Developer: Big Cheese Studio
Platform: PC (Reviewed)
Genre: Casual, RPG, Simulation
Publisher: Big Cheese Studio
Cooking Simulator 2 builds on the basic foundations of the original game but expands its systems, introducing multiplayer. While I haven’t played the first game, jumping straight into the sequel was very accessible and welcoming. Cooking Simulator 2 is developed and published by Big Cheese Studio.
Cooking Simulator 2 is far more technical than I expected, in a good way. The game truly makes you feel like an actual chef working in a professional kitchen; it goes far beyond what most simulator games attempt, with a strong emphasis on realism and precision. Each day, you select different menus and prepare dishes as customers place orders. You’re given a time limit, and from there it’s all about execution. The cooking process is highly interactive and detailed. From measuring exact seasoning amounts, to cutting ingredients into specific shapes, and cooking items for precise durations with timers and all. The step-by-step guidance does help, but the level of detail demands focus. It’s rewarding, but also quite challenging, especially when working with complex dishes like meats, where weight and proportions become critical. Honestly, that was one of the hardest parts and sometimes pushed us towards simpler menu options just to manage the stress, which I felt limited trying to live up to the challenge of trying out other dishes. The game also includes an upgrade system where you earn points to improve your kitchen. This adds a sense of progression and helps make gameplay smoother over time. It reinforces the idea that mastering the game is like becoming a real chef; it takes time, effort, and practice.
The controls are intuitive but require practice due to the game’s technical nature. Since everything is hands-on, even small actions matter. For instance, when sprinkling salt, you do not want to tap away so much; otherwise, you will sprinkle more than the required amount. Once you get used to them, the controls are easy enough to work even with a somewhat complicated UI, though early on it can become pressuring, especially with so many tasks needing to be juggled. However, this is where multiplayer becomes handy, quite literally.
​The visuals strike a nice balance between realism and a slightly cartoon style, almost giving off a Sims-like aesthetic. The food, ingredients and plating elements look very appealing and detailed. The kitchen itself feels authentic, like a real restaurant workspace. However, plating is one area that could use improvement. While you can customise the sauces and presentation styles, placing food precisely can feel clunky, sometimes making dishes look messier than intended, which defeats the whole purpose of being able to present your customer with the finest food out there. The audio design complements the gameplay well. While not overly standout, the background music and kitchen sounds help immerse you in the cooking environment. The real highlight is the interactive sounds of chopping, frying, and plating, which add to the realism.
I will say that multiplayer is a great addition and one of the game’s strongest features. Playing with others was smooth, with no connection issues during our session. That said, multiplayer can make things more chaotic than relaxing. Instead of easing the experience, it sometimes adds pressure, especially when coordinating tasks. I would find myself yelling at my friend to salt the vegetables whilst I was trying to cut potatoes on the cutting board. Still, it’s fun and adds a new layer of challenge. We were provided with another code, and Moody had the following to say about the game: “Cooking Simulator 2 would definitely play a lot better with more than two people playing. We played the game amongst ourselves, and it was enjoyable, but when things get challenging, it sort of limits the number of things you can do in a span of time. Even with the slight complications, the game is nice and realistic, which is definitely different to the traditional cooking games. I do wish there was a bit more variation to the game, or maybe other modes to change things up slightly. The addition of going back to the house also felt like something completely random and made no sense to me, which had thrown me off.”
Cooking Simulator 2 is an impressively detailed and immersive simulation that goes far beyond expectations. Its realism and depth make it stand out, but that same complexity can also be overwhelming at times. The game shines in its hands-on cooking mechanics and multiplayer functionality, though areas like plating could use refinement. If you enjoy technical, detail-oriented games, this is a rewarding experience, so be prepared for a challenge.
Overall: 7/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
