Before diving into PlateUp! on PlayStation 5, my fiancée had never shown little interest in playing video games. Other than the occasional Hitman and The Sims phase, and the Hazelight studios co-op masterpieces. However, this charming co-op cooking roguelite not only captivated her attention but also transformed her perspective on gaming.
A Welcoming Entry Point
PlateUp! combines the strategic planning of restaurant management with the thrill of roguelite progression. Each session involves designing your kitchen, selecting dishes, and serving customers efficiently. The game’s structure is intuitive and paces new recipes well, making it accessible for newcomers. My fiancée quickly grasped the mechanics, from chopping vegetables to managing orders, and found joy in the collaborative gameplay.
The game’s design encourages teamwork without the chaos often found in similar titles. Unlike other cooking games that can lead to frustration, PlateUp! fosters a sense of camaraderie. We found ourselves laughing over burnt dishes and celebrating successful service days, strengthening our bond through shared achievements.
The main difference from the obvious competitors such as overcooked, is the roguelite element. Although we have completed both overcooked games and their respective DLC’s, we had long breaks from the game due to the levels getting so hard and so many mechanics being added. In PlateUp! we could choose our own difficulty depending whether we wanted to unlock stuff, try something new or simply chill out.
Strategic Depth and Replayability
Beyond its approachable exterior, PlateUp! offers layers of strategic depth. As you progress, the game introduces new challenges, such as complex recipes and customer behaviours, keeping the experience fresh. The roguelite elements mean that each run is unique, with opportunities to unlock new equipment and layouts. This progression system kept us engaged, as we continuously adapted our strategies to overcome obstacles. The satisfaction of refining our restaurant’s efficiency and seeing tangible improvements was immensely
While PlateUp! doesn’t boast cutting-edge graphics, its colourful and clean art style suits the game’s tone perfectly. The visuals are clear, making it easy to distinguish between different ingredients and appliances, which is crucial during hectic service periods. On the PS5, the game runs smoothly, with quick load times. The issue we had however is controls. Although simple, I would often grab the wrong thing, and it would always be in the worst time throwing off my groove.
Our Conclusion
PlateUp! is more than just a game; it’s an experience that brings people together. Its blend of accessible gameplay, strategic depth, and cooperative fun makes it an excellent choice for both seasoned gamers and newcomers. For us, it was a delightful journey that not only provided countless hours of entertainment but also prompted my fiancée to say “just one more run”.
