Primary action stems from the remote, though players can navigate with the optional nunchuk, which works for navigation movement. The learning curve can be medium for younger players when using the motions controls, primarily the remote, but the remote motions incorporate actual cooking actions like stirring, flipping and cutting so well that most players won’t have many issues. Other actions include shaking the remote to grate cheese…and occasionally wake up sleeping assistants (a nice touch). Colorful visual cues also give players guidance to succeed at each action (e.g. keeping a steady hand with straight vertical up and down motions when cutting).
Individual successes are great, but players really see results when each action combines into a perfect score. The element of spice enhances the game with creative combinations that can provide satisfying bonuses and amusing negative reactions. Players can access the spice menu using the – button on the remote (Z button on the nunchuck) and check off an order ticket at the top right in certain instances. Be sure to cater to each customer and check for feedback in the ending tip tally. Developers further incorporate the characters into the game through this element.
The game has an impressive amount of voice acting though they talk over each other often, so sometimes you miss some funny one-liners. Navigation is great except for the top center, which gets a bit crowded at times. Overall the clever dialogue, entertaining characters, high quality, variety, and unique design put this title at the top of the casual game heap. Maybe a multiplayer cooking contest, freestyle recipe creations (possibly incorporating customers as the judges), more social interactions, or a speed round might appear in the next installment.
Order Up! is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for comic mischief.
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.