Affogato is a RPG featuring a unique 'reverse tower defense' mechanic. Play as a sorceress managing a café in Arorua. Meet customers from all walks of life, hear their stories and travel into their minds to help them defeat their inner demons. Experience a city life that exudes magic and excitement.
Players praise the game's unique "reverse tower defense" mechanic, where the player guides customers through maze-like levels rather than defending against enemy waves. The need to carefully manage a limited set of units creates a satisfying puzzle-like challenge. Reviewers highlight the adaptive music that changes tempo based on the pace of combat as an especially clever touch. While some note difficulty spikes towards the later stages, most find the reverse tower defense sections to be the highlight of the gameplay. The strategic deckbuilding and unit deployment form an active, addictive loop that complements the visual novel and coffee shop management aspects.
The game features coffee making minigames that allow players to brew custom drinks for customers. These sequences, while not a core focus, provide a relaxing break from the intense reverse tower defense battles. Some wish the coffee making had been more deeply integrated, such as by providing buffs for the combat stages. As it stands, the coffee making is primarily limited to specific story moments. However, players interested in the barista fantasy appreciate the attention to detail in the preparation process.
Underlying the gameplay is a time management system that requires players to balance daily activities like progressing the story, upgrading skills, managing the cafe, and building relationships. Reviewers note this creates a sense of meaningful choice and consequences, reinforcing the fantasy of being a busy sorceress-barista. While some express frustration with occasional "railroading" of story events, the time management and progression systems are generally seen as a solid foundation. Suggestions for improvement include adding quality-of-life features like a quick travel option.