Cook, Serve, Delicious!

Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a fast-paced cooking and time management simulation where players manage an upstart restaurant, preparing meals by inputting ingredients and maneuvers on-screen while avoiding slow service that angers customers or burns food. With dishes ranging from meats requiring cooking to salads needing only tending, players must multitask cooking, cleaning, and error management—mistakes break combos and upset guests. Earnings unlock new recipes, upgrades, and restaurant enhancements, while progressing unlocks additional cooking stations to serve more customers at increasing difficulty. The game also supports local co-op for 2-4 players across campaign and challenge modes.

Cook, Serve, Delicious!: Review

Introduction

In the vast landscape of video games, few titles manage to blend intense gameplay with a unique narrative as effectively as Cook, Serve, Delicious!. Developed by Vertigo Gaming, this culinary simulation game has carved out a niche for itself by offering a challenging yet rewarding experience that transcends the typical fare of the genre. This review aims to dissect the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its enduring legacy in the gaming industry.

Development History & Context

Studio and Creators:
Vertigo Gaming, a small but innovative studio, was the mastermind behind Cook, Serve, Delicious!. The game was directed by David Galindo, who drew inspiration from the 1999 PlayStation game Ore no Ryouri. Galindo’s vision was to create a game that captured the frenetic energy and strategic depth of managing a restaurant, something that was largely absent in the gaming landscape at the time.

Technological Constraints:
Developed using GameMaker Studio 8.1, which was still in beta for Windows releases, the game faced several technical challenges. Galindo, not a programmer by trade, had to navigate the limitations of the engine while ensuring the game’s mechanics were both intuitive and challenging. The decision to use GameMaker Studio allowed for easier porting to other platforms, including iOS and Android, which significantly expanded the game’s reach.

Gaming Landscape:
The gaming landscape in 2012 was dominated by AAA titles and casual mobile games. Cook, Serve, Delicious! stood out by offering a middle ground—a game that was accessible yet demanded skill and strategy. Its release during the mid-year lull of major releases helped it gain traction among players looking for something fresh and engaging.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters:
The game centers around an old, worn-down restaurant in the SherriSoda Tower, which was once the heart of the building but closed down as business dropped. The player is tasked with reviving the restaurant to its former glory. The narrative is delivered through a series of emails that range from game tips to humorous spam, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.

Dialogue and Themes:
The dialogue in Cook, Serve, Delicious! is minimal but effective. The emails provide a glimpse into the world outside the restaurant, hinting at a larger narrative that unfolds as the player progresses. The game’s themes revolve around perseverance, strategy, and the challenges of running a business. The post-apocalyptic setting, revealed in the sequels, adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the game’s lore.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops:
The core gameplay revolves around managing a restaurant, which includes cooking meals, handling chores, and making strategic decisions. The game’s day cycle includes rush hours at lunch and dinner times, during which more customers arrive. Chores such as washing dishes, throwing out the garbage, and flushing the lavatory must be completed, adding to the strategic depth.

Combat and Character Progression:
There is no traditional combat in Cook, Serve, Delicious!. Instead, the game focuses on time management and strategic decision-making. The player’s progression is tied to the restaurant’s star rating, which unlocks additional cooking stations and menu items. The UI is intuitive, with clear visual cues for each task.

UI and Innovative Systems:
The game’s UI is designed to be user-friendly, with clear visual cues for each task. The email system is a unique feature that provides hints, tips, and humorous anecdotes, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game’s innovative use of chores and strategic decisions sets it apart from other cooking simulations.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere:
The game’s setting is a dilapidated restaurant in the SherriSoda Tower, which adds a sense of urgency and challenge to the gameplay. The atmosphere is enhanced by the upbeat jazz and lounge music composed by Jonathan Geer, which complements the game’s fast-paced nature.

Visual Direction:
The game’s visual style is cartoonish and colorful, which contrasts with the serious nature of the gameplay. The art direction is simple yet effective, with clear visual cues for each task. The game’s visuals have been praised for their charm and simplicity.

Sound Design:
The sound design is a crucial aspect of the game’s atmosphere. The upbeat jazz and lounge music by Jonathan Geer sets the tone for the game’s fast-paced nature. The sound effects, such as the “thwack” sound when placing ingredients, add to the game’s immersive experience.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception:
Cook, Serve, Delicious! received positive reviews from critics and players alike. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and unique narrative. It has since spawned two sequels, Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! and Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!, and a spin-off titled Cook Serve Forever.

Influence on the Industry:
The game’s influence on the industry is evident in its sequels and the spin-off. The game’s unique blend of time management and strategic decision-making has inspired other developers to explore similar themes. The game’s legacy is further cemented by its enduring popularity and the upcoming remaster, Cook, Serve, Delicious: Re-Mustard!.

Conclusion

Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a testament to the power of innovative game design and strategic depth. Its unique blend of time management and narrative storytelling has set it apart from other cooking simulations. The game’s legacy is further cemented by its sequels and the upcoming remaster. As a professional game journalist and historian, I conclude that Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a game that deserves its place in video game history, not just for its gameplay but for its enduring influence on the industry.