MacRumorUser
Mar 20, 2007, 07:01 PM
mmm 5.8 mediocre review. :o
http://wii.ign.com/articles/774/774342p1.html?RSSwhen2007-03-20_150000&RSSid=774342
Closing Comments
When it comes to captivating casual gamers, control needs to be simple and intuitive, and the Cooking Mama franchise needs to evolve to do that. We could rant all day about what technically works and why 1:1 motion is important, but in the end it’s an issue of whether or not the game is fun, inviting, and entertaining. The overall consensus; it’s still a fun game, as long as you can ignore some of its faults. The inviting presentation will still bring people in, it’ll still be a blast for certain gamers, and the act of doing motion-controlled cooking pantomime will be a hit with the younger crowd and a niche group of gamers. At the same time, the series has a long way to go before it really “feels right” on Wii, and if nothing else Cooking Mama: Cook Off can act as that first step towards an inevitable improvement. We love the series, but we simply can’t endorse this one. Here’s hoping for a sequel that truly innovates around the controller, rather than borrowing from DS control.
6.5 Presentation
The charming Cooking Mama look and feel hits Wii in full effect. New dishes, new preparation techniques, and a new vs. mode. Not bad.
5.0 Graphics
The game has style, but it also has low-res food, a very basic look, and visuals comparable to DS. It in no way pushes the system. 480p and 16:9 supported though.
5.5 Sound
Classic tunes and Cooking Mama “Engrish” throughout. It’s basic by design, but basic nonetheless.
5.5 Gameplay
Some of the motions transition decently to Wii, while others are best kept on DS. The tactile feel is lost, and with it the game’s immersion. Vs. mode is a definite step in the right direction
6.0 Lasting Appeal
There’s plenty to do, and the vs. mode is a plus, but there’s less pure entertainment in the act of making food with the Wii remote.
5.8
Mediocre OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)
Not out till May for Europeans I believe - was hoping this might be a game to keep the non-gamers happy for a while. I might get it still but 5.8 :(
http://wii.ign.com/articles/774/774342p1.html?RSSwhen2007-03-20_150000&RSSid=774342
Closing Comments
When it comes to captivating casual gamers, control needs to be simple and intuitive, and the Cooking Mama franchise needs to evolve to do that. We could rant all day about what technically works and why 1:1 motion is important, but in the end it’s an issue of whether or not the game is fun, inviting, and entertaining. The overall consensus; it’s still a fun game, as long as you can ignore some of its faults. The inviting presentation will still bring people in, it’ll still be a blast for certain gamers, and the act of doing motion-controlled cooking pantomime will be a hit with the younger crowd and a niche group of gamers. At the same time, the series has a long way to go before it really “feels right” on Wii, and if nothing else Cooking Mama: Cook Off can act as that first step towards an inevitable improvement. We love the series, but we simply can’t endorse this one. Here’s hoping for a sequel that truly innovates around the controller, rather than borrowing from DS control.
6.5 Presentation
The charming Cooking Mama look and feel hits Wii in full effect. New dishes, new preparation techniques, and a new vs. mode. Not bad.
5.0 Graphics
The game has style, but it also has low-res food, a very basic look, and visuals comparable to DS. It in no way pushes the system. 480p and 16:9 supported though.
5.5 Sound
Classic tunes and Cooking Mama “Engrish” throughout. It’s basic by design, but basic nonetheless.
5.5 Gameplay
Some of the motions transition decently to Wii, while others are best kept on DS. The tactile feel is lost, and with it the game’s immersion. Vs. mode is a definite step in the right direction
6.0 Lasting Appeal
There’s plenty to do, and the vs. mode is a plus, but there’s less pure entertainment in the act of making food with the Wii remote.
5.8
Mediocre OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)
Not out till May for Europeans I believe - was hoping this might be a game to keep the non-gamers happy for a while. I might get it still but 5.8 :(
