In the colorful and food-loving world of Cuisineer, players take on the dual roles of adventurer and restaurateur, blending dungeon-crawling action with creativity in the kitchen. Originally released on PC in 2023, the game has now made its way to the PlayStation 5, offering an upgraded experience with additional content. The premise revolves around Pom, an energetic protagonist who returns to her hometown of Paell to revive her family’s restaurant after her parents mysteriously vanish. This narrative backdrop sets the stage for a charming mix of storytelling and gameplay with a narrative that strikes a balance between heartfelt moments and humorous encounters.
The gameplay centers on Pom’s efforts to manage her restaurant while diving into procedurally generated dungeons to collect ingredients. The dungeon-crawling aspect is an engaging, fast-paced experience where players battle quirky food-inspired enemies, such as fire-breathing peppers and artillery shrimp. The game’s combat system is both accessible and deep, with elemental attacks tied to the flavors of Salty, Sweet, Umami, and more. This flavor-based mechanic adds a layer of strategy to encounters, requiring players to adapt their tactics based on enemy vulnerabilities. The variety of weapons, including spatulas and swordfish, keeps combat fresh and fun, though the controls can occasionally feel a tad unresponsive during more chaotic moments.
Running the restaurant is equally dynamic. Players must cook dishes from a diverse menu inspired by global cuisines, ranging from kaya toast to double-fried crispy chicken. The pressure to deliver the right meals to the right customers while managing upgrades to the kitchen and dining area adds a satisfying level of challenge. Customization options for the restaurant and its decor allow for a personal touch, making the business simulation aspect feel rewarding. However, the time management component can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when paired with the demands of dungeon exploration – Cuisineer looks and feels cozy, but can get hectic.
Visually, Cuisineer is a feast for the eyes. The hand-drawn art style bursts with color and personality, bringing both the town of Paell and its quirky inhabitants to life. Each dungeon biome is distinct, with vibrant designs that capture the essence of their themes, whether it’s the icy beauty of the Frozen Fjord or the lush greenery of the Konpeito Swamps. These visuals are complemented by a delightful soundtrack that blends whimsical tunes with more intense tracks during dungeon runs. While the music enhances the experience, it does become repetitive over longer play sessions, which some might find less engaging over time.
Cuisineer’s PlayStation 5 version includes new content that builds on the original release, such as additional weapons and seasonal festivals. These updates enhance replayability and provide fresh challenges, though they don’t entirely address the game’s occasionally uneven difficulty curve. Newcomers may find the early hours daunting as they juggle combat and restaurant management, but persistence pays off with a deeply rewarding experience.
Overall, Cuisineer successfully combines its charming narrative, creative mechanics, and stunning visuals into a unique blend of roguelike and restaurant simulation. While not without its flaws, including some pacing issues and a steep learning curve, it offers a flavorful and satisfying adventure for those willing to embrace its quirky premise. On the PlayStation 5, it’s a delightful addition to the library of anyone who appreciates games with both heart and humor.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 