I think there's a chance that N1RV Ann-a may be one of the most anticipated indie games out there right now. At least, based on the typical games I mention online or tweet about. It practically seems like all I have to do is mention the title "N1RV Ann-a" alone and at least four dozen likes come pouring in. True, it's not exactly a shocking revelation. After all, VA-11 Hall-A, developer Sukeban Games' initial cyberpunk waifu bartending adventure has been beloved by audiences ever since it's initial release in 2016, garnering "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews on Steam. So a sequel to it like N1RV Ann-a being highly anticipated is just natural. Still, the fact that any mere mention of this sequel creates a gushing of affection makes one hope that the game doesn't fail in any way.

Thankfully, if the sneak peek of N1RV Ann-a I've played is any indication, there's no need to worry. We should indeed be in for another unique, engrossing and addictive bartending tale.

The shift this time around is away from the dark depths of Glitch City and into the resort paradise of Saint Alicia. Our bartender protagonist this around is Sam, a working mother with an eight-year-old son having relationship issues with their partner, Leon. Things seem more idyllic upon first glance, possibly due to an assist from what feels like brighter character models and sets. But of course, things are darker than they seem.

Right away, N1RV Ann-a differentiates itself from its predecessor based on its drink selection alone. The first game basically took place in a gritty metropolis where you had to make due with synthetic ingredients for your beverages. Here, you get real, fresh ingredients. This is to reflect the change in setting; instead of the slums, you’re in a rich man’s playground. And that means you can afford the fresh stuff. Whereas Glitch City was a standard dystopia where you dealt with the downtrodden, Saint Alicia is a tax haven for the one-percenters and similar bits of the upper crust. That means a different kind of seedy underbelly to deal with, possibly even involving more horrible crimes on a grander scale. Not helping that Leon is working for the Yakuza part-time...

Getting back to the drinks, even though you can craft more accurate cocktails this time around, that doesn’t mean you aren’t expected to whip up your own concoctions as well. If a customer asks for something soft, and you only have recipes for alcoholic drinks, that means it’s time for experimentation. Whereas VA-11 Hall-A required you to be precise, N1RV Ann-a will apparently outright encourage you to try out your own blends based on the customer's tastes. I made the mistake of not going off-menu, and thus my conversation with my first customer, Parka, seemed to have gotten cut short, no longer caring for the hard stuff. I can't help but wonder how she would have reacted to a mocktail of my own making now. But indeed, it looks like trying to make up your own drinks to please customers should be a treat indeed.

Of course, pleasing the customers also leads to them opening up even more about their personal issues, which is where what is arguably the true meat of N1RV Ann-a lies. Another plethora of unique patrons is lined up for you, and as mentioned earlier, the new setting means they're of a different breed. The initial demo had us tending to the aforementioned Parka, a famous erotic comic artist facing issues with her critics and fanbase, namely over a recent piece of work involving taboo subjects, like a mother being forced to make out with their son. It sounds gross, but it leads into discussions about exploring different areas, how people feel certain characters should behave or be treated, and art in general. It can be surprisingly deep stuff.

I admit that I'm a bit more intrigued to see if Sam will be the one with any notable story in N1RV Ann-a, though. One of the most notable things about her is that she's a single mother, a rarity among video game protagonists. I'm not certain yet if this will play into anything grander (or maybe even have a part where you have to manage finances involving you and them like in Papers, Please), but is Leon's boss in the Yakuza is planned as one of the patrons, meaning that he'll have a larger part, who knows?

The demo of N1RV Ann-a was only a small taste on things to come, but it was an effective hook that left me wanting more. With a greater emphasis on going wild when mixing drinks and a change in the setting that allows for even more intriguing characters, stories and plot threads, it's shaping up so far to be a grand successor to VA-11 Hall-A, one I could easily see spending a lot of time with. We won't get to see if it truly does its predecessor justice in full until 2020 when N1RV Ann-a comes to PC, Switch and PS4 courtesy of Ysbryd Games, but here's a toast hoping for the best.

(And yes, I am terribly sorry for the title of this preview, but I had to made the obvious reference.)