Lemon Cake
- February 18, 2021
- Éloïse
- 7h median play time
In "Lemon Cake" , renovate a haunted bakery with the aid of a friendly ghost, unlocking new features and inviting the ghost to help serve customers. Tend to a greenhouse, growing fruits, raising animals, and harvesting ingredients for baking. Mix recipes and bake pastries in the kitchen, using homegrown ingredients for an authentic experience. This game is about running a cozy bakery, growing your own ingredients, and befriending a helpful ghost.
Reviews
- The game features adorable graphics and a charming art style that enhances the overall experience.
- Gameplay is engaging and fun, with a good balance of challenge and relaxation, making it enjoyable for casual play.
- The ability to customize your character and the bakery adds a personal touch, and the inclusion of cats and other animals is a delightful bonus.
- Controls can be clunky and frustrating, often requiring precise positioning to interact with objects, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
- Progression can feel grindy, with upgrades being expensive and slow to earn, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- The game lacks a deeper storyline or character interactions, which may leave players wanting more substance beyond the basic mechanics.
- graphics219 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their adorable, cel-shaded art style that evokes nostalgia and charm, reminiscent of classic Nintendo titles. Players appreciate the vibrant colors and cute character designs, which contribute to a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, although some note that the gameplay can become repetitive. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, enhancing the game's appeal for fans of cute aesthetics and time management simulations.
“The graphics are super cute, very cel-shaded style, but in 3D!”
“The visuals are beautiful, and the soundtrack never gets old.”
“The graphics are adorable and the gameplay is fun.”
“The graphics are too cutesy for my taste, as is the dialogue, but that is not really an issue.”
“I was super looking forward to playing this game as it was recommended to me due to the fact I played Jo's Organic Coffee Shop, but it only takes NVIDIA graphics cards, which sucks because my laptop is Intel, as are many laptops. Very upset and disappointed that the creator didn't choose a more commonly used graphics card for the game.”
“Here, the visuals are just enough to be okay.”
- gameplay164 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this baking simulation game is characterized by its simple mechanics, which involve preparing ingredients, baking, and serving customers, creating a cozy yet occasionally hectic experience. While many players appreciate the cute graphics and engaging gameplay loop, some find the mechanics repetitive and clunky, leading to frustration during more intense moments. Overall, the game offers a relaxing atmosphere with a satisfying progression system, though it may lack depth and variety for those seeking more complex gameplay.
“I really love this game, the artwork and graphics are very cute, gameplay is easy to get the hang of, and it's a perfect balance of being a cozy and relaxing game with just a tablespoon of the stress that comes along with similar (but less cozy) games like Overcooked and Cook, Serve, Delicious!”
“The gameplay is very simple, but it requires some concentration (especially during the lunch rush), the progression feels good, and the art style is super cute.”
“The adorable graphics plus surprisingly intense gameplay loop makes for an almost zen-like experience that can suck a lot of time out of you for something so simple.”
“The concept of lemon cake is cute and has a more 'cozy' style atmosphere, but the gameplay mechanics halt that cozy feeling and make the game tedious.”
“Gameplay is so grindy and doesn't award you much; the upgrades also feel like an extra chore to keep up with.”
“The actual game mechanics also aren't varied enough to be interesting.”
- grinding140 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that "Lemon Cake" features a significant amount of grinding, particularly as players progress and seek upgrades, which can lead to repetitive and tedious gameplay. While some players find the grind enjoyable and fitting for a cozy cooking sim, many express frustration with the slow pace of earning money and the lack of variety in tasks, making the experience feel more like busywork than fun. Overall, the game's charm is often overshadowed by its grindy nature, especially in the later stages.
“You require way too much time to finish the game, let alone complete it, so the game grows more and more tedious until it's almost unbearable.”
“Gameplay is so grindy and doesn't award you much; the upgrades also feel like an extra chore to keep up with.”
“The game quickly becomes stale and grindy.”
- music92 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its cuteness and calming qualities, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. However, many users note that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, leading to a desire for more variety. Overall, while the music complements the game's charming visuals, some players wish for additional tracks to keep the experience fresh.
“The music is lovely and the design is very cute.”
“A charming time-management game with lovely visuals and exceptional, calming music.”
“The music is beautiful and carefree, and I like the idea behind it.”
“I can't help but wish there were more music options though; I often listen to a podcast while playing this game.”
“The music is repetitive and boring.”
“Sadly, the game is lacking in the song department because throughout the entire gameplay, I have been listening to the same song again and again. It was so repetitive that I would rather turn the background music off and listen to a different song on my music player.”
- story66 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as minimal yet charming, featuring a cute narrative centered around running a bakery with a friendly ghost. While some players appreciate the lighthearted and cozy elements, many express disappointment over the lack of depth and character development, feeling that the story does not significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, it serves as a pleasant backdrop rather than a driving force, leaving players wanting more substantial plot progression and character interactions.
“If you enjoy intimate games that are about pastries, like a cute little storyline and enjoy relaxing as you let your thoughts drift, this is the game for you.”
“The graphics are super pleasing with bright colors and soft shapes, the story is super cute but not overdone, and the gameplay is engaging.”
“The story is wholesome and charming (that little ghost is adorable).”
“If you are looking for a game with a story, this is not the one for you.”
“There's no real storyline; all of the story is basically covered in the first five minutes.”
“What makes this game boring is how there is no story, just endless days trying to get upgrades that don't do that much in the end.”
- emotional36 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players describing it as adorable, wholesome, and heartwarming. Many find it a comforting experience that alleviates stress, despite some repetitive gameplay and challenges. The charming art style and cute characters contribute to a cozy atmosphere, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a lighthearted gaming experience.
“Such a soothing and heartwarming game.”
“It is very comfy and made me feel less sad when times were hard.”
“The story is wholesome and charming (that little ghost is adorable).”
- stability15 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with frequent glitches and bugs reported that disrupt gameplay, such as items disappearing, freezing issues, and menu malfunctions. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, many express frustration over the instability, leading to forced quits and loss of progress. Overall, the consensus indicates that while the game has potential, its current state is marred by technical problems that hinder the experience.
“Super cute game, runs great and the pace isn't too fast or too slow.”
“If you get roped into the bug mini game while holding food, it just glitches and won't let you move at all - or access the menu.”
“I had to force-quit multiple times because of similar glitches.”
“Tech chats everywhere are reporting it's a buggy game and for that reason I will not recommend.”
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its cozy and comforting qualities, enhanced by an adorable art style and pleasant background music, reminiscent of titles like Stardew Valley. However, some players feel that the gameplay mechanics can disrupt this relaxed vibe, making it tedious at times, especially when trying to optimize performance. Overall, while the atmosphere is charming and suitable for a baking game, it can be undermined by frustrating gameplay elements.
“I really enjoy the cozy atmosphere of it all.”
“The art style is adorable, the atmosphere in the game is very comforting, and the gameplay is the perfect amount of simple yet satisfying.”
“A cute and cartoonish art style and pleasant background music combine to give the game a warm atmosphere that suits a baking game perfectly.”
“The concept of lemon cake is cute and has a more 'cozy' style atmosphere, but the gameplay mechanics halt that cozy feeling and make the game tedious.”
“It has a good base concept, but lacks user-friendly gameplay for the relaxed kind of atmosphere it seems to advertise.”
“But the comfy atmosphere is kind of worn out when you're stuck rotating between chump change menus because people don't like it when you've got blueberry bagels on the board more than twice a week.”
- monetization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is praised for its absence of ads and microtransactions, setting it apart from many mobile games that are criticized for being cash grabs. Players appreciate the game's focus on enjoyable gameplay and charming aesthetics without the pressure to spend real money, making it a refreshing alternative in a market often dominated by exploitative monetization strategies.
“Perfect for people who love games like Diner Dash or Cake Mania but without the microtransactions or ads - and a whole lot more heart!”
“That's why I love this game: no ads, very cute graphics, and a charming bakery theme!”
“These days, everything on the market is either unfulfilling 'click grid' restaurant games that lack a proper time management mechanic, or they're not truly free-to-play mobile games engineered to frustrate users and bleed them dry via microtransactions that would eventually total far more than is sensible to pay for any task management game.”
“I could be wrong, but it feels like this game was made to be a cash grab.”
“I'd been playing some mobile games lately but they're all full of ads or very pushy with getting you to pay real money for in-game currency.”
“These days everything on the market is either those unfulfilling 'click grid' restaurant games that don't have a proper time management mechanic, or they're not-really-f2p mobile games literally engineered to make gameplay as frustrating as possible to bleed users dry via microtransactions that would eventually total far, far more than is sensible to pay for any task management game.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally positive, with smooth performance and minimal bugs reported. However, some players find the pacing clunky and the controls unsatisfactory, suggesting that certain design choices may hinder the overall experience. Once players unlock key features like the magic broom and automatic sprinklers, the gameplay becomes more streamlined and enjoyable.
“It's very fun and it runs smoothly; the animation is so cute.”
“Once you get the magic broom and automatic sprinklers, everything runs smoothly.”
“It's a good idea to manage your time well and plan out how you want your service to run smoothly.”
“The pace feels clunky, and the controls do not feel good. Many elements seem like artificial obstacles to optimization.”
“The main issue is that there's not really anything engaging in the continued play outside of those small rewards of optimization.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered limited, with many users noting that while it is fun and engaging, the content feels trimmed down, resulting in a lack of substantial replay value. However, it may still appeal to families and younger players who enjoy revisiting the experience.
“The game is addicting and fun, offering a streamlined experience that keeps players engaged.”
“While some may not find it very replayable, it is definitely family-friendly and suitable for children or those young at heart.”
“The replay value may vary, but the game provides a unique experience that can appeal to different players.”
“Tldr: addicting and fun, but very trimmed-down content with not much replay value.”
“Not much replay value, but definitely family-friendly for children who are not easily bored (or those with a child at heart).”
“Replay value? Not much.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its cuteness and nostalgic charm reminiscent of the GameCube era, featuring amusing characters like the mustache inspector bug guy. Players appreciate the wholesome and lighthearted nature of the humor, which enhances the overall enjoyment and encourages continued gameplay.
“The mustache inspector bug guy is really funny.”
“Really cute, funny, and well-made game :)”
“I love the wholesome humor, and the upgrading system makes me want to just keep playing forever to get all the animals and goodies!”
- character development4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its charming and customizable designs, allowing players to easily create and switch between different character styles. The simplicity and cuteness of the outfits enhance the overall appeal, making it accessible and enjoyable for players to express their individuality.
“I love the overall art, character designs, the customizable characters, and how easy it is to pick up and play.”
“The mechanics are great, the character design is cute, and I appreciate all the work put in.”
“It's not a big deal; I just translated my usual (male) character design to a feminine version and just played as a girl, and that was nice.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“I was disappointed by the limited options for character growth; it feels like the characters don't evolve meaningfully throughout the game.”
“The storylines for the characters are predictable and fail to engage, leaving me wanting more complexity and intrigue.”