Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic is the latest release in the popular video game series. This
game is rated “E” for everyone but seems to be geared toward younger gamers; those who believe that cooking and cleaning is play time. There are some adults who do find cooking and cleaning relaxing distractions so this game would be enjoyable for them as well.
Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic is made for the Nintendo 3DS system and makes great use of the touch screen; as well as the making good use of the 3DS gyroscope. The gyroscope feature allows you to crack eggs, grate cheese and even flip things in the pan. The game allows little in the way of personalization. The avatar which you play cannot be modified to make it look like you as you can with some games. You can customize your kitchen and change your clothes as you “earn” outfits and accessories.
I hate to say this but I was not a fan of Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic. I wanted to like this game as I am a big fan of Food Network and the Cooking Channel. What I don’t understand is why a parent would buy this game for their child. Why not just allow the child to help in the kitchen. If the child is old enough to play a DS, the child is old enough to wash real fruit in real water, or even pick up real toys. This game would be a good supplement for a child that has expressed an interest in cooking but if they want experience in the kitchen I feel with the proper supervision they should use the kitchen.
Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic has over 60 recipes to work with ranging from easy to difficult (much like you would find on the Food Network website) with choices like Clam Chowder, Cupcakes and even Popsicles. Your character can combine 2 recipes to make unique dishes with a total of over 400 combinations.
If you cannot get enough of cooking or if you are a fan of the Cooking Mama series then Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic is for you; otherwise you can just pass this one up. I really wanted to like this game. I am a fan of Cake Mania and will play it for hours but Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic just didn’t hold my interest.
Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic is from Majesco Entertainment retails for 29.99 and is available only for the Nintendo 3DS system. You can play it either alone or have a cook off with up to 4 other players in the Challenge mode. I say 86 this one get in the kitchen yourself and make some lunch.
-Mary Biller
