Although this game has been out since 2016, VA-11 HALL-A (also referred to and seen as Valhalla) from Sukeban Games, has finally released on a wide range of systems. For anyone that has played Papers Please, this one is quite enjoyable. With anime style, visual novel and indie simulation elements, this game stands on its own. There’s no reason for people to pass VA-11 HALL-A now that it’s available on multiple platforms.
The overall premise is easy to follow. If you’ve ever played one of those mobile food games where you make orders for your customers, then you will have this in no time. In Glitch City nanotechnology is apart of everyone physically and the government is using all means to oppress the citizens. This dystopian future hosts some very “interesting” clients. Your job at the bar is to make your rent of course and to listen to the patrons and hear their stories of the outside world. The better the drinks, the more the clients will open up to you and tell you more.
Mostly, the game is in the terrain of a visual novel format since you are actively trying to get information from the clients. You also have to worry about your own well being however so you can focus at work and make everyone happy. The balance isn’t too hard to manage though. At some point, you can buy items and choose the music and those actions get you outside of the bar scene for a while. Word to the wise, keep Jill happy.
When making drinks, the process is simple. Select the ingredients from the right-hand menu and mix them up. As you learn the habits and desires of your customers, you can make drinks more suited to them and get more information too. Luckily, this raises the tip you get as well. For anyone that makes mistakes, don’t worry! Mixing the drinks can be redone without the fear of messing up the plot and the drink making isn’t timed. You just simply start the drink over before you serve it. This provides a more stress-free experience in the long run.
The music is great for this game and is mostly controlled by the player. Every morning you are tasked with setting up the jukebox for the day so you can set any vibe you want. Combined with the style of the game, both the neon and dark colors, it’s just one big party. It doesn’t really seem to be a dive bar even though it is according to the developers.
Overall, VA-11 HALL-A is a bartending visual novel action game that will pull you in. Even the longest descriptions can’t really collect the whole essence of what this game is. There are many characters to meet and drinks to make. Who knows where the stories will lead in the end. Also, don’t forget to pet the dog.
9/10
Available on: PS4, PC, Switch and PS Vita
