A Steam code was provided to GamingPizza for this review. Cuisineer will be available on November 9, 2023 for PC.
When I first booted up Cuisineer, I was met with the curious predicament of Pom, whose restaurateur parents had seemingly vacated the premises without so much as a, “We’ll be back after the lunch rush.” As Pom, I stood in the deserted dining hall of a once-thriving family business, and my annoyance was palpable. But as the old adage goes, when life hands you lemons, or in this case, an empty eatery, you make lemonade — or a five-star restaurant.
And that’s exactly what I set out to do. Despite my initial resentment, I found a silver lining: a blank slate to reinvent a restaurant in my own vision, sans parental guidance. It was in this spirit of rebellious culinary reinvention that Cuisineer began to simmer nicely. (I hope you’re ready for a pun-fueled spread!)
The core of Cuisineer is as addictive as the crunch of a perfect tempura. Every procedurally generated dungeon promises a new challenge and a cornucopia of ingredients to plunder, from defiant chickens to spicy peppers belching flames. Each foray feels different, yet familiar — like a favorite dish with a surprising twist. It wasn’t long before the game’s hooks sunk in deep, its “just one more go” appeal keeping the stove hot well into the early morning hours — well after industry folks have closed up for the night.
A dash of life sim, a spoonful of satisfaction
Admittedly, life sim games usually simmer on the back burner for me, or even stay on ice in the back of the freezer. However, Cuisineer proved to be an exception. Expanding the restaurant, decorating to my taste, and curating a menu from over 100 recipes delivered a satisfying experience that I didn’t know I was craving. Whether I was arranging tables or stirring pots, each action was a step towards a happy customer I felt I had truly earned.
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As someone who’s sampled a fair share of XSEED’s offerings, I’ve grown accustomed to the taste of sequels and safe bets. Cuisineer, however, is a fresh, flavorful bite of something new. With its quirky charm and clever blending of genres, the game — developed by BattleBrew Productions — stands out as a testament to the innovation still simmering within XSEED’s kitchens.
Combat in Cuisineer is a buffet of whimsy and peril. Brandishing a spatula against a culinary foes never ceased to bring a chuckle out of me. It’s a full-bodied blend of action and strategy that required me to think on my feet as much as a Saturday night service. Whether I was tossing dishes at long range or engaging in melee with my trusty spatula, the battles were always seasoned with excitement (and oftentimes, chaos).
A culinary quest that keeps on giving
The visual presentation of Cuisineer is as cozy as a corner bistro. Characters pop with personality and the environments — from icy caves to sweltering volcanoes — are crafted with a loving hand. It’s a game that invites you to sit down, tuck in a napkin, and feast your eyes on the charming aesthetics.
The gameplay loop of dungeon diving for ingredients, followed by the rush of the lunch service, is a chef’s kiss of engagement. Each character in the town of Paell brings a new recipe or a quirky quest to the table, keeping the game as fresh as garden-picked herbs. It’s in these interactions and exchanges that Cuisineer finds its heart and soul, feeding my fondness for the game with every completed request.
My journey with Pom in Cuisineer felt similar to crafting a signature dish (of which I have a few in real life). There was the initial bitterness of abandonment, swiftly replaced by the tang of opportunity. As the restaurant flourished and my culinary reputation soared, so too did my attachment to the little digital bistro I had made my own. With every upgrade and successful service, the pride swelled; I wasn’t just filling the seats, I was filling my own shoes, proving that I could thrive in spite of the unexpected hand I’d been dealt.
A meal worth savoring
Of course, Cuisineer has its moments where the broth spills over the pot just a little bit. At times, the balance between dungeon crawling and restaurant management feels as precarious as a soufflé in a bustling kitchen. There were moments when I wished for a pinch more guidance or a smidgen less chaos during peak dining hours. Yet, much like a tough cut of meat tenderizes with time, I found my rhythm, and the game’s idiosyncrasies became part of its charm.
With a score of 9 out of 10, Cuisineer plates up a robust and endearing experience that will satisfy gamers hungry for a twist on the familiar. It’s a game that doesn’t just rest on the laurels of its blended genres but seeks to garnish it with creativity and heart. Whether you’re a gourmet of gaming or someone who prefers a simpler digital diet, Cuisineer offers a flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Phew … so many food puns. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go eat. Immediately.
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