Whenever I watch famous TV chefs, I wonder why anyone would undertake that job. Every element of it looks stressful and depressing. However, whenever I have the opportunity to play a cooking-themed game, I jump at the chance. PlateUp! is the latest Steam sensation that has its fan base salivating. Therefore, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Developed by It’s happening and published by the Yogscast, this is a crazy and hectic cooking title. What’s more, it has a high degree of tactical nuance and procedurally generated levels and can be enjoyed solo or with up to 3 friends. On top of this, it is Steam Deck verified, and this makes it all the better.
Is PlateUp! a poor man’s Overcooked?
Whenever a developer creates a new IP in this genre, it’ll inevitably be compared to Overcooked. Now, this may seem unfair, but it is the Gold Standard that we all look towards. Fortunately, PlateUp! does enough to not be considered a poor replica. Instead, it’ll be appreciated on its merits and its distinct layers of originality.
Unlike its peers, PlateUp! doesn’t rely on a story. Instead, it lets its action take centre stage. Now, this may disappoint some story-hungry gamers, but it shouldn’t. Why? Well, its unusual approach gave the developers all the creative freedom they wanted. Furthermore, it lets you focus on the action without unnecessary distractions.
So, the action follows a simple gameplay loop. Survive 15 shifts in your restaurant, upgrade your menu, and your equipment, and then start over again with your improved gear. This continues until your customers lose patience and your restaurant is closed. This is the core concept, but of course, there is plenty more meat on the bone.
Upgrades, upgrades, upgrades!
The crazy gameplay demands a multi-faceted approach. Subsequently, you’ll be spinning many plates at once. This is particularly disconcerting as a solo gamer, as it can become overwhelming. Yet, when playing with others, the madness is infuriating, and moreish, and will test your friendships.
Each playthrough begins with a rudimentary kitchen. However, as each shift is completed, upgraded equipment can be purchased. Whether it was a new counter, fridge, table, breadsticks, or plants, they all have their uses. Depending on your approach, you may wish to increase your customer’s patience and resolve. Alternatively, you can improve your kitchen, upgrade your decor, or purchase a mop to clean stains. Whatever you decide, it’ll drastically improve your chances of staying open.
The daily routine is in theory quite repetitive. You must manage the front of house, clean up and serve delicious meals. However, there is so much going on that things rarely become tiresome. Accordingly, the developers should be applauded for their unique ideas. At no point did I experience tedious or boring gameplay. No, instead, I thrived on the unknown and the mayhem that ensued.
Varied menus and fussy customers.
It wouldn’t be a cooking game if there wasn’t a fantastic variety of food on offer. Fortunately, PlateUp! has a great selection that gets better as you progress. As the shifts pass, upgraded ingredients are added to the menu. Now, this may seem great, but it also complicates every meal you prepare. Why? Well, your simple salad or dessert suddenly requires multiple components and considerably more time to prepare. Furthermore, it impacts the amount of kitchen space you have to work with. Consequently, as the game wears on, you have so much to think about that it can be tough to keep up.
Annoyingly, things aren’t helped by the demanding customers. These impatient imbeciles are messy and unhelpful. Sadly, they lack patience and in large groups; they demand their meals are served together. This shouldn’t be an issue, except when hot food is involved. If left on the side, the hot meals become cold and the customers won’t be happy. Therefore, you have to recook the food and risk losing it all. If this happens, it is game over and your restaurant is closed. Accordingly, no matter how much you hate them, you must prioritise their needs.
PlateUp! has a nice and simple style.
Much of the action will push you to your limits. Accordingly, I appreciated its simple visuals. Playing out from an isometric viewpoint, the madness is easy to follow. What’s more, each playable character has a distinct colour that makes them easily identifiable. On top of this, the progress of each task is supported by an easy-to-understand progression bar. As such, you know when each job is nearly done, and you can plan ahead.
What was also great were the customisable elements for each restaurant. At the end of the shift, you have the freedom to adjust each location. This was amazing, as any issues with tables or the kitchen layout can be altered immediately.
This genre has some of the best audio around. Its whimsy style and upbeat nature will bring a smile to your face. Alongside this, the sound effects are great, even if the noise of burning food fills you with dread.
Excellent controls, mostly.
Even when everything is burning around you, the controls won’t let you down. Thanks to the thorough tutorials and easy-to-access recipes, playing this is a piece of cake. However, there are minor problems with the size of the hitbox. Subsequently, you have to be pretty accurate whenever you undertake a task. Disappointingly, this leads to unwanted frustration and failure. Other than this, it works exceptionally well with both a mouse and keyboard and the Steam Deck.
Thanks to the procedurally generated approach and the multiplayer action, this oozes replay value. Furthermore, it is addictive and tough to put down. Like its peers, it’ll get under your skin. Consequently, you’ll play it again, and again, and again.
PlateUp! is an excellent addition to the genre.
This genre has some amazing titles. Therefore, finding something as interesting and original is unusual. Moreover, add into the mix its addictive action and multiplayer approach, and you get a spectacular game. PlateUp! is so addictive that I could only stop playing by cutting off my hands with my virtual cooking utensils. Unsurprisingly, I loved it and I recommend you buy it here! Running a restaurant is never easy. Therefore, you must spin many plates as you try to make everyone happy.
