This virtual kitchen simulator features a chef (male or female) working up the professional ladder in the island setting of Port Abello. This game has plenty of play on words (like the one you just heard) with comedic/spoof elements that provide "grate" entertainment throughout the smooth multitasking format.
This Wii exclusive single player game has great sound and appealing graphics, plus four save slots for a medium length experience (experienced gamers could conquer the game in single digit hours). The story stuffs you with several animated characters including the predictable food critic and health inspector. The eclectic customers and available chef assistants for hire (just check the daily paper) spice up the proceedings, though they often talk over each other, so players might miss some funny one-liners or clues into a character’s personality.
Players begin at their training site, Burger Face, then quickly acquire a local diner called the Gravy Chug. Progression to El Fuego, Stuffolini’s and finally Chez Haute follows at a fairly steady pace. The fast paced kitchen area lets players run free as they choose preparation and cooking steps from the ordering tickets. Players also control which customers to serve and expedite food orders when finished.
Multitasking masters have a definite advantage here as players progress their coin tallies to purchase upgrades, menu items, ingredients, and other special items. Routine and creative variety supply the bulk of the gameplay. The daily newspaper (where you might get a good review from the food critic), daily time constraints, regular food deliveries and trips to the market all provide steady gameplay, Daily tips in the phone booth and at the basic marketplace give players helpful hints.
The quick play mode lets players work with four different meals (expanded options unlockable in the main single player game mode). Occasional event activities like quelling kitchen fire and sharpening knives keep things from getting too dull. Some story related mini games include batting away rats and a surprise visit from the health inspector where players must demonstrate their dishwashing ability.
Article comments
1 - Brice Morrison
I wonder, in a cooking game like this, do they make good use of the Wii remote? I made a post on my blog about how I feel like many games just use shaking to replace the A or B button. Cooking Mama was able to do this well by creating differences in the kinds of movements you do. If Order Up varies the actions enough it should be quite fun.