High Times is a simulation game that blends cooking management with visual novel storytelling on the PS5. Players step into the role of a customizable protagonist running The Hotbox, a donut shop where each treat carries mood-enhancing ingredients designed to influence customers' emotions and decisions. The core experience revolves around listening to personal stories, selecting the right donut flavors to offer advice or support, and building connections through daily operations and narrative choices.
Gameplay
The gameplay loop centers on shop management and customer interaction. Each day involves preparing donuts from scratch by discovering recipes, cooking batches, and serving orders that match individual needs. Mood enhancers in the donuts alter how customers feel, which in turn shapes their actions and the conversations that follow. Tips collected from satisfied patrons fund upgrades like new tools and shop decorations, while unlocking additional recipes expands the menu options over time.
Story progression happens through dialogue with a cast of over thirty customers. The main character remains silent, allowing full English voice acting to bring the supporting characters to life. Six romanceable characters stand out among them, each with distinct personalities and backstories that unfold based on the donuts served and the advice given during visits. Customization options for the protagonist include skin color, hairstyle, and outfit choices that carry through the experience.
Relationships develop through repeated interactions. Serving the preferred donut at the right moment can strengthen bonds, while mismatched choices may lead to tension or missed opportunities. The system encourages careful attention to each customer's emotional state and personal history to achieve better outcomes.
Game Modes
High Times operates as a single-player narrative simulation without separate competitive or cooperative modes. The primary experience unfolds through the daily shop routine combined with branching story events. Players manage the business side while advancing character arcs, with decisions during service directly affecting dialogue options and long-term connections.
Progression ties the cooking and serving mechanics to the story threads. Completing customer requests and collecting tips opens new tools and recipes that support further narrative exploration. The structure rewards consistent attention to both the shop's operations and the emotional needs of the visitors who return over time.
Story and Characters
The narrative follows a group of misfits who frequent The Hotbox, each dealing with personal challenges that the mood-altering donuts can help address. Over thirty unique customers appear across the game, with detailed backstories revealed through conversations. The six romance options each feature multiple endings determined by the sequence of donuts served and the choices made in key moments.
Voice performances add depth to these interactions. Notable actors including LilyPichu and Johnny Yong Bosch deliver lines for the cast, creating a fully voiced experience outside of the silent protagonist. The tone mixes lighthearted shop management with sincere explorations of relationships and emotional support.
Is It Worth Playing?
High Times suits players who enjoy cozy simulation games that incorporate narrative choices and relationship building. The combination of recipe discovery, shop upgrades, and emotional decision-making creates a focused loop that emphasizes listening and thoughtful service over fast-paced action. Those drawn to visual novel elements will find the branching paths and multiple endings for romanceable characters provide replay value through different approaches to the same customers.
The game stands out for its premise of using food as a tool for emotional influence within a management framework. Availability on PS5 ensures access to the full voice cast and customization features from the start. Players seeking a relaxed yet story-rich simulation will likely appreciate the steady rhythm of daily operations paired with meaningful character development.
