Coffee Crisis: The Retro Beat 'Em Up Starring Baristas

Coffee Crisis is a side-scrolling beat ’em up made by Pittsburgh studio Mega Cat Studios and released on a real Sega Genesis cartridge on February 24, 2017. You play as two baristas, Nick and Ashley, who fight off an alien invasion after the invaders storm their coffee shop. The Coffee Crisis game later came to Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

It is a love letter to 16-bit brawlers, to Pittsburgh and, of course, to coffee. Here is what makes it fun, how it plays and why retro gaming and coffee culture fit together so well.

The Coffee Crisis Game Premise

The story is gloriously silly. An alien race called the Smurgliens has been watching Earth and decides that the planet’s best things are wifi, cat videos, metal music and coffee. Naturally, they want all of it.

When the aliens invade the heroes’ coffee house, the two baristas grab whatever they can and fight back. Their mission takes them across recognizable Pittsburgh locations such as PNC Park, Grandview Boulevard and the Duquesne Incline. Along the way they battle aliens and humans who have been taken over by the invaders.

The humor is a big part of its appeal. It is a game that knows exactly how ridiculous it is and leans in, from the alien motives to the coffee-shop heroes.

How Coffee Crisis Plays

Coffee Crisis follows the classic formula of games like Streets of Rage and Golden Axe. You walk from left to right, enemies pour in from both sides and you punch, kick and jump your way through each stage.

• Two heroes: choose Nick Miller or Ashley Corts.
• Two-player co-op: team up with a friend on the same screen, the way beat ’em ups were meant to be played.
• Power-ups and points: collect items, score points and use special moves to clear crowded screens.
• Metal soundtrack: the Genesis version features music by Pittsburgh metal band Greywalker. The PC version came with a new soundtrack.

The PC release added extras, including a special difficulty mode, randomly generated modifier items that change each run and integration with streaming platforms.

Reviews were mixed. Critics enjoyed the humor, music and local references, while some pointed to old-school frustrations such as no block button and sudden difficulty spikes. For many retro fans, that authenticity is part of the charm.

Release History at a Glance

The original release is notable because it is a brand-new game on hardware that launched in North America in 1989. Homebrew and indie developers have kept making cartridges for the Genesis for years, and Coffee Crisis is one of the better-known examples. You can read more on its Wikipedia entry.

Retro Gaming and Coffee Culture

Coffee and retro gaming share a lot: both reward patience, ritual and a bit of nostalgia. Blowing on a cartridge, sliding it into the console and pressing power has the same comforting feel as grinding beans and waiting for the first drip.

Here are a few ways to bring the two together:

1. Host a couch co-op night. Beat ’em ups like Coffee Crisis are built for two players side by side. Brew a full pot so nobody has to pause.
2. Pick a diner-style coffee. A smooth, classic cup suits pixel art and chiptune. Our Gourmet Donut Shop coffee fits the mood.
3. Use a thermos. Old consoles do not have a pause-and-save for everything, and some stages demand your full attention. Keep coffee hot without getting up.
4. Keep drinks away from the hardware. Vintage consoles and cartridges are hard to replace. Use a lidded mug and a separate side table.

A Barista-Hero Brew to Play With

An original drink inspired by the game’s barista heroes and its metal soundtrack, not an official recipe. Call it the “Alien Invasion Mocha.”

• 2 fl oz (60 ml) espresso or 4 fl oz (120 ml) strong coffee
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dark chocolate syrup
• 6 fl oz (180 ml) milk
• A few drops of mint extract or a mint-flavored coffee base
• Whipped cream and a pinch of cocoa for topping

1. Stir the chocolate syrup into the hot espresso.
2. Add the mint extract, about 1/8 tsp (0.5 ml), or brew Mint flavored coffee instead.
3. Steam or heat the milk and pour it in.
4. Top with whipped cream and cocoa.

Want the full technique? See our guide on how to make a café mocha. Prefer something cold for a long session? Try homemade cold brew.

Keep the Retro Vibe Going

If you enjoy coffee with a side of history, you might like our look at coffee in World War II and the “cup of joe” or why Americans drink coffee. And if long gaming sessions are your thing, read Caffeine for Gamers for smarter timing. For most healthy adults, the FDA cites up to 400 mg of caffeine a day as a general limit; if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor.

Coffee Crisis Game FAQ

Who made Coffee Crisis?

Coffee Crisis was developed and published by Mega Cat Studios, an indie studio based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The studio is known for making new games for classic consoles.

When did Coffee Crisis come out?

The Sega Genesis cartridge was released on February 24, 2017. A Windows version followed on May 4, 2018, then Xbox One in August 2018, with Switch and PlayStation 4 versions later.

Is Coffee Crisis multiplayer?

Yes. It supports two-player cooperative play, with one player as Nick and the other as Ashley, in the tradition of classic couch co-op brawlers.

What is the story of Coffee Crisis?

Aliens called the Smurgliens invade Earth to take its best things, including coffee and metal music. Two baristas defend their coffee shop and fight their way through Pittsburgh.

Defend Your Coffee

Coffee Crisis proves that a beat ’em up about baristas fighting aliens can be both a joke and a genuinely fun retro brawler. Pair your next playthrough with a bold cup such as the Cowboy Blend, or try a few styles with the Best Sellers Sample Pack. Every Feel Espresso order is roasted 1–5 days before delivery, so your coffee is worth defending.