Developed by Ghost Town Games, Overcooked is an arcade-style, cooking simulation game where the player must control a pair of chefs and prepare countless dishes. These chefs must avoid obstacles and puzzle-like hazards, while working against the clock. The game has 28 kitchens and a final boss encounter, where the player must feed a creature to save the world.
Before this can transpire, the player starts the game learning the controls and preparing meals (i.e. hamburgers, salads, etc) at various stations. The kitchens have containers marked with ingredients (i.e. lettuce, tomatoes, meat, etc.) that change with the orders, which appear at the top of the screen in a list. The object is to use both chefs to speed up the cooking process. For example: if an order calls for a hamburger, the player can move one chef to the lettuce crate and press A button to grab a head of lettuce. From there, they can run to one of the many prepping stations (i.e. cutting boards) to drop the lettuce and dice it up by pressing X button.
Chopping food is automatic. When this is occurring, the player can switch to the second chef by pressing the Right Shoulder button, and then grab another ingredient to prepare. Things become more complicated when meat is thrown into the mix. The player not only has to prevent the meat from burning, but they also have to make sure that a grease fire doesn’t start. Luckily, a heat bar appears over the stove to assist the player. Once this bar fills, the player has a matter of seconds before chaos breaks out in the kitchen.
After the ingredients are finished, the player must ‘plate’ them properly (i.e. hamburger bun, hamburger meat and then the vegetables) and then bring the completed meal to the serving counter. It’s a simple process that’s repeated throughout the game.
As the game progresses, the player will encounter kitchen environments that will try to hinder the cooking process. In one particular level, the player must cook on a ship where the counters rock (and move) with the waves. When this happens, the cooking area becomes an obstacle course that is difficult to navigate. The counters shift to one side, blocking areas that were once accessible. The puzzles become more elaborate as the game progresses. For example: The floor in one kitchen will rise halfway above the playfield, making it impossible to access the stoves. The player must learn to time these events or lose valuable cooking time. Overcooked is full of moments like these, and it adds a disturbing amount of urgency to completing each level.
Overcooked really shines as a 2-player, cooperative experience. Having a partner reduces the work load much later in the game, especially when the kitchen puzzles become more complex. Once both players find their rhythm (i.e. having one prepare the food and the other cook, serve and wash dishes), the game becomes less daunting, and far more enjoyable.
The graphics are basic in appearance, but with a bright color palette that brings everything to life. The world map (where the player drives a truck from one kitchen/level to the next) is a nice, added touch. In fact, the graphics in general are very pleasing to the eyes.
Overcooked is one of those rare games that only comes around once every so often. It’s challenging; fun to play; and it’s even better when a second player is involved. And since the Nintendo Switch was designed for ‘on the go’ multiplayer gaming, Overcooked by Team 17 is the perfect game to own, whether you enjoy cooking simulators or not.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Ghost Town Games
Publisher: Team 17
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Price: $19.99
Overcooked Official Website:
https://www.team17.com/overcooked-special-edition-updated-nintendo-switch/
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| The graphics are very basic in theirappearance. | |
| Sound | |
| Amusing sound effects and a lighthearted soundtrack add to the game's atmosphere. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Overcooked really shines as a 2-player, cooperative experience. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Overcooked is one of those rare games that only comes around once every so often. | |
