Tavern Talk by Gentle Troll Entertainment invites you to step into the shoes of an innkeeper in the magical world of Asteria, delivering a truly cosy and captivating experience. Set in Wayfarer’s Inn, this D&D-inspired visual novel offers much more than serving drinks—you become the heart of a bustling hub for adventurers, uncovering their stories, influencing their fates, and piecing together the lore of an ancient threat looming over the land.
At its core, the game revolves around mixing magical drinks and engaging with the fascinating patrons of your tavern. Each recipe isn’t just a concoction—it’s a tool to shape the stories of your customers. A carefully crafted drink might boost a warrior’s courage for their next adventure, while a calming brew could ease tensions between rival factions.
This mixology system adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, blending crafting seamlessly with storytelling. Additionally, you can post quests on the tavern’s board, sending adventurers into the unknown. When they return, they might bring back rare decorations, powerful artefacts, or critical clues about Asteria’s past.
The characters are the true stars of Tavern Talk. From elves and vampires to bards and rogues, each adventurer comes with a unique backstory and personality, making every interaction meaningful. Through conversations, you’ll gradually uncover a deep and intricate world, all while helping your patrons navigate their own lives.
The writing strikes a perfect balance between humour, heart, and intrigue, keeping you hooked as you explore Asteria’s mysteries at your own pace.
The cosy vibe is further enhanced by stunning visuals, which bring Wayfarer’s Inn to life with warm colours and expressive animations.
The soothing medieval soundtrack serves as the perfect backdrop to an evening spent serving drinks and listening to tales. It’s a game that draws you in and provides a comforting escape that’s as relaxing as it is engaging.
Tavern Talk: Tempest Tantrum – DLC Expansion
Just when you think life at Wayfarer’s Inn couldn’t get more exciting, Tavern Talk: Tempest Tantrum introduces a fresh and exhilarating story set a year and a half after the events of the base game. As an innkeeper who’s already helped save the world, you might expect peaceful days ahead—but fate has other plans.
When young detective Melina accidentally unleashes a chaotic spirit from an ancient mechanism, chaos descends upon Asteria once more. A primordial storm begins to rage, and it’s up to Melina and her companions—including the innkeeper—to repair the mechanism, recapture the spirit, and prevent widespread devastation.
This new chapter also introduces Oleander Verifina, the grumpy but endearing ranger of the Ashen Grove (and brother of Fable). His wry humour and reluctant heroism bring a fresh dynamic to the cast and getting to know him is one of the DLC’s highlights.
In addition to the engaging storyline, Tempest Tantrum brings exciting new mechanics, such as fresh drink recipes and infusions that add a fun twist to the mixology system. The DLC offers roughly three hours of story content, complete with four unique endings and three individual quests. These multiple endings encourage replaying the game over and over, allowing players to experience different outcomes based on their choices.
The visuals and atmosphere take a dramatic turn in this expansion, with stormy weather adding tension and urgency to every scene. Flashes of lightning illuminate the inn’s cosy interior, while the evolving soundtrack perfectly reflects the tempestuous tone of the story. This contrast with the base game’s relaxed vibe makes for an experience that’s both thrilling and familiar.
Final Thoughts
When I first saw Tavern Talk, I thought it looked like a cosy game, and that impression turned out to be absolutely true. You can easily spend hours immersed in this world—talking to people, crafting drinks, and posting quests for your patrons.
The connection to Dungeons & Dragons is clear in moments where patrons ask whether they should approach with stealth on a quest or charm a wizard with loads of charisma to get the information they need.
Each character you meet feels like more than just an NPC—they feel alive. Some made me laugh with their quirky personalities, while others brought me to tears with the depth of their stories. I’ve had characters that made me happy, sad, or even angry. The sheer depth of their backstories and personalities creates a realistic and meaningful connection between them and the innkeeper.
While playing through the base game, I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Future Friends Games, who offered me a code for the Tempest Tantrum DLC. I happily agreed, thrilled by the opportunity to explore more of a game I had grown to love.
The DLC added even more to the story and introduced new characters and mechanics that blended seamlessly into the existing narrative. With returning faces from the base game alongside new ones, the DLC felt like a fresh adventure while still honouring the events of the original story—a detail I really appreciated.
It’s clear that the creators put so much thought and heart into Tavern Talk. In my opinion, it’s deserving of a solid 9.5 out of 10—not to say it’s lacking, but to reflect the idea that there’s always room for new and improved content in any great game.
If you’re looking for a game that combines the warmth of a cosy visual novel with the rich storytelling of a tabletop RPG, Tavern Talk and its Tempest Tantrum DLC are must-plays. They’ll leave you feeling like part of something magical—a world where your choices matter, and every conversation can shape someone’s fate.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems
Developer: Gentle Troll Entertainment
Publisher: Gentle Troll Entertainment
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