{"id":15087,"date":"2024-02-03T17:04:53","date_gmt":"2024-02-03T15:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/?p=15087"},"modified":"2024-02-03T17:04:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-03T15:04:53","slug":"excuse-me-i-have-some-tears-in-my-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/excuse-me-i-have-some-tears-in-my-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"Excuse me, I have some tears in my coffee!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">Let me tell you, I was not sure what to expect when starting up the game. I am not an expert on visual <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">novels,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\"> but the title and the premise <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">immedi<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">ately<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\"> convinced me.<\/span> <\/span><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW21169977 BCX8\">Necrobarista<\/span> <\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">is an emotional ride through barista and serving culture and plays with the trope of the server as your personal therapist. But hey, we all sometimes need an <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">open ear that listens. Especially, if you sit in this super cozy coffee shop<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\"> enjoy the ambience and a hot beverage and then you find out you are not <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW21169977 BCX8\">really alive<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\"> anymore? But why are you here<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">? There is a slight possibility that this liminal space is either a prison for eternity or then &#8211; a rite of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">passage.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\"> Whether you are here because of something you did or did not do<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21169977 BCX8\">\u00a0or if this is your final destination. The question, which lies before of us: Is this how the actual nirvana looks like?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15089\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15089\" style=\"width: 331px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-15089\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"An eerie glowing tree, in the middle of a coffeeshop, surrounded by a little library.\" width=\"331\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004619_1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15089\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Welcome to the \u201cTerminal\u201d, the space where life and death meet on a coffee!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether you have lost your memories on the way out, can\u2019t really come to a conclusion or are simply fine with being stuck in this Caf\u00e9 space between the living and the afterlife, this is where you cross. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">When I entered the Caf\u00e9, I got this feeling of home, a familiar emotion and without knowing the context of what the space was all about I started to explore and interact with the characters of <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Necrobarista.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Necrobarista <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">is a visual novel, and it isn\u2019t. Walking around in the caf\u00e9 feels odd, yet it contributes to this liminal feeling between story arcs. After the story advances you always return back here. It further enhances the feeling of familiarity. The atmosphere of this hub stays similar throughout the game, and it provides comfort despite the topic of death connected to letting go and moving on.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0To what degree the Living appreciate this coffee shop, you need to find out yourself! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15090\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15090\" style=\"width: 331px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15090\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Order menu, showing hot beverages such as tea and coffee, as well as bottled refreshments.\" width=\"331\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/20231208004523_1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15090\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Don\u2019t rush your decision, we are not in a hurry&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The story is worth it, has interesting turns and twists, develops the cast of characters with their individual arcs, and is not too long. Even though the game lives on the margins of visual novels and walking simulators, I would still highly recommend giving it a chance if you are interested in storytelling, reading, or simply if the art-style, the aesthetics or the theme appeal to you!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As I am writing from the perspective of someone who did not have much exposure to visual novel storytelling or who defends the visual novel genre, I find it rather interesting how <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Necrobarista<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> incorporates different aspects of genres to deliver an excellent narrative experience.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Basic information:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Publisher:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Route 59, Coconut Island Games, PLAYISM.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Developer:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Route 59<\/span><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Platforms: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Windows, MAC, PS4, Nintendo Switch (Reviewed on Windows PC)<\/span><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Release Date: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">22.07.2020 (Steam)<\/span><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Genres:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Visual Novel\/ Walking-sim<\/span><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Age Rating: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">N\/A<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pictures:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">All article pictures have been taken by the author in-game (Necrobarista, Route 59, 2020).<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dead on arrival and the smell of roasted coffee in a rite of passage. What will you order? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":229,"featured_media":15088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[803,352,392],"class_list":["post-15087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-game-reviews","tag-storytelling","tag-visual-novel","tag-walking-simulator","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/229"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15087"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15361,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15087\/revisions\/15361"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuni.fi\/playlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}