Set against the backdrop of a crumbling, fictional European city teetering on the brink of chaos, Best Served Cold weaves its noir atmosphere into an original mix of social deduction and bartending simulation. Bukovie’s last speakeasy, “The Nightcap”, becomes a stage for class conflict, political intrigue, and personal drama – all told through a cast of 20 richly written characters. The setting is immediately compelling, with the juxtaposition of smoky jazz bars and social unrest giving the game a unique flavor that blends narrative adventure with light puzzle-solving and even some drink-making mechanics.
The story unfolds across five interlinked cases, each bringing its own twists and cast of suspects. The way information is gathered isn’t through traditional detective work, but through carefully timed dialogue choices and the art of mixing the right drinks at the right time. Serving up a stiff cocktail becomes an act of persuasion or provocation, influencing the flow of conversation and teasing out buried secrets. This mechanic is clever, even if a little underused at times as it largely remains a narrative vehicle rather than a complex gameplay system.
Where Best Served Cold shines is in its writing and performances. Each character feels distinct and layered, and the voice acting brings them to life with believable charm or menace. Whether dealing with a corrupt cop, a desperate aristocrat, or a conniving socialite, the script does a strong job of shifting tones and perspectives without losing the game’s noir sensibilities. The themes of societal decay and personal ambition are handled with maturity, though some storylines might feel predictable to seasoned mystery fans.
From a visual standpoint, the game uses a stylized art direction that draws heavily from interwar-era design, blending muted colors with flashes of neon and gold. Character animations are minimal but expressive enough to support the dialogue-heavy format, and the setting of the bar – gradually changing with the time of day and the clientele – becomes an atmospheric hub that never overstays its welcome. The jazz soundtrack is another highlight, lending the game a melancholic elegance that fits the tone perfectly.
On PlayStation 5, performance is solid overall. The controls are intuitive and well-suited to the slower, conversational pace of the game. However, interaction with objects can feel a bit clunky at times, especially when trying to mix drinks under a time limit or scroll through ingredients. While certainly not a dealbreaker, it’s one of the few aspects where the experience slightly falters, especially during more urgent segments where a bit of precision is needed.
Ultimately, Best Served Cold is a refreshing twist on the narrative adventure formula. It doesn’t aim for high-octane action or complex puzzles, but instead invites players to listen, deduce, and engage with a world full of hidden agendas and half-truths. For those willing to settle in for a slower burn and embrace some noir storytelling, this one is worth a visit.
Score: 7.7/10
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