. As Jill, you will serve drinks to a variety of customers, each with their own unique stories and personalities. By listening to their conversations and observing their body language, you can learn their tastes and prepare the drink that will change their lives.
The game features a unique blend of visual novel and bartending gameplay. You will need to use your knowledge of mixology to create the perfect drinks for your customers, while also managing your time and resources. The game also features a branching storyline, with your choices affecting the story’s outcome.
Setting
VA-11 Hall-A is set in a cyberpunk dystopia in the year 207X. The world is controlled by megacorporations, and the gap between the rich and the poor is wider than ever. The game’s setting is heavily inspired by the cyberpunk genre, with its neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and oppressive atmosphere.
Characters
Jill Stingray is the protagonist of VA-11 Hall-A. She is a 22-year-old bartender at the VA-11 Hall-A bar. Jill is a kind and compassionate person, but she is also tough and independent. She is determined to make a difference in the world, even if it’s just by serving drinks to her customers.
The game features a cast of supporting characters, each with their own unique stories and personalities. You will meet a variety of people, from hackers to corporate executives to criminals. Each customer has their own reasons for coming to the VA-11 Hall-A bar, and it’s up to you to learn their stories and serve them the drinks they need.
Story
The story of VA-11 Hall-A is told through a series of vignettes, each of which focuses on a different customer. You will learn about the customers’ lives, their hopes and dreams, and their struggles. As you progress through the game, you will begin to see how the stories of the individual customers are connected, and how they all reflect the larger themes of the game.
Themes
VA-11 Hall-A explores a variety of themes, including the nature of identity, the importance of human connection, and the struggle for survival in a dystopian world. The game also examines the role of technology in our lives, and how it can be used both for good and for evil.
Visuals
The visuals of VA-11 Hall-A are inspired by old Japanese adventure games for the PC-98. The game features a pixelated art style with a modern touch, creating a unique and otherworldly experience. The game’s art is both beautiful and evocative, and it perfectly captures the game’s cyberpunk setting.
Music
The music of VA-11 Hall-A is composed entirely by Garoad. The soundtrack is a mix of electronic and ambient music, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The music is both beautiful and haunting, and it helps to create a sense of immersion in the game world.
Conclusion
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a unique and immersive experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing. The game’s branching storyline, compelling characters, and beautiful visuals make it a must-play for fans of cyberpunk and visual novels.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
