PlateUp!

About

PlateUp! is a single player and multiplayer casual strategy game with a business theme. It was developed by It's happening and was released on August 4, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

PlateUp! is a cooperative business strategy game where up to four players build and run a restaurant together, from designing the kitchen to cooking and serving diverse dishes. Players manage everything from equipment and menu choices to customer service, facing escalating challenges across 15 hectic days. With local and split-screen multiplayer, teamwork and strategy are key to unlocking new content and growing your franchise.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+10

Skip User Reviews

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 19,556 reviews

gameplay264 positive mentions

story14 negative mentions

gameplay
758 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The gameplay of "PlateUp!" is widely praised for its engaging blend of cooperative cooking mechanics and roguelike elements, offering a fun and strategic experience that is particularly enjoyable with friends. Players appreciate the intuitive controls, variety of gameplay options, and the ability to customize their restaurant, although some note minor issues with mechanics and occasional repetitiveness. Overall, the game is seen as a more refined and strategic evolution of the "Overcooked!" formula, providing a satisfying and addictive gameplay loop that encourages experimentation and teamwork.
- “Great gameplay, even greater with friends.”
- “Addictive gameplay: the blend of cooking, managing customers, and upgrading your restaurant keeps the gameplay fresh.”
- “The gameplay loop is amazing.”
- “Unoptimized gameplay and mechanics with recurring server lag and issues.”
- “The gameplay loop is the same every time, but changes depending on the map type, food type, and any extra cards you choose (even more so when you franchise after hitting day 15).”
- “This mechanic is unnecessarily complex and frustrated me so I just refunded it.”
replayability
370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
36%
1%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, largely due to its roguelike elements that ensure each playthrough feels unique and engaging. Players appreciate the variety of strategies, customization options, and random challenges that keep the gameplay fresh, making it a favorite for both solo and cooperative play. Many reviews highlight its ability to provide endless fun, especially when played with friends, solidifying its status as a highly replayable title compared to similar games like Overcooked.
- “If you’re looking for a game that’s endlessly replayable and always a good time, PlateUp!”
- “The roguelike elements make the game nearly infinitely replayable and a delight.”
- “This game is pure fun, especially with friends, and the replay value is through the roof.”
- “The roguelike element of this game really isn't all that great and the replayability is lacking.”
- “Game has 0 replay value.”
- “We usually play games like overcooked together, but the set levels really take away any replay value.”
humor
246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently describing it as chaotic, hilarious, and filled with moments of both laughter and frustration. The frantic pace of cooperative gameplay leads to amusing kitchen disasters and comical interactions among friends, making it a perfect choice for group play. Overall, the game's whimsical design and humorous scenarios create an entertaining experience that keeps players engaged and laughing throughout.
- “The chaos that slowly builds up throughout the run, by the end you'll either be screaming obscenities at each other or you'll be laughing so hard you can't even see the screen anymore through the tears.”
- “This cooperative cooking game will have you and your friends laughing, shouting, and frantically trying to keep up with customer orders.”
- “It's a hilarious riot when the pace and size picks up, and the avatars, shops, dress up and cosmetics and layout piece is a hoot!”
graphics
218 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
57%
6%
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming and colorful art style, featuring cute animations that enhance its personality and appeal. While some players appreciate the vibrant visuals and whimsical character designs, others note that the graphics can be simplistic and occasionally lack clarity, particularly for color-blind players. Overall, the aesthetic is generally well-received for its fun and engaging nature, though some users express a desire for more variety and polish in the visual presentation.
- “The colorful and vibrant graphics, combined with whimsical character designs, create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.”
- “The game’s art style is a vibrant and engaging feast for the eyes, capturing the frenetic energy of a bustling kitchen and the variety of dishes with a clear and appealing aesthetic.”
- “With its charming graphics and catchy soundtrack, this game is a feast for the eyes and ears.”
- “Would love to see better visuals - even with the color blind assist, some dishes are not clear, and I am forced to sit quite close to the screen to see.”
- “Graphics: pretty plain and unappealing, most models and sprites feel like placeholder stuff that would be polished and changed for the full game.”
- “I did not expect to like this game that much because the graphics were too simple for my personal taste.”
music
98 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
63%
8%
The music in the game is generally well-received for its catchy and charming qualities, effectively complementing the gameplay and atmosphere. However, many players note that the soundtrack lacks variety, with only a few tracks that can become repetitive over time. Despite this, the overall sound design, including sound effects, enhances the gaming experience, making it enjoyable for both solo and co-op play.
- “Its soundtrack, a lively ensemble of tunes, complements the bustling kitchen atmosphere perfectly, enveloping you in the game’s world.”
- “The vibrant and colorful visuals are a treat for the eyes, and the delightful background music complements the gameplay perfectly.”
- “The music is amazing and will stay with you after you close the game, which by the way is not easy, because you want to keep trying and trying.”
- “Music: only 2 or 3 tracks for the entirety of the game, they sort of feel like songs you'd hear in a commercial or company PSA video.”
- “The only downside I found yet is the music that gets repetitive quite quickly.”
- “This game does have its issues, mostly the sluggish controls along with input delay, repetitive music due to a lack of variety, and a lack of a freestyle/sandbox mode.”
story
78 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
69%
18%
The game lacks a traditional narrative, with many users noting that there is no dedicated story mode or overarching plot, which some find acceptable given the gameplay focus. Instead, players engage in diverse challenges and quests centered around restaurant management and automation, emphasizing replayability and creativity over a structured storyline. While some players express a desire for a more developed story experience, the game's charm lies in its casual, arcade-style gameplay without rigid missions.
- “Its features a story mode with diverse levels that present a different and unique challenge.”
- “At first glance, it may seem like Overcooked without its overarching storyline and Onion King, but it's definitely a cooking-based party game with its own charm!”
- “Has an arcady style with the map and cute story.”
- “There's no story; no rigidity to the system.”
- “There is no dedicated singleplayer experience/story mode to be had.”
- “Similar to Overcooked but no story or crazy level setups.”
optimization
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
76%
4%
The game's optimization aspect is a central theme, with players emphasizing the importance of layout and efficiency in both solo and multiplayer modes. While many enjoy the depth of customization and strategic planning required to create an optimized kitchen, some report issues with unoptimized gameplay, server lag, and bugs that can hinder the experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging optimization challenges, though it may require further technical refinement for smoother performance.
- “This 'cooking' game is a ridiculously fun puzzle optimization game.”
- “The restaurant customization aspect of the game makes for a very fun experience as you experiment and alter the layout to get your restaurant as optimized as you can.”
- “There's constant room for improvement, optimization, and even experimentation - I didn't realize how many ways there were to play until after I played with 4 different groups that all played differently (and could all still win!).”
- “Unoptimized gameplay and mechanics with recurring server lag and issues.”
- “I seriously am raging at this game because it's so badly optimized and it's so hard to move around and pick things up.”
- “My guess is the code needs some more optimization.”
stability
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
4%
83%
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs and glitches, particularly during online play and late-game scenarios. While some users have experienced relatively smooth gameplay, others have faced issues such as freezing, crashes, and frustrating interactions with game mechanics that can hinder progress. Overall, while the game is enjoyable and has potential, its stability remains a concern that developers need to address.
- “Plate Up is well-made and runs great; I bought 4 copies for my friends on the strength of the first few runs.”
- “Clean, bug-free, no glitches or pre-release shenanigans; it's just a really, really, really great game.”
- “Overall, this game was much more fun than I expected and relatively bug-free.”
- “The new update glitches a lot; if you plan to play with friends, be prepared for issues.”
- “Game is fun, but late game is difficult because some of the late game items aren't implemented correctly and key items such as the tray are extremely buggy, which can brick your runs.”
- “My only complaint is that on a couple of occasions, we've lost runs to some devastating glitches.”
grinding
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
22%
73%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding the level progression slow and tedious, often leading to frustration during co-op play. While some appreciate the satisfaction of unlocking new content through grinding, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the gameplay feel repetitive and exhausting. Despite these criticisms, some players still find the grinding experience fun and engaging, particularly in a multiplayer setting.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Grindy.”
- “A tad bit grindy.”
- “The level progression in this game is slow and grindy.”
- “The game manages to be both tedious and tense in a way that just felt awful to play.”
- “Well, this is a roguelike (and I really love roguelikes so I was trying), this is a co-op game (I also love them quite a lot so I was trying even more) and it even looks somewhat like Overcooked, and there's also a cool feature with a hub and cards... but the gameplay is so exhausting and tedious to a jaw-breaking boring routine.”
emotional
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke strong feelings, ranging from joy and nostalgia to frustration and sadness. Players appreciate its wholesome and whimsical nature, often expressing deep affection for the game, with some noting it as a unique experience that has made them cry. However, the game's competitive elements can also lead to heightened emotional tension, particularly when played with less patient individuals.
- “To the developers, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for crafting a game that stands tall in the pantheon of my gaming experiences.”
- “This is the only game that has ever made me cry.”
- “But from just an emotional standpoint, this has been one of my favorite games of all time.”
atmosphere
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by colorful graphics, whimsical character designs, and a lively soundtrack that enhances the bustling kitchen environment. Players can experience both a strategic and intense atmosphere or a more relaxing vibe, though the balance between these can sometimes be challenging. Overall, the atmosphere is highly praised, contributing significantly to the game's enjoyment and engagement.
- “The colorful and vibrant graphics, combined with whimsical character designs, create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.”
- “Its soundtrack, a lively ensemble of tunes, complements the bustling kitchen atmosphere perfectly, enveloping you in the game’s world.”
- “It's keeps you on your toes at all times while still having an incredibly calming atmosphere.”
- “Either of these might interfere with the frenetic atmosphere the game cultivates, though, so I am not so certain on those points.”
- “Nothing like trying to serve food in a sea of trash in a sedated atmosphere that makes you wish you could move.”
- “Through the campaign, you could gain upgrades, new menu, and decorations which choose the types of atmosphere of the restaurants.”
character development
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Character development in the game is met with mixed reviews; while the colorful and whimsical designs contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere, many users feel that more effort is needed in the character design itself. Overall, the quirky aesthetics are appreciated, but they fall short of expectations for deeper character engagement.
- “The colorful and vibrant graphics, combined with whimsical character designs, create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.”
- “From the quirky character designs to the silly sound effects, PlateUp! offers a unique charm.”
- “Very fun co-op game, with potential for even more depth in character design.”
- “I don't like the character design.”
- “From the quirky character designs to the silly sound effects, it feels like the character development is lacking.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Reviewers express disappointment with the game's monetization model, noting the absence of intrusive ads and in-app purchases, which they feel would be more appropriate given the game's pricing. Many suggest that the game is overpriced compared to free mobile alternatives, and emphasize the need for features like remote play in co-op modes to enhance value and promote the game effectively.
- “The game is too expensive for a title that could be played for free on your phone, especially considering the prevalence of in-game purchases and ads these days.”
- “Despite advertising a singleplayer mode, the solo experience is rather disappointing.”
- “It lacks intrusive ads and in-app purchases, which is surprising for a game of this nature.”