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As far as visual novels go, VA-11 Hall-A (stylized as Valhalla) is a cozy and relaxing experience. The game features a type of storytelling that draws inspiration from titles like Papers, Please. In Valhalla, fragments of the story and the game’s universe are revealed through the dialogues of customers who frequent the Valhalla bar and the texts you can read on blogs, news sites, and online forums accessed via the protagonist's phone. Initially, the narrative may seem fragmented, but as you get to know the cast of characters, it starts to form a cohesive picture. The atmosphere becomes increasingly engaging, and you grow attached to the world and its inhabitants. What stood out to me most about the game was its cyberpunk, dystopian vibe and the vibrant, quirky cast of regulars at the bar. This future setting feels eerily close to what our own reality could become in terms of societal values and human behavior.
The gameplay brings a sense of coziness, with fun characters, jokes, and amusing moments. At the same time, it offers a dynamic element through the need to mix drinks tailored to what the customers are asking for—or what they might secretly need based on their mood. While the core mechanics of the game can be criticized as simplistic and repetitive, it's important to note that the game isn’t designed to be a fully-fledged bartending simulator. Instead, it’s a cyberpunk visual novel with bartending mechanics that prevent the experience from becoming too passive. The gameplay’s focus lies not on technical complexity but on the player’s ability to listen (or read, in this case), pay attention to the characters’ traits and personalities, and interpret their words and feelings. The reward for doing this well is twofold: you unlock more details and stories about each client’s life, and you earn more money for making flawless drinks. This, in turn, affects the game’s endings and your relationships with the characters.
The story unfolds through the perspective of Jill Stingray, a bartender at Valhalla, located in Glitch City—a cyberpunk metropolis governed by mega-corporations. These corporations use the city as a testing ground for experimental technologies, such as AI and nanomachines. The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique traits and compelling personal struggles. As a bartender, Jill gets glimpses into the lives of her customers, allowing players to piece together a broader picture of Glitch City. This city grapples with numerous issues and imperfections, brought to light through interactions with humans, intelligent humanoid robots, and even a talking corgi named Rad Shiba. Each character adds depth to the world-building, contributing to the game’s themes and atmosphere. The dialogue spans philosophical, emotional, and humorous topics, offering dialogues that can range from thought-provoking discussions about emotions, psychology, AI, technology, and the role of mega-corporations in controlling people’s lives to really mundane and slice-of-life moments.
If you’re already a fan of visual novels, this game will certainly satisfy your craving for great characters, an immersive atmosphere, and engaging dialogue. With its mix of humor, philosophy, and emotion, all wrapped in a dystopian cyberpunk aesthetic, VA-11 Hall-A is a must-play.