VN - Ren'Py - Cosy Cafe [v0.13.1 EA] [Cosy Creator]

I've been playing this game since about 0.2 and am only now just getting around to writing something. You can probably tell by my post count how much I write on F95.
This is my favourite AVN. It is not perfect in every way, but its strengths make it excellent.
The characters are interesting and have plenty of unique personality traits. There are a variety of different types, and no cookie cutter tropes here. Each has their own reasons for how they are, and their development over time is nuanced well.
The MC is a regular guy. He is not a complete idiot or a sociopath. He has his flaws too as a person, but he is aware of them. He has strong feelings about what he wants to be and how he might get there, but he is never unkind to anyone who has not thoroughly earned it. He is extremely defensive about anyone he cares about. The people around him can and do influence his attitudes at times, this is not a "guy is the master of all" game.
The story is planned out well in advance and it is clear that this is not a story that the dev is making up on a day to day basis that might suddenly run out of steam or fail due to lack of ideas. I think he has the entire arc laid out and now it's just a case of filling out the details.
The quality of writing is extremely high (disclaimer: I'm a proofreader, but I don't really have much to do), dialogue is written in an engaging way - but you must accept that it is in British English. Having said that, there is very little use of indecipherable UK slang so it's not too bad...just a few spellings that might seem odd, and an occasional new word. There are very few AVNs I enjoy enough to replay, but this one has a large number of people deliberately doing multiple playthoughs - quite a feat for a game with few choices.
And yes there are few choices. This is not a sandbox, nor is it a game with multitudes of different paths and choices. It is very much a kinetic novel, and that is comfortable to me. I don't always enjoy worrying that the choice I made today will bite me in the ass three updates from now and I'll have to do 80 playthoughs to get all the endings.
Updates are regular and frequent, and the dev is highly active in discussion between updates - but he has his own plans for the story and is good at sticking to them, and keeping them nicely to himself. Good surprises are a good thing. There is a lot of discussion about where the game might go and it leads to a healthy community around the game - and usually eagerly awaiting releases that people are happy about. Updates are not small either, you will never find yourself downloading one, being done with it five minutes later, and wondering why you bothered.
Graphics are good. They could be better, but there is nothing wrong with them other than being a little sparse. The LIs are quite stunning, and the variety there will probably mean everyone can find something they like. Probably several. Quality has greatly improved over time and retroactive improvements have been constantly added to earlier content without infringing on the length of the update cycle. Animations are decent but used more sparingly than in some other games.

All in all a top notch game I recommend to everyone.

5/5 The story is just beginning, and it's clear that this game will continue to be impressive. My only significant complaint is the animations; they fall short when compared to other popular AVNs, and it's quite evident that they are not of the highest quality. However, the compelling story and strong writing compensate for the animations' shortcomings. The girls are also very cute and beautiful.

0.9 review

This unfortunately suffers from a lot of the issues that a lot of HS2 games suffer from. Bland faces that blend together between models, overglossy eyes that are enormous, torpedo tits, etc. The biggest offender is that the eye posing rarely ever actually changes, and the girls never actually look as though they're looking at you unless they are forced to. Always the MC's solarplexus or collarbone.

That aside, it looks like an HS2 game. a lot of the models are pretty indistinguishable from each other by appearance. There's a lot of girls in this, too.

Their personalities are different, but they all more or less convert to the harem mindset.

The MC is a sleazebag but at least does have a good general intention.

The animations are very slow for some reason. I suspect a critical bottleneck on the devs' machine, but perhaps I'm wrong. I've played HS2, and derivative games before, and this game's sex anims are playing at like, 30% speed.

I think one of the strong points for this game is its writing. Aside from the sleazebag MC, things do pop off at a good pace, and the choice to make it a kinetic novel was perhaps a wise decision. The different story strands start to converge later on, and while the premise is not unique, the execution of the story is done quite well. It's quite compelling.

If only the graphics, anims, and poses matched this level of quality.

3.5/5 overall.

Note the kinetic novel- and male domination tag. This is less of a game and more of a story. There are choices, but they are just scene variations. Also unlike a lot of other harem games the MC isn't a blank slate but a fully fledged character with his own values and motivations. He doesn't do anything morally reprehensible, but he might make choices you don't like. So if you don't like male domination this probably isn't for you

That being said I highly recommend this game. The best thing about this game is the writing, more specifically the characters. The plot is fine, the worldbuilding is minimal but the interactions and banter between MC and the girls are great and where the game truly thrives. Speaking of the girls this game has a wide variety of them. Each girl is unique and has their own quirk that makes them stand out. I actually like all of them except 1(you'll know). They also vary in looks and theres body types ranging from petite to busty, so theres something for every taste.

On a more meta note I really enjoy that theres a new update every 2-3 months with enough content that would take other games 6 months. The dev is even active in this thread too. So if you want to support a game that actually gets regular new content, with a passionate and hardworking dev, I would recommend this one.

This game was surprisingly good! It doesn't look as pretty as some of these games and the lighting could use some work but the story is great! I really enjoyed all of the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all goes.

I usually try to list out several pros and cons when reviewing stuff on here but after rewriting this multiple times all I can really get down 100% is that I really enjoy the writing and "voice" put into all the girls and your interactions with them, which sounds a little silly because that should be part of any writing but I see it less often than I would like.

I had this discussion with a friend recently about how harem tagged content can either be vapid point A to point B half a brain interactive doujins or they can go a few steps above and actually dig into the dynamics of how a harem can work and the sorts of interpersonal dynamics that come with that sort of lifestyle choice, and I was very happy to find that this was comfortably in the latter.

People step up into roles knowingly or not to help make the family unit run properly and seeing that slowly play out and grow has always been my favorite part of any harem focused story whenever someone decides to actually try and tackle all those different feelings that would normally be hidden away. I am also enjoying the political mind game shenanigans even if it is not my main glowing highlight. Was very sad once I get to the end of the most recent update. Will waiting on pins and needles for this to be finished so I can see it all from start to end and can throw my money at it.

Glorious VN! Ill come back in 10 years and hoping for a 200 iq stuff about the Founding Family. Like you outsmarted me? Well I outsmarted your outsmarting stuff!!!

The characters are written nicely and I really wanna know what happened to the grandfather. Imagine if you can get a bad ending to this game haha.(pls no)

Cosy Cafe can be described by one phrase - Great game!

Here we have truly exceptional mc. Not a shy loser, pushover, spineless little bitch etc. But strong-willed, with principles and brains - these qualities is great rarity in mc's nowadays.

Graphic not incredible but still nice. Girls have traditional beauty, natural nice bodies and even greater personalities. Girls here is realy great waifus and deserve from mc to conquire/care/support/fight for them. No skanks, troublesome idiots, cunning bitches, rude prostitutes etc to whom mc's simp with great force because they tell him some sobby story or smth similar and he aready forgives everything, deals with their bullshit and supports them in everything.

MC knows that not everyone by default deserve nice attitude. He have selfrespect, stands for himself and his girls against anyone with ill intentions/attitide, he can threat or insult some skank if needed. He helps, cares, supports his girls and thats why its so easier to believe in this harem story, because player can see why exactly girls like him and why they accept his polygamy.

This game like a breath of fresh air in the sea which nowadays full of games with beta lame loser mc's and trashy stories about simping to even more trashy characters

Wow i am really suprised really man this is amazing game i cant even explain it like when first time i see this i though anohter harem game with same mc but nope story changes pretty fast and turn into really good one not only that we have really good sexy sex scenes mmmm they are amazing i cant wait to play more.

N-No way...

Lucy is just so precious. Never thought I'd be falling head over heels for a fictional character

Anyway, since everyone else got the story and character reviews I might as well talk about something else.

The first impression I got within 5 minutes into the game is that facial expressions are scarce. Lips rarely move and are shut most of the time. Hmm, lack of effort? rushed? But it quickly became apparent that is was intentional. There are plenty of other body languages and they become more prominent by contrast. It somehow adds immensely to the dialog and atmosphere of the scene, it now seems natural. Maybe it makes my mind fill in the blanks with the best suiting expression for the scene? I don't know, now I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love. this. game.

For a little context I was diagnosed ADHD in my 30's and am prescribed everyone's favorite "study aid." A fun feature of being medicated for me is diminished refractory periods, which often coincide with hyper-fixation.

This makes it easy to become smitten with well-written characters, or somewhat believable characters, and consume what could otherwise be, likely, multiple sessions with a AVN in fewer sittings.

I genuinely want to know what happens next for these women and enjoy the escapist-PC dick-makes-everything-better story. Even hopefully for Rachel, she has probably been through some shit and sharing the magic-dick makes number-one-girl Lucy happy.

Happy thoughts and goodwill your way.

Wow, I am honestly blown away by the game, to the point I am making my first ever official review.

The initial story plot is simple enough; you're a guy with a dream of becoming the best restaurant owner, coming to town to inherit a cafe that grandfather left behind. As time goes on (we haven't even reached 30 in-game days!), more and more details, which add more complexity to the story, pop up that don't overwhelm you and feels natural, along with everything having logic to them on why it happened.

For the writing? It's way way above the average stories that people pump out nowadays since everything doesn't feel robotic and bland. As a writer and long time reader, the one thing I absolutely despise is bad English. You can write the most insane, deplorable, shit ideas ever conceived on this planet, and I would still read the story if it interest me enough... As long as I can understand it and not have to use my brain to translate your shit, so no matter how interesting, funny, good, etc etc, if bad English then it's just a permanent no. Anyway, the writing is a blend simple and complex words that are used at appropriate timing, which immerse you into the world, as if you're right there and not just watching in through a screen.

In terms of animation... I'm not knowledgeable in that regard, but I can say that it's fluid and looks nice without any awkward clippings of body parts or clothes. Although, I do wish for more facial expressions, especially on Victoria but that's just a minor complaint.

Now, time to move on to the MC and holy fuck, now this is a very good MC. He knows what he wants, assertive, doesn't back down when others start shit with him (unless he has to), reciprocate what is given to him, gives second, third, fourth, and more chances to people if he believes them to be worth it, and above all else, he treats his girls right. Of course, I am missing few points of him and all, but this is honestly the highlight of him for me.

Lastly, the girls... They genuinely feel real. Of course, some of them got your cliché and overused tropes, but I like them. Lucy, Victoria, Sarah, Akatsuki, Hannah, Allison, Catherine (and another one that I absolutely refuse to accept, no matter what her circumstances are), all of them got their own growth. They don't become a static character (something I heavily dislike because they're boring) and grow through your interactions. All of them are fucking hot and beautiful (except for that one Main Character and most Side Characters), so it's easy enough to get attached to them. They're funny, sweet, lovable, kind, adorable, etc etc and more, though with some, you have to get through their thorns first to enjoy the sweets.

... Alright, seeing as it wouldn't be fair, let me talk about Rachel, that Main Character I was talking about. She's a feminist that basically got this warped viewpoint of the world (fucking no surprised there with most feminist nowadays) and will annoy you to death. Now, if she was my type of waifu, then I wouldn't be so against her in the Harem, but she's not and I don't know why specifically, but she just rubs me the wrong way. Of course, it could be all an act and blah blah blah the usual trope, but I don't care. I seriously don't care. I just want her gone.

5/5 what a gem. I've probably played close to 50 AVNs at this point and this is one of a handful that have a memorable story and character development. obviously it's still pretty degenerate AVN stuff but that's what we're all here for

sure, the renders are not state-of-the-art, but I agree with the other reviewer that this is more than made up by some very talented camera work and is nowhere near a showstopper

the richness of personalities in the cast and the level of character development across the board make playing this game a fantasy worth experiencing. it's every guy's dream come true without resorting to a godly MC with superpowers as can often be the case

just download it and enjoy the ride. I promise it will be very cozy indeed

Wonderful pure harem maledom AVN.

It's slightly restricted by being based on Illusion's software for the models and renders, but capable camera work and solid choice of models make up for it mostly.

It's decently paced, realistic enough for horny teenagers, it's a really fun pseudo-political story and features a really interesting and cute cast of love interests. Realism sinks a bit with the virgin tag, but that's really only there for the fetish of it.

The MC is neither an ass nor a pushover - not the best example, but not entirely a blank slate just to project onto either, this guy has a tiny sliver of identity.

One final point is the fact that, as the title suggests, it's a cozy game, with a kinetic novel structure and choices that are really only there for flavor.

I understand this is a scattering of opinions, but the game as a whole is truly excellent and I strongly recommend it.

«Wholesome maledom», as the dev defines the focus of this VN, is really the best phrase that can explain this story.
However, one really must play in order to fully understand the true complexity of the story.
There are several aspects to be praised: yes, the girls (of course!) but also a narrative that in no way seems to be rushed - on the contrary!
Another interesting aspect is the real character development happening here, that contributes to the greatness of this story and pushes it forward.
At the end of each update, we always feel that we could continue to "play" forever and wait anxiously for the next one. 100% recommended!

[v0.9]

Easily one of the best games on the site. I'm honestly surprised i just came to know about it.

The writing is great, making the plot intriguing when it needs to be without making the lighthearted moments less fluffy and cosy.

I liked pretty much all the characters, even before they were part of the harem and became LIs. They are all quite unique and distinguishable from each other and the models are very well done.

I've read some opinions and i'd disagree on a lack of sex scenes. I think there is a great amount of them and, for the most part, they feel very natural

I'm excited for new updates of the game and will definitely keep track of it~

Just started playing this game, so far I'm liking it. The different interactions you have with the wildly different girl's personalities makes for a compelling story. Great work and can't wait for more!

Love the game, the content is much more than I expected considering it's only v0.9. I like where the story is heading, the only thing lacking is probably the lewd scenes, feel like a bit too 'stiff' for me. I like the LIs, they're sweet and much less cringy compared to horny LIs in other games. My personal fav is definitely Sarah, cute tsundere redheads are my kryptonite.

(Review is as of v0.9)

I liked it more than I thought I would. Going in, you just have to accept the premise that our MC will get all of the girls he wants, even if it seems nonsensical, since it's a harem game. Once you do, it becomes easier to judge the game based on the MC and, more specifically, how much of a Gary Stu he ends up being.

In that regard, our MC is actually not too bad. While he does seem (perhaps overly) certain of himself in terms of getting women, he actually comes off as having more normal sensibilities otherwise. Too many of these games write the MC like he just knows that he could go off and defuse a nuclear bomb with a bendy straw and a Speak & Spell. This MC is happier just being in his own little corner of the world as a chef running the (surprisingly cocaine-free, if my chef friends are to be believed) cafe left to him. He's dragged into some hoity-toity Warring Families narrative which forms the overall story, and thankfully he's dragged into it kicking and screaming instead of just deciding that he can out-intrigue everybody else. Not only that, but he actually loses a cooking contest to a rival. That may not sound like much, but that's already more hardship than a lot of MCs face. I'd still like to see more of a struggle, but it's a good start.

Instead, most of that stuff is in the background in favor of focusing on the girls in the MC's life. While I don't like the fact that the word "love" is thrown around only two weeks into the story (at this point the story is just past three weeks), the girls are different and have their own little conflicts and foibles. More importantly, they're constantly interacting, and the story kind of takes a backseat and just lets them bounce off each other. This really helps flesh them out and makes them feel distinct from each other. I wish more VN authors - not just ones who write harems, but them especially - did this.

It creates a good little story, and a mostly positive one at that. This is a huge step in the right direction, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

One of my top 5 HVN's of all time. I love the girls, the humor, the interactions, the choices I've made, and the story's progress. This is definitely a must play in my eyes.

I could not recommend this more than I already do. If I could give it 6 out of 5 stars, I would. My only hope is that this reaches a satisfying conclusion when it finally finishes, and this dev moves on to making even better and more entertaining projects in the future.