PROJECT MIX is a VR anime narrative adventure game that blends interactive bartending simulation with character-driven storytelling. Set in an alternate-history version of 1990s Hong Kong, players take on the role of Rone, a former thug seeking a fresh start as a bartender at the Eleventh Heaven bar in the Mong Kok district. The experience centers on daily routines behind the counter that gradually pull the protagonist into a larger conspiracy through overheard conversations and personal connections.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around hands-on bartending tasks performed in virtual reality. Players shake cocktails, pour ingredients, add garnishes, and serve drinks to a cast of unique clients. Each choice in what to prepare influences individual storylines and can shift the overall narrative direction. Beyond the bar, the game emphasizes quiet, intimate interactions such as sharing a drink after hours, stepping outside for a smoke, or spending time with a pet cat. These moments build relationships through detailed dialogue trees and romance options that branch based on player decisions. Exploration occurs within stylized, atmospheric environments that capture the neon-lit streets and seedy underbelly of the setting, all rendered in anime-inspired visuals. The mechanics reward careful attention to client preferences and subtle environmental details rather than fast-paced action.
Game Modes
PROJECT MIX supports multiple comfort options tailored for VR play. Sessions can be enjoyed while seated at a desk or table for focused bartending sequences. Standing mode allows greater freedom of movement around the bar area and during character interactions. An additional relaxed configuration permits play while lying down, making the experience accessible in various home setups. All modes maintain the same narrative progression and interactive elements without requiring room-scale tracking. The single-player structure focuses entirely on story advancement and personal choices, with no competitive or cooperative elements present.
Story and Characters
The narrative follows Rone's transition from street life to the structured world of bartending under the guidance of the eccentric owner Valencia. As he serves patrons from diverse backgrounds, he uncovers layers of intrigue tied to the district's hidden power struggles. Character development occurs through repeated visits and meaningful conversations that reveal personal histories and motivations. Romance routes provide deeper engagement with select individuals, affecting both emotional outcomes and plot developments. The setting draws from 90s Hong Kong aesthetics reimagined with anime styling, highlighting contrasts between everyday bar work and escalating tension from the surrounding conspiracy.
Visuals, Audio, and Planned Features
Stylized anime artwork defines the environments and character designs, creating an immersive atmosphere through detailed lighting and textures. An original soundtrack incorporates jazz, synthpop, and city pop tracks composed specifically to complement the narrative tone and bar setting. A non-VR version remains a conditional future goal dependent on the project's financial success. If developed, it would feature redesigned controls, cinematic camera perspectives, and custom interface elements to stand independently rather than serve as a simple adaptation.
Is It Worth Playing?
The available demo has received strong player feedback, with perfect 5.0 ratings across hundreds of reviews on platforms where it is offered. Reviewers highlight the fluid bartending interactions, atmospheric depth, and engaging character moments as standout elements. The full release is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, building on years of development and iteration shown in the demo. This title suits players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, interactive simulations, and VR titles that prioritize immersion and choice over action or competition. Those drawn to anime aesthetics, relationship mechanics, and relaxed yet meaningful gameplay loops will find the most value here, especially if they appreciate slower-paced stories that reward attention to detail and repeated playthroughs for different outcomes. The current demo provides a solid preview of the mechanics and tone ahead of the complete version.
