Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is the ideal sequel, keeping the same key elements that made the first entry so beloved while expanding upon the game's mechanics in interesting new ways. Episode 2 comes from the same developer as the first, Toge Productions, alongside indie-centric publisher Chorus Worldwide, which previously helped with ports of the original. Hibiscus & Butterfly is above all a visual novel, so those looking for more gameplay elements in a title won't find them here, but for players looking for a meaningful narrative with engaging characters it absolutely fits the bill.
Just as in Coffee Talk, players assume the role of a late-night barista in Seattle, with Hibiscus & Butterfly taking place in 2023, three years after the events of the original. Storms and waves of mysterious vandalism are ravaging the city, but inside the café things are still just as cozy - save for the occasional power outages caused by the weather. Players will mix up warm drinks for patrons with the same simple mechanics of the original, selecting three ingredients, hitting the brew button, and creating latte art if they so desire, this time with two new main component options that greatly expand the menu: hibiscus and butterfly pea tea.
Alongside these new ingredients comes the mechanic of the item drawer, which stores things people leave behind in the coffee shop. Though it may seem like a small addition, for a game like Coffee Talk Episode 2 it adds a completely new layer of strategy. Just as how the drinks players serve characters can affect the storyline, so too can the objects they deliver alongside these beverages. These seemingly simple selections can be quite impactful - for example, the choice between offering the handwritten note one patron left for another versus their official business card sets the tone for their future relationship.
One of the main critiques of the original Coffee Talk had to do with its narrative pacing, which some felt was attempting to cover deep topics and characters without ample time, and that is - for the most part - no longer the case in Hibiscus & Butterfly. Many characters veteran baristas will recognize have returned in new places in their lives; Hyde is moving back to Seattle, and Lua and Bailey are planning their wedding, to name a few. Alongside these customers are some new faces that really shine throughout the narrative: Lucas, a setyr and social influencer, banshee and aspiring singer Riona, and Amanda, Silver's sister.
Although Coffee Talk Episode 2 has just as many days of play as its predecessor, the nights go much longer, allowing the stories told over the two-week period to feel much more intricate. This room to breathe does the characters an incredible service - players will see a genuine evolution of their patrons that's very satisfying, and it also leaves space for more conversations full of funny banter and interesting world lore. Interwoven with its slice-of-life stories, Hibiscus & Butterfly touches on some of the same themes of prejudice and inequality as the first, but in a more nuanced way.
In the end, only one narrative strand disappointingly feels like it didn't receive enough attention when it comes to its resolution, which we won't discuss because of potential spoilers. Despite this, each story is engaging enough in its own way, and this, combined with charming graphics and a lo-fi soundtrack, makes for a game that's quite relaxing. This is especially true with Coffee Talk Episode 2's dialogue autoplay option - which is perhaps the ideal way to experience the title - making each day feel more immersive.
Just as with the original, Coffee Talk Episode 2 can be played through a second time to unearth new secrets and earn new achievements, offering a great deal of value for its small price tag. At its core, this title is more of an experience than a game, with small bursts of brewing peppered throughout a visual novel. Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly won't satisfy all styles of player, but it's perfect for those who enjoyed the original and any fan of cozy games looking for a rich new narrative.
Source: Toge Productions/YouTube
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly releases April 20 for PlayStation consoles, Xbox consoles, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, and will be a day one release on Xbox Game Pass. Screen Rant was provided with a Switch code for the purpose of this review.