The Boba Teashop
The Boba Teashop places you in the role of Risa, a burnt-out corporate worker turned bubble tea barista, navigating long shifts in a haunted café. Blending light simulation gameplay with psychological horror, the game challenges players to multitask under pressure while uncovering strange events that unfold through everyday service routines.
Brew, Serve, Repeat—If You Dare
This game revolves around crafting a variety of drinks for an increasingly unusual lineup of customers. Each round is time-limited, requiring you to execute every step of the drink-making process precisely:
- Select the correct ingredients—base tea, milk, syrup, and toppings.
- Prepare the drink in the proper sequence and seal it at the machine.
- Deliver the finished cup to the waiting customer without delay.
Though the tasks seem straightforward, the game escalates the pace with each level. Making a mistake not only frustrates customers but can also trigger eerie visual and auditory distortions. The tension between casual gameplay and psychological unease adds depth to the overall experience.
A Teashop With Secrets
While The Boba Teashop is built around customer service, it harbors subtle horror elements that unfold naturally as you progress. The game never overwhelms the player with overt jump scares; instead, it disturbs quietly with small details:
- Flickering lights and VHS-style visuals distort reality as you work.
- Occasional hallucinations—you might see something move, then nothing’s there.
- Changes in scenery that reset each time you blink or complete a task.
Risa’s inner struggle is reflected in the atmosphere of the shop. As the game progresses, it becomes unclear whether the horrors are supernatural or psychological—creating a haunting tension that builds with every shift.
Achievements and Challenges
The Boba Teashop includes a performance system that encourages accuracy and exploration. There are five achievements to unlock, tied to secret events, gameplay performance, and discovering alternate endings. Each shift is scored based on:
- Order accuracy—get every ingredient and step right.
- Time management—serve all customers before their patience runs out.
- Cleanliness—avoid leaving spills or waste unaddressed.
As you achieve higher scores, you’ll unlock new drink options like strawberry matcha and golden tapioca pearls. These additions are not just cosmetic—they also change customer expectations and increase the complexity of orders.
More Than a Job
While The Boba Teashop might seem like a quirky game at first glance, it becomes something more. It’s a short yet immersive experience that uses the structure of a café sim to explore burnout, identity, and anxiety. The gameplay mechanics stay grounded in drink-making, but the tone shifts subtly with each shift, keeping players on edge in the best way.
If you’re looking for a game that combines relaxing tasks with eerie ambiance and subtle storytelling, The Boba Teashop is an experience worth brewing up. Every customer served brings you closer to the truth—and maybe something darker waiting beyond the counter.
