Recent reviews by Azel

Never has a one-liner spoken so true to what the game is. VA11 HALL-A places you in the seat of an average bartender named Jill, who works an average job, in an average workspace that brings in not-so-average clientele. Ranging from Robot Sex Workers, Cat-Eared Aristocrats, and even dogs (yes, dogs can drink in this world), there's no shortage to what experiences and shenanigans ensue in the span of one night. Even if the people that do visit VA11 HALL-A (Vallhalla) are outlandish in background, the game handles its' sci-fi dystopian setting with tact, weaving in nanomachines and androids in such a way that it passes off as normal banter. The game itself doesn't pull punches with commonly discussed topics such as sexuality and what passes as "acceptable" by societal standards. It does so in a way that allows the player to think and create their own opinions upon seeing Jill and her clients converse.

Given that this is a visual novel, there's little gameplay. All you do is mix drinks to what the customers ask for. The twist here is that you don't necessarily have to follow the "customer is always right" mantra. You can choose to make it big, cut down on the alcohol, or even give them an entirely different drink. It's this freedom of what to serve your customer that drives the story. Each person will act differently to how well (or not well) you follow orders, and it's up to you to figure out what drinks to serve and whom to serve it to. Who knows? You might learn something more about them.

If you're starting to look into Visual Novels, give VA11 HALL-A a try. The colorful cast and slice-of-life in a dystopian setting may win you over. The way the game sets up the premise and the relaxing atmosphere that is the bar makes the game a wonderful "lazy day" game for those who want a story, but not the effort that comes along with other games. Stop by and take a look, you might be a regular.