Tavern Talk 2: Dreamwalker

[b]Note:[/b] I had a chance to play the full version, thanks to a totally awesome friend. ^^ [h1]A Solid Prequel to [i]Tavern Talk[/i] ^^[/h1] [h2]Introduction[/h2] [i]Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker[/i] is a cozy, fantasy visual novel developed and published by Gentle Troll Entertainment. You're the owner of [i]The Drowsy Dragon[/i], a tavern in a small portside town in the world of Phesoa. You greet guests who come into your tavern and serve them their desired drinks, along with creating quests and mixing the right drinks so that any quest takers may be victorious in their endeavors. After an extremely unusual fog appears and engulfs the world, affecting the people, your patrons seek to investigate this strange phenomenon and return the world to its normal state. What will happen? Only through your choices of drinks to serve will the fate of your patrons be decided... As for the gameplay, you can initially decide on a customized name (default name being Cosmo) and gender before diving into the game. Choices are presented throughout the story even though they don't make any significant impact, only influencing the flavor text. You can mix drinks by pouring specific amount of potions, using either your mouse or controller. (For review purposes, I used my mouse.) https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3745752088 Quests are created by taking notes of gossip that tavern patrons give, and then these same or different patrons can accept them. With quests, there are two approaches for completing them, which lead either to a positive or negative result, and you have to choose which drinks with specific attributes will best help. Steam achievements are available, and at the time of this review, they count towards a user's global total. [h2]Review[/h2] After having played and reviewed Gentle Troll Entertainment's first game, [i]Tavern Talk[/i], I've been enjoying these kinds of cozy games with fun gameplay. I played the demo way back when it was initially released, and thanks to a wonderful friend, I had the chance to play the full version and share my thoughts. ^^ [h3]Story and Gameplay[/h3] As the store page states, this is a standalone story, so you don't need to have played [i]Tavern Talk[/i] although I highly recommend it. It's a great game. With that said, I like how the story starts off. The day starts off quietly, with Cosmo's friend/acquaintance, Kerbosia Mariyam, dropping by for a drink. Other patrons, new and old, with a wide range of personalities enter the tavern for their drinks, and it seems like things are going to be slow, with the exception of the occasional side quest. However, events start to get exciting after a mysterious cloud envelops the world and starts plaguing people with nightmares. It's quite the twist, and most of the story revolves around the fog and the perpetrator behind it. Although I found the story to be satisfying enough, I feel like it lacks a couple of elements that [i]Tavern Talk[/i] had. When the final villain is revealed, it seems like it comes out of nowhere. Also, as a couple of people have noted, the very latter part of the story feels rushed, and I have to agree. In my opinion, the first [i]Tavern Talk[/i] is better, but I do have fondness for it. In addition, this is just a personal preference, but for all the yuri fans, [spoiler]there's a hint of a possible blossoming romance, but because a certain event happens, it doesn't go anywhere[/spoiler]. However, I did enjoy the wide cast of characters and getting to learn about their stories. For example, there's a backstory between Cosmo and Mariyam, which involves Mariyam's younger sister, Zarah. Then there's Aegeus, a restaurant owner who secretly dreams of becoming an adventurer. Also, for those who did play [i]Tavern Talk[/i], the villain from that game becomes a patron here, which probably isn't a surprise since this is a prequel. I like that there are multiple endings, just like in the first game, although it feels like the best ending here has less fanfare. The gameplay is pretty fun although it feels more formulaic this time, having to think of the right combination of potions to make the correct drink. However, the gameplay controls are the same as in the first game, so if you're used to them, you won't have any issues. Even though it can feel tedious to create drinks in multiple playthroughs, you can choose to skip already read text, so that helps a bit. Creating quests is the same as well, and they're pretty doable although you may encounter a few hints that are irrelevant. However, I had no problems obtaining all Steam achievements even though it will take multiple playthroughs. As it may be difficult to 100% complete the game blindly, there are quite a few wonderful guides, both on Steam and other sites, that can help. ^^ [h3]Art and Music[/h3] The art has a lovely style that is the same as in the first game, so I'm glad that the developers kept the same artist(s) here. The sprites and backgrounds are drawn and colored well, and I especially like the trinkets that you get from quests. [i]Dreamwalker[/i]'s art style gives off that warm, cozy vibe as you're welcoming patrons and serving them drinks. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3745751941 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3745751672 As for the music, the tracks are lovely to listen to. They give off that feeling of being in a seaside coast town. Of course, all the tracks are instrumental, with the exceptions being the track when you open the game and the track in the ending credits. Most tracks are relaxing although a couple have those intense, scary moments, which makes sense, considering certain events in the game. The game isn't voice acted, with the exception being the opening of the game and the ending (if you get the normal or best ending). [h2]Conclusion[/h2] Would I recommend [i]Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker[/i]? If you enjoyed [i]Tavern Talk[/i] and want more of the same, like the drink mixing aspect, and/or enjoy getting those Steam achievements, then it's worth a look. Granted, I did enjoy the story of [i]Tavern Talk[/i] more, but this may come down to personal preference, as [i]Dreamwalker[/i] has a solid story on its own. Still, it was great to return to this series, and I'm curious to see any future games by Gentle Troll Entertainment (even though it's a bit too soon at the time I'm writing this XD). [quote]For more detailed, fully complete, high quality reviews like this, please follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44702020/]The Introverted Gamer[/url], prioritizing heart and soul always. ^^[/quote]

TLDR; buy this game, it is worth it for the feels despite any minor technical issues. If you're someone who is afraid of making the wrong choice, there are plenty of guides out there to make sure you take the right path each time. All it takes is a step. I got this as a gift from a friend. This game starts off slow but by hours 3-5 really hits you hard. It speaks to you as if it understands you, it casually explains things that you never knew how to put into words. It rips your heart out in both silent pain and screaming pleasure for all of the wonderfully unique and deep characters that sit at your tavern, and allows you to bathe in their love, hatred, heartache and complex lives as if they were your own. Please pick this up to experience it for yourself, the potion-craft is lovely but it's experiencing life that is what makes this gem worthwhile. Outside of that, the soundtrack is mesmerising, it's beautiful. I often ignore soundtracks on Steam but for this game I wishlisted it. The lofi humming combined with the uplifting lyrical beats makes me feel like I'm in a TTRPG setting all over again. They have the pain and the triumphs of entire campaigns embedded into seconds of song. If you enjoy background soundtracks, check this game out for that reason also. Now for technical. Runs smoothly, no issues at all! But after I completed the game, I went back, investigated and found that I think many of my achievements were bugged. I never got achievements I should have for completing certain chapters or story arcs. It's not much of a bother to me, but it might be to others. I've reviewed many games over the years, and I've never really cared whether people read them or not as it's more a casual review of opinion, but if the developers happen to read this one, I'd love you to know that I appreciate all of your characters. I can see that you poured love and soul into each one, and I think they've irrevocably changed my own heart in knowing them too. I can't wait for it to be tomorrow.

Deeply wonderful game. Full of heart and humor and love and cozy, magical delight.

As a big fan of the first Tavern Talk, I really looked forward to Dreamwalker and can say I greatly enjoyed my time at the tavern (again). The cast of characters is a nice mixture of old and new faces who were all interesting ot get to know, with their own strenghts and struggles. At first I was afraid the spotlight only falls on the old ones but that worry didn't turn out to be true. The design of the tavern itself is very lovely and made me feel like I'm right at home (in no small thanks to the amazing music (again)). Mixing the drinks is more challenging this time around. It's not impossibly hard but I had to chew on some recipes quite a bit. All in all, if you liked the first game, you'll most likely enjoy this one as well. It's smaller with less characters but leans into a more personal way of exploring its cast which I liked a lot. Also, Captain Beebug, my beloved.

I was really looking forward this prequel since I enjoyed the first game a lot First of all: loved the music and character designs. New and "old" faces and it was very fun watching them all grow (and squabble) Also really enjoyed that this time we got a lexicon with the worldbuilding and more information about the world itself so it was easier to follow the conversations. (I ADORED the star signs!) I know the community is split of the mechanics - personally I liked the more complicated drink mixing, but also see that a little more direct hints might be good to be added like they did with the quests; which were also more complicated due to not being limited to 3-rumors-per-quest. The story itself feels more mature and focuses a lot more on mental issues than expected. From family issues to self worth problems, fear of abandonment and more; everyone has a lot of baggage. It felt a little bit like playing therapist while running our inn (like bartenders tend to do) There was also so much foreshadowing and easter eggs!! From "Rune" [spoiler]writing down how to run an tavern (and making things less complicated in their own; see quests and drink mixing), to flower language (I did look up what they meant in that one scene and... this lil cheeky warlock!! An "insult" indeed xD) to favored foods, mentioned items (what do you mean THIS item is already mentioned/shown???) and names (oh BOYYY!!!)[/spoiler] there was surely a lot going on for the people who played the first game and paid attention. Opinion on the endings: [spoiler]The good ending really sets a nice base for what we know will become a group of adventurers and it was pretty cute to see unfold... at least until they mess up BADLY! The bad ending... it's not terrible, kinda heartbreaking even, but it leaves me a bit empty. Wish it got a bit more substance towards the why's and more in depth motives of our villain. It felt somewhat rushed and like there was some part of the story missing.[/spoiler] Still - overall a very enjoyable game and I hope we will get another story in the future :)

Gorgeous backgrounds, fun characters, and a fantastic story!

I got a key from the PR but also backed this game on the silver tier. Either way I was going to play it. That said... I love all these characters so much. I enjoyed the first game, the DLC, have an Andu plush... hopefully there will be a Beebug plush soon? It's a visual novel type game, talk to patrons, send them off into the world but give them your best potions first. It's such a nice cozy game and it was interesting to see Una, Quaser and Rune in their past adventures leading to the first game. Well done once again Gentle Troll!

TLDR: The drink mixing experience is more complicated than it is in Tavern Talk and can be obtuse at times, but be patient with it and allow yourself to glance at a guide for help if you’re truly stuck. That’s not a crime. The plot is, as always, carried by characters, and the Tavernkeeper (PC) can have what might feel like a very minimal role. Your choices have consequences, yes, and they can be very drastic ones, but narratively it can feel more like you gave fate a slight nudge instead of taking the pen into your own hands. So if you’re looking for something where you have a more blatant impact as a character in your decisions, this may not be the game for you. But if you’re still on board, this is a lovely, cozy game where you can expect a lot of promotion for (reasonably) healthy relationships and conflict resolution through dialogue. Now, for the true yapping. Firstly, to all the reviews complaining about having to “memorize the names of the potions”. You don’t. There’s this handy dandy tab in the book that has a potion bottle on it, and if you look at it, it has all your potions listed out, names and stats. Thought I’d mention that. Anyway. On the subject of drink making, it’s significantly more involved than the original Tavern Talk. It involves a little bit of math and some brain power, so you can’t just turn your brain off and pour some stuff in a cup. It’s a nice way to stay engaged, personally. I don’t think it’s as bad as some are complaining, although there are a couple prompts that I struggled with. Hints and keywords might have benefitted from some polish, but it’s really not bad. Someone also mentioned that the potion bottles for drinks are a little underwhelming. I agree; they’re somewhat plain. However, I think the same level of detail would have made the drinking nook too busy. The final drinks are beautiful, as always. No notes. The book opens to your last-opened page (even while brewing) rather than the drink menu like it did in the original Tavern Talk game. However, this isn’t strictly a bad thing. If you’re someone who likes to refer to the properties of your potions while brewing, it comes in handy. My biggest gripe with Tavern Talk was that there was a lack of emotional accountability from some of the patrons when it came to the Innkeep. They were treated unfairly and never received an apology from any of the other characters for any of the hurtful, ignorant, or downright cruel things that were said. This game does better with it. As Aegeus says, it’s possible to be owed an apology and also owe one yourself, and this game handles emotional conflict in general much better. You can clearly see both sides of an argument, even when one party might explicitly be in the wrong. It does feel like you rehash the same conflict through three different storylines, though. They all have a similar core issue, and at some point you sit there and go, “ah, yes. I think I’ve seen this film before”. But at the end of the day, it does [i]significantly[/i] better with how it handles and resolves conflict between all the characters. 9/10. I quite like the smaller cast as well. It gives me more time to get to know them and less overwhelming. Having a close group of eight regulars also just warms my heart. I might have liked there to be a couple more days to get to know everyone, but that would have risked tedium. I did not play the demo, so it came as news to me that [spoiler]Rune - or rather, “Rune” - is our Innkeep from the original game! This can be good or bad, depending on your personal opinions, but I loved seeing them through an outsider’s perspective and getting a tad more insight into who they might be. Given their Seelie nature, this version of them doesn’t have to be the one that tends to the Wayfarer’s Inn (and due to their backstory, it probably isn’t), so there’s still lots of room for player creativity for their Innkeeps, while simultaneously offering a potential base to build from.[/spoiler] In a similar vein: knowing what I did since I’ve played the game’s narrative sequel, [spoiler]seeing Quasar again was a gut punch that I’m [i]still[/i] recovering from.[/spoiler] I’ve only played through the “Good” ending so far (or perhaps the “Alternate” ending. But the [spoiler]redemption-ish arc we see for Kerebosia healed the part of me that wanted the same for Quasar. We didn’t get to see a lot of her, but it still felt meaningful.[/spoiler] To be fair, I do think that the ending twist comes out of left field for people who haven’t played the original game, but there’s significantly more “ah, I can see where that came from” instead of [spoiler]that jackdaw in the opening cinematic was a spy! Haha! And now you’re going to get blamed for not noticing it when, in reality, who ever could have seen that coming?[/spoiler] It feels a lot better as a player. Finally, if one of your first achievements isn’t petting Captain Beebug, you’re a no-good, very bad Tavernkeep and you [i]should[/i] be ashamed of yourself.

Tavern talk is my favorite in the visual novel type of games. The artwork and character design are top-notch. It is very inspired by D&D, but the creators have made their own unique world and lore. It is such a nice continuation of the original game, and seeing some characters return as their younger selves is a little treat.