For those people who love in-your-face insults (you know who you are), the latest chef game adapts Gordon Ramsay's television show complete with bleeped out orders barked loudly from his virtual avatar when players do not meet expectations. This unique status (how many fighting games would allow a general to shut the game down when players don’t complete missions?) is visualized well in a flaming patience meter. High quality orders and fast service restore the meter. If the pressure gets too much players can always turn down the volume or turn off Ramsey’s voice.
Players get a one to five-star rating in the categories of food starters, main courses and desserts. The basic procedure as cook and waiter is to greet, take food orders, cook, serve and clear tables as the bland customers leave. The single player career mode follows a calendar format where players progress through titles and star ratings to unlock more days. This mode can be conquered by most in single digit hours, but perfecting those scores might take longer. The arcade mode has more stations while the multiplayer co-op or competitive (this game’s best selling point) provides some nice sparks and variety. Players fight for ingredients on the red side or blue side to get the best time and quality
The point and click controls work well, another great testament for the Wii’s motion capabilities. The kitchen really starts cooking once players learn how to synchronize cooking start times so all dishes finish at the same time. Players can only fail in the cooking area if food is left on the stove after the time is up – there's no way to take food off the stove before the time expires. The cooking counters even provide a ring, so players in the dining room can switch back and quickly transfer the food to dishes. There are no specific guides, just estimations and working out special strategies like checking the cooking counters then counting them off while in the dining room.
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