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Developer Acquire Corp. and publisher Aniplex are launching a smoking bar-themed visual novel Hookah Haze which will be available on Steam on July 11, 2024.
The game is from the same developer who made Octopath Traveler, which is now available on Playstation consoles. The game will feature a named protagonist who manages a hookah lounge. Currently, the game has a demo which is available on Steam.
“It’s the year 2xxx. The inexperienced Toru Sumiki lands a job managing Hookah Haze, a new hookah lounge on the outskirts of Akihabara, where they meet three eccentric girls,” as stated in the game’s Steam description.
The demo spans two in-game days and has multiple outcomes which encourages players to replay and explore different paths. Each of the three girls may appear on either day, and their reactions to your service choices appear to influence how their stories unfold. For players who are afraid of spoilers the demo contains a completely original story separate from the main game.
This game is designed to create a cozy atmosphere and envelop players with a relaxing vibe and minimal gameplay pressure. Based on Toru’s instincts, you decide how many coals to use in the tray. If you get it right, customers react positively. If not, Toru corrects it after the customer expresses disappointment, but the story continues regardless. The same goes for choosing flavors for the day’s guest which drives the story forward, regardless of success.
Another aspect of the game involves experimenting with flavors by combining three chosen ingredients like fruits, nuts, or spices. The story aims to present different scenarios with variables that shape the narrative’s outcome.
