Developed by Yangyang Mobile, High Times is a unique blend of cozy restaurant simulation and visual novel storytelling that turns donut-making into a form of therapy. Set in the vibrant city of San Mazo, you play as a customisable Mood Confectioner tasked with running The Hotbox, a struggling café where your pastries actively alter your customers’ emotional states.
Developer: Yangyang Mobile
Publisher: Yangyang Mobile
Release Date: 23 July 2026
Code was provided for review
The core gameplay loop centers around listening to a eccentric cast of characters—including six of your unresolved ex-partners—and matching their emotional needs to the right mood-enhancing recipes. Rather than tests of reflex speed or chaotic kitchen timers, the challenge relies on empathy and deduction. Figuring out whether a troubled regular needs a boost of confidence or a moment of quiet reflection gives the routine orders genuine narrative depth.
Where High Times truly stands out is in its mature, empathetic writing. Beneath the bright, comic-book-inspired visual style and upbeat soundtrack lies a grounded story about closure, past mistakes, and navigating complex adult relationships. Dialogue choices and pastry orders lead to multiple branching narrative paths, giving real weight to your everyday customer service. Additionally, full voice acting featuring talents like Johnny Yong Bosch and LilyPichu helps the colorful cast pop off the screen.
However, the game struggles slightly on a home console like the PlayStation 5. The actual mini-games for glazed toppings and dough prep are exceptionally lightweight, feeling more suited to a mobile screen or touch-based handheld than a DualSense controller. Progression can also drag during the opening weeks, forcing you to grind through repetitive donut prep before the emotional stakes and romantic subplots fully hit their stride.
Final Thoughts
Despite its repetitive moments, High Times delivers a warm, reflective experience that offers a fresh take on cozy management simulators. A charming, emotional visual-novel hybrid that trades high-stress kitchen mechanics for heartwarming storytelling.
