REVIEW

Coffence Review

by Daniel Clarke, December 13th, 2019

Welcome back avid gamers. Join us as we sip coffee and clash cups in the fencing game with twist, Coffence. Will the goods from Sweet Bandits Studios provide cup after cup of delicious engagement? Or will it leave a bitter taste in you mouth like an over extracted robusta? Let us test a batch and find out!

Being the first title from Sweet Bandits Studios, they have bravely taken on the challenge of producing a fighting game. Many popular franchises such as Tekken, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Smash Bros etc.have blessed our lives for decades. Doing this is not without its troubles however as balancing such games can be a great task indeed. An especially important factor when considering the multiplayer aspect and competitive play. The fresh studio accept the challenge but with a charming and light hearted manner.

Story

First things first, let’s talk about the narrative and premise. The game is set in a world where coffee is precious beverage consumed and enjoyed by all, much like in real life. However, champions of this wonderful beverage defend it by means of a special martial art known as Coffencing. In the tutorial stage, the player meets Ryan and – and train in the ways of Coffencing.

Upon selecting the story mode, you learn that a giant coffee bean from outer space has appeared for the first time in centuries. The giant bean is called the “mother bean”. The very properties of this rare bean is sought after by baristas. An opportunity that can’t be missed. There are multiple characters to select and unlock. Each one shows their story and allows you to fight you way to the mother bean claiming it for that character.

Each section of the story is progressed via a battle with another character. These encounters share narrative between them. More often than not there are witty puns related to coffee. As a professional barista myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect. The whole progression of the story and interaction between the characters, albeit small, is very charming and fun. Even the coffencing locations are charming, simple, and effective.

As for the playable coffencers, all of them bring something to the table. Not only do they have different expertise, but also personaility. From the standard coffee scholar Ryan Cupsworth, a time traveling pirate known as Cap. Puccino, and even a caffeine addicted canine, they are all enjoyable to play and interact with.

Fencing with a Twist

The aim of the game is fairly simple. Each combatant has a coffee cup with health points counted as coffee drops. You are defeated if you lose your last drop of coffee. Precious drops of caffeine are knocked out of your cup if it is hit by your opponent’s attacking cup. On the surface it seems pick up and go, which it is. In a short space of time the tutorial teaches you the ways of a coffencer and moves such as lunges, counters, and cup throws are introduced, as well as blocking.

The entire gameplay feel is centered around rock paper scissors. A standard attack can be blocked; a block can be countered by a close range cup flurry; and a cup flurry can be out maneuvered by throwing your cup on a elastic string. Feinting your opponent into one of these moves and capitalising on this is the key to victory. And, just like caffeine, it can be quite addictive when playing with friends.

There is excitement that comes from seeing both players edge closer to the other and a grand melee commence with drops of coffee flowing all over the place. It is rather enjoyable. Of which, if your cup is successfully attacked, a drop of coffee flies through the air. At this point both players have the opportunity to capture that drop into their cup. More frantic dashing and melee ensues!

There are other mechanics such as dashing, to get behind the opponent or to adjust the space between characters; consuming a drop of coffee, at risk reward, health consuming, slow down power up; and even different cups that dictate how many drops it can hold and how fast it can attack. There are also different stats depending on what character you choose. Ryan, for instance, is balanced in all stats which are dashing, melee range, jumping, and speed. Mocha the Caffeinated Canine, however, has increased dash and speed at the expense of the two.

Verdict

Overall, Coffence is a very charming pick up and go fighting game. It has great puns, unique characters, and an enjoyable storyline. There are multiplayer options so that you can have a 1v1 or even a 4 person brawl. This makes it great for light hearted sessions with friends or online matches.

The fighting itself is simple and easy to pick up. But, it also leaves a lot of room for mastery. It takes simple theory and runs with it in a non-serious fighter game that you don’t have to pour days into to perfect a 50 hit combo like other titles. This might deter hardcore fighter fans however, it opens up the genre to a more down to earth introduction to the genre.

If I were to be pernickety, it would be great if the story was a tad longer. Or, even an arcade mode with increasing difficulty or game modes. With only the standard modes available a group of friends can be left wanting more. Also, I was definitely eager for more puns! There was a great amount in the game already, as well as references to various aspects of the coffee world. But, there could always be more puns.

As it stands, Coffence by Sweet Bandit Studios is a charming, funny, and punny fighting title. If you are looking for a pick up and go, non-serious party game with a down to earth feel then this is for you. It is definitely one that can go in a collection on steam for group fun and friendly competition.

Thank you for reading. What is your favourite coffee pun? Let us know in the comments below. Stay tuned for more news, reviews, and guides. Until next time, smile and game.

Coffence by Sweet Bandit Studios is a charming, funny, and punny fighting title. If you are looking for a pick up and go, non-serious party game with a down to earth feel then this is for you. It is definitely one that can go in a collection on steam for group fun and friendly competition.