At the INDIE Live Expo 2024 showcase, a new trailer and video for Aniplex and Acquire’s “hookah lounge visual novel” Hookah Haze confirmed the title will launch on July 11, 2024. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam with English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese language options.
Hookah Haze is set in the year “2XXX” on the outskirts of Akihabara. A new hookah lounge opens for the first time, and rookie manager Toru Sumiki begins to experience some changes while socializing with the lounge’s regulars. The story takes its own twists and turns based on the decisions the protagonists makes with these customers.
Hookah Haze Second PV and Amu Message Reveal July Release Date
The second PV for Hookah Haze introduces the game’s premise, characters, and mechanics. A July 11 release date for Hookah Haze was confirmed at INDIE Live Expo in a subsequent video starring Amu Aigami, one of the game’s heroines.
Watch the second PV and message from Amu below:
The official theme song of Hookah Haze is “Hookah, whoo!” by Nakuru Aitsuki. DECO*27 wrote and produced the new song. The song was also arranged and composed by tepe, as previously announced. Fans may listen to “Hookah, whoo!” on streaming services right now.
Lastly, here’s an overview of the game’s story and characters, via Steam:
It’s the year 2xxx.
On the outskirts of Akihabara,
a new hookah lounge opens its doors to customers.
Welcome to Hookah Haze!
Before long, the rookie manager Toru Sumiki notices that socializing with the lounge’s peculiar clientele has begun to change them.
Tobacco flavor recommendations on social media affect who visits the lounge,
weaving the twists of the story nudged in this or that direction by the choices the protagonist makes in the course of relaxed late-night conversations with the customers.
Story
“Anything you want to try doing?”
The protagonist, Toru Sumiki, loses the will to live after being diagnosed with a fatal illness.
Toru’s doctor insists he should make the most of the little time he has left,
and he signs on as a temporary manager of a hookah lounge.
Through his new job, Toru meets three very unusual girls.
Although cheerful at a glance, they’re battling with work problems or past trauma,
searching for a place to belong.
As Toru begins to bond with them through hookah,
what will he find once the girls fully open up to him?
Characters
Amu Aigami
“Don’t skimp on praise for me, I deserve it!”
Birthday: November 11. 23 years old. Blood type: B.
Novelty cafe employee at Akihabara. Thirsty for attention, loves to be spoiled. Absolutely loves herself.
Meigetsuin Kokoro
“Ever thought being alive was overrated?”
Birthday: June 21. 27 years old. Blood type: A.
Store clerk.
Polite, intelligent and usually optimistic, but hides past trauma.
Kurumi Komori
“Nuts!”
Birthday: July 22. 21 years old. Blood type: B.
A doll-maker employed by a big business.
Comes off as willful. Not a great communicator.
Toru Sumiki
“I’d like to connect with someone through my interests.”
25 years old. Blood type: AB
Hookah Haze’s temporary manager.
Has a tendency to give up on his own desires and put others before himself.
Loves hookah and fish tanks.
