I'm gonna sound pretentious by being probably the only one who will try to intellectualize this weeb ass game, but the idea of building a whole futuristic setting based on contemporary niches and memes is very clever and giving the player a perfect grasp of how the world outside works in this game through only dialogue feels so literate. It's a game that understands the cyberpunk genre really well while masking itself by being a waifu simulator
Very well written slice of life VN with a lovable cast of characters and a strong arc for the main character. The plot gives enough details to give a clear sense of what the world is like, but still leaves a lot of background details ambiguous, for the player to try and piece together on their own. The drink-mixing gameplay is simplistic, but gets used well by the game itself, creating some engaging decisions to be made.
(SPOILERS)
When I finish a game, I need time to reflect on the journey before I give it a fair score, but VA-11 HALL-A is a different case. Once I booted up that title screen and saw the gorgeous pixel art did I realize that I was in for a treat.
Valhalla is a game that prioritizes its story and characters above all else. The game is all about connecting with the people of Glitch City and what better way of doing that than by serving them drinks! In exchange for your service, you get dialogue that helps to expand upon the lore while also developing the characters you meet along the way. I'll never forget experiencing Sei's arc. Starting as a paramedic, she talks about her experience and what it's like working in that field. But as the story continues, she gets caught in a terrorist attack that leaves her injured and her division ruined. One thing that hit me the most was how Stella (her friend) talks about Sei's past, and how she grew up in an abusive household with a school system that failed to recognize her needs.
Without going into detail, it was a story that I could relate to on some level. I understood that pain, and it was something that hit me on a deeper level. It was really unlike anything I've ever played before, and that experience alone describes the beauty of VA-11 HALL-A. It's a game that understands the struggles of the player and comforts them through a short, unforgettable journey. If you want a game with solid writing and characters, then, by all means, pick this game up. I promise that you won't regret it.
10/10
When I finish a game, I need time to reflect on the journey before I give it a fair score, but VA-11 HALL-A is a different case. Once I booted up that title screen and saw the gorgeous pixel art did I realize that I was in for a treat.
Valhalla is a game that prioritizes its story and characters above all else. The game is all about connecting with the people of Glitch City and what better way of doing that than by serving them drinks! In exchange for your service, you get dialogue that helps to expand upon the lore while also developing the characters you meet along the way. I'll never forget experiencing Sei's arc. Starting as a paramedic, she talks about her experience and what it's like working in that field. But as the story continues, she gets caught in a terrorist attack that leaves her injured and her division ruined. One thing that hit me the most was how Stella (her friend) talks about Sei's past, and how she grew up in an abusive household with a school system that failed to recognize her needs.
Without going into detail, it was a story that I could relate to on some level. I understood that pain, and it was something that hit me on a deeper level. It was really unlike anything I've ever played before, and that experience alone describes the beauty of VA-11 HALL-A. It's a game that understands the struggles of the player and comforts them through a short, unforgettable journey. If you want a game with solid writing and characters, then, by all means, pick this game up. I promise that you won't regret it.
10/10
Fantastic characters, great writing, excellent soundtrack and amazingly realized and highly detailed pixel art visuals. On top of that there's a great story in there, though it's hardly the focus as the game focuses more on the bar patrons and their stories instead. Plus, as a Venezuelan, the paralells between the game's setting and my country make the game all that much more meaningful for me. The optional shmup minigame sucked though, but I won't hold it against an otherwise flawless piece of media. Was extremely sad to see it end.
Normally, this game wouldn't be a 5 star from me. But something about it is just... so perfect. I've replayed this game 4 times. Maybe I played it at the right time, maybe I just enjoy a few aspects that play to my tastes. I don't know, but I can never stop thinking about this game, its wonderful characters, or its beautiful story.
If I had a complaint, honestly? It's too short. I need more of this cast.
If I had a complaint, honestly? It's too short. I need more of this cast.
Buy Jill's Game.
For a game that is set in a dystopian cyberpunk megacity during the wintertime, it's very...warm. Very "comfy", as the kids say. The characters all feel real, with real trials in their life that they divulge after getting some alcohol in them. All told through the lens of one of my favorite main characters in gaming, with her own troubles that can be heartbreaking, and sometimes all-too-familiar.
For a game that is set in a dystopian cyberpunk megacity during the wintertime, it's very...warm. Very "comfy", as the kids say. The characters all feel real, with real trials in their life that they divulge after getting some alcohol in them. All told through the lens of one of my favorite main characters in gaming, with her own troubles that can be heartbreaking, and sometimes all-too-familiar.