Growing up, I loved Garfield. This grumpy yet loveable ginger puss made me chuckle repeatedly. Whether it was a comic strip, annual, cartoon, or film, I loved them equally. Roll on to 2022 and I’m much older, wiser, and definitely more tired. However, my love for that Tomcat has never waned. Consequently, when I saw Garfield Lasagna Party advertised I had to give it a go.
Developed by Vetasoft and Balio Studio and published by Microids, this is a timeless party experience. Furthermore, it reminded me of the early iterations of the Mario Party franchise. Moreover, it is filled with classic locations, 4 familiar characters, and plenty of enjoyable mini-games. Therefore, surely, it will be an amazing family title for this festive period.
Garfield Lasagna Party is all about the Lasagne, unsurprisingly!
Unsurprisingly, Garfield Lasagna Party revolves around his favourite dish. No matter what game mode you try, the winner is always the person with the most lasagne. Furthermore, most of the games require you to pick up, move, or fight over this Italian staple. As such, you may worry that it’ll become tedious. Yet, the maddening action, colourful environments, and competitive tasks distract you from the simple and repetitive goal.
The gameplay focuses on 3 key modes. There is the Lasagna Race, the Lasagna Challenge, and finally, The Lasagna World Tour. Each uses the same characters, core mechanics, and mini-games. However, the Race option is the main body of this title. Here, you’ll compete solo or with friends in a traditional board game experience. By rolling a die, you’ll move around the board and land on special tiles. Each one has a unique power that impacts your go. Whether it moves you back 2 places, gives you coins, or an item, or penalises you for the next turn, is all down to luck. As such, this enhances the traditional tabletop element of this title and makes the action competitive.
At the end of each turn, the 4 characters must face off in one of the 32 mini-games. You’ll be asked to complete an array of tasks and each will test your reactions, patience, strength, dexterity, and more. I loved the simplicity of each game, and so did my children. Consequently, there is enough difficulty to test older and younger gamers without alienating anyone.
What else is there to do?
Alongside the main board game elements are the standalone mini-games and a custom tournament. Each of these modes retains the fun and competitive element of the main option, but they are quicker and easier to manage. What’s more, the Lasagna Challenge allows you to pick any game you so wish. Subsequently, if you have a favourite, or you want to try something new, then this is the place to go.
So, we know what makes Garfield Lasagna Party tick. But how does it compare with Mario Party? In short, it doesn’t! Unfortunately, where this game is lacking, is its depth. Unlike its competitor, this title only has one map to explore. What’s more, every mini-game is an all-out war. Accordingly, you don’t team up with a partner or bully another player in 3v1. As such, it removes that tactical element that many gamers love.
On top of this, there are only 4 characters to choose from. Garfield, Odie, Arlene, and Nermal make up the ranks. However, there are many pivotal players that are missing. Moreover, there is no custom option and no character progression. Consequently, once a game is completed, that it is. This decision makes the end product a little underwhelming. Now, my kids didn’t care, but I would have loved more depth.
Garfield Lasagna Party looks awesome.
Though I’ve bemoaned a lack of depth, I adored the visuals. Every element of the stage design and the character models are perfect. Furthermore, they represent everything that is great about comics and cartoons. With classic locations forming the gaming arenas, and a stunning but simple board to explore, it was nice to look at. Yet, I can’t help but feel sad. I would have loved there to be more maps, a larger roster of characters, and even more familiar images. If this had been incorporated, the game would have been excellent.
Unsurprisingly, the audio was cheeky, fun, and upbeat. What’s more, the sound effects are immature, loud, and in your face. The often OTT approach worked wonderfully with the competitive gameplay and the music retains much of the original charm.
My kids loved the simplicity.
A family-focused title needs simple controls and an excellent UI. Thankfully Garfield Lasagna Party delivers this no matter the game mode. What’s more, the fantastic tutorial and helpful hints ensure every player knows what they are doing. As a parent, this made playing the game so much more enjoyable. Not only was it a great family experience, but the kids loved mastering the controls with little guidance.
Where this title is seriously lacking is its longevity. Yes, you could happily play each of the 32 mini-games repeatedly, but this soon becomes tiresome. Furthermore, a lack of different areas and goals taints the final product. As an adult, I expect much more depth. Fortunately, though, my children didn’t mind, and they adored the straightforward and familiar concept.
Garfield Lasagna Party should have been excellent.
Every ounce of my being wants to give this game a mighty high score. Yet, I must stay professional. There is plenty to love about this colourful and fun title. However, I can’t ignore its shortcomings! With a few simple tweaks and some additional content, this would excel and would compete with Mario Party. But sadly, at the moment, Garfield Lasagna Party will leave adults wanting. All things considered, I still liked it and I recommend it, despite the shortcomings. Can you win the most lasagne? Roll the dice, pick your route, and win every mini-game.
