Can
Cook, Will Cook
Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers raised on a diet of first-person shooters are never
going to admit as much, but the fact is consumers of even the most extreme
titles take a guilty pleasure in casual cutesy gaming once in a while. The
really sad ones scoff at such games in public but play them shamefully in
private.
Real gamers, though, have no need to resort to such duplicity. They know that
quality electronic entertainment knows no boundaries when it comes to
processing power, graphics, platforms or genres and can find as much pleasure
in assuming the role of Master Chief as that of a Master Chef. As long as the
design is good enough, and engaging enough, there's fun to be had in every
gaming quarter. So let's talk about Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop on the
DS.
Let's
Cook
OK, if we're totally honest, this latest cook-'em-up is not as satisfying as
something like GTA:
Episodes or Modern Warfare 2, but if you haven't played a Cooking Mama game
before, or you're looking to buy a half decent Christmas gift for a younger
sibling that you can then go on to enjoy yourself, CM3 is well worth a look.
If you're looking
to buy a half decent Christmas gift for a younger sibling that you can then go
on to enjoy yourself, CM3 is well worth a look.
The previous Cooking Mama games have sold in huge numbers thanks to their
simplistic yet challenging and addictive gameplay. The basic aim is to create
delicious dishes by performing a number of preparatory steps. So when making a
pastry-based dish you'll need to first place ingredients into the bowl in the
right order, then stir them without spilling the mix all over the counter top,
knead the dough, shape it, chop it and so on. With fish you'll need to use your
knife skills to fillet it properly. Then there are fun chopping tasks, or
careful simmering on the hob tasks, during which you have to stir and add
ingredients at precise moments.
Recipes
Galore
It is, of course, just a game, but one of the joys of playing Cooking Mama is
that in the boundaries of the gameplay it does actually give players an insight
into how the 80 featured dishes are prepared and cooked.
Provide Mama with a
list of ingredients from which she can conjure up a delicious recipe.
There's new stuff here too. A 'What Dish Can You Make?' mode gives players the
opportunity to provide Mama with a list of ingredients from which she can
conjure up a delicious recipe. More substantial, is the Let's Go Shopping mode.
This a slightly odd addition in that it strays completely away from the basic
Cooking Mama formula, but there's no harm in trying to provide variety. This
memory-based mini-game challenges players to head to the supermarket and try to
acquire a list of groceries, while confusing signs and annoying sales
assistants attempt to sell you the wrong things. It's a fun diversion, but
you'll soon want to get back to the cooking.
Cooking Mama 3 can also be enjoyed with friends thanks to a highly enjoyable
four-player mode that downloads off a single cart.
It's not a life altering experience but anyone can enjoy the simple challenges
of cooking and the process of preparing food. It's a remarkably addictive mix
so maybe it's time to leave Liberty City
for a while and head over to Mama's house.
GAME's
Verdict
- Simple gameplay is still great.
- Lots of exotic ingredients.
- Interesting recipes.
- Shopping game.
- Single cart multiplayer.
Review
by: Simon 'Chopped Liver'
Kirrane
Version
Tested: DS
Review
Published: 11.11.09