In an exciting announcement from the Belgian gaming scene, independent developer and publisher Rogueside Games is set to release their innovative detective-themed visual novel “Best Served Cold” on May 5th for PC. This unique gaming experience combines the atmospheric world of prohibition-era speakeasies with gripping murder mystery elements, all while putting players behind the bar of the last speakeasy in town.
Set in an alternate history version of Europe, players will find themselves as the proprietor of “The Nightcap,” a clandestine establishment where secrets flow as freely as the spirits. The game’s setting, the fictional city of Bukovie, presents a richly detailed world teetering on the edge of chaos, with labor strikes, rationing, and the looming shadow of war creating a powder keg of tension that only adds to the narrative depth.
The game’s core mechanics cleverly blend traditional visual novel elements with interactive bartending and detective work. Players must master not only the art of mixing drinks but also the subtle craft of conversation, as they work to uncover clues and solve mysteries. The game features an impressive cast of 20 unique characters, each bringing their own stories, motivations, and potential secrets to the bar.
Gameplay spans across five distinct cases, challenging players to piece together clues while maintaining their business. The narrative weaves through various layers of Bukovie society, from wealthy patrons splashing their cash on expensive cocktails to corrupt law enforcement officers and dubious characters attempting to entangle the player in their schemes.
What sets “Best Served Cold” apart is its emphasis on player choice and conversation mechanics. As a bartender-turned-detective, players must carefully navigate their interactions, choosing when to charm, when to probe, and when to apply pressure to extract crucial information. The game promises that these choices will have real consequences, as players must discern whom to trust in a world where loyalty is as mixed as the cocktails they serve.
The atmospheric setting of the game deserves special mention. Despite the city’s troubles, Bukovie’s citizens seek solace in entertainment, flocking to dance halls and speakeasies. The Nightcap serves as a beacon of hope – or at least temporary escape – in a city gripped by uncertainty. This juxtaposition of revelry against a backdrop of societal tension creates a compelling narrative environment that players will need to navigate carefully.
Rogueside Games, the developer behind this intriguing title, has built a reputation for creating engaging experiences that resonate with players. Their commitment to crafting games that combine quality storytelling with enjoyable gameplay mechanics is evident in their approach to “Best Served Cold.” The studio’s focus on creating experiences that bring joy and satisfaction to players while maintaining high production values has been a cornerstone of their development philosophy.
The game will launch at $17.99 USD on PC, with an attractive 10% launch discount available during the first week. Console gamers need not feel left out, as versions for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X are planned for release at a later date.
For those interested in getting a closer look at the game before its release, Rogueside has made available a trailer, Steam page, and press kit, allowing potential players to dive deeper into the world of “Best Served Cold” before its official launch.
In an era where gaming experiences often trend toward action-packed adventures or fast-paced gameplay, “Best Served Cold” offers a refreshingly different approach. By combining the intimate setting of a prohibition-era speakeasy with detective work and character-driven storytelling, it promises to deliver a unique gaming experience that challenges players to think critically while immersing themselves in a richly detailed world of mystery and intrigue.
