You know those days where you just need to shut out the world for a bit? Maybe you’ve had one of those mornings where nothing goes quite right, and by the afternoon, all you want is to curl up with something cozy. That’s where I found myself the other day. I’d spent the morning juggling chores, a bit too much caffeine (ironic, I know), and a to-do list that felt like it was growing by the minute. So, when I saw the chance to try the Tailside: Cozy Cafe playtest, I figured, why not?
There’s something about slipping into a game that doesn’t ask much of you — just a little escape, a moment to unwind. And that’s exactly what Tailside offers, in the sweetest, simplest way.
A Quick Sip of Gameplay
Now, before I get too ahead of myself, let me say upfront — the playtest I got to try was short and sweet. We’re talking about 20 minutes of gameplay, just enough to dip your toes into the world and see what it’s about. So, I’m not going to oversell it as some epic experience, but what I did play left me with a good impression.
You step into the role of a cafe owner, and from the moment you boot it up, there’s this gentle atmosphere that feels like a sigh of relief. The pixel art is soft and charming, almost like flipping through the pages of a cozy graphic novel. It’s simple, but in the best way — it’s there to help you relax, not to overwhelm you with complexity.
The Little Moments That Shine
For a game with such a brief playtest, it does a good job of setting the mood. There’s something peaceful about brewing a virtual cup of coffee and setting up your little cafe space just the way you like it. The characters? They’re lovely. You don’t get to interact too deeply yet, but the few that popped by were sweet and warm, like the regulars at your favorite neighborhood cafe. I can already tell the full game will build on these relationships, and I’m excited to see how they evolve.
The customizations that were already available, and were unlocked throughout the coffee break (as the game hints to in the dev notes) were of the utmost cutest level and seeing the sneaks on social media, they’re only going to get better towards and post launch.
A Few Sips of Feedback
Now, because it was such a short experience, there were a couple of things I noticed that could use a bit more stirring, if you will. First off, the controls threw me for a loop at the start. I instinctively tried moving with my mouse — because, well, that’s what you’d expect in a sim, right? — but no dice. It’s a small thing, but I hope they add that option for folks like me who are creatures of habit.
Then there’s the recipe book. It’s cute and useful, but I felt like it could’ve been highlighted a bit better. I found myself wishing there was just a bit more guidance, especially for those early moments when you’re trying to get the hang of things.
And the latte art mini-game? Let’s just say my pours were far from perfect. Staying within those lines felt like a bit too much pressure for a game that’s otherwise so relaxing. If they lighten that up a bit, it could really shine as a fun little challenge instead of something that stresses you out. (Seriously, my latte art looked like it had been through an earthquake. 
)
Final Thoughts: A Small, Cozy Escape
So, all in all, Tailside: Cozy Cafe may only have given me 20 minutes to explore, but those were 20 very cozy minutes. (Apart from the earthquake art. Let’s just ignore that.) It’s not the kind of game that will knock your socks off with action or complexity, but it’s got its heart in the right place. For a brief escape from the hustle and bustle, it offers a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the small things.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the full game develops. If you’re a fan of cozy sims or just need something to settle into after a long day, this little cafe sim might just be the perfect blend for you. It’s not trying to be anything more than what it is — a soft space to relax, decorate, and maybe meet a few friendly faces along the way. If you love the idea of running your own cozy little cafe — and let’s be real, who doesn’t? — then keep an eye on Tailside. Coffee Beans Dev is definitely onto something special, and I can’t wait to see how this one brews up when it fully launches. Until then, I’ll be waiting, mug in hand, for the next cup.
PLATFORMS
PC (launch)
RELEASE DATE
TBC
Estimated Play Time
TBC but with most sims – should be ongoing 🙂
You can wish list Tailside here ♥
