Platform reviewed: Steam
Also On: Nintendo Switch
Price: $21.99
I really like Tavern Talk's premise, a game set in a world reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons adventure, complete with colorful characters and a cozy atmosphere. I'm especially drawn to games that dare to innovate, and Tavern Talk does just that, positioning me in the role of an NPC - a bold choice that sets it apart from other games. Although there's plenty that I admire about the game, there are aspects that leave me yearning for a bit more depth and development.
In the game Tavern Talk, I assume the role of a bartender in a quaint town nestled within a much larger world. However, I’m no ordinary bartender; through the craft of magical mixology, I concoct potions that aid the aspiring adventurers who visit my pub. Each character who steps through the door is vibrantly drawn, brimming with personality. I am especially fond of the game's art direction—the vivid colors, extravagant costumes, and bold characterizations bring each individual to life.
Each character presents their own unique set of challenges, and it falls to me to craft a cocktail that aids them on their quest. Discerning their needs is straightforward as they tell me what they are looking for. In the backroom, I consult a recipe book that catalogs various concoctions I am familiar with. These potions can enhance strength, dexterity, charisma, defense, or intelligence. I sketch out the potion recipes on a board, which guides me in measuring the precise quantities of each ingredient needed. Depending on the potion, I select various vials or other ingredients I have unlocked to create the required mixture. Should I make a mistake, I offer the failed potion to my baby pet dragon. I occasionally ponder the potential effects of these mishaps on my dragon, a topic the game leaves unexplored.
As the bartender of the adventurer's destiny, my role often involves determining their approach to challenges. Should they rely on intellect, I concoct a potion to sharpen their wits. Should brute strength be necessary, I brew a tonic to enhance their physical prowess. However, one of my critiques of the game is the apparent lack of real consequences for these decisions. In a Dungeons & Dragons-style universe, every misstep carries weight. Despite Tavern Talk being a cozy game, set against a backdrop of monumental events, it seems that any choice I make inevitably leads to adventurers being ok. Don't get me wrong, there are favorable and least favorable outcomes. But instead of real consequences, it feels like an episode of Cheers (Yes, I realize I’m dating myself with that reference). I want a dynamic where the stakes are high, and my decisions truly affect the course of the narrative, introducing a greater element of risk and unpredictability.
Bartending involves more than just pouring drinks; listening to gossip is a crucial aspect of the job. As adventurers share tales from their journeys, I gather these snippets of information and weave them into quests to post on my quest board for others to embark on. While I appreciate this immersive element of Tavern Talk, I found myself struggling to fully grasp the depth of the world as a player. It makes sense that a seasoned bartender in this setting would be knowledgeable about various lands and characters, but at times, as a player, I felt a bit lost. Balancing the need for world-building without overwhelming the player with too much information is a challenge that the game faces.
Overall Score: B
I appreciate Tavern Talk's fresh approach, which places the player in the unique role of a bartender rather than the typical adventurer embarking on quests. The game offers a cozy atmosphere, populated by a colorful cast of characters. However, I sometimes find myself wishing that my choices carried more weight. The game's world is rich and expansive, occasionally leaving me feeling a bit overwhelmed. Nonetheless, for players seeking a relaxing experience to help them decompress after a busy day—a place where everyone knows your name—Tavern Talk perfectly fits the bill.
Review code provided by Future Friends Games
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