VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action

making drinks is fun but my customers complain about my tit size

10/10

This game is a piece of art. The characters and dialogues are incredibly well written. Each character has their own past, problems, goals and mysteries surrounding them. As the story progresses, we gradually learn more about the motives of our acquaintances and the world around us. The narrative always remains suggestive and leaves it up to the player to put the individual pieces together. It also leaves a lot up to your imagination, but in a good, non-confusing way.
Although the game is not challenging in terms of difficulty or gameplay elements, it knows how to inspire and captivate with its unique vibe. The soundtrack is incredibly well done and complements every scene. The same applies to the colour palette and art style. You can simply feel that the developers put their heart and soul into every detail.

I started the game "blind" and recommend you do the same. If you like cyberpunk, synth soundtracks and relaxed, cozy gameplay, you're in for a treat.

I played it on the Steam Deck OLED and was left with ~50% battery after 7h (FPS limited to 30 and TDP limited to 7w). While the controls are not optimized for the deck (or controllers in general), the community layouts worked really well.

This is a game i've found myself enjoying more and more as i went through it, easily one of the most personally engaging experiences i've had with a game, the characters are all charming and full of life, they show a depth and humanity that helps you feel like you're really a part of the world that they inhabit, which is also served by the brilliant writing that doesn't shy away from getting meta and making the world of VA-11 Hall-A seem like an alternate reality version of our own.

And of course, can't go without mentioning the beautifully crafted music and aesthetics, evocative and immersive as they get, they'll leave a mark long after you've experienced them.

TL;DR Play this, it's charming and funny while also hitting deep and emotional moments, be warned though it is for mature audiences and you might have trouble swallowing certain stuff.

certainly one of the most comfortable games i've ever played.
my life was a lot easier when this game released and i like to visit it every so often

I'd been wanting to play this game for awhile. It's so chill listening to the characters stories, the interactions with you (Jill), Gillian and your boss Dana are often hilarious, and something about mixing the drinks is just so cathartic. It's like coffee talk, but easier, because if you mess up a drink you can just try it again before you serve it. I also enjoy the brainstorming you get when getting requests for "something weird" or "sweet but not too sweet, bitter but not too sweet". It's easier than it sounds because all the drinks have descriptions, some of which are also hilarious. Don't waste a ton of time waiting for a sale, I only saved 5 bucks anyway just buy it, it's your time to mix drinks and change lives :)

Great writing. Great soundtrack
Its cozy.
Kinda ends abruptly

A visual novel of mini stories about different unique and quirky characters living their life in a dystopian cyberpunk world, from the perspective of a bartender hearing their stories.

It's definitely an interesting experience. I didn't think a cyberpunk game would make a good slice of life type of story, but it surprisingly worked really well. I enjoyed that quite a bit.

经常在半夜玩，这个游戏很calming，推荐

In my opinion one of the greatest VNs to ever exist. The characters and the story captivate like little else, and the environment is cozy beyond compare despite the reality that is Glitch City. I think that I would still recommend the game at double the price.

bored the everloving hell out of me. terrible script and mixing drinks mechanics is terribly boring.

lot of potential but just not a fun game or interesting experience

I replay this game every year around Christmas. Just feels right! The music is incredible, the art is incredible, the story is incredible, and the game mechanism is incredible! I sometimes get really bored with Visual Novels, but having to make drinks and having interactions possibly being affected because of that really helps keep me engaged. Plus, the plot gives a comfy vibe and really sucks me in every time I play. Love this game so much!

This game is quite wonderful and taught me alot, it also helped me calm down in bad situation and look at it from different angles.

never really expected to like big words that explain very certain things but this game showed that to me

VA-11 Hall-A is filled with real characters with real problems and as their bartender you have a glimpse into their hearts. Incredibly well written, the OST is one of the best albums ever, and Jill is bae. Amazing game.

chill ass game. Nice world building and interesting characters.

Very fun and cozy game, low pressure game play, if you make a drink wrong you can just redo it with no penalty. The story of the world in told though the eye of our bartender protagonist by their interactions with various people in the city, The side characters are interesting and varied, and seeing their lives inter connect is enjoyable.

It's not a huge game, so there's not much to say, mostly I just wanna rant about how good it is. Simple but gorgeous art and a banger soundtrack with great writing and creative presentation. Overall it's an incredible game.

The way the story is presented really gives you a lot to chew on while making sure you're not completely lost as to what's happening. The writing is specific enough that you can keep track of what's going on even if you're not sifting through dialogue with a fine-tooth comb, while also throwing a lot of bits and pieces of interesting information your way for you to put together yourself, if you feel like it.

Sometimes, characters will talk about current events, politics, history, sometimes they'll just babble about their day or get drunk and overshare. During downtime, you can read news articles, forum/blog posts, and get some insight on the happenings in the city. The writing is wonderful even at face value, and all the chit-chat really helps sell the bartender fantasy.

If you do pay attention, you'll start seeing how interconnected the world is. Those two unrelated characters are talking about the same event from different perspectives. That vague story one customer told you while venting involved another customer. That random news story is about someone you know, and it's something they didn't tell you. That throwaway line that felt like filler was a lot more important than you thought.

And it's really good at making you give a shit! I really don't have the words to describe how deeply the writing makes you care about these characters - how crushing it is to see a normally plucky, outgoing customer come up to you visibly dead inside, knowing that all you can give them is some kind words and a drink, or the incredible relief you feel when you manage to connect with them and lift them out of their funk by just... being there for them. Listening carefully, paying attention, figuring out what they need to hear, figuring out what they need to drink. There's the flipside too - your customers care about you as deeply as you care about them, and seeing them cross over the boundary between bartender and patron to help YOU for a change is stunningly heartwarming.

The only gripes I have with the game is one scene with writing I felt could have been done better (we're talking maybe 10 lines of dialogue out of 10 hours of dialogue), and the ending, which felt a bit abrupt and unsatisfying (though I do understand why it is the way it is). I'm a little salty there's no random playlist button or a way to save playlists for the jukebox too, I guess.

I could easily spend another 50 hours bartending in VA-11 HALL-A, chit-chatting about random nonsense and piecing together the setting through bits of drunken rambling. It took me about 10 hours to beat the game, and in that time, it made me care so incredibly deeply about its characters in a way no other game really has managed to do.

Got full achievements in 3 days, one of the few games I actually liked a lot, too. I think that says enough... Unfortunately, I don't have anything cheesy or stupid to say about this one.

I didn't know what to expect coming in but the cyberpunk aesthetic and chill vibes hooked me in while the writing and special events kept me going.

I like the UI but this game reads like it was written by someone who has never talked to another human being. People are straight up not like this. That's not how they talk or make decisions. Come on. If you deliberately styled it that way, the style you picked was bad. Go work an actual service job, live in the world, then write something.

VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action : By Triple F

"VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action" by Sukeban Games is a narrative-driven visual novel set in a dystopian, cyberpunk world where players assume the role of Jill, a bartender at the eponymous bar, VA-11 Hall-A. Described by the developers as a "cyberpunk bartender action" game, "VA-11 Hall-A" is less about high-octane action and more about intimate, character-focused storytelling through the interactions Jill has with her patrons. The game blends a relaxed bartending simulation with a unique narrative structure, resulting in a deeply immersive experience that draws players into the world of Glitch City and the lives of its residents.

The story is a slice-of-life journey through a cyberpunk city plagued by corporate corruption, unrest, and a surveillance state. Instead of grandiose themes of rebellion, "VA-11 Hall-A" focuses on the personal struggles and daily lives of ordinary people living in this oppressive society. Through Jill’s conversations with customers, players learn about the complexities of life in Glitch City, including themes of loneliness, identity, hope, and resilience. The game’s choice to explore the human side of a cyberpunk world, rather than focusing on action or violence, makes it a refreshing departure from typical genre conventions. This narrative approach emphasizes empathy and introspection, making players feel invested in the lives of the people who frequent VA-11 Hall-A.

Gameplay in "VA-11 Hall-A" is centered around mixing drinks rather than branching dialogue choices. Each patron has their own drink preferences and mood, and the player must craft cocktails that meet their desires to get them to open up. By choosing specific drinks, players can subtly influence the flow of conversation, with some drinks leading to more revealing dialogue. This indirect control over conversations is both innovative and engaging, as players must pay close attention to the nuances of each patron's requests and behavior. This system makes players feel involved in the storytelling, as drink choices affect the characters’ responses and, ultimately, the direction of their stories.

The cast of characters in "VA-11 Hall-A" is varied and memorable, each with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and struggles. From a stressed-out news anchor dealing with corporate control to a robot sex worker searching for a sense of identity, each character is multi-dimensional, reflecting different facets of life in Glitch City. As Jill gets to know them, players begin to see these characters as more than archetypes; they feel like real people with complex, sometimes heartbreaking stories. Jill’s own character is well-developed too, as her introspective thoughts reveal her own struggles with loneliness, love, and purpose, making her journey as meaningful as those of her patrons.

The visual presentation of "VA-11 Hall-A" is striking, with a retro pixel-art style that is both detailed and atmospheric. The game’s color palette leans heavily into neon hues, evoking the classic cyberpunk aesthetic while still feeling cozy and inviting. VA-11 Hall-A itself is a small but meticulously designed bar, filled with subtle details that add depth to the environment. The character portraits are expressive and unique, each one reflecting the cyberpunk genre’s influence with a personal twist. This careful art direction makes the world of Glitch City feel both gritty and strangely comforting, balancing the darkness of the setting with the warmth of Jill’s bar.

Sound design is a standout element, with a synth-heavy soundtrack composed by Garoad that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere. Players can even customize the bar’s playlist by selecting tracks from Jill’s jukebox, allowing them to set the mood for each shift. The music ranges from chill, atmospheric tracks to more upbeat synthwave, adding emotional depth to the scenes. This feature not only immerses players in the bar’s ambiance but also adds a layer of personalization to the experience, allowing each player to shape the soundtrack of their story. The lack of voice acting is more than made up for by the music, which speaks volumes in its own right.

While "VA-11 Hall-A" succeeds in delivering an immersive narrative experience, its gameplay limitations may deter some players. The bartending mechanics, while novel, remain relatively simple throughout, and the lack of more complex gameplay could feel repetitive to those who expect more interaction. Additionally, as a visual novel, "VA-11 Hall-A" is light on traditional gameplay elements, which may not appeal to players who prefer more direct control over their character’s actions. However, for those who appreciate story-driven games and are open to a different approach to player agency, these limitations are minor and do not detract from the game’s emotional depth.

In short, "VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action" is an extraordinary narrative experience that breaks from typical cyberpunk storytelling by focusing on intimate, human connections within a bleak, high-tech world. Its unique approach to player choice through bartending, combined with its strong character writing, evocative visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack, creates a truly memorable experience. For players who value storytelling and emotional depth over action and spectacle, "VA-11 Hall-A" is a must-play that redefines what a cyberpunk game can be. By inviting players to simply listen and empathize, it offers a thoughtful, impactful journey into the lives of Glitch City’s residents, making it an unforgettable addition to the genre.

Best game I've played in years honestly, Absolutely adore it <3

time to separate drinks and keep lives the same

YOU WILL NEVER MARRY ALMA.
YOU WILL NEVER MARRY STELLA.
YOU WILL NEVER MARRY DOROTHY.

And you can't do shit about it.

100% All achievements and all dialogues

Well written, good story and leaves a huge void in my heart for something similar for years. Personally recommended, hope to play it again or for it's sequel.

I love this game so much. One of my favorite games ever. I played it years ago but I never got to finish it until now. I love this story, the world, and the characters. Especially the characters. I love Jill. She's so relatable. This is definitely a comfort game for me. I'll be playing this again someday. I think literally the only flaw is quite a few noticeable typos here and there but that's easy to get over. The minigame is annoyingly hard and I still haven't beat it but that's okay. Someday, I'll try my best to get those last two achievements. Everything else about it is perfect. I hope one day I will get to play the sequel. Thank you devs. You made an incredible game.

Cyberpunk Bartender

that was a comfy ass game! i loved seeing and immersing myself in the characters as time passed on
I could see why you wouldn't like this game, because it is mellow, but I think it's a nice and realistic mellow! (and it's not like there aren't moments, there are nice moments)

I do wish this game could've deep-dived into the characters a bit more tbh

overall, good game! would totally recommend! i wouldn't say it's a priority, but it's a really nice sweet spot if you just wanna enjoy something. love the characters to bits :)

The artwork is gorgeous and the premise is compelling so I really want to like this game but unfortunately I just don't think the writing is very good. It's filled with dated mid-2010s meme humour and uncomfortable rape jokes. Most of the characters feel very underwritten as they're just a string of quirky, quotable moments loosely strung together.

A very chill and cozy visual novel with a rich cast of characters who you get to know well over the course of the game. A great game to grab a drink, some snacks, and relax to.

Amazing experience, just have basic reading skills and you will enjoy the best cyberpunk experience ever

Unfunny, boring, non-interactive trash.
There's only around 2 remotely interesting characters: the merc who talks about death and Jonah Jameson caricature.
But at least the story's good right? Wrong. The "story" - that term being used very liberally here - reads like a redditor's second fiction writing assignment
Decent soundtrack doesn't make up for the mediocrity of everything else
That one drink-mixing Flash bartender game from 2008 was more entertaining in every way than... whatever this is

I love this game so much!!!!!!!!! its so fun, and it helps me when im stressed i looooove this!!!!!!!!!!!!

A charming Sci-Fi visual novel that explores the terrifying theme of: "What if gay people were real?"

As someone who hates reading and gets bored easily. Holy this game is fun. Im half way through and i dont want it to end. The game is so charming and funny. I genuinely found myself smiling irl. Recommend 100%

2 days in and an android with a child body keeps making sexual remarks and talks about being a prostitute and the main character just kind of goes along with it

ok

Firstly the game has an interesting context, cool character design and top tier art.

The art is why the game is so popular, not the writing.

The world is interesting, but the dialogue is just passable. The interesting looking characters are not interesting people. A visual novel relies heavily on its dialogue, without gripping dialogue, its just tedious unfortunately.

I can't believe I never reviewed this game. If you hate visual novels, don't buy this game. If you are anyone else, PLEASE BUY IT. Just buy it. All the time you spend reading this message is time spent not buying it, and that's criminal. It's a beautifully written game with fun characters, sad characters, serious character. Ah, I don't know how to distill it. I love basically all the characters, I'm constantly laughing, you become attached so fast, and the world building is done so well. It's built so seamlessly, there's not really any lore dumping. I don't know, people have tried to make games in the same style like Coffee Talk and the tavern one, but none of them have hit anywhere like this game. I think it's because they missed the protagonist element of this one. Playing as Jill adds another element and consistency to it that an everyman main character can't.

- WAAAAAAA! A Mummy!
- No, no. I don't have kids.
10/10 game would erase my memory and play again

Nice art style, good music, cute girls, great vibes overall. Cozy cyberpunk feels like a very specific niche and it's nice that there's something out there aiming for that.

The biggest criticism I can give to this game is that it only barely has enough to justify being called a "game" as opposed to a "book."
However, this is one of the best books I've ever read (I don't read much but please bear with me.)
The world of VA-11 HALL-A is incredibly densely written but is woven in such a way that it never feels convoluted or messy. Even after 2.5 playthroughs I was still picking up on small details which beautifully accented the characters. Every single person feels incredibly human; even down to the most minor side characters everyone is given unique quirks, flaws, goals, and strengths to affect those goals. I wasn't expecting to enjoy Jill herself as much as I did, I was expecting her to just be an audience surrogate. Jill is the protagonist front and center, and her arc is wonderfully realized. The world we're serving drinks in is loaded with fun background details and interesting obstacles for our characters to overcome and almost every question I ever had was answered. It all develops naturally and it engaged me enough for multiple playthroughs. The music is quite good and is fairly varied, and graphically it has a unique charm surrounding it.
Absolutely worth the price tag. Pick this game up

Lesbo handing out bad touches cured my depression

Amazing , immaculate and overall fun
instead of working at your job , you get to work as a barman/woman
12/10 , + for the John faced guy he's funny

This whole game is just V I B E S ~(0c0)/*

A very comfortable game. Ive been playing it slowly, taking my time with it. I love this game so much more than i thought i would.

good game, gay people

I would have to say "visual novels" are my least played genre, so at first I was honestly not interested in this game. After seeing all the reviews and even a few friends liking it I decided to check it out.
Boy was I in for a ride, I fell in love with the characters and their stories, and really got into the game. I am now looking forward for when "VA-11 Hall-A 2" comes out.
Graphics where great
music was fun to listen to
story was wonderful, really got me wanting to find out more about the people I was serving.

I would defiantly recommend this game and its sequel to anyone that wants to dip their toes into visual novels.

"boss & me" is the best smartphone wallpaper

VA-11 HALL-A captures a magic that no other game has for me.

It's like a novel with a bit of game mixed in. Not even a visual novel, just a novel.