Cooking Mama
SCORE: 99
There are only a small number of video games that ever appeal to me as a stay at home mommy of two energetic, and active boys. Cooking Mama is one of those games that really appeals to me. But I am not the only one, as I noticed my hubby (editor in chief of this fine magazine) would also sneak a peek at this game. The premise of Cooking Mama on the Nintendo DS is pretty simple - cook a variety of dishes. This is done through mini games that are easy, quick, and enjoyable. The accuracy of creating these dishes is pretty good. The only descriptor of this ‘E’ for Everyone rated game by the ESRB is ‘Alcholol Reference.’ Some recipes do call for that, and this reviewer found it was not a major part of the game. Chop up some vegetables, knead that dough, and lets show mama how the cooking is done.
Graphically Cooking Mama is very bright and colorful. The details are nicely done, and every food item looks just like a real food item. Majesco Entertainment did a really good job with the graphics, especially the encouragement from the little lady that helps us do the cooking. The game is also nice to the player when mistakes are made. It is really neat to see wholesome images being used properly in a game like this one.
The sounds in Cooking Mama are really nice. The sounds are also realistic, take it from me. Think about it, who are you going to listen to on the sounds from a kitchen? Some video game reviewer from another magazine/website who does not cook? Or a real mother who cooks every single day? The music is very cheerful, and enhanced the cooking experience (well okay, the pretend cooking experience).
Cooking Mama is a lot like Animal Crossing. It can be played, and played, and played. After the player has mastered the many recipes the game starts with, they wind up unlocking even more. But Cooking Mama does not end there, in fact not even close. Players can then mix recipes to make more advanced dishes. These dishes can be shared with up to four other people. This game is most definitely worth your money in this reviewers opinion. I strongly encourage you to purchase this one.
All of the controls in Cooking Mama work beautifully. The touch screen controls, the microphone controls (to cool off things). and all the buttons works perfectly. It is pure genius how Majesco Entertainment set up the different little mini games to build our culinary masterpieces. This game is one that is real, honest to goodness, completely family friendly fun.
Politically correct people may be bothered by the role women have in this game. As a woman, I am not offended at all. I like this kind of game, and I like to see women shown in this positive caregiver manner. Cooking Mama will not teach anyone how to completely cook, but it will teach some rudimentary lessons in cooking. We all have to eat, and it is really neat to play a game that makes cooking look fun. This game is safe for the entire family. This game has so impressed us here at Family Friendly Gaming that it has earned our seal of approval. It was my pleasure to play, and review this game. Majesco Entertainment needs to release some sequels to this game.
- Yolanda
Graphics: 98%
Sound: 96%
Replay/Extras: 100%
Gameplay: 100%
Family Friendly Factor: 100%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment
ESRB Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Alcholol Reference}
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