Developer – Bloom Digital Media

Publisher – Disney Games

Platforms –   Nintendo Switch (Reviewed), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC

Review copy given by Publisher

 In a surprise move that caught fans off guard, Bloom Digital Media and Disney Games made an unexpected appearance during the March Nintendo Direct, unveiling their latest project: Disney Villains: Cursed Café. Without any prior teasers or leaks, the game was revealed to the public for the very first time during the presentation, instantly generating buzz across social media and gaming communities. This shadow-drop-style reveal deviated from the usual promotional buildup that typically accompanies Disney-branded titles, making the moment all the more impactful.

At the Cursed Café, you step into a fresh role as a Potionista at an enigmatic potion lounge, where you’ll cross paths with some of Disney’s most notorious villains. As a visual novel, the game features extensive character interactions and a multitude of tasks designed to advance your wicked agenda.

The following Disney Villains featured in the Cursed Cafe include The Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil, Gaston, Captain Hook, Jafar, Maleficent, and Ursula as they aim to achieve their dreams. Your goal as the player is to solve the mystery of this Cafe that you know nothing about. 

Disney Villains Cursed Cafe Gameplay

In this game, the mechanics are quite simple. Dialogue takes center stage, so prepare for extensive conversations and decision-making in various scenarios. Additionally, you’ll be concocting potions using a range of recipes and ingredients that you gradually uncover.

If you are someone who doesn’t love a ton of dialogue in a game or just the idea of visual novels itself, this game may not be for you. However, what I will say is that Disney Villains Cursed Cafe excels at keeping you engaged in the conversations. 

There are many humorous moments, but it also prompts you to think about what to say next or what special potion you can create for a certain villain, like the Evil Queen. While some may ask for a specific potion, you can give them something entirely different, which could impact the ending of the game. 

You’ll always experience something new as you go along each day in Disney Villains Cursed Cafe. 

The art style in Disney Villains Cursed Cafe is simple; there’s not too much happening as far as it looks. The character art style is what you’d expect from Disney, but the animation is probably the weakest part of this game. They all have their pre-set standstill for any type of reaction or when placing an order.

Another repetitive aspect of this game is the audio. It felt like there could have been a better variety in its music, for example although it might be hard to choose iconic soundtracks for a game like this. 

It’s clear that this Disney title has a lower production value, but it stands out due to its compelling storytelling. For anyone looking for visual novels with a strong narrative and a sense of direction, this game offers the added benefit of making choices that can influence the ending, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Verdict

Overall, the Disney Villains Cursed Café delivers a straightforward and accessible gaming experience. The twist of collaborating with iconic Disney villains adds a fresh and intriguing layer to the gameplay, despite its low production values and some noticeable flaws—like limited animation styles. What the game truly excels at is drawing you in with engaging dialogue and the ever-present air of mystery surrounding the café.

Engaging dialogue and persistent mysteries make for an unexpectedly immersive experience, even if the production polish leaves a bit to be desired.