VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Also known as VA-11 Hall-A · Valhalla
Sci-fi, Slice of life, Drama, Comedy · by Sukeban Games · published by Ysbryd Games (PLAYISM co-publisher on Steam) · 2016
Mix drinks and listen to the regulars at a small bar in a corporate-run cyberpunk city, one shift at a time.
Who it's for: Players who want a laid-back, dialogue-driven cyberpunk story about ordinary people, with a light drink-mixing mechanic.
The story (spoiler-free)
Jill works as a bartender at a tiny dive bar in a city where corporations hold power and the feared White Knights enforce the law. Her customers include hackers, mercenaries, android workers and old friends.
Story comes through conversation: you serve drinks by recipe, and what you pour can shift how a customer opens up. Between shifts, you manage rent and small purchases at home.
The focus is on character rather than a sweeping plot, with plenty of humour and an excellent chiptune-inspired soundtrack you curate from a jukebox.
Where to play
Why play it
- +Warm, funny, character-driven writing in a grim setting
- +Simple drink-mixing gives a satisfying rhythm to each shift
- +Memorable soundtrack with a player-controlled jukebox
- +Short enough to finish in a couple of weeks of evenings
Keep in mind
- −Little overarching plot; mostly conversations
- −Steam lists no macOS support
- −Frequent crude and sexual talk in dialogue
Content warnings
Show 3 content warnings
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